There are many best streaming services and platforms available, especially for gaming that are key industry innovations that are truly breaking the mold. The beauty of digital gaming platforms is that you can get your hands on great games within a matter of minutes. From digital downloads on your console or PC to instant-access streams on any connected device, gone are the days of wasting time waiting for games to load. Plus, the different payment options that are available on gaming platforms make accessing full libraries relatively pain-free. With so many platforms crowding the marketplace, however, it can be a chore to sort the wheat from the chaff. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you! If you’re looking for a top new gaming platform or three this year, keep reading for the best of the best. The current focus for many companies in the industry is cloud gaming, i.e. providing games on a subscription business model. It’s no wonder since cloud gaming is remarkably effortless and can give gamers access to a huge selection of titles. It’s immensely lucrative too; industry experts predict the value of the segment in 2024 will hit $6.5 billion. Compatible with: Windows PC, Mac, Fire TV, iOS, Android.
PokerStars Casino
iGaming is an industry segment that has developed massively in recent years. According to industry data, it’s grown at a CAGR of 11.4% since 2020 and is set to grow even more in the years to come – Grand View Research has recently predicted that the segment will reach a total value of $153.6 billion by 2030. Digital casino games, then, are integral to the ongoing development of this popular sector. As one of the original iGaming brands around during the ‘poker boom’ of the early 2000s, PokerStars Casino has built up a solid reputation over the years. Known for being one of the most popular online casino brands in the world with a huge player base, on this award-winning platform you’ll find a broad selection of real money games. For blackjack enthusiasts, the platform offers up plenty of different varieties from classic to live-streamed titles. Roulette is available to play in classic, American, and high roller rules, while on the front of the slot, the platform has secured exclusives from leading games developers such as The Big Blue Bounty. Compatible with: Windows PC, Mac, iOS, Android.
NVIDIA GeForce Now
Looking to play the latest AAA games but your gaming equipment isn’t quite up to scratch? Have no fear, Nvidia’s GeForce Now is here! Although not a content streaming platform like others mentioned in this article, GeForce Now is nevertheless an innovative service that enables you to play premium games on a range of devices from PC to mobile. With the launch of this service, Nvidia has made cloud gaming accessible to gamers from all demographics, not just those with premium gaming rigs. To use GeForce Now you will need to purchase games via digital stores like Battle.net or Steam. You then install the app on your main gaming machine and its cloud-based servers will enable you to access it on any other device. It’s compatible with a pretty chunky list of games too, including PUBG Battlegrounds, Assassin’s Creed Origins, and Injustice 2. Compatible with: Windows PC (7 64-bit and above), Mac (OS 10.11 and above), Chrome OS, Shield, Nvidia Shield, iOS, Android, LG TV.
AntStream
If your taste in games lies more towards titles from yesteryear, AntStream is a streaming service that will be right up your street. Focusing mainly on computer, console, and arcade games from the 1980s onwards, the service currently has over 1000 retro titles in its libraries. Look for vintage gems like the original Mortal Kombat, Pac-Man, Monkey Island, and Gauntlet – all of which have been faithfully digitized for that authentic, retro gaming feel. One benefit of using AntStream is that it’s a service provided by Epic Games, so you know it’s legit. It’s also available free of charge (with ads) or as a pay-monthly service (prices start at $9.99/£9.99 a month, with discounts offered for a yearly pass).
Hatch
There’s even a dedicated game streaming service for mobile gamers: enter Hatch. Sure, while you can play some of the other services on your Android smartphones, Hatch is one of the few content streaming platforms that only features games designed specifically for mobile play. There are over 100 highly-rated games on the platform at the moment, including Monument Valley and Hitman Go. Sadly, the app is only compatible with Android for the foreseeable future and there are minor glitches when running it on 4G since it’s been built for 5G usage. You can easily rectify that by streaming over a stable WiFi connection, however.
