Electronic Arts has announced that it's hosting a trial for its cloud gaming technology, Project Atlas.
The project was announced last year and will give players the option of streaming games from anywhere and on any device, such as mobile phones, tablets, computers and smart TVs. It also provides a platform for developers to build games in the cloud.
This first trial will be focused on PC gaming and interested persons will be able to test FIFA 19, Need For Speed Rivals, Titanfall 2 and Unravel.
"I’m excited to share that we’ll be taking an important step in this learning journey as we host an exclusive external trial for our players to experience games streamed through EA’s cloud technology," EA's Chief Technology Officer Ken Moss wrote in a press release published on Monday.
"Let’s actually take a step back to put this into some more context. Last year, I shared details about Project Atlas as our broader vision for bringing together game engine technology and services that can realize the full potential of the cloud. Cloud gaming is just one very specific part of that vision."
EA will be observing how the technology holds up in both single-player and multiplayer scenarios, as well as cross-play and how the games they render in full-scale HD. If you're interested in being part of the trial, you can join the EA Community Playtesting group for a chance to be included.
The company began its preparations for cloud-based gaming last year when it bought game cloud tech assets and took over staff employed by a subsidiary of GameFly based in Israel. The aim is to continue to develop technology that will enable gamers to play their games on any device, no matter where they are.
"The bottom line is this. Cloud gaming is coming," Moss added. "It’s no longer a question of if, but when. It’s still really early days but we’re excited to take this next step in our learning, and it’s great to be able to do it with some of you in our community. This is about enhancing the quality of our games and services for a cloud powered future. So if there is an opportunity to elevate the experience and inspire more people to play, we are going to explore it."
The closed beta launched at 10 PM PT on Monday night. There's no word yet from EA as it relates to a release date of the full-fledged cloud gaming service, but they'll likely be closer to a decision by the end of the trial.