Here comes a new challenger. The big tech companies are all investing in cloud gaming /game streaming tech. Look at Microsoft is doing with what is formerly known as Project xCloud (now Game Streaming as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) and Google is doing with Stadia.
Amazon, who has dabbled with games before (with mixed success) is now entering the space with its own cloud gaming platform: Luna.
Just like xCloud and Stadia, it’s all about streaming the games played in Amazon’s network of servers to any device. Luna supports PC, Mac, Fire TV and also through web apps for iPhone and iPad. The service streams games at 1080p/60fps with an option to go for 4K resolution coming soon.
Similar to Stadia, the Amazon Luna has its own controller, the Luna controller, that pings straight to Amazon servers and can be connected to various devices via Bluetooth. It has Alexa and Twitch integration, and the controller looks an awful lot like a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
The curious bit is how it’s monetised. Amazon isn’t pulling a Stadia with having you buy each game individually. But it’s not a one-payment-for-all like an Xbox Game Pass subscription either. You’ll need to subscribe to a “game channel” that has their own specific library of games. So far, you have Luna+, Amazon’s own direct offering for the early access price of $5.99 USD. And coming next is the Ubisoft channel, which offers Ubisoft titles for a different price.
Each channel also can have different perks. Luna+ lets you stream on 2 devices at a time (the Ubisoft channel doesn’t), while the Ubisoft channel may offer select games in its Ultimate Edition (with all DLC) form.
So you may need to pay a different amount to access game channels for different publishers, though the Luna+ channel should have a curated selection from various publishers: games like Grid, Control, Resident Evil VII and Trails Of Cold Steel III are shown in the promo material so far.
As you would expect from a game streaming/cloud gaming service, Luna is entering early access in the US first. And it will be a long (long) while until we see any of these services be officially supported in Southeast Asia.