As published in The Business Journals PHLINNO.
In today’s digital landscape, every pixel and every line of code in advanced games is powered by a complex web of technological infrastructure. Beyond mere data storage, leveraging sophisticated network architectures available in a carrier hotel or interconnection data center can catapult a gaming company’s global reach, game responsiveness, and overall user experience. From pixelated 2D graphics to the captivating worlds of augmented and virtual reality, the gaming experience has evolved. Central to this evolution is the strategic role of colocation data centers, positioned near the network edge, ensuring gaming companies deliver the full-throttle experiences players now demand.
Emerging technologies like 5G, edge computing, and AI-driven game mechanics are redefining the gaming landscape. Yet, they are only as effective as the infrastructure supporting them. The future for gaming companies is not just in the creativity of its developers but in the compute infrastructure and network ecosystems that can support, scale, and deliver these innovations locally and globally.
The advent of community gaming in fostering global communities
Traditionally, gaming was a solo or localized group activity. With technological advancements, however, we’ve seen a shift toward community gaming. Today gaming has evolved from a mere form of entertainment to a global, interconnected community experience. Gamers today aren’t just playing — they’re interacting across regions and borders, sharing, and even building careers. Platforms like Twitch have enabled gamers to stream their gameplay, collaborate with others, and monetize their skills.
Gamers now converge in virtual arenas to collaborate, compete, and connect. This global community of competitive gaming demands high-speed and low-latency connectivity, enabling real-time interactions that transcend borders and cultures. It’s here that data centers emerge as the heroes behind the screen.
Data centers: The interconnection backbone of modern gaming
Data centers are more than storage facilities. They are dynamic, interconnection hubs designed for the rigorous demands of next-generation gaming technologies. Processing vast amounts of data at lightning speeds and connecting across global networks, they are the pivotal edge for gaming companies in a competitive market.
Imagine you’re in a heated online gaming session, and suddenly there’s a lag. Frustrating, right? Specialized colocation data centers, also known as carrier hotels, ensure interruptions are minimized. By hosting game servers with massive game libraries, data centers facilitate multiplayer experiences. The advanced network available in a carrier hotel data center ensures millions of concurrent users play seamlessly without a hitch. It takes both sophisticated infrastructures for vast amounts of data and vital interconnection to deliver the crucial speed for today’s high-end gaming experiences.
Proximity to a well-connected data center is an advantage for gaming companies and platforms. This is precisely where Netrality’s Philadelphia facility, 401 North Broad, shines. As a carrier hotel, it offers an abundance of network carriers, internet exchanges, and content delivery networks — the keys to making streaming more efficient and responsive. Gaming companies leveraging highly connected data centers can provide superior gaming experiences, be it through faster downloads, smoother online sessions, or crisper live streams.
Spotlight: Nerd Street and Philadelphia’s gaming revolution
Nestled within the 401 North Broad building is Nerd Street, a testament to Philadelphia’s burgeoning gaming ecosystem. As the world’s first esports campus, Nerd Street’s The Block is revolutionizing how gamers interact, train, and compete. Localhost, their dedicated esports arena, not only showcases pro gaming events but also offers public access to top-notch gaming equipment. Their mission to provide greater access to advanced gaming technology exemplifies the convergence of community and high-end tech.
This gaming company in Philadelphia’s 401 North Broad data center also reflects a broader global shift in the gaming industry and streaming sectors, emphasizing the necessity of robust technological infrastructures. Directly connecting to content delivery networks (CDNs) within carrier hotels can offer significant cost savings, especially for high-volume data transfers. Given that many gaming and streaming platforms cater to a worldwide audience, connectivity to global internet service providers (ISPs) and content delivery networks (CDNs) at carrier hotels like 401 North Broad become invaluable. Such direct connections ensure efficient data delivery and consistent performance for all users.
Looking forward toward gaming in a hyper-connected world
As gaming continues its meteoric rise, the role of data centers will only become more pronounced. Developers are constantly pushing boundaries, creating more intricate and data intensive games. Responsively, the demand for efficient data management and interconnected network distribution will escalate. Whether it’s integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences or supporting the next big esports tournament, data centers, like Netrality’s 401 North Broad, will be at the forefront, powering the next gaming generation.
For gaming startups and tech innovators, the path ahead is clear. The success of a game transcends its design and narrative. It hinges on ensuring that, technologically, you are positioned to deliver that game flawlessly to the world. The gaming companies that grasp and harness the power of data centers and advanced network architectures will lead tomorrow’s industry.
Gaming companies can learn more at netrality.com.
Netrality Data Centers owns and operates strategic interconnection data centers and Meet Me Rooms, providing a mix of colocation, powered shell, and wholesale data center solutions driven by fiber-dense, network-rich environments. Netrality’s core interconnection data centers provide best in market network resiliency, ensuring always-on connectivity for latency-sensitive and mission-critical businesses.