Xbox Live Compute has been detailed a bit more by Microsoft, and the firm notes in the post on Xbox Wire that cloud computing “improves games for both developers and gamers.”
Microsoft said the implementations of cloud computing differ in each game, but many of the systems are consistent.
Here’s what Xbox Live Compute can do for you, straight from the man himself:
- Better overall connectivity – With the dedicated server-based multiplayer in each of these games, players are finding consistently reliable datacenter connections to our eight regional datacenters. In addition to eliminating NAT traversal issues, most players are finding reliable and fairly low latency ping times to one or more datacenters nearby. The consistency in connection contributes greatly to a smooth, uninterrupted gameplay experience. Finally, the reliability of the dedicated server provides far less opportunity for host connection drop.
- Improved multiplayer experiences – In addition to having better, more reliable connections to the datacenter, players are also experiencing improved multiplayer experiences. Since each of these games relies on a dedicated server to be the game host, the surface area for cheating through host advantage has largely been eliminated. Gameplay is fairer by default, thus protecting the player and the game creator. Gone are the days of host advantage.
- Improved and evolving gameplay experiences – One of the biggest advantages to having additional server horsepower is being able to rely on that power to make more “stuff” happen in the game. Additionally, when more “stuff” is being computed by the server, it affords the developer the ability to continuously patch and tune the game without the player even noticing. The addition of cloud-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Non-player Characters (NPC) have led to higher fidelity game worlds, and generally more exciting online game experiences.
“While these implementations are very different – the experiences players get are amazing,” said John Bruno, lead program manager at Xbox Live. “Coupled with the ability to tune the game frequently and without player impact, the experiences are always evolving and improving. Players always experience the most up-to-date game server code.
“With Xbox Live Compute, our goal is to continue to inspire new innovations in game development and experiences on Xbox One. As we continue to work with game creators to build and launch next generation games on the cloud computing platform, we expect to tap into new capabilities, identify new scenarios and foster new ways of engaging the gaming community through the experiences that are built on the platform.”
