Will Onlive and Cloud Gaming Change the Video Game Market?

With the recent release of OnLive cloud gaming in the UK, the questions has to be asked, will cloud computing change the video games industry?

The concept of cloud gaming is having the ability to play your favourite video games without the need of a games console or an expensive computer. By using the internet the user can stream game play from a remote server hundreds of miles away without the need of having your own hardware to run the games, only a stable internet connection. The user can buy or rent games from the company's site without the need to ever have the game physically. The concept seems simple and effective however in practice there can be a few problems. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of cloud gaming.

Advantages

• With the price of games consoles and high performance computers begin so high, one the advantages of the on live is the cost of the package. It is a one of payment for the receiver with monthly payments for using the service. They also claim their prices for purchasing games are competitive and are similar to the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii retail versions
• OnLive has a large range of the newest games available for the service featuring the same games your can play on your games console or on your PC. 100+ games are currently available for the service and new ones are added most weeks.The receiver is easy to use and quick to set up.
• The device used to stream the games from the internet is a small box that can plugs into a monitor, TV and even tablet devices. Users that prefer to play on the PC will just need to download the program for their website.

Disadvantages

• The main disadvantage of the OnLive package at the moment is the internet. OnLive requires a reliable and fast internet connection to stream the game play to your TV or monitor at home. Without a decent connection, it can make games look slow and unplayable
• Another thing that may cause a problem is the Internet Service Providers. With most of the ISP in the UK capping the amount of data your can download, playing OnLive for long periods of time may rack up a large bill at the end of the month. Make sure you have no restrictions on downloads if considering purchasing the service
• In the UK (and other countries) there is a large amount of people who buy second-hand games. Once you completed your title, people generally trade in their old game for a new one. With Cloud gaming and OnLive, you never own a physical copy making the whole process of trading in your old game for a new one redundant.

Conclusion

As mentioned about the OnLive package is a very good product with a great concept, bringing high quality, detailed games to people without the access of a games console or the money to afford one. However the fact that most peoples internet connections may not be fast enough and that ISPs enforce download limits, might hold this product back. While the concept is brilliant, the product is well delivered, i don't think the majority of the world is ready. Until that time, i doubt the big three (Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo) have anything to worry about.