[E3 2019] Bethesda Orion Software Optimize Games for Streaming

[E3 2019] Bethesda Orion Software Optimize Games for Streaming

At the Bethesda E3 2019 press conference, a new software designed for developers to optimize their games was announced. That software is called Orion, and it’s expected to allow streaming options on next-gen gaming consoles from both Sony and Microsoft as well as Google Stadia.

If you’d like to try out Orion for yourself, Bethesda will allow players to play DOOM (2017). All you have to do is register right here. More information regarding that will be revealed within the coming weeks.

Bethesda demonstrated Orion by running DOOM on a smartphone. The software will support native 4K as well as 60 frames per second regardless of what platform you choose to play on. According to Bethesda, it sports the following benefits:

Major Performance Benefits: Integrated within the game engine itself, Orion can achieve dramatic latency reductions of up to 20% per frame plus up to 40% less bandwidth required.

Complementary Technology: Orion’s software innovations work seamlessly with nearly any game, game engine, or streaming provider, making Orion’s incredible performance benefits an additive benefit to innovations in hardware and connectivity from streaming providers.

A Better Streaming Experience for Players: A game using Orion offers high-speed performance with imperceptible latency, even in a twitchy shooter; lower usage against ISP bandwidth caps; and a wider availability, making quality play available to players living far from data centers.

Flawless Execution and Ease of Use for Developers: The Orion SDK is easily integrated into almost any game, which means developers can deliver best-in-class experiences to players through streaming, with minimal additional development effort.

Lower Costs, Wider Reach for Streaming Providers: Orion can help providers reach larger audiences, at reduced costs, with a superior level of service. Orion makes possible substantially reduced capital investments in data centers, and can materially lower the cost of operating a streaming service.

While this seems like a strange announcement for E3 2019 as it normally focuses on consumers rather than developer, this is an industry trade show after all. While it is unclear if Bethesda is looking to license Orion to other developers or publishers, this software may become as popular as Engines like Unreal or Havok if streaming takes off.

Being able to better optimize and minimize data usage is a cornerstone to making streaming a viable gaming option, and helps both the developer / publisher and gamers on costs.

Pokdepinion: Well, it’s for the developers but it will certainly be beneficial for the consumers at the end of the day. Let’s hope this can make a big difference for future games.