Yesterday marked the launch of OnLive, a cloud gaming service that allows folks with low-end computers to play high-end games.
With more than 20 games available at launch, OnLive allows users to play the likes of Mass Effect 2, Assassin's Creed 2 and Unreal Tournament without having to install them on their machine. Celebrating its launch by offering users a one-year membership for free (second year is discounted at $5/month), OnLive requires a 5-megabit internet connection and is compatible with all Macs and most PCs. Once users are registered and a member of OnLive, they can purchase 3- or 5-day passes to play any game as a rental. Users can also purchase games via a 'Full Playpass,' which allows for unlimited play of the game.
Engadget - Are you way into cloud gaming and own an LG Smart TV of the G3 series variety? You're in luck, as OnLive this morning announced support for that very line of Google TV-powered LG televisions, bringing a library of "over 300 titles" to the platform.
- TechtheWeek -
Rumors are being thrown around the PS4. With talk of it being a cloud only platform.
Although an unlikely scenario, this concept does put out an interesting point. With broadband getting ever faster, is cloud gaming the future?
uh no.
people like buying stuff they can touch and see, we work hard for our money, why would we want to technically "RENT" something with that hard earned money??? it could easily dissappear one day due to various issues.
I agree with all of those points. But we also know that speed of delivery plays a big part in any type of marketing, gaming or otherwise. Cloud gaming offers (technically) instant access to any game, thats something that could push it into the mainstream. Along with the need for no packaging. I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens.
Addict of Fiction have a chat with Onlive and uncover an unexpected exclusive about Samsung!
I'm not surprised to see this sort of thing coming to TVs but the concept of cloud gaming doens't sit well with me. I like having the physical media and I like being able to still play in the event of a provider outage. Further to that point, most providers, at least here in Canada, heavily cap their users and streaming HD videogames sure as hell isn't going to do their(users) caps any favors.
It's a HUGE thing IMAO. Sadly I do not reside in the US, so can't test this... Waiting for the first reviews! People?! Somebody tried this?
Because I have 384 kbps connection XD