Ed
04-18-2009, 02:16 AM
Article From: http://www.ustelecom.org/Video_Blogs/Blog/index.php/2009/04/17/the-next-revolution-in-broadband-gaming/
The Next Revolution in Broadband Gaming?
April 17th, 2009
Tom Amontree
As gaming explodes in new, graphically stunning dimensions, even the highest-end consoles will struggle to support the demands of next-generation games. With this in mind, Steve Perlman, one of the original developers at Apple, looked to broadband for a better answer. Using advanced video-compression technology that streams via broadband to your computer or television, Perlman’s service could change the gaming industry when OnLive debuts later this year—that is, if the technology delivers on Perlman’s ambitious promises.
According to recent reports, the service is easily accessible — all gamers need to do is download a tiny piece of decompressing software to their computers, or hook up OnLive’s microconsole to their televisions. These devices, powered by broadband, will grant gamers access to OnLive’s extensive library of graphic-rich games from today’s top developers. And, apparently, customers don’t even need a high-end computer or television to receive the photo-realistic images; OnLive claims your vintage Mac laptop or PC will do just fine.
If OnLive’s technology succeeds, the future of the gaming industry will change dramatically. While, in the short-term, gamers may still want to capitalize on the investment they made in their Xbox, as games evolve, OnLive’s service may be better equipped and positioned to deliver top-of-the-line games. And, for game publishers who lose tremendous revenue to retail outlets, and packaging and shipping games, OnLive offers a far more profitable model.
Why is this service emerging now, as opposed to several years ago? In an interview with IEEE Spectrum, Perlman credits accelerated broadband penetration and higher speeds as the backbone of releasing this service, citing “competition in the market” as the impetus of advanced Internet connections.
With this sophisticated, broadband-driven technology close at hand, the gaming industry may soon unveil even more exciting choices for consumers.
The Next Revolution in Broadband Gaming?
April 17th, 2009
Tom Amontree
As gaming explodes in new, graphically stunning dimensions, even the highest-end consoles will struggle to support the demands of next-generation games. With this in mind, Steve Perlman, one of the original developers at Apple, looked to broadband for a better answer. Using advanced video-compression technology that streams via broadband to your computer or television, Perlman’s service could change the gaming industry when OnLive debuts later this year—that is, if the technology delivers on Perlman’s ambitious promises.
According to recent reports, the service is easily accessible — all gamers need to do is download a tiny piece of decompressing software to their computers, or hook up OnLive’s microconsole to their televisions. These devices, powered by broadband, will grant gamers access to OnLive’s extensive library of graphic-rich games from today’s top developers. And, apparently, customers don’t even need a high-end computer or television to receive the photo-realistic images; OnLive claims your vintage Mac laptop or PC will do just fine.
If OnLive’s technology succeeds, the future of the gaming industry will change dramatically. While, in the short-term, gamers may still want to capitalize on the investment they made in their Xbox, as games evolve, OnLive’s service may be better equipped and positioned to deliver top-of-the-line games. And, for game publishers who lose tremendous revenue to retail outlets, and packaging and shipping games, OnLive offers a far more profitable model.
Why is this service emerging now, as opposed to several years ago? In an interview with IEEE Spectrum, Perlman credits accelerated broadband penetration and higher speeds as the backbone of releasing this service, citing “competition in the market” as the impetus of advanced Internet connections.
With this sophisticated, broadband-driven technology close at hand, the gaming industry may soon unveil even more exciting choices for consumers.