OnLive, an on-demand cloud gaming system aimed at challenging the traditional games console market, has opened for pre-orders in the US.
The OnLive game system gives gamers access to instant-play newly released video games on TVs, PCs or Macs.
This system will include a small OnLive MicroConsole TV adapter and an OnLive Wireless Controller. It will cost $99 and will ship on 2 December.
The service was originally available for notebook computers, but with this console, gamers can now bring the experience to a HDTV.
The adaptor utilises cloud game servers to provide this service. It will give gamers access to a library of games without needing to spend time downloading them, updating them or needing to buy discs for them.
This could spell trouble for traditional games consoles, thanks to its cheap cost and easy method of accessing games. Steve Perlman, founder and CEO of OnLive, said there is a lot of potential for the system.
“Not only is the OnLive Game System the fastest, simplest way to play, watch and test drive top-tier games instantly on the living room big screen, it also opens the door to a new world of options for gaming and entertainment — from media-rich social networking and massive spectating to game portability across TV, PC, Mac and mobile devices,” Perlman said in a statement.
OnLive Marketplace
Along with purchasing titles, players can also rent games, access demos or take part in multiplayer games. OnLive will also provide indie games and classic games.
At its US launch, OnLive has said that more than 35 games will be available, including Just Cause, Mafia II and Borderlands.
OnLive has also said that games such as Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, Red Faction and Deus Ex: Human Revolution will be coming soon. Prices for rental range from $3.99 to $8.99 and purchases range from $4.99 to $49.99.
It may be some time before we see it in Europe, however. BT has signed a deal to bring it to the UK for the end of 2011 and no word has been said on when it will be seen in Ireland. Still, it will be interesting to see how it fares in the US and how much of an impact it will have on the gaming industry.
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