OnLive – the new video game console?

A new service called OnLive is attempting to revolutionize the way that people think about gaming with consoles. How many times have we heard that? Well this time they might be on to something. I doubt this will spell the demise of popular console platforms, but this is a viable option. Basically, OnLive works by allowing users to stream games to their computer or TV…regardless of the power of their computer. The ability to play on a TV will come with a sort of microconsole that is projected to cost less than current consoles (so under $250). Now this is getting interesting. This occurs through a conglomeration of patented and patent pending compression technologies that the company has developed. Of course, there are some requirements as far as Internet goes. Particularly the system will require a 1.5Mbps connection for standard definition and 5Mbps for high definition quality. Now you say “Okay, but I still have to download those huge games somehow.” Not so, my friend. The games will actually be hosted by OnLive and users will literally stream lag-free from them. All you download is a measly 1 megabyte plug-in. Wait just a minute here. So you’re telling me that I will not even have to upgrade my hardware for this thing? In a word, Yes. That is what they are saying. The upgrades will occur on their end, not yours. It is likely that there will be some sort of subscription service for the OnLive service. For some this is a positive, for others a negative. They will also likely allow free trials of most or all games so you can sample before buying. No first party (Nintendo, Microsoft etc) have signed on to distribute through OnLive at this point, which makes sense because their technology does somewhat threaten the foundational model of these companies with their consoles. However, they do have 9 third party game makers signed up already. If you think about it, it’s not a bad idea for them at all. They get to cut out most distribution costs by doing it all digitally. There is also a very strong social element of the system. Users will be able to save the last 10-15 seconds of a game as “brag clips” to send around to all of their friends. It is also possible to join live games in action and to spectate games that are in progress if it is especially interesting and your thumbs need a rest. Who is getting in on this action right now? Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Take-Two Interactive, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, THQ, Epic Games, Eidos, Atari Interactive and Codemasters are already on-board. Sounds good to me. Expect OnLive to be available this winter with a variety of pricing options.

Cheers.

by mbcrawford on Mar.26, 2009, under Stuff