Streaming Games May Send Consoles Packing
There will no longer be a need for console purchases in the future if what OnLive promises to do works out. Imagine being able to stream top-end games and have complete control over them. That would be like being able to control a YouTube video. Why would anyone need to buy an expensive console if this really happens?
Palo Alto startup OnLive says it is the future of gaming services and will be available to gamers as soon as this winter. All you will have to have is a very small box that will sit on your TV. It's similar to the size of a Nintendo DS and it will have a plug that goes to your TV and connects into your broadband as well. That's all you need to start playing. All of your favorite games will be right there waiting for you to play, even the ones from Xbox 360, the PS3 and your computer. You won't have to wait for a download and there will be nothing to install, it will be simply onlive video games at your fingertips.
You won't have to have cords stretched everywhere trying to get all your gaming systems connected to your TV and you can use the space for something else. The best part about OnLive's service is that it will be upgradeable so you won't get stuck with a gaming system that is outdated or obsolete to find video games for.
We hear that the OnLive box is capable of playing the fastest of games. Burnout Paradise, one of the fastest racing games today is able to be played over the streaming game. Other games that usually make you have an expensive console system can be played with ease. In order to get started playing, you just need to press a few buttons and you are in the action.
Some of the features that will come with OnLive's gaming service will be similar to that of your DVR. It's unlike any other gaming console and it even gives you a replay feature so you can send the last 10 seconds of your game play to your friends so they can see it.
PC gamers will be happy to know that OnLive's service will also be accessible through a browser plug in. It will work on both Mac and PC platforms and will be exactly the same as the version for the TV. The hardware requirements are so low that you can even play the games with the most technology and features on the cheapest of laptops.
Many deals have already been signed so that games from EA, Take-Two, and Ubisoft will be accessible when the service from OnLive video games launches. Many games are already being offered and more are being added regularly.
Just as with anything that streams, the onlive video games will only be as good as the Internet connection you have. If you have a service that you lose connection with frequently you are going to end up mad most of the time. Having a high end broadband connection is likely to be the best solution to be able to have fun playing the high-def resolution games.
Your ISP may notice if you are playing the games very frequently. You might be contacted about it, and if you've got a modem, there's no use even trying to play the onlive video gaming system.
There has been no talk about what the cost of OnLive's service is going to be. They have been reported as saying it will be competitive with other subscription services like that of Xbox Live. It's not the box that will cost you, it's going to be included with a monthly subscription because they are fairly simple boxes.
You will be able to play free demos without waiting for them to download and the games will more than likely be for sale and there is a possibility that you might even get to rent them.