You probably heard about OnLive when announced in GDC 2009 back then. OnLive started by by WebTV founder Steve Perlman and former Eidos CEO Mike McGarvey. It is a new distribution game system that use streaming over the internet to deliver AAA from publishers like EA, Ubisoft, Eidos,Take two,etc.
The system designed to allow players to stream on demand games to their Mac or Windows based PC regardless what the specs is.
The system will also stream games directly to a TV via a small plug-in device, and players can use a custom wireless controller as well as VoIP headsets. There is no console or whatever, all a player got to do is to invest in that small plug-in device.
OnLive promised that the service will run online games without lag. Standard definition games will need 1.5 Mbps internet connection, while High definition will require 5 Mbps. OnLive will based on monthly subscription, but players might have to pay additional fee depending whether they want to play once or buy the game. Other exciting features is being able to watch others play in real time.
From the description, OnLive is really a breakthrough in how games are distributed. Another plus point is, OnLive will actually do all the hardware investment, because the technology is on the server side that distribute the games to players. Players don't need big investments like buying a console or upgrading the PC.
But a lot of skeptical comes with it. First, the internet connection is insane, 5 Mbps internet connection is rare, most countries don't even have internet connection that fast. Even if you have 5 Mbps connection, it is still depends on server location.
Second, OnLive will be competing againts Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft. Those giants with deep pockets of cash won't be sitting around and let OnLive to take the market share.
And if Onlive can truly deliver as its promise, games retailers are threatened to close down.
No doubt in the future OnLive might be the way in digitally distributed gaming, but for now it seems too far ahead of its time. OnLive is currently in beta phase. What's your take on this?
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