How to Play Games on a Chromebook/Chromebook Plus
Perhaps Chromebooks and gaming are not two words you’d usually expect to find inhabiting the same sentence. We ask you to approach today’s discussion with an open mind, and reconsider any preconceptions as we delve into the exciting world of playing games on Chromebook and Chromebook Plus devices.
Truth be told, there are several ways to turn your Chromebook or Chromebook Plus into a moonlighter as a gaming device, and many fun games to play on Chromebook. Read on to discover why Chromebooks are growing in popularity as an affordable alternative to gaming PCs, we’ll also cover 5 of the best ways to play games on your Chromebook and Chromebook Plus.
Chromebooks: evolving to game
Centered around the Google suite of services, Chromebooks were originally intended as cloud-based, no-frills devices with minimal hardware and decent battery life. Chrome OS is a streamlined way to get online quickly and easily access web-based productivity apps. With automatic updates and minimal virus-risk, Chromebooks support casual browsing, streaming, and possibly a spot of light gaming. First introduced in 2023, Chromebook Plus is an improved Chromebook with higher specs, as well as integrated AI and inbuilt Google assistant upgrades.
Recent technological developments in Chromebook and Chromebook Plus devices have resulted in a whole new breed of laptops like Acer’s Spin 514, and Chromebook Plus 514 and 515 models. These machines feature some hardcore hardware that can handle the demands of all but AAA games. To play these, you’ll need to access the cloud. Higher RAM and improved processors make these Chromebooks gaming friendly, while cloud gaming services have made gaming a reality for users who don’t want to break the bank with expensive dedicated gaming devices. Now that we’ve covered the Chromebook basics, let’s dig in and discover all the fun ways you can play games on your Chromebook and Chromebook Plus devices.
1. Cloud gaming
We won’t beat around the bush. Cloud gaming is your only option if you intend to play the best, most recent AAA titles on your Chromebook. By this, we mean games at the highest standard with the best visuals and gameplay: vast immersive worlds, like GTA 5, Call of Duty, and Witcher 3. Cloud gaming streams games from remote servers, meaning that you needn’t have the most recent gaming device to get in the game. Don’t fret about downloads, GPUs and other game-associated headaches, cloud gaming renders the graphics in the cloud, letting you get on with the business of gaming on your Chromebook or Chromebook Plus. That said, before you start searching for the best games to play on Chromebook, you’ll need to ensure you have a fast, stable internet connection for smooth gameplay and minimal latency. There are several famous subscription-based cloud gaming services out there, including GeForce Now from Nvidia, as well as Xbox Cloud Gaming.
2. Download games from Google Play Store
Wondering how to download games on Chromebook? Well, if your heart’s not set on playing and slaying the baddest AAA titles, then you can find literally millions of games to play on your Chromebook at the Google Play Store. Whatever flavor or form your cup of gaming-related tea may take, chances are you’ll be able to find Chromebook games on the Google Play Store to keep you entertained. Top-notch mobile games like Minecraft and Genshin Impact can be found in the Play Store and will adapt well to their new home in your Chromebook. Games downloaded from the Play Store work offline, ideal for commutes and areas with poor internet. Many android games have been optimized for Chrome OS for smooth gameplay, and progress is saved across devices with Google Play Games.
3. Steam on Chromebook
The game temperature is rising, so now let’s cover how to get Steam games on Chromebook. In case you’re not familiar with it, Steam is the largest PC gaming platform of them all with over 100,000 games available, and over 100 million monthly users. With a game marketplace, cloud saves, and multiplayer options, there isn’t much that Steam doesn’t have on the menu. If you want to venture beyond Android titles, then Steam for your Chromebook or Chromebook plus is a no-brainer. Both indie games and AAA titles are available in Steam, which also supports cross-platform play, so feel free to play a game on your Chromebook, then continue playing on your dedicated gaming PC when convenient. Have a look for yourself, and you’ll see that Steam (still in Beta for Chromebook) can open the doors to a wide range of gaming experiences for both Chromebook and Chromebook Plus users.
4. Web-based and browser games
There is a whole world of games just waiting to be discovered, and if you’re just looking for something fun or puzzling, then web-based and browser games may be the right choice. Forget downloads, monthly fees and updates -as long as you’ve got a decent internet connection, then web-based games will always run smoothly without the need for fancy GPUs or powerful hardware. Instant, highly accessible gaming is possible through platforms like Poki, attracting around 90 million monthly players. Meanwhile browser games run, as expected, directly in a browser, using HTML5 and WebGL. While there are many browser games about, Agar.io is worth a look, if you want to join the massive multiplayer cell-eating contest and avoid getting eaten by other cells. If you don’t believe us, you’ll have to see for yourself: there are many .io games out there, far away from the British Indian Ocean Territory where the domain originated!
5. Emulators
Last, and most certainly not least on our tour of ways to play games on your Chromebook or Chromebook Plus are emulators. These software programs emulate, or mimic hardware, enabling a device (your Chromebook or Chromebook Plus) to run software from another system. These systems may commonly be old-school Nintendos, or other retro gaming machines. While there are several popular emulators that you might want to have a look at, RetroArch is our personal favorite. Offline play, saves and controller support come as standard with most emulators. But, please note: before you start downloading, ensure that ROM (Read-Only-Memory) copies of game discs/cartridges you download are legally obtained, typically meaning you own the original physical media to avoid running afoul of the long arm of the law.
Game in Chromestyle
We hope that you’ve enjoyed our adventure into gaming on your Chromebook or Chromebook Plus today. As you can see from the methods outlined above, there are more choices for Chromebook gaming than you can shake a stick at. If you’re committed to AAA titles, cloud gaming should be your go to. Fancy less commitment, then popular Android games are easily accessible via the Google Play Store. Steam gives you access to the widest range of games, while web-based and browser games provide further options for fun times. Finally, emulate if you choose to get old-school, but download ROMs at your own risk! Whatever games you choose to play, remember to have fun.
Recommended Products
Edmund is an English copywriter based in New Taipei City, Taiwan. He is a widely published writer and translator with two decades of experience in the field of bridging linguistic and cultural gaps between Chinese and English.
Socials
|
|
|
|
