Business applications are going to the cloud. The Internet of Things which automates everything in some homes lives in the cloud. So how about the big business of gaming? Is its future in the clouds as well?

In a word, yes. But it may take some time to catch on.

Although there are many detractors to the idea of gaming in the cloud, which is typical of any change, technological advances are making the cloud the ideal gaming platform of the future. Like every up and coming technical advance, it will have its share of kinks to work out before it is embraced by companies and gamers alike. But a number of cloud storage companies like NephoScale.com are pushing the envelope to make desktop storage a thing of the past.

Cloud gaming is gaining traction because it offers a number of benefits worth considering. Here are just a few.

A Viable Alternative

For the majority of current gamers, they have to purchase the game up front and then play. Once in the cloud, gamers will likely forego the expensive upfront costs, if they so choose, and instead pay a subscription. Gamers will also be able to access the game they want from practically any device whenever they want it.

Think about it, no more standing in line for the release of a new game. You won’t even have to leave your home. And if you’re playing a game and have to go somewhere else, you’ll be able to pick up on another device right where you left off.

Save Disk Space

Gaming in the cloud will store the majority of your gaming data online. Some information will be cached to your computer or other device, but most will be stored on a distant server. Many of the higher quality games take a large number of gigabytes of disk space, in addition to the virtual memory necessary to run the game. This freed up memory space will likely result in more fluid game play, not to mention additional space for music and documents and the like.

Protect the Game

The game will be permanently stored in the cloud, so there’s no need to keep track of a CD. Downloading the game to a new computer or device will be a no brainer. Should your PC crash, you currently run the risk of losing most of your vital information. With the cloud, everything is stored on a secure server that is monitored round the clock. Your saved game will be just that, saved.

New Possibilities

Xbox One has recently broken ground on making cloud services available for its gamers. They expect the cloud to allow gamers the chance to experience gaming like they haven’t been able to previously. As cloud engineer Jon Shiring said, “This is something that’s going to let us drive all sorts of new ideas in online gaming for years to come.” What gamer won’t look forward to that. The future can’t get here soon enough.