Text message or app fallback during network failure in a video game

A method, comprising:

• at a server system having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the server system to perform operations comprising:
• executing a session of a video game by a cloud gaming resource;
• streaming video generated by the session over a network to a client device associated with a player of the video game, to enable gameplay of the session by the player;
• detecting an instance of loss of network connectivity between the server system and the client device during the session;
• responsive to detecting the instance of the loss of network connectivity, then initiating transmission of updates regarding the session, via an alternative communication channel, to a secondary device associated to the player;
• further responsive to detecting the instance of the loss of network connectivity, initiating receiving of game commands, via the alternative communication channel, from the secondary device;
• and
• applying the game commands in the session to enable continued gameplay by the player during the instance of the loss of network connectivity.