Soon too be launched OnLive service is a cloud computing based games on demand service that differs from conventional PC and Mac enabling High performance gameplay running on any level PC or Mac. Cloud computing makes this possible by having the game running in OnLives server centre and streamed down to your local hardware lag free. It operates in a similar manner too how Microsoft is able to stream 1080p Movies from the zune market place instantly and without a local installation. All that is required a PC running Windows XP or above, an Intel based Mac and a good Broadband service of at least 5MB is for HD game play.



A full range of games and publishers are already on board including EA, Activision, Sony, Bioware, EPIC, Atari, Ubisoft and MGS with new titles being made available alongside there traditional boxed counterparts. Game demo’s Multiplayer and various social features are also planned for launch much in the same vein as Steams community features support friend lists, Trophies and dedicated matchmaking and custom lobbies.

Also planned is a micro console TV adapter allowing you to take you OnLive gaming to away from you PC and onto the TV. Details are pretty scarce but support for 4 wireless controller and optical out are the standout features.



If the manage to cope with the high demand for the service and ensure a very high quality connection OnLive could represent a step change in the way hardware manufactures (sony, MS and Nintendoodoo) connect to their players. Why go to all the trouble and expense of making a billion dollar console when they can sell what is essentially a dumb terminal for £100 and invest in their cloud services. With the way publishers are looking towards downloads could cloud based services like this offer gamers a better experience and devs\publishers more $$$$$$$$$.

The service is due too launch June 17, 2010 in North America initially before a UK rollout later in the year. Prices are a month-to-month service fee of $14.95which does not include games but does include OnLive-exclusive features such as instant-play free game demos, multiplayer across PC, Mac and TV platforms, massive spectating, viewing of Brag Clips™ video capture and posting, and cloud-saving of games you’ve purchased—pause, and instantly resume from anywhere, even on a different platform. Also included in the monthly service fee are features you’d expect from standard online games services such as gamer tags, user profiles, friends, and chat.

All in all this is a very exciting development for gaming and one that have enormous effects on the future of hardware and game development.