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During the recent AWS re:Invent conference held in Las Vegas on December 3, 2024, Amazon Web Services (AWS) unveiled an innovative service designed to enable video game publishers to stream their games directly to users online.
The newly launched GameLift Streams aims to facilitate game delivery to any device equipped with a browser compliant with the WebRTC standard, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and PCs. This platform is particularly useful for game developers, as it allows for the swift distribution of in-development titles to testers, with the ability to revoke access securely after testing is complete.
Chris Lee, the general manager and head of immersive technologies at AWS, shared insights with CNBC, noting that numerous high-profile games are already utilizing the service for testing purposes. Well-known developers such as Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive are among those investing significantly in high-production-value games.
AWS, a major revenue contributor for Amazon, primarily earns from its core offerings, which include renting server and storage capacity across its global data centers. Beyond these essential services, AWS boasts an expansive portfolio of tools available for software developers. For the past decade, it has functioned as a central profit driver for Amazon.
Jackbox Games, recognized for its casual titles like “Quiplash” and “Fibbage,” is planning to leverage GameLift Streams to establish a game-streaming service aimed at providing players with access to its diverse lineup. Currently, Jackbox’s games are purchased for an upfront cost.
Evan Jacover, the chief technology officer at Jackbox, noted that while the company initially considered developing its own streaming technology, they opted for AWS after being informed of their upcoming streaming service plans. Jacover explained, “It’s not a core competency at Jackbox Games,” adding that although they had created a proof of concept, it lacked the efficiency needed for a robust solution.
The company aims to roll out an early version of its ad-supported streaming service within the first half of the year, with plans for additional games and a subscription model to be introduced later. Given that Jackbox’s games are not demanding in terms of graphics, the streaming format is expected to be effective without significant latency issues.
Amazon GameLift Streams offers gameplay experiences at a resolution of 1080p and 60 frames per second, which Chris Lee described as the optimal configuration for their clients.
In contrast, major gaming consoles like Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro support higher specifications, reaching up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second, which cater to more graphically intensive games but come at a much higher price point.
The pricing structure for GameLift Streams is determined by the type of Nvidia graphics processing units utilized and the storage consumption for game data. The service supports games running on both Windows and Linux platforms, requiring no significant changes to be integrated, as outlined in AWS’s official statement.
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