PC games evolving through streaming, cloud technologies

By Yoon Sung-won

In a tight spot between consoles and smartphones, the personal computer as a gaming platform is seeking a breakthrough by broadening its domain into new areas from smart TVs to cloud streaming.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2017, Samsung Electronics showcased its new smart TVs equipped with a new game streaming feature. By synchronising a new Samsung Electronics TV to a personal computer, users can play personal computer games through the larger TV screen, even when the TV and the computer are not directly wired through a cable.

For this feature, Samsung Electronics has joined hands with a U.S. game development and distribution company Valve Corporation. Under the partnership, the world’s largest TV maker has acquired the license to introduce Valve’s peripheral device, dubbed “Steam Link,” to its smart TVs and unveiled it at Europe’s biggest electronics fair IFA last year.

With this new feature, users can also connect input devices such as a game controller, keyboard and mouse to play games designed for personal computers.

Expectations are high over the introduction of Steam Link to smart TVs of the world’s largest TV brand, as it can solidify the position of smart TVs as the center of home entertainment.

“Unlike in Korea, smart TV users in North American countries are already accustomed to playing games using gaming consoles of Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo,” a Samsung Electronics official said during the CES 2017 in Las Vegas, Thursday. “Reflecting such a high demand in this region, many visitors have shown interest in the new game streaming feature of our 2017 smart TVs.”