An Introduction to Online Video Game QoS and QoE Influencing Factors

Online video games and cloud gaming are rapidly growing in pervasiveness. Their resource demands can put significant stress on the global communication infrastructure. And network conditions are amongst the chief factors that influence one’s enjoyment while playing games. This makes it imperative for video games to be considered for network dimensioning, server placement or protocol development. For that reason, in this work we provide an introduction to the technical aspects of video games in general and of their network aspects in particular. This understanding forms the basis for a rich taxonomy of factors that influence and provide context to a video game’s Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE). The taxonomy covers influence factors from all aspects involved in a video game, from the subjective player and game influence factors to the system and networking influence factors. Finally, this work gives an overview of conducted and ongoing research as well as future research opportunities while taking into account lessons learned from past approaches.