OnLive in talks with Sony, Microsoft, and Valve
Cloud gaming provider OnLive wants to be as ubiquitous as Netflix. And to do so, they're in talks with the console manufacturers.
Cloud gaming provider OnLive wants to be as ubiquitous as Netflix. Already, it has struck deals to integrate its game streaming service with televisions and other electronic devices. However, its biggest victory would come from partnering with the console providers, much like Netflix does. And, discussions are already happening, according to OnLive VP of Engineering Joe Bentley. "There are OnLive guys chatting [Sony and MS], but we'll see where it goes," he told CVG. "But it would absolutely work, we're ready to work with everybody."
Bentley also notes that the similarities between the PS3, Xbox 360 and OnLive controller make it easy to bring the service to one (or both) of the platforms. "Our controller is a hybrid between a PS3 controller and an Xbox controller. It's all compatible, it would just work."
But will either of the platform manufacturers be willing to open their platform to, essentially, a competitor? Right now, it seems like the most likely candidate would be Sony, who partnered with Valve to allow Steamworks integration into the PS3 version of Portal 2. Sony also allowed Vudu, a competing movie delivery service, on the platform, to directly compete with the PlayStation Store.
While OnLive will undoubtedly continue pursuing other avenues for penetrating the television market, the company may have found an unexpected partner: Valve. "Gabe [Newell] and his team really like what we're doing," Bentley added. "I can't go into specifics of any conversations we've had but we have had conversations with everybody in the industry. They really dig OnLive."
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Andrew Yoon posted a new article, OnLive in talks with Sony, Microsoft, and Valve.
Cloud gaming provider OnLive wants to be as ubiquitous as Netflix. And to do so, they're in talks with the console manufacturers.-
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There is a bit of input lag but it is constant and stable. It's predictable so you get used to it and adjust. I usually only notice it for the first few minutes when I'm playing then I'm adjusted and forget about it.
One good argument for Onlive right now (for me at least) I fired up the Duke Nukem Forever trial... and the game runs better and looks about the same as it does on my PC. It does make sense for people with slower PC's. Sony of MS could buy the service and use it as a demo trial platform. What I like about it is that many demos are not custom demos.. you literally get the full game but you are only allowed to play for 30 minutes or so. I think sometimes that gives you a better idea of the game than the hand-crafted demo.-
"A bit"?
Last time i tried any shooter was completely unplayable. Input lag is not "predictable" when you need to have your crosshairs *right there* and *right now*, not "here somewhere" and "some time in the future".
Racing games are only playable with a lot of assists on, the delicate throttle and steering controls necessary for higher difficulties are impossible to pull off, especially when opponents are around you have to react to.
Games OnLive is suited to are the ones where the gameplay is 100% predictable and no reactions are necessary, only trial and error untill you get it right. Hence i really wonder whether/why Valve is in talks with them. The only reason i can imagine Valve being "excited" for such a deal is when they can somehow rent out the entire Steam catalogue to OnLive, i can only imagine how much cash that would bring in. On the flipside, i don't see anyone at Valve actually using the service. -
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Actually there is a really good excuse for input lag in the case of Onlive... it's called the laws of physics. You are playing the game on a remote computer... there will be input lag. To Onlive's credit though they have reduced all other lag which was within their control to the point where you pretty much just have the round trip delay of your input to their servers and back. It's predictable and it's stable and you do get used to it. Maybe I just have a good connection and happen to be close to one of their datacenters? For me.. it's really not bad. I can play games on Onlive without much issue.
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