Rainway, a new streaming service, has just launched on Android.
As platforms like Google Stadia, Project xCloud, and GeForce Now continue to grab headlines, gamers have seemingly come to accept — albeit begrudgingly — the fact that cloud streaming is here to say. Though the future is still uncertain, it’s hard to deny the positives of this new all-digital delivery service.
Enter Rainway, a totally free streaming service that acts as a bridge between your desktop and your iOS and Android devices. After downloading the app on both devices, Rainway will scan your computer for compatible games and launch/stream them on the mobile app.
It’s PC gaming at your fingertips, and it supports everything from Steam and Origin to Uplay, GOG Galaxy, and even Xbox Game Pass. With competing services like the aforementioned Google Stadia and GeForce Now partitioning games off and reducing library accessibility, the total freedom afforded to Rainway users seems like a major step in the right direction.
The app also supports controller input via Bluetooth, which means that any peripheral that supports such a connection could theoretically be used. Interestingly enough, Rainway also offers an on-screen controller overlay similar to something players might see in a retro emulation app.
Games can be streamed via a local network or through a data connection, though mileage will vary depending on internet speeds. With optimal conditions, most games are remarkably playable, and the service introduces very little input lag or interference of any kind. Titles like Flinthook, Darkest Dungeon, and Untitled Goose Game were nearly flawless, and the novelty of getting to play PC-ports of these titles on a smartphone didn’t feel like something that would ever grow to be tiresome. However, lag and delay are much more prevalent with more intensive titles. What’s more, at the moment Rainway seems to max out at 1080p 60FPS, which will undoubtedly bother some.
This is far from the only app capable of mirroring a PC’s screen on a smartphone or tablet. Valve itself put out a Steam in-home streaming app, which debuted back in 2015. Yet, when it comes to ease-of-use and responsiveness, Rainway is about as good as it gets.
With all of the buzz currently surrounding services of this type, it’s hard to imagine that they won’t play a major role in how we experience our games in the coming years. Still, game streaming is an imperfect technology, and some of the faults and flaws with Rainway and similar apps may leave some feeling underwhelmed. However, unlike most similar services, Rainway is free.