NetEase Cloud Gaming vs Tencent START

NetEase Cloud Gaming streams mobile and PC games using cloud technology and server resources. Game operations run in the cloud, so local installation and device storage are not required. It supports Android, iOS, web and Windows, and lists Android, iOS, web/PC and TV as supported devices. Streaming resolution reaches 1080p, and the game access model is mixed.

Its private cloud computer provides space for games and apps. Games downloaded there can be used again later without downloading them again. Data stored on the persistent disk remains after a session ends. First-time cloud computer users receive a two-day data disk trial, and new users can use registration-awarded free time. A free UU accelerator is also listed. When the data disk expires, the computer remains playable, but its data is cleared each time the user exits. Disk capacity can be expanded but not reduced, and the additional E drive does not retain data after exit. The service has a free plan and free trial. The data disk is listed at 10 CNY a month during the promotional period, for 100 GB.

Tencent START streams games rendered on cloud servers to supported devices, so players can start supported titles without downloading them. The app listing says progress can continue across devices when players log in with the same account. Its library includes online, single-player, and independent games, organized with personalized categories and recommendations. Listed devices include iPhone, iPad, mobile devices, tablets, computers, and TVs; the iPhone app requires iOS 14.0 or later. Tencent describes START ENGINE as supporting real-time biological and dense plant rendering, dynamic tree simulation, and GPU-accelerated fluid simulation. Tencent Cloud says streaming uses Tencent-RTC and Tencent Mingmou encoding technology, and documents JavaScript, Android, and iOS SDKs and APIs. Its Game Streaming product is a PaaS solution for PC and mobile games, with functions migrated to application cloud rendering. Each concurrent cloud gaming instance supports one player at a time. A free plan is listed, and named paid options include a STARTvip student monthly card at 28 CNY a month, an eight-hour package at 28 CNY, paid once, and a VIP monthly card at 29 CNY a month. Other listed plans have no prices shown.