14 DAY TRIAL // Gaming has always depended on the hardware that the gamer owned. This refers to all types of gamers, from PC users to console or handheld owners. But during this year's Game Developers Conference, OnLive was announced, promising to deliver the gaming equivalent of cloud computing to the masses. If this is true and the project is as feasible as seen in early previews, then this service might actually replace consoles and high-end PCs in a gamer's life.
Concretely, OnLive has a network of high-end servers, all of which have installed various titles on them. The gamer only needs a PC or Mac computer capable of connecting to the Internet and virtually any game out there will be available for him to play, without being concerned about the configuration of the platform or forced to go and buy the game.
The service will track the input controls from the gamer, who is at home, and broadcast them to the server that will transmit them to the game. The action in the title will then be delivered back to the user on his computer screen or TV with less than a millisecond of lag, allowing for an almost seamless gaming experience.
Don't start thinking that you will need a “monster connection” in order to actually get some decent framerates, as OnLive has revealed that a simple DSL connection of 1.5 mbps would be enough for video streaming in standard definition (480p), for people who want high definition with resolutions like 720p, and a connection of 5 mbps would be more than enough.
People would only need to use a computer, no matter the operating system, or even buy an optional micro-console from OnLive, which would cost around 100 dollars. The monthly fee for the service hasn't been revealed just yet, but some close sources say that it will be similar to the pricing on the Xbox 360's Live online system.
Besides the fact that you will be able to play any game on any computer from the comfort of your own living room, OnLive also offers some pretty basic features like friend lists or brag clips, which contain 10-second gameplay footage from the user's own experience, which he can boast to friends.
All in all, this service seems very interesting and, if all things go well, we will be able to see it launched at the end of 2009. More details will follow, including an invitation-based beta stage in summer.
