How can I play PC games without installing? Here are the best options for gaming on the go in 2023

As a passionate PC gamer and content creator, one question I get asked a lot is how people can enjoy high-quality gaming experiences on their laptops or mobile devices without needing to install anything locally.

The good news is that improvements in cloud computing and web browser capabilities over the last few years have unlocked awesome new avenues for instant gaming gratification wherever you are! In this up-to-date guide for 2023, I’ll be sharing the methods I rely on to seamlessly game on the go, along with tips to help fellow enthusiasts pick the best platforms that fit their needs and budget.

Cloud Gaming: The Future is Here

Without a doubt, cloud-based game streaming services are revolutionizing the gaming landscape in 2023 and onwards. According to Accenture, the global cloud gaming market is projected to grow at a staggering 29% CAGR from 2022 to 2023 as major players continue expanding their libraries and device compatibility:

Cloud gaming utilizes powerful remote servers to process and stream games directly to your device of choice. This eliminates local hardware restrictions, allowing even budget laptops and mobile devices to play graphics-intensive titles!

I’ve tested all the major players in cloud gaming, and here is my take on the top services to consider in 2023:

Nvidia GeForce NOW

With over 25 million members as of late 2022, GeForce NOW is a cloud gaming juggernaut that really delivers an incredible experience. I’m able to seamlessly play my existing Steam library and jam out on graphics-heavy titles like Cyberpunk 2077 on my low-tier Dell work laptop thanks to Nvidia’s technically impressive global data center network.

Some standout features that make GeForce NOW my top choice:

• Library Access: Stream your own games from platforms like Steam and Epic Games, rather than relying on a limited catalog of titles. This vastly expands the available library for members.
• Performance: Nvidia’s technically advanced global infrastructure provides incredibly low latency across over 100 edge node locations. Combined with optimizations for gaming, this enables smooth 60FPS+ gameplay without disruption.
• Image Quality: RTX 3080 members get access to cutting-edge gaming features like ray tracing and up to 4K resolution at 120 FPS. Lower tiers still provide great base level performance though.
• Device Compatibility: My favorite aspect is being able to access my game library and pick up where I left off whether I’m on my MacBook, iPhone, Nvidia Shield or even an underpowered Chromebook.

The free membership still provides one-hour sessions with decent performance. But I highly recommend the $19.99/month Priority plan for longer uninterrupted gaming, priority server access and better quality – very fairly priced in my opinion!

Google Stadia

While Stadia gets some flack for Google’s questionable commitment to the platform long-term, I’ve found it to be a cost-effective way to access an approachable click-and-play library for casual gaming.

Here’s a quick rundown of why it remains a decent cloud option:

• Streamable library of over 200 modern titles like FIFA 23 and Assassin’s Creed available for purchase individually. Lower cost of entry compared to investing in gaming hardware upfront.
• Capable of up to 4K HDR visuals at smooth 60FPS performance when internet connectivity is strong enough.
• Official support for controllers from Sony, Microsoft and Google which you can connect over WiFi. This is great for kicking back on the couch with my DualSense controller.
• The free Stadia Base tier is quite generous with one hour sessions and full 1080p resolution access. You can access unlimited time with the optional $9.99/month Stadia Pro subscription.

While the available catalog pales in comparison to giants like Xbox Game Pass, I feel Stadia strikes the right balance for casual gamers looking to simply stream to their existing devices without hardware investments.

Browser-Based Gaming

Believe it or not, your web browser is more than capable of delivering quality gaming experiences thanks to advancements like WebGL graphics built on JavaScript and HTML5. According to SimilarWeb estimates, over 217 million visitors accessed popular browser game sites like Miniclip and CrazyGames per month in 2022.

Here some of my picks for awesome browser experiences you can jump into instantly without installing anything:

Slither.io

This massively viral hit spearheaded by Steve Howse in 2016 is a blast with over 100 million players to date. The premise simple – you control a snake in a map filled with pellets and enemy snakes. Eat pellets and enemy snakes to grow your snake as large as possible. Approachable gameplay combined with the chaos of a large online multiplayer map makes this incredibly addictive to try beating your high score.

Skribbl.io

I enjoy playing this fun Pictionary-style multiplayer game with friends in video calls. Each round, a random player has to try drawing a provided word so the rest of the lobby can guess. What’s great is seeing various art styles, from stick figures all the way to professional-grade illustrations. The word bank in this one seems endless too.

Town of Salem

For the more strategy-oriented fans, Town of Salem delivers an incredibly fun and chaotic simulator of the party game Mafia. You are secretly assigned various roles like Sheriffs, Godfathers and Serial Killers. Try to figure out who is who without revealing your own identity! Each 12 player game leads to crazy bluffing standoffs.

Tabletop Simulator

Okay, technically there is some software installation required here. But I had to give an honorary mention to Tabletop Simulator, which lets you play near-perfect versions of physical board games and tabletop RPGs online. The Steam Workshop integration grants access to over 30,000 user-created games spanning video game classics, poker games and even fan remakes of Mario Party! This is an absolute must-try for board game lovers.

Video Game Streaming

Lastly, video streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming have evolved into entertaining content hubs for checking out new game releases and connecting with online creators in niche communities around specific franchises or genres.

To put things in perspective, Twitch sees over 31 million visitors per day spending an average of 95 minutes watching gaming live streams, per TwitchTracker – that’s over 1.8 billion hours watched in 2022 alone! Viewers can interact via chat in real-time with personalities and other community members.

As a streamer myself, it warms my heart to see firsthand that so many people have found a home enjoying games together on these platforms through the interactivity streaming enables. It ultimately comes down to each channel’s community – try browsing various streams to find the perfect vibe match!

Some all-time classics like Tetris 99 and Pac-Man are readily playable via streaming too. But of course, watching is less hands-on than the services above that give direct control. Still, it scratches that gaming itch wonderfully when I just want to kick back and be entertained while multitasking.

Perfect Options for Every Gamer

As you can see, playing PC games without installing is not only viable but also super enjoyable thanks to how accessible cloud gaming, browser games and video streaming have become lately. I’m thrilled by gaming‘s evolution into an on-demand entertainment option empowering people worldwide to instantly experience rich virtual worlds, connect with creators and enjoy some friendly competition at the tap of a screen.

It’s an amazing time to be a gamer whether looking to revisit classics, discover emerging indie projects or try ever-advancing Triple A blockbusters. No matter your interests or technical know-how, services exist now to game at your convenience.

Let me know if this guide helps you unlock more gaming freedom without installation headaches! I’m always happy to chat more about optimizing setups. Game on, friends 🕹