Singtel has partnered with Tencent Games to introduce a cloud gaming experience using 5G network slicing technology.
The initiative marks the first global deployment of 5G network slicing at a national level specifically for a cloud gaming service, promising players a smoother and more competitive experience whether at home or on the go.
This collaboration will see the launch of the popular game, Honor of Kings (HoK), running on Singtel’s advanced 5G infrastructure. By taking advantage of dedicated, low-latency capabilities, the service aims to eliminate common frustrations for mobile gamers.
With the game’s intensive processing and rendering handled in the cloud, players will no longer need high-end hardware or to contend with large game downloads, making top-tier gaming accessible on a wider range of mobile devices.
The underlying technology, Singtel’s network slicing, is designed to create a dedicated ‘lane’ on the network for specific applications. This ensures that gaming data receives priority, shielding it from general network congestion and delivering a more consistent connection. The same capability is being used to enhance real-time processing for IoT devices and to support generative AI applications for smart glasses.
Keith Leong, Managing Director of Enterprise at Singtel Singapore, commented: “We’re excited to elevate the mobile gaming experience for Singapore’s passionate gaming community. With the world’s first nationwide 5G network slice deployed for HoK, we’re delivering ultra-low latency that gamers need to compete seamlessly, anytime and anywhere.
“While the cloud version of the game has already seen success in some markets, no one else has applied network slicing at this scale—and that truly takes the gaming experience to another level. This milestone underscores the strength of Singtel’s 5G+ network, not just for gaming but for the next wave of real-time cloud applications, positioning Singapore at the forefront of digital innovation.”
Honor of Kings, a mobile multiplayer online battle arena game, has already cultivated a massive global player base. This new cloud version, powered by Tencent Cloud Gaming technology, is set to begin its network slicing test phase in October 2025.
Mr Sammy Chen, Vice General Manager of Cloud Gaming at Tencent Games, said: “The partnership between Tencent Cloud Gaming and Singtel represents a deep integration of 5G networks with cloud gaming, which can significantly enhance the real-time interactive experience for cloud gamers.”
Core to this advancement is Singtel’s 5G+ network slicing technology. One key component is an app-based policy that automatically routes all traffic from the cloud gaming application on a user’s device through a dedicated, prioritised network lane.
Working alongside Ericsson, Singtel has also implemented a 5G Advanced Latency Priority Scheduling system. This technology intelligently identifies and gives precedence to time-critical game data, such as player commands and in-game animations, to reduce delays that can impact real-time gameplay. To take full advantage of these features, players will need to use a device that supports User Equipment Route Selection Policy (URSP).
The global cloud gaming market is on a steep growth trajectory, projected to expand from $5.32 billion in 2025 to $39.57 billion by 2030. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead this charge, fuelled by the continued rollout of 5G networks and the high adoption of smartphones for cloud gaming.
Alongside this technological milestone, Singtel is also launching a new digital content platform in Singapore called TxStore. Initially available for Android users, the store will feature 30 popular games, including global hits like PUBG MOBILE.
HoK is scheduled for release on the TxStore in November 2025, with plans to expand to the Google Play Store and other platforms in the future.
While gamers from any mobile operator can subscribe to games on the TxStore, Singtel customers will benefit from exclusive perks, including up to 55% off on in-game purchases and a $6 credit for new accounts.
This cloud gaming experience launch is the latest in a series of 5G innovations from Singtel, which has previously pioneered using network slicing during high-traffic public events like the National Day Parade and the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.
5G network slicing has also been applied in mission-critical scenarios across sectors including public safety, healthcare, and logistics, demonstrating its versatility beyond consumer entertainment.
Source: https://www.telecomstechnews.com/news/singtel-and-tencent-debut-network-slicing-5g-cloud-gaming/
