When a new game comes out in the UK, national broadband and mobile networks are under strain and that pressure is likely to last – Amdocs, leading provider of software and services to communications and media companies, found in its research.

The research, based on a survey conducted by Dynata in March, targeted a thousand UK consumers and revealed that all of them game at least one time per week.  The major takeaway is that UK gamers are ready for a “post-console” future that combines cloud gaming with 5G connectivity – and they are willing to pay more for it.

Another important finding of this research is that the majority of consumers would be willing to pay for cloud gaming if bundled with a dedicated 5G connection that would ensure streaming quality.

As many as 85% of respondents would consider not purchasing new gaming hardware in favor of the cloud, and 81% would pay at least £7.60 ($10) per month for additional cloud gaming services if they included a bundled, dedicated 5G connection. The cost is, in fact only the second most important factor (29%) that gamers consider when choosing a cloud gaming service, while the quality of the content (44%) took the top spot.

It has been confirmed that gamers have high hopes for the future of cloud gaming, with 79% feeling positive about it, and almost half (43%) predicting that it will completely change the industry.

Although nearly three quarters (72%) of players in the UK already use or plan to use cloud gaming services in 2022, they reported that they are excited about the enhancements 5G connectivity will bring. They are most looking forward to getting the ability to stream games from any device and location (51%); more unique, interactive AR experiences (41%); and metaverse-based interactive experiences (28%).

As for the metaverse, most UK gamers feel positive about its promise – only 18% believe it will not become popular – but there are obstacles to its widespread adoption. Some 37% think it is too early in its infancy; 36% are concerned about the cost of hardware; and 24% are unsure that their internet connection can handle it.

Amdocs’ findings suggests that while 5G has the potential to enhance the capabilities of cloud gaming and enable a more fulfilling user experience with new technologies like the metaverse, there is still work to be done when it comes to awareness. Even among those who game regularly, 22% are unsure whether they have 5G access.

“These findings uncover several essential factors, first and foremost the need for networks to be future-ready for in-demand, intensive and seamless experiences – such as evolutions of the metaverse and the supercharging of low-latency cloud gaming,” said Anthony Goonetilleke, Group President of Technology and Head of Strategy at Amdocs, concluding:

As these experiences become more ingrained in our culture and we begin to explore the potential of a Web 3.0 world, entertainment partnerships and new, flexible monetization approaches that enable a la carte experiences – coupled with connectivity – will become increasingly critical.