Does Upload Speed Matter for Gaming
Gaming device manufacturers are of the idea that a gaming device, say the gaming consoles should be provided with at least 3mbps upload speeds. If you are, therefore, wondering if the upload speeds matter when it comes to gaming, the answer is yes, they do matter, because it will inform you of the speeds with which information will be uploaded, from your gaming device to the server.
Upload speeds are also relevant whenever a gamer wants to stream their game for other people to see, and which will mean that they will require faster internet speeds than those used for the standard gameplay. Besides, upload speeds are more important for gaming because if the speeds are not decent enough then players will be exposed to low ping.
Gaming upload speeds explained
Generally, upload speeds are the primary determinants of response time and game performance when compared to download speeds. Anytime that you play a game online or anytime that the game you play requires for you to use the internet then there must be some form of information exchange.
To understand how upload speeds are important here is a practical example, when gaming a gamer most of the time receives information, but then they also send out information when they are required to retaliate, like in a fighting game, they might have to punch or shoot an opponent, among other relevant commands that are given by the player. For the above, your game will then be required to send information to the servers and that is when the upload speeds become relevant.
Ideally, therefore, is that online gaming always sends information upstream, and the higher the upload speeds that you can afford the better you will be able to enjoy gaming. Upload speeds are also important for multiplayer gaming sessions, and in this instance, gamers will no doubt need even faster upload speeds, because apart from sending large files, they might need to video chat with the other team members thus the upload speeds should at least be at 1mbps.
Gaming device |
Ping rate |
Upload speeds |
Household speeds |
PS4 |
150ms |
1mbps |
40mbps |
Xbox One |
150ms |
1mbps |
40mbps |
Computer |
100ms |
2mbps |
40-60mbps |
Nintendo Wii U |
150ms |
1mbps |
25mbps |
Broadband and Fibre optic upload speeds
If you are using fiber optic internet then you know that your internet is good because it offers symmetrical download and upload speeds. So, for individuals who are into multiplayer gaming, it might interest you to know that your upload and download speeds will be blazing fast. Broadband internet, on the other hand, is slower, as regards the upload speeds, and in most cases, you will find that for this option the download speeds tend to be much faster.
The above happens because gamers usually download more data than they upload. There is also another category of individuals, who prefer to download games. In which case, if you are using Fiber Optic internet then it would be wise to find a subscription that offers an unlimited data plan. The above is so because there are a couple of games that might need up to 89GB of data to successfully download.
Device Accomodation and Gaming
In many cases home Wi-Fi accommodates more devices some that are streaming the bandwidth-intensive applications and others, that are into normal browsing, whichever it is, the data has to be shared, which then means that some devices might experience delays, interruptions, or take a lot of time to load.
Homeowners, who have a lot of devices accommodated in their networks, must be sure to have at least 8-10GB of data every month to play with.
Upload Speeds for Commercial Online Gaming
Skilled gamers are making a killing, gaming online, and if we are to fully cover the whole concept of online gaming then that would also involve playing the casinos. However, our aim is on one aspect of gaming, which involves the players who have a following, are exceptionally good at playing the games and stream their games live for their audience across the globe.
For the above, therefore, upload speeds are of the utmost importance if the gamers are to have any hopes for making some cash out of the hobby, and by extension forge a career as professional online gamers. So, what happens is that players will have to stream their gaming content, meaning that they must have faster upload speeds that are not only consistent but also reliable to keep their fans glued. The above will, therefore, require about 5mbps.
Conclusion
Upload speeds are just as important as the download speeds, when gaming, and in some instances, gamers might be required to have more than just 1mbps to live stream their gaming content. Our suggestion, therefore, is to settle for fiber optic internet and ensure that the gaming device is directly connected to the router.
FAQ’s
- Do slow upload speeds affect gaming?
Yes, slow upload speeds affect response time and game performance.
- How good is 2mbps for gaming?
2mbps is very good with low ping
