OnLive And The Future Of Video Games
Published by Fred at April 25th, 2009OnLive is a new service that is trying to change the way video games are played. Receiving recognition from networks such as CNN, The New York Times, and others- this start-up from founder Steve Perlman has had the industry talking. Whether or not it changes how video games are played is yet to be seen.
If you don’t have a high speed Internet connection, you won’t be able to use OnLive. The service requires a connection of 1.5 Mbps, and even higher for high definition applications. This is due to the nature of the service, which relies heavily upon streaming content from a remote server as compared to having the data already stored on a DVD, CD, or even a hard drive. This counts many people in rural areas out.
Because the service works based on cloud computing and is based on the client server model, there has been very little need for hardware. It seems that OnLive would be able to function with a browser plug-in, or a small device that connects to a television that holds the right hookups. With these prerequisites, OnLive founders claim anyone can play their system.
Independent game developers will be relieved to know that they will be getting a new marketplace to broadcast their creations in OnLive. OnLive allows for a developer’s kit to be downloaded and used, and they actually encourage independent game developers to use it and release their content. Video game players get fresh content, game designers get heard, and it seems everyone wins with the OnLive philosphy.
Since the OnLive program doesn’t use hardware, aside from a small box if you decide to use the television option, speculators are wondering what the response will be from Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. It would seem that hardware-based consoles are slowly coming to an end as software-based entities will now be taking the lead. Some services such as GameStop or Netflix may also see harder times as a result of OnLive.
Those who have a Mac will be glad to know that OnLive is able to work on a Mac. This is great news for Apple users, who previously didn’t have many video game options to choose from as compared to Windows users. The same holds true for Linux users, who currently do not have support from the OnLive team, and no immediate plans are in action to do so.
In Conclusion
The video game industry has changed much since the early 1980’s, and will continue to do so in the next decade. As services such as OnLive come out and change established norms, we can only wonder what will come next. It seems like it will be a waiting game from here on out.
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