Amazon Launches Luna Cloud Gaming Service

[Uskompuf]

Amazon has joined the ranks of fellow tech giants in launching their very own cloud game streaming service. Luna is a cloud gaming service that lets you play games on compatible Fire TV, PC, and Mac devices as well as through web apps on iPhones and iPads. The new service will compete with Google Stadia, Microsoft xCloud, NVIDIA GeForce Now, SONY PlayStation Now, and more boutique services such as Shadow or Vortex. Luna is currently in an invitation-only stage with initial pricing of 5.99 USD per month for Luna+ while in early access. Luna+ supports gameplay on two devices at once with resolutions of up to 1080p 60 FPS with 4K support coming in the future for select titles.

Luna offers game channels which grant access to a specification selection of games for a monthly fee currently, only Luna+ is offered with a Ubisoft channel coming soon. Luna+ features a variety of action, adventure, platformer, indie, shooter, RPG, racing, and classic games from Ubisoft, Capcom, 505 Games, and Team 17 with more games to be added over time. Some of the major games on the platform include Control, Grid, Resident Evil 7, Metro Exodus, ABZÛ, Overcooked 2, and Two Point Hospital. The Ubisoft channel will include a variety of games including Watch Dogs: Legion with all DLC unlocked for play on a single device for an as of yet unannounced monthly fee.





Luna is compatible with the Xbox One controller, DualShock 4 controller, keyboard/mouse, and the Luna Controller. The Luna controller is a new controller designed specifically for the service which can connect to compatible devices over Bluetooth or USB, the controller features Alexa and Twitch integration. Twitch integration allows easy switching between Twitch streams and Luna games on compatible titles. Amazon recommends a minimum internet speed of 10 Mbps for 1080p gaming and 35 Mbps for 4K. While in early access Luna is only available to mainland US.

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[my_name_is_earl]

Stadia 2... We all know how the first one went.

 

[TechLurker]

This might have more value if you could use it for Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Photos, and some other neutral streaming services (such as Plex and free variants of it) besides just gaming and Twitch; maybe even a physical "Luna Box" that can be wired to the router/switch to further reduce any wifi-induced latency or hiccups and includes a USB 3.0 port or two to optionally wire a controller/keyboard/mouse or provide charging to an otherwise wireless device between sessions.

Sort of like a Roku with streaming gaming functionality added in. Basically, something to warrant as a mini-media center and console replacement (rather, console alternative for those on a budget). That would already leapfrog Stadia and most of its still-missing features, while providing something tangible besides yet another online gaming subscription service, and plays well for the existing Amazon ecosystem many have locked themselves into. Maybe also throw a discount for Prime users, to further encourage adoption of specialized peripherals like the Luna controller (and aforementioned theoretical "Luna Box") and subscription to the service. Something like Free Luna (Basic 1080p) for Prime users and 3.99/mo Luna+ for Prime users wanting >1080p gaming and priority access.

 

[Ashtr1x]

Another cancerous GaaS b.s just what we need. No more ownership, just pay for that trash called Gamepass or rent them here and play on a crappy iPad or a Mac too, or even a mobile phone, perhaps DOOM Eternal on mobile would be superb. Sociopolitical games, GaaS, WaaS, MTX, $80 games, Denuvo, Always OL, Game Streaming GaaS.....It's just all tiresome. Only good thing that already exists in this nightmare is we can have game preservation and reliving the immersion again, still possible, either DRM free official stores like GOG or Steam bypasses or the high seas unlike this zero ownership, mainstream trash magnetic businesses.

 

[Camm]

Without the ability to offer a hybrid service (PC, Console, and Streaming), I can see this doing only marginally better than Stadia.

 

[GreiverBlade]

great another one ...

stream gaming cloud gaming ... use the argument of not needing a powerful configuration, indeed they remove one limitation .... but add a boatload of other ...
you want inexpensive HW (limited capacity to do other thing than playing/watching/browsing) for gaming : console,
you want versatility : PC,
you want all limitation for just one "advantage" cloud gaming ...

again, i prefer to buy and "own" my games (even on dematerialized platform) and be able to mod it if wanted and possible and patch it if needed (community patch on cloud gaming? fat chance .... welcome to un checked bugs because the devs do not care and the community can't do a thing thanks to the "cloud gaming revolution")

sometime i stream my STEAM library games to my phone for fun ... to simulate some of the issues cloud gaming have, although the game are "mine" patched/mod'ed and the short distance (same network) make it almost enjoyable.

 

[Vayra86]

Another cancerous GaaS b.s just what we need. No more ownership, just pay for that trash called Gamepass or rent them here and play on a crappy iPad or a Mac too, or even a mobile phone, perhaps DOOM Eternal on mobile would be superb. Sociopolitical games, GaaS, WaaS, MTX, $80 games, Denuvo, Always OL, Game Streaming GaaS.....It's just all tiresome. Only good thing that already exists in this nightmare is we can have game preservation and reliving the immersion again, still possible, either DRM free official stores like GOG or Steam bypasses or the high seas unlike this zero ownership, mainstream trash magnetic businesses.

Amen

 

[Mysteoa]

Amazon, the same as google, are not very into the gaming business and it would be a hard start for them. The games they tried to make didn't pan out very well. They also have to compete with Microsoft, NVIDIA and possible Sony, that have gaming division and understand the gaming sector. If they push to develop fast on it and not let it rot like Google is doing with Stadia, and also provide content like Microsoft is doing, it may be a viable option.

 

[Nephilim666]

I know absolutely nothing about this service and personally wouldn't use it (good gaming PC at home) but I know one of the engineers working on it and he is as bright as they come.
If I were interested in game streaming services I would definitely check it out.