Nvidia GeForce NOW, the popular cloud gaming service, is celebrating its 5th anniversary this February. Since its official launch in 2020, the platform has transformed the gaming industry by allowing players to stream high-quality games without needing expensive hardware. To mark this milestone, Nvidia is adding a batch of new games, bringing the total supported titles to over 2,000.
The Evolution of GeForce NOW
GeForce NOW was first introduced in October 2015 in beta but officially launched in February 2020. Over the past five years, Nvidia has continuously improved the platform, delivering a smooth, low-latency gaming experience through its network of RTX-powered servers. Today, the service runs on powerful RTX 40-series GPUs, with an upgrade to RTX 50-series GPUs on the horizon.
New Games Arriving for the 5th Anniversary
To make the anniversary special, Nvidia is adding several exciting games to the GeForce NOW library. Here are some of the most anticipated titles:
- Avowed – A fantasy RPG by Obsidian Entertainment, offering an immersive world filled with magic and adventure.
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II – A sequel to the critically acclaimed medieval RPG, featuring a realistic historical setting.
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – The latest entry in the iconic strategy game series, allowing players to build and expand their own civilization.
- Dead Island 2 – A thrilling zombie survival action game set in a post-apocalyptic world.
- Sniper Elite: Resistance – A tactical shooter where players step into the role of an elite sniper during World War II.
In addition to these blockbuster titles, there are several other games being added to cater to all types of gamers.
Here is the list of games available to stream in the cloud this week:
- Space Engineers 2 (New release on Steam, Jan. 27)
- Eternal Strands (New release on Steam, Jan. 28)
- Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap (New release on Steam, Jan. 28)
- Sniper Elite: Resistance (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on PC Game Pass, Jan. 30)
- Heart of the Machine (New release on Steam, Jan. 31)
- Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (New release on Steam, Jan. 31)
- Dead Island 2 (Xbox, available on PC Game Pass)
- Pax Dei (Steam)
- Sifu (Steam)
Here’s what to expect for the rest of February:
- Kingdom Come Deliverance II (New release on Steam, Feb. 4)
- Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator (New Release on Steam, Feb. 6)
- SWORN (New release on Steam, Feb. 6)
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII (New release on Steam and Epic Games Store, Feb. 11)
- Legacy: Steel & Sorcery (New release on Steam, Feb. 12)
- Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered (New release on Steam, Feb. 14)
- Avowed (New release on Steam, Battle.net and Xbox, available on PC Game Pass, Feb. 18)
- Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (New release on Steam, Feb. 18)
- Abiotic Factor (Steam)
- Alan Wake (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store)
- Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store)
- The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store)
- HUMANITY (Steam)
- Murky Divers (Steam)
- Somerville (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store)
- Songs of Silence (Steam)
- UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes (Steam)
In addition to the 14 games announced last month, 15 more joined the GeForce NOW library:
- Road 96 (New release on Xbox, available on PC Game Pass, Jan. 7)
- Aloft (New release on Steam, Jan. 15)
- Assetto Corsa EVO (New release on Steam, Jan. 16)
- Among Us (Xbox, available on PC Game Pass)
- Amnesia: Collection (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store)
- DREDGE (Epic Games Store)
- Generation Zero (Xbox, available on PC Game Pass)
- HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED 2 – Turbocharged (Xbox, available on PC Game Pass)
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store)
- Lawn Mowing Simulator (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store)
- Marvel Rivals (Steam)
- Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store)
- SMITE 2 (Steam)
- STORY OF SEASONS: Friends of Mineral Town (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store)
- Townscaper (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store)
How GeForce NOW Changed Gaming Forever
Over the past five years, GeForce NOW has significantly impacted the gaming industry by making high-quality gaming accessible to a broader audience. By allowing players to stream games on various devices, including PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets, Nvidia has eliminated the need for expensive gaming rigs.
One of the biggest advantages of the platform is its ability to deliver cutting-edge graphics features like real-time ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). These technologies enhance visual quality and performance, giving gamers an experience comparable to high-end gaming PCs.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite its success, GeForce NOW has faced some criticism. One major controversy was the introduction of advertisements during queue times, which frustrated many users. Additionally, Nvidia imposed a 100-hour playtime limit on paid memberships, which some gamers found restrictive.
However, Nvidia has been responsive to user feedback and continues to make improvements. The company remains committed to enhancing the gaming experience while expanding its game library.
What’s Next for GeForce NOW?
As Nvidia looks ahead, several exciting developments are planned for GeForce NOW. The upcoming RTX 50-series GPU upgrade promises even better performance and visual quality. Nvidia is also exploring deeper integration with other platforms and devices to make cloud gaming even more accessible worldwide.
With over 2,000 supported games and a growing user base, GeForce NOW has established itself as a leader in the cloud gaming industry. As Nvidia continues to push the boundaries of innovation, gamers can expect even more exciting developments in the years to come.
Final Thoughts
GeForce NOW has revolutionized the way people experience games. By removing hardware limitations and offering cutting-edge features, Nvidia has created a cloud gaming service that appeals to casual and hardcore gamers alike. As the platform continues to evolve, one thing is clear – the future of gaming is in the cloud.
Stay tuned for more updates as Nvidia continues to shape the future of gaming with GeForce NOW!