Kalydo's Global Business Director, Richard van Barneveld, explains why his cloud gaming company is succeeding – and why others are failing.
Q: What Makes Kalydo Different?
A: Our cloud game technology is based on “file streaming” instead of “video streaming.” Kalydo utilizes the massive processing power user devices. We are now the leading cloud gaming platform (based on file streaming) with 150-million sessions served in over 15 countries worldwide. We provide MMO publishers instant playability for any type of game from desktops and browsers.
We also offer our partners an analytics system to measure the complete conversion funnel, both in and outside the game. Kalydo games can also be ported in a browser to various social networks including Facebook, Kongregate, VK, QZone, Friendster, and Matchmove.
Q: How is File Streaming Unique from Video Streaming?
A: In both cases (file sharing and video streaming), the user can play instantly. However, there are important differences.
For video streaming, one needs a huge server capacity. Example: if a game has 100,000 concurrent users, the game must run 100,000 times on central server architecture. On top of that, a unique video stream needs to be set up for every gamer. This will, depending on the resolution, have an effect on the frame rate of the game.
For file streaming, a good CDN is enough to distribute small data packages. The user streams in a first package (50MB-300MB) after which he can start playing. The content needed to play will be delivered only when needed.
Kalydo’s file streaming benefits are:
- No latency issues (ideal for FPS and racing games).
- A low-cost solution for reduced data traffic and usage of Kalydo's cloud platform.
- Low bandwidth requirements, which opens up cloud gaming to any gamer worldwide.
- The possibility to stream client games to the browser and social networks.
Q: What is the Main Issue that Most Cloud Gaming Companies Face?
A: The promise of cloud gaming is to stream any game to any device. However, a game that is designed for PC cannot be streamed to a phone or smart TV simply because the UI is not designed for these devices.
Q. Is There A Future in Cloud Gaming?
We believe in a great future for cloud gaming based on file streaming. The solution is to reduce distribution costs and increase user experience — not only by offering instant playability but also by reducing the number of steps to start playing. We have many examples where the conversion from registration to play has gone up by more than 30%.
Q: What is Kalydo Working on Next?
A: Our current platform offers a streaming solution to the web browser. We just had a commercial launch of a streaming PC app called “The Kalydo Desktop Launcher.” Users can play a streaming version of the game from their desktop (the download is available here). We are also working on new technology that will stream mobile games to mobile devices.
There is a lot of buzz about Cloud gaming. First, we had the Internet, then we had Web 2.0, and today it is all about the Cloud. For any gaming company, the user experience should be the most important focus. The cloud is just another tool or technology (and not a goal) for improving the user experience.
For Kalydo, the most important aspect is our statistics and analytics that provide us with information about where gamers leave during the gaming process. Our stats show that streaming games is a great improvement.
