True Move H Universal Communication (TUC), a major mobile service operator under True Corp, has partnered with China-based cloud tech provider Bifrost Cloud to provide cloud gaming services through Netboom as part of the carrier's move to cash in on the burgeoning online gaming market.
The move transforms smartphones into high-spectrum PC or gaming consoles with extended coverage for gamers to experience virtual graphics and special 3D effects on a smooth, non-interrupted app without needing to download anything, True said.
Bifrost Cloud offers speeds that are three times as fast as other networks, said Piroon Paireepairit, head of 5G Working Group at True Corp.
This will provide a new type of smartphone gaming experience that can be enjoyed anywhere and everywhere with a non-interrupted signal.
"This cooperation is a new format in the cloud gaming industry, allowing Thai gamers to have new experiences utilising the strength of 5G and cloud technology," said Mr Piroon.
Ni Haisheng, founder and chief executive of Bifrost Cloud, said there are over 300 grade AAA games on Netboom such as shooter Overwatch, which has more than 40 million players, and Fall Guy, a game that gained millions of players in one week.
Other games include PUBG, League Of Legends and Tekken 7.
Mr Piroon said True has prepared special deals for customers with monthly True 5G receiving the opportunity to try Netboom for 10 minutes free of charge and get access to 24 hours free usage when applying for a monthly Netboom subscription for the first time.
Mr Piroon said True 5G Cloud Gaming by Netboom offers three working modes.
The first concerns free games, allowing gamers to play various games for a trial period.
The second is instant play mode or direct access to major game stores like Steam, Epic Games, and Origin to play games instantly.
The last is PC mode, in which smartphones can be used as portable PCs anywhere without having to download games that take up storage. This will minimise the use of data and information storage.
Both pre-paid and post-paid True customers will also receive 1 GB of free internet service and 80 hours per month of Netboom when applying for an additional package priced at 299 baht.