We recently covered YOM’s report of more than 10,000 cloud gaming sessions in September. YOM is building a decentralized cloud gaming network that uses GPUs from independently operated gaming PCs rather than relying entirely on traditional data centres. All of that activity came through Walter.gg, the browser-based service that lets you try YOM’s technology for yourself.
Walter.gg’s free early alpha is already live with Counter-Strike 2, Warframe and Marvel Rivals. You can stream all three games through a browser without installing them on your device. There’s no subscription or payment information required while the alpha is free.
Three Games Are Available in the Free Alpha
Your options right now are Counter-Strike 2, Warframe and Marvel Rivals. Whether you’re after competitive shooting, Warframe’s cooperative missions or Marvel Rivals’ superhero battles, you’ll sign in with your own Steam account to play. All three games are free-to-play.
If you’re hoping to play something else, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS and Overwatch 2 are listed as being in testing. Neither is playable through Walter yet, and there’s no announced date for either game.
You can’t connect your entire Steam library yet. Walter tests each game before adding it to the service, with more games planned as they pass those checks.
Getting Started Takes an Email and Steam Sign-In
To try Walter, head to Walter.gg, choose a game and enter your email address. You’ll sign in through Valve’s Steam login screen when prompted. Walter says it doesn’t see or store your Steam credentials, and your progress and achievements stay tied to your Steam account.
Right now, you can play in a browser on a PC, Mac or phone. Dedicated apps for desktop, Android and iOS are in development. YOM also says it’s alpha-testing a native Walter app with a TV manufacturer, although it hasn’t named the company or announced a release date.
Paid subscriptions are planned, but YOM hasn’t announced when they’ll arrive.
Your Access Depends on an Available Machine
Before starting a game, you can check Walter’s coverage map to see where machines are located. Even if one is nearby, it might already be occupied.
If nearby machines are busy, you may need to try again later. Walter’s early-alpha terms also warn that maintenance or technical problems can interrupt play.
YOM is testing mobile tower infrastructure as another way to expand capacity. In a UK trial with Cornerstone, StonesThro and Zadara, it reported 168 gaming sessions over 20 days with no packet loss during the measured sessions. It also found inconsistent frame delivery that needs work before the next phase.
I’m excited about what YOM is trying to do with Walter. Building a cloud gaming network around independently operated gaming PCs is an approach I want to see succeed. I’m especially curious how Walter will compare with established cloud gaming services when it comes to performance and availability. My biggest concern right now is the game library. Counter-Strike 2, Warframe and Marvel Rivals are a good start, but three games aren’t going to be enough in the long run. I want to see Walter expand its library and, just as importantly, provide reliable access as more people try the service.
You can try Walter’s free alpha at Walter.gg and see whether there’s a machine available in your area.
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