Companies speed up cloud games strategies

Chinese games firms, such as Tencent and Giant, are speeding up expansion and investment on cloud games. 

Unlike downloadable app-based games, cloud games are based on servers and can be played via high-speed data connections. In the next five years, more than 600 million players will subscribe to cloud games, according to industry insiders. 

Shanghai-based Giant Network Group Co has been investing in the market since 2014, the Shanghai-listed company said in a statement on Wednesday.

Giant holds an 18 percent stake in Beijing-based Haimawan, the parent of Haima Cloud, a cloud games platform with 25 million users worldwide.

Founded in 2013, Haima Cloud offers services and cloud game platforms for firms and partners that include Tencent and China Mobile. 

The cloud games industry is expected to rapidly grow with 5G networks offering high download speeds and low latency, analysts said.

By the end of the year, 5G networks will cover all cities nationwide, which will boost online services including cloud gaming, according to China Mobile.

Listed games firms, including Century Huatong, Giant, Tencent and Youzu, have all revealed strategies or investment in cloud games. 

Giant and Haima Cloud have launched cooperative explorations in product development, technology accumulation and global distribution. It will give Giant unique advantages in the cloud games era, the company said in the statement.