AT&T sets sights on cloud gaming

Internet and communications business AT&T has said that it wants to become the leader in cloud-based gaming – playing games over the internet without the need to download software or buy expensive hardware.

Speaking to IndustryGamers, executive director of gaming Glenn Broderick said he expects cloud gaming to form a significant part of the market within five to ten years.

"When we're looking at a cloud-based future where things are being streamed back and forth rather than being downloaded once, that has obvious network issues that we need to be pro actively dealing with," said Broderick.

"It's an opportunity for us to really highlight the value of the three screens we have. We have the expertise to deal with enormous networks that are handling enormous tasks. We're in a position where we're prepared to be the leaders in the cloud-based space."

Broderick pointed to deals already in place with gaming companies such as Blizzard and Microsoft as evidence of the high calibre of partners it can attract and the backing behind its technical infrastructure.

"World of Warcraft hosts with us and Xbox Live hosts with us," he said. "I think the fact that those huge brands with huge loyal fans trust us with the serving of their customers speaks volumes about our potential in the gaming space."