Gaming

Best Gaming Platforms You Should Know In 2024

Selecting gaming platforms is of utmost importance for gamers and service providers alike. Ascertaining which platform you should choose to play or build a gaming app is worth taking on a serious note, as it can make a huge difference in experience, earnings, etc. This blog discusses the different gaming platforms, letting you know which one to choose as per your needs, and preferences.

When it comes to gaming, the selection of gaming platforms matters the most. That’s because your gaming experience varies depending on the platform you choose. Right from PC gaming platforms to a mobile gaming platform and console gaming, how well you enjoy a game immensely depends on the platform for games you select.

While mobile gaming offers you an on-the-go gaming experience, PC gaming has an immersive experience to provide you with appealing graphics. PC games give you customization alternatives with the capability to use mods. Console gaming is excellent for ease-of-use and multiplayer gaming with exclusive titles for an enhanced gaming experience.

There is a wide range of gaming apps out there that may interest you a lot. If you’re someone with an intense fascination for customized features and functionalities, a game development company can help you by crafting a gaming app, featuring appealing functionalities. But, first off you need to determine the right gaming platform. This blog will drive you through a detailed exploration of the types of gaming platforms, easing your gaming platform selection.

What Is A Gaming Platform?

A gaming platform tends to be a computer system or console, designed specifically to play video games. It might also refer to the combination of software and hardware that enables video games to run smoothly. The terms may also include the online services and software ecosystem that support the platform. The platform for games are of different types such as PC gaming platforms, mobile gaming platforms, console gaming platforms, cloud gaming platforms, and the like.

Gaming Platforms Revenue And Popularity

Gaming platforms, irrespective of their kind, are getting popular day in and day out among gamers worldwide. Glance at the statistics below to have a crystal clear view of the same.

  • The overall revenue of the Gaming market across the world is expected to reach $3.96 Billion by the end of 2024. The growth is predicted to experience a 5.76% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2024 to 2029 which leads to a market volume projection of $5.24 billion till 2029.
  • The user penetration is anticipated to reach 1.7% in 2024 which is projected to increase to 2.1% by the end of 2029.
  • Around 59% of mobile gamers tend to download the game within a matter of a day.

Have a look at the image given below for a better understanding!

The stats mentioned above glimpse the popularity and revenue of gaming, clarifying how the gaming industry is experiencing a rise like never before.

Most Popular Gaming Platforms You Should Know

Now that we have become familiar with the basics, it is time to come to our key discussion point and explore the popular gaming platforms. Mentioned below are the different kinds of top gaming streaming platforms you should know to choose the one that is suitable for your needs:

Cloud Gaming Platforms

Also known as game streaming services, cloud gaming platforms are online gaming platforms that represent an innovative approach to gaming. It involves processing and rendering games on remote servers and streaming to gamers’s devices on the internet. Here are some popular cloud gaming platforms you should consider if gaming interests you.

PlayStation Now

It’s a cloud gaming platform powered by Sony, enabling gamers to stream games like PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4 using PlayStation consoles or PCs. The platform has an elephantine library for users that have now ticked to more than 500 games. Users can easily play these games with a single subscription and a push of a single button on their PlayStation 4 and PCs. Below is the complete list of PS4 games available on PlayStation covering a multitude of genres right from FPS,  RTS, racing, fighting, and action-adventure:

  • Ultra Street Fighter IV
  • Killzone Shadow Fall
  • Tropico 5
  • F1 2015
  • Evolve
  • Resogun
  • God of War 3 Remastered
  • WWE 2K16
  • MX vs ATV Supercross Encore
  • Helldivers
  • Broken Age
  • Super Mega Baseball
  • Dead Nation: Apocalypse Edition

Google Stadia

Developed and operated by Google, Stadia is a cloud gaming platform that offers a wider collection of games including GRID, Thumper, Destini 2, RAGE 2, Rise of The Tomb Raider, Metro Exodus, and the like to gamers. Users can purchase and play these games on a variety of devices like smartphones, PCs, and tablets. The platform provides exclusive titles while supporting 4K streaming.

NVIDIA GeForce Now

Powered by NIVIDA, GeForce Now is one of the cloud gaming platforms that allows you to stream the games you already own on a variety of devices. Besides, the games you purchase on your personal store accounts will remain there forever. 7 Days to Die, 9-Bit Armies, 9 Years of Shadows, and 11-11 Memories Retold are a few examples of the games available on NIVIDA.

Xbox Cloud Gaming

Formerly known as Project xCloud, Xbox Cloud gaming is developed by Microsoft that allows users to stream hundreds of high-quality games anytime, anywhere. The platform provides plenty of games such as Fortnite, Core Keeper, Atlas Fallen, Mafia, and the like with its Game Pass Subscription.

PC Gaming Platforms

PC gaming platforms represent personal computers that allow playing games. They provide a tailored and versatile gaming experience to the game enthusiasts. Here are some of the most used PC gaming platforms you may like:

GOG Galaxy

Operated by Google GOG.com (Google Old Games), GOG Galaxy is one of the PC gaming platforms that focuses on providing classic PC games. The very platform offers games in a DRM-free format, setting it apart from others in the gaming marketplace. It enables users with the pay once and play forever option. This means, you only have to pay once, purchase the game, download, install, and start playing uninterruptedly with no need to manage the digital rights. What separates GOG Galaxy apart from the rest is its suite of new game offerings along with a wider library of retro games, satisfying the needs of those fascinated by old-fashioned PC games, too.

Stream

PC gaming platforms like Steam can be the ultimate destination for creating and playing games. Built by Valve Corporation, Steam provides an excellent digital distribution platform, allowing gamers to purchase, download, and access a wide range of games conveniently. The gaming platform offers a large pool of features which include social networking services, multiplayer gaming, automatic updates, and video streaming. Stream is one of the well-known PC gaming platforms for its various attributes such as user-friendly features, support for mods, and so on. A few of the features of Stream include:

  • Steam Chat
  • Game Hubs
  • Steam Broadcast
  • Mobile-Friendliness
  • Controller Support
  • Early Game Access
  • Steam Workshop, etc.

Epic Games Store

Launched back in 2018, the Epic Games Store is a video game digital distribution service and storefront, operated by Epic Games. The very PC gaming platform has made waves in the gaming arena as it provides free access to the games constantly. It provides a large collection of games such as Star Wars Outlaws, Dead by Daylight, Anno 1800 Standard Edition, Fortnite, Rocket League, and the like. What makes the Epic Game Store more notable is its developer-oriented revenue-sharing model, alluring developers to release their games on this platform.

itch.io

It is an indie game marketplace supporting a large pool of games right from experimental projects to full-fledged games. itch.io allows independent game developers to publish and sell their unique creations of games directly to game lovers. The very PC gaming platform emphasizes offering freedom to creativity, allowing developers to set prices on their own. itch.io tends to be a center for artistic, experimental, and exceptional games, meeting the extensive needs of game enthusiasts. Be it DRM-free classics, AAA titles, or indie games, the platform satisfies the needs of gamers with its unique game offerings.

Origin

Previously known as Origin this PC gaming platform is now known as EA or EA Desktop. Built by Electronic Arts, Origin is a digital distribution platform for Microsoft Windows and macOS that allows users to purchase, install, and play video games. It provides renowned franchises such as FIFA, BUTTERFIELD, MADDEN 19, ANTHEM, and the like. Origin features community integration, enabling gamers to connect to their friends and conduct multiplayer gaming sessions. It enables users to manage profiles, add, chat with friends, launch and join games; and connect the service to social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and many others.

Mobile Gaming Platforms

A mobile gaming platform tends to refer to the complete gaming ecosystem on devices like smartphones and tablets. The proliferation of smartphone use in recent years has skyrocketed the popularity of mobile gaming platforms amongst users. The availability beyond boundaries along with abundantly provided convenience play an immense role in making mobile gaming the preferred choice of gamers out there. Have a look at the mobile online gaming platforms:

Android

Created by Google, the Andriod happens to be the most widely utilized mobile operating system across the globe. The open-source nature of Android capacitates multiple smartphone manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, HUAWEI, and many others to employ Android for their devices. This level of diversity for the hardware alternatives caters to a wide array of users with variety in budget and preferences. You can find a wide range of gaming mobile apps on Android like Royal Match, Monopoly Go, Coin Master, Roblox, Candy Crush Saga, and many others to beautify your gaming experiences.

iOS

The launch of Apple and Apple’s App Store in 2007 and 2008 respectively completely changed the mobile market and mobile games weren’t an exception. An iPhone comes embellished with larger memory, multitasking capability, and many additional features making it an ideal choice for gamers.

Besides, the app store makes it convenient for developers to develop and launch apps for users. The platform also added in-app purchasing competencies back in October 2009. The iOS powers iPhones, iPads, iPod Touch devices and many more. Users can find iOS gaming mobile apps like Cut the Rope, Block Blast, and so on, enhancing their gaming experiences.

Console Gaming Platforms

Console gaming platforms tend to be video game platforms, or dedicated gaming devices tailored specifically to play video games. In contrast to the PCs, the consoles are more likely to be optimized for gaming, thereby, offering a standard software and hardware environment. Gaming consoles play a vital role when it comes to making the game development and gameplay experience consistent. Here are a few examples of the best gaming consoles:

PlayStation

Built by Sony, PlayStation is one of the best console gaming platforms that stands out with a wide-ranging game library. A multitude of exclusive titles like God of War, Uncharted, The Last of Us, Rise of the Ronin, and Concord are a few examples of excellent games on PlayStation, making it the right destination for gamers looking for an immersive gaming experience.

Nintendo Switch

Designed by Nintendo, the Switch is a hybrid gaming console that revolutionizes the gaming on-the-go experience with its competency to transition seamlessly from a handheld device to a TV-connected console. A wide range of groundbreaking game titles like Zelda, Mario, Metroid, RingFit, Animal Crossing, and many more allows Nintendo Switch to be the first choice of game enthusiasts across the globe.

Xbox

Built by Microsoft, Xbox consoles provide a robust and immersive gaming experience. Exclusive franchises such as Halo, Gears of War, Forza Motorsport, and many others make Xbox a preferred console gaming platform amongst gamers of different kinds.

Nintendo Switch OLED

The Nintendo Switch OLED is the definitive model of Nintendo’s current consoles. Its internal processing capabilities may equal the standard Nintendo Switch model, however, the screen of Nintendo Switch OLED has been completely upgraded. With a 7-inch OLED panel, the Nintendo Switch games are ready to look better compared to ever before, especially when played in handheld mode. The amazingly vibrant OLED display, improved speakers, and kickstand enhance the overall gaming experience.

Streaming Gaming Platforms

The gaming marketplace is flooded with top gaming streaming platforms, however, you need excellent ones competent to deliver you an unmatched experience. Following are some state-of-the-art streaming gaming platforms you should be familiar with:

YouTue Gaming

YouTube happens to be one of the most popular video-sharing platforms worldwide. It’s like a gaming library having a large repository of content that spans multiple genres, styles, and formats. The emphasis on community is something that sets YouTube apart from the rest. It’s a platform where developers, gamers, and viewers tend to converge, establishing a bond on their shared passion. The “Like”, “Comment”, and “Subscribe” buttons turn viewers from passive anticipators to active community members.

Facebook Gaming

Facebook gaming has become renowned as an excellent gaming streaming platform for newcomers. Users can connect with their friends timelessly, and get an immersive live-streaming experience. Apart from streaming, users can seamlessly engage in several games directly on the platform. They can delve into specific groups to play games and elevate their gaming experiences.

Twitch

One of the most popular gaming platforms for live gaming content, Twitch has millions of broadcasters and streamers. Starting back in 2011, Twitch began as a one-stop destination for gamers, allowing them to broadcast their gameplay and share their strategies. Broadcasters, also known as streamers can not only showcase their content but also can engage, converse, and create communities, too. The gaming platform provides a chat feature, allowing viewers to converse directly with streamers, nurturing a sense of connection and immediacy.

Singing Off…!

Be it enhanced accessibility, appealing graphics, ease of use, multiplayer gaming, or exclusive titles, the gaming platform you choose is more likely to differ in the experience you get. While a PC gaming app delivers you eye-catching graphics and customization alternatives, the mobile gaming platform tends to outsmart it in terms of on-the-go gaming experience.

Apart from these, console gaming wins the race when ease of use and no upgrades are concerned. These are the top gaming platforms where you could find a plethora of gaming gaming options. You can not only play games there but also build your own app and launch it there for immense earnings. For this to be possible, you just need to hire game developers, get an excellent app crafted, and launch it on the app store.

FAQs on The Best Gaming Platforms

What are the different gaming platforms?

There are many video game platforms out there including PC gaming platforms, mobile gaming platforms, PlayStations gaming platforms, Nintendo gaming platforms, Epic games stores, Microsoft’s Xbox gaming platforms, and the like.

What is the best gaming platform?

There are many popular gaming platforms available out there which include:

– Cloud gaming platforms: PlayStation Now, Google Stadia, Xbox Cloud Gaming, etc.
– PC gaming platforms: GOG Galaxy, Stream, Origin, Epic Games Store, and so on.
– Mobile gaming platforms: Android, iOS.
– Console gaming platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, Xbox.
– Streaming Gaming Platforms: YouTube gaming, Facebook gaming, and Twitch. Genre.

Which platform is better for gaming?

It completely depends on your choice and preferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to gaming apps. Different games come with different features functionalities and additional offers. The one which suits you, may not be the right fit for others, too. Therefore, Gauge your needs and ascertain which platform suits your needs the most.

Asha Rajput

Asha Rajput is the founder and CEO of 300Mind, a creative Game design and development studio. Her 10+ years of experience enables her to provide game art design and development services to various clients from across the world.

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