The impact of video encoding parameters and game type on QoE for cloud gaming: A case study using the steam platform

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the impact of different game types and video adaptation strategies on Quality of Experience (QoE) in cloud gaming. We focus on image quality and frame rate as parameters to be manipulated in the video encoder in different ways in order to meet bandwidth constraints of the network link. Our hypothesis is that under certain bandwidth conditions, maximization of the QoE for players will be achieved with different combinations of video encoding parameters (i.e, frame rate and image quality) in dependence of the game type. We test our hypothesis through a series of subjective tests on the streaming solution of the Steam In-home streaming platform. For subjective tests we focus on players with previous gaming experience. Obtained results may be used to drive effective QoE optimization strategies at the cloud gaming server.