14 DAY TRIAL // Smart TVs can already do a lot of things, like access the Internet for social networking and online video or TV broadcast streaming, but there is something even they can't tackle very well yet.
That something is games, but LG and Unity Technologies decided to remedy this shortcoming through a new partnership.
Basically, the former's 2012 line of Smart TVs will get Unity's various games, or many of them.
The overarching purpose of this maneuver is to lead to the creation of a mass-market demand for games on Smart TVs.
Unity plans to make games available through its Union business unit. Titles mentioned in the announcement are Shadowgun, Firsbee Forever (family-friendly and motion controller-ready).
“The television technology LG is introducing this year is very impressive and offers an incredible opportunity for the developers under the Union umbrella to reach a new market,” said David Helgason, CEO of Unity Technologies.
“Our goal with Union is to create new avenues of distribution for developers using Unity, and LG smart TVs are creating a massive and new gaming audience.”
The Magic Motion Remote gyroscopic motion controller will be key in the efforts of the two partners. A more powerful video processor will need to be integrated into the TVs themselves as well. More details should come later.
“Adding a huge catalog of Unity-authored titles to the line-up of games available on LG TVs will boost the incredible value that our customers receive when choosing one of our HDTV models,” said Sang-Woo Lee, head of content division of LG TV.
“We want our TVs to be the most comprehensive platform for entertainment on the market and having access to such an impressive array of games helps make that happen.”
Of course, one has to wonder how many more features a Smart TV can integrate before it turns into a full-fledged all-in-on PC.