The digital gaming landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, aptly referred to as the game cloud.

In this paradigm, the game takes precedence, and the cloud serves as the enabling force behind it.

This is not mere rhetoric; it is a tangible evolution unfolding across various facets of the gaming industry. Development resources, game materials, code, development tools, hosting servers, and even game communities are undergoing comprehensive cloud integration.

This transformative wave extends to cloud-based game services, where players' gaming behaviors are aggregated into substantial datasets, acting as fodder for artificial intelligence.

As we stand on the cusp of the future, it becomes imperative to discern the forthcoming changes. The video game industry, having burgeoned over 40 years, now stands as a colossal $100+ billion industry, directly competing with traditional visual entertainment giants like television and movies.

According to the 2017 Game Market Insights report by Newzoo, a gaming market research organization, the global video game market amassed a total revenue of $108.9 billion, marking a 7.8% increase from the previous year.

Online services and multiplayer online games have emerged as pivotal revenue streams for the industry, with China playing a significant role in contributing to the global gaming market.

Web services and multiplayer games are integral components of the revenue streams for the entire video game industry. Both first-party game hardware developers and third-party developers are increasingly adopting the "cloud" format.

This facilitates the provision of shared resources for the development and operation of video games, particularly online games. The adoption of common resources leads to process optimization and enhanced data collection.

A case in point illustrating the successful implementation of the "cloud" concept is Supercell, founded in 2010. This company's development philosophy aligns closely with the cloud concept, enabling it to achieve a pre-tax profit of $1.5 billion in 2015.

Supercell's approach involves the accumulation of common game development materials and algorithms, fostering innovation among employees, and streamlining the development process.

This efficient use of public resources allows for rapid game beta launches and the swift abandonment of unpopular products, maximizing overall enterprise development efficiency.

In essence, Supercell's internal code, UI design, art, and music resources are generalized, resulting in shared elements across its games, such as the vestigial character and prop modeling evident in both "Clash of Clans" and "Battle Royal."

This strategy expedites idea realization, leveraging existing resources and minimizing game development costs. However, it is crucial to note that this is not a mere superficial overhaul; rather, it emphasizes the importance of introducing truly novel and deep gameplay experiences to attract a substantial user base.

Beyond individual companies' internal cloud strategies, traditional PC and console game development also witnessed a surge in cloud service adoption. Given the extensive infrastructure required for these forms of game development, an increasing number of cloud service providers are offering computing and operational support to developers and operators in this domain.

This broader industry shift towards cloud integration signifies a fundamental transformation in how games are developed, operated, and experienced.