Exploring the Implementation Path of DePIN and Cloud Gaming in Emerging Markets

Pain Points and Opportunities of Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming is developing rapidly, but it has always faced a major challenge: even as technology continues to advance, inherent issues with centralized architecture still lead to noticeable latency. Data shows that traditional cloud gaming services add 40-150 milliseconds of latency compared to local execution, with an increase of 85%-800%.

To achieve the best experience, physical distance and network distribution are crucial. Deploying game nodes closer to end users can significantly reduce latency. However, establishing large data centers all over the world is neither economical nor efficient.

Industry Status

Some large tech companies have attempted to address this issue but have encountered difficulties. While failures may have various causes, one often overlooked core problem is that technological promises cannot be fulfilled. Under the existing technological architecture, certain claimed features are difficult to realize because latency is ultimately constrained by the objective laws of physical distance.

Even large cloud gaming platforms with tens of millions of users face latency issues due to their reliance on centralized data centers. These data centers often have low utilization rates and are far from users. This solution may be "sufficient" for some casual or single-player games, but it is clearly not ideal for competitive or multiplayer gamers who seek the ultimate immersive experience.

Advantages of P2P Networks

The characteristics of cloud gaming make it an ideal application scenario for distributed networks:

1. Reducing physical distances and optimizing network distribution are key to lowering latency.
2. Cloud gaming can provide high-quality services without the need for large hardware equipment.

This is precisely where P2P networks have an advantage over centralized cloud services: on one hand, P2P nodes can be closer to end users; on the other hand, they do not require expensive large data centers—consumer-grade hardware can provide quality services and can cover areas that traditional data centers have difficulty reaching.

Market Supply Adaptation

Data shows that there are approximately 2 billion gaming PCs worldwide, with an annual addition of 100 million units. Despite the continuous increase in PC production, the utilization rate of devices for entertainment purposes has not risen in tandem. At the same time, the demand for gaming is growing exponentially.

The contradiction between the idle high-performance equipment and the surge in gaming demand has created opportunities for P2P cloud gaming networks: by integrating idle computing power resources, it provides services to players who need low-cost, high-quality game access, especially emerging market users who cannot afford professional equipment.

Therefore, edge computing and low-latency cloud gaming are expected to become mainstream methods of game distribution, just as streaming platforms have made content distribution more flexible and convenient.

Emerging DePIN Solutions

DePIN products in a certain blockchain ecosystem are focusing on achieving the lowest latency cloud gaming experience through edge computing. The project allows any user to set up nodes and share gaming resources. Computing power suppliers can fully utilize gaming-optimized devices, while players can enjoy high-performance, low-latency gaming experiences at a lower cost. Through this model, gaming PC owners can transform their devices into micro data centers and earn passive income without any costs. Moreover, participation in the DePIN network does not require the purchase of custom hardware, significantly lowering the threshold for ecosystem participation.

It is worth mentioning that the project provides innovative support for Web3 games: through a controller with a built-in hardware wallet, blockchain interactions can be easily achieved without the user's awareness.

compared to traditional cloud gaming platforms

Compared to traditional cloud gaming giants, these emerging DePIN projects are expected to stand out due to the following advantages:

• Decentralized Cloud Gaming Model
• Edge computing to reduce latency
• AI-enhanced gaming experience

compared to other Web3 projects

Despite the numerous Web3 projects involving gaming and decentralized computing, there are significant differences in their technical paths and product positioning. In contrast, DePIN projects focused on the cloud gaming sector build a unique competitive advantage through a "distributed node network + social incentive system"—providing low-cost, low-latency, high-quality cloud gaming services while enhancing player retention through social tasks and token reward mechanisms.

Application Scenarios

mobile game experience

Even without a gaming PC, or when away from their gaming device, users can enjoy high-quality games anytime in cafes, libraries, or even while traveling. There is no need to carry a high-performance laptop or rely on remote cloud servers; simply open the app on any device (tablet, phone, or lightweight laptop) to "borrow" the computing power from nearby nodes and enjoy a low-latency, high-fidelity gaming experience anywhere.

Local Multiplayer Game

These platforms not only provide gaming services but also have social functions. With edge computing infrastructure, they not only offer a better single-player gaming experience but also bring innovation to many localized multiplayer games. Through specific systems, users can engage in real-time online battles even if they are not in the same room.

Game and Live Streaming Interaction

Game live streaming is a huge market with millions of active streamers and tens of millions of daily active users. Some DePIN projects allow streamers to collaborate directly with selected viewers through the "one-click screen sharing" feature, adding a new dimension of social interaction. By transforming passive viewing into active participation, a more immersive experience is created.

User Experience-Centric

The construction of such projects always revolves around the needs of end users—whether they are node providers or gamers. Node providers can utilize idle computing resources to create value for users while earning additional income; meanwhile, players can enjoy an ultimate cloud gaming experience. Moreover, through the social system, the gaming experience has stronger social attributes and immersion.

In order to ensure a high-quality user experience, some projects plan to implement a cloud save feature for game states, creating checkpoints regularly. If a node fails, the game will use the cloud save to restart instantly on another node. In the future, a staking and reputation system will also be established to incentivize quality node operators through game theory mechanisms.

These innovations are expected to redefine the way games interact—not only in the Web3 space but also to impact the entire gaming ecosystem. This decentralized, user-driven network is fundamentally changing the underlying logic of game distribution, experience, and monetization.