Shadow cloud gaming works by providing you with access to a powerful, remote gaming computer over the internet. Instead of running games on your local device, they are run on this remote machine and the video is streamed back to you. Think of it like having a high-end gaming PC that you access through a screen share program.
Key Aspects of How Shadow Works:
- Remote Gaming PC: Shadow grants you full access to a high-performance gaming computer that is located in a data center.
- Streaming Technology: The game is run on the remote computer, and the video and audio are streamed to your device. Your inputs (mouse clicks, keyboard presses, controller actions) are sent back to the remote machine in real time.
- Hardware Capabilities: This remote PC is designed for demanding games, providing the necessary power for smooth frame rates and high resolutions.
- Personal Game Library: Games you purchase from popular clients, such as Steam, Origin, or Epic Games Store, are linked to your account and can be accessed via the remote PC, just as they would be on a normal gaming computer.
How it Compares to Traditional Gaming
| Feature | Traditional Gaming PC | Shadow Cloud Gaming |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Requires a powerful gaming PC locally. | Uses a remote high-performance PC. |
| Game Access | Games are installed and run on your PC. | Games are installed and run on the remote PC. |
| Location | Games are played where your PC is physically located. | Games can be played anywhere with an internet connection. |
| Purchase Model | You purchase the hardware & games. | You subscribe to access a remote PC, and purchase games. |
Benefits of Using Shadow
- Play Anywhere: You can play demanding games on almost any device, such as a low-end laptop, a tablet, or even a smartphone, provided you have a stable and fast internet connection.
- Access to High-End Hardware: You get to use a high-performance gaming PC without having to buy an expensive one yourself.
- Ownership of Games: According to the provided reference, games you buy through Steam, Origin, The Epic Store, or any other game provider, are yours forever even if you cancel your Shadow subscription.
Example Workflow:
- You subscribe to the Shadow service.
- You install the Shadow client app on your local device (laptop, tablet, etc.).
- You connect to your remote gaming PC.
- You install your games on the remote computer, or log into your game libraries (Steam, etc.).
- You launch and play the game, with the video and audio being streamed to you in real-time.
In essence, Shadow eliminates the need for an expensive gaming PC by providing a powerful machine in the cloud, accessible from almost anywhere.
