HughesNet service plans will work with many features offered through gaming services such as Xbox LIVE® and the PlayStation Network. Learn more about gaming and streaming through your game system using HughesNet satellite Internet.
HughesNet service plans will work with many features offered through gaming services such as Xbox LIVE® and the PlayStation Network. You will be able to download games and game updates, and use the streaming video and music services offered through your gaming system, such as Netflix® and Hulu™. However, the majority of real-time, multi-player games that people play on Xbox LIVE and PlayStation will not work over any satellite Internet service. Strategy and “turn-based” games will work but games requiring a rapid response such as “first-person shooters” will be unplayable.
How do I use video and music services through a gaming system?
Many gaming systems are capable of connecting to video and music services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora®. You will need to refer to your gaming system owner’s manual to determine which services are supported with your particular console. In addition, these are often subscription-based services that require you to have an account or monthly subscription package directly with that video or music service provider. It is also important to note that streaming services often use high amounts of data, so be sure to the HughesNet Mobile App or myHughesNet.com to monitor your usage so you don’t unexpectedly exceed your monthly Service Plan Data.
Can I play multi-player games that do not require real-time connections?
Yes, “turn-based” games, such as casino games, and strategy games, such as chess, will work fine via HughesNet satellite Internet service. Role-playing games and popular Facebook games will also work with HughesNet. You can use the Xbox and PlayStation consoles to download games to play offline, and use the streaming video and music services offered through your gaming system.
Why don’t real-time games work?
With satellite service, the data must travel up to the satellite and back (about 22,000 miles). This round trip adds about a half-second delay to the total time your computer takes to communicate with a Website or host server. That will prevent real-time, multi-player games from establishing or maintaining a reliable connection with the gaming server.
What are real-time games?
These are typically games in which one player is playing directly against multiple other users at the same time over the Internet. Another term for this is “online multi-player games.” Examples include sports games in which you play directly against other gaming system users such as in a football or soccer game, and “military simulation games” such as Call of Duty™ and Battlefield™.