Samsung Unveils Cloud Gaming Service for Galaxy Devices

Samsung has introduced a complimentary cloud gaming platform for its Galaxy devices in North America. Following a year-long beta trial using the Game Launcher app, now rebranded as Samsung Gaming Hub, the service is now live. At launch, users can access 23 games, including popular free-to-play titles like Monopoly Go, Candy Crush Saga, Homescapes, and Honor of Kings. According to Samsung's vice president and head of game services, Jong Woo, the platform offers unrestricted access to all games, with no paywalls or subscription fees, thanks to its cloud streaming technology. Games can be accessed through links on the Galaxy Store, Samsung Gaming Hub, or advertisements, with the Galaxy Store serving as the runtime client. Samsung reports that during the beta phase, 50% of users who clicked on a mobile cloud game ad or listing went on to play the game. Woo believes that the seamless gaming experience provided by cloud gaming, without the need for downloads, will significantly impact how game publishers scale their mobile games. Samsung has also been exploring cloud gaming through partnerships with Xbox on its Smart TVs and other services like Boosteroid, and previously experimented with a games streaming service called PlayGalaxy Link, although it was discontinued before launch.