Cloud Gaming with OnLive

Cloud Computing for Videogames

Mar 26, 2009 Daniel Sims

OnLive will offer a service to stream games directly to computers and Televisions this year.

One of the biggest announcements of the 2009 Game Developer’s Conference has been OnLive’s “Cloud Gaming” service. The service promises to stream today’s high-end games into televisions, PCs, and even Macs through cloud computing.

Users of the service won’t actually download the games or have to own high end computers and game consoles. The games themselves will be processed at OnLive’s own servers and then streamed to the users.

One of the main games demonstrated for this service at GDC was Crysis, a computer game notorious for its steep system requirements. On OnLive’s service, the game could be run at maximum settings in 720p at 60 frames per second on a standard laptop like a MacBook Air. OnLive’s COO stresses the accessibility brought by their service.

“By substantially lowering the barriers between content and consumers, OnLive has created an environment that is highly beneficial for every facet of the video game ecosystem,” said Mike McGarvey. “With OnLive, gamers can play what they want, when they want, how they want. That level of freedom has never been possible until now.”

According to impressions from sites like 1up and gizmodo, the streaming gameplay was relatively smooth considering what OnLive is trying to do.

Getting Cloud Gaming To Work

The only requirements of OnLive’s service will be a small browser plugin and a steady internet connection. Playing games in standard definition will require a 1.5Mbps connection and playing games in high definition (720p) will require a 5.0Mbps connection. Playing games on a TV will require the OnLive MicroConsole. According to OnLive’s founder and CEO, the service will work under a subscription service not unlike that of Xbox Live.

Several major publishers are already confirmed to support OnLive’s service. These include Eidos, Electronic Arts, Epic, Take-Two, THQ, Ubisoft, Warner Bros., Codemasters, and Atari. Screenshots have already suggested that games like Burnout Paradise, Tomb Raider Underworld, Prince of Persia, and Mirror’s Edge might appear on the service.

Internal beta testing has already begun for OnLive’s service. According to vg247, sign-up is already available for the open beta which will take place during the summer. The service is aiming for a winter 2009 full launch.

Even if OnLive’s ambitious service can get off of the ground, many already question whether it’s the right path for videogames.

The Future of Gaming?

One of the biggest points by gamers against the digital distribution that’s already prevalent on every platform is how it arguably takes physical ownership away from the consumer. What OnLive is doing takes this even further.

Users will never actually buy or download games on OnLive’s service. They will simply pay a subscription fee to be able to stream the games. Many already worry that this could put consumers at the mercy of the providers’ servers. What remains to be seen if the service is a success however is whether or not the console manufacturers decide to follow OnLive.

The copyright of the article Cloud Gaming with OnLive in Video & Online Games is owned by Daniel Sims. Permission to republish Cloud Gaming with OnLive in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.