Razer, Singtel and IMDA Align for Singapore’s first 5G cloud gaming trial

Cloud gaming is set for a next-generation boost with Razer™, Singtel and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) joining hands to launch Singapore’s first 5G cloud gaming trial. Supported by the IMDA, it is Singapore’s first 5G consumer use-case trial. The technology trial will focus on testing network readiness for 5G cloud gaming.

5G cloud gaming is the next frontier for the gaming industry. 5G’s combination of high bandwidth and low latency will allow users to play high-resolution, graphics-rich games to be streamed to mobile devices from the cloud. This would in turn make cloud gaming easier and cheaper to access, with barriers such as expensive computers or consoles becoming a thing of the past.

"We are excited to work with Singtel on trialing the network readiness of cloud gaming here in Singapore, with the support from IMDA," said Min-Liang Tan, Co-Founder and CEO of Razer. "While this is not the roll out of a commercial cloud gaming service, this opportunity is the first step for Singapore to spearhead 5G projects.”

Yuen Kuan Moon, CEO, Consumer Singapore, Singtel, said, “5G is a literal game-changer when it comes to cloud gaming. Latency and bandwidth are crucial to internet streaming and 5G will deliver next-generation connectivity that will support immersive gaming, even on mobile devices. We are thrilled to be taking a step further on our journey to 5G with Razer and IMDA and look forward to exploring 5G cloud gaming solutions together.”

Announced at IMDA’s Singapore Digital (SG:D) Industry Day 2019 by Minister for Communications and Information Mr S Iswaran, the trial aims to gain insights on:

- 5G network characteristics and requirements of cloud gaming;

- Design and engineering of low latency hardware for cloud gaming that can deliver quality performance and a broader range of gaming experiences, from ultra-fast responsiveness to portability to seamless device-to-device sync to cloud servers.

Throughout the trial, Razer will provide the 5G cloud gaming use case and test scenarios, leveraging their unique know-how and intellectual property for the development of cloud gaming technologies and hardware, while Singtel will provide the 5G platform and technical test scenarios.

“I am encouraged to see industry partners come together to develop innovative 5G services for businesses and consumers. IMDA invites more industry players to join us in developing a vibrant 5G ecosystem as part of Singapore’s Digital Economy,” said Mr Tan Kiat How, Chief Executive of IMDA.

The trial will commence in the next few months and will be conducted at three locations – Shaw Centre and Ngee Ann City on the Orchard Road shopping belt, and Razer’s new Southeast Asia headquarters at one-north. At the end of the trial, Razer and Singtel plan to hold a cloud gaming showcase that will be open to the public.