GDC 09: OnLive Introduces The Future of Gaming?

Before I dive into what OnLive is and how it works, let me start by saying that you should read every word of this article as this service has the potential to completely change the way games are played. If it works and gets proper support from both publishers and gamers, you may never need a high-end PC to play the latest games, or perhaps even ever buy a console again. That is not an exaggeration.

[surfer]

wow, its pretty amazing what they can do these days

[Tony P]

Agreed. Incredible news. Way to start off with a bang. I'm surprised they actually have it available to test considering I hadn't heard of it till just now!

No noticeable lag? These guys have been busy in a good way.

Can't wait to hear more particulars. I've got some expectations and concerns already.

[360 man]

so theres gonna be 1 big tall building field with nothing but computers

[xztence]

theres no way they can accomplish that with just some high end servers, there will be epic amounts of lag and framerate drops when millions join in.
its a really good idea for the future though but atm I highly doubts its possible.

[Information Minister]

It's not just the lag, but also the fact that the service comes with a visual downgrade ("Do the games run at 60fps? Technically, yes, but the video stream makes it feel less so. They're still smooth, but Burnout wasn't as brisk as it is on a PS3, for instance."). And you can forget about 1080p.

So we've been creating "PS3 vs 360" flamewars over small barely noticeable details and now we're supposed to lower our standards? I don't know about you but I like to play my games in the highest quality possible.

[Rofflecopter]

Awesome idea, but what happens when my internet goes out? then i cant play, and id be very upset. also, i dont think that sony and microsoft are going to be happy about this. maybe this means its time for a sony/microsoft console, a nintendo console, and this :D it wont happen but i can dream..

[FarEastOrient]

So how long before I reach Comcast's bandwidth cap with this device and how will I be able play a like Empires: Total War that uses machine power like disposable oil?

[IdleLeeSiuLung]

I doubt this will take off unless you want laggy experience in single player. No matter what improvements they make they can't overcome three things right now:

- latency due to the copper (or even optical) wire on a high speed internet connection
- latency due to the different paths a packet can take through the internet, meaning some of your input might not reach their computer in time
- the amount of graphical data being sent to you

The first two already exist as seen on PSN and XBL. The third is almost impossible to fix with even the fastest computers in the world compressing the video. The amount of data flowing between your computer to the screen is enormous.

So in short, it might catch on, but will never replace Sony, Nintendo or MS consoles!

[solidt12]

Not the end of consoles with disc drives but it definitely opens up conversation for that. I didn't expect to see anything like this for another five years.

[Parappa The Rappa]

So. DigiDistribution of games by pre-rendering them thru a cloud based service.

For any who ever said that Digital wasn't possible, or would never happen.....eat it. Eat all of it.

Also. Before any of you pricks out there try to argue about network speeds(something you prolly know nothing about), can I get a show of hands? how many of you are on a connection thats slower than 5megs?
Anyone? Be honest. We wont laugh, just want to prove a point.

[MNicholas]

of the very high cost of bandwidth. Imagine playing Crysis on the highest settings on the Wii! Absolutely nothing revolutionary about the idea but it will be a long time before it becomes viable.

[Darkfocus]

Its called remote play(when your ps3 renders the video and sends it to the psp and the psp sends control input back to the ps3 over the internet)

[fenix1300]

while I am really thrilled about this new service, it looks like it is going to cost a lot of $$$ to maintain these systems, meaning like a $50 monthly fee like xbox live (or what ever the hell the cost is. I have a ps3). so we need to ask at what point is it going to be more expensive to use this service. also take a look at all of Sony's and MS's developers. that is a lot of exclusive content that this service will not provide. honestly though for multi plat. games this service is really a blessing.

Not to hate on the 360 but if all of its games are on the pc and therefor on this service wouldn't that be a huge blow to the system???
what do you guys think?

[fenix1300]

ok this service is going to fail. it is having trouble accepting an application for the beta and it expects me to believe that it can stream full games?

[phosphor112]

Bandwidth. Yes they said "no noticeable lag" but what is their bloody connection? T1? T3? Fiber optics? I'm still running on 1.5mbps downloads, meaning I have to click pause to completely load a LOW QUALITY youtube video. I can't afford these faster broadband connections, and that is the same for millions of other people in the US. Hell, it may do well around the world, but as long as us Americans have craptastic internet, we won't be enjoying this product.

[KingKionic]

might be the end of console and pc gaming.....nah not yet.

[PtRoLLFacE]

it may not be the end of consoles but maybe the end for fanboys lol

[lord_of_balrogs]

This is still PC gaming. If anything this might mark the end of Steam.

[Information Minister]

I hear Gabe Newel was so upset by these news that he only had 5 double cheeseburgers for lunch instead of his usual 6.

[aldesko]

Very nice... ++bubble

[xlx-russ_92]

The Future is here. I want this thing now

[solidt12]

Don't fall for it. US networks aren't ready for this yet. It may work but it is a down grade from what we have now (no 1080p). It is good that they are doing this though. Who knows, in about 6 years they may be able to handle Millions of users.

[Xi]

we start with computers designed to work.

then we decide that computers are to expensive for each person so we develop terminals.

then we decide it would be cheaper to make all terminals their own computers because we don't have the bandwith without giant cables.

then we create a way to make terminals cheaper and increase bandwith and we're back to terminals and servers.

[poopsack]

this seems awesome, but it definately wouldnt turn into the mainstream, simply because of these reasons, HDMI only, Online must be on always. and a couoke others.Still it seems AMAZING. if they offered some type of silver service where its basic with no pay, im buyin a box. Still the "console" version needs a diff name.

It would work out as the next generation of PSN and Xbox Live. :D

[poopsack]

jaja ign totally got us with this one, and we ate it. cake=onlive, the cake is a lie.

[poopsack]

wait now they have interviews on gametrailers...

[REALgamer]

If it's playable without lag, that's incredible.

I would have though the process would create at least a second's lag:

INPUT -> PC
PC -> INTERNET -> SERVER
SERVER RENDERS FRAME
SERVER -> INTERNET -> PC -> SCREEN

How did they get it down to almost 1 millisecond?!

[phosphor112]

They aren't using standard broadband.

Oh, and their aren't 100 million people using up the servers either...

[Eldyraen]

Sounds really great, just curious how it'll actually work out. Visited their site after watching couple vids about it and apparently site is going to be updated later today (here anyways, as its 1am). I doubt OnLive will change much early on but if they can get their foot in the door so to speak I'm various curious to see both how they and others that support and/or 'copy' the technology could lead us.

The one thing I am very cautious about though is potential pricing (for services, games, as well as data usage). Definitely something I'll be watching though as even if I don't use it (probably will have to try it out depending on price) as it definitely has me seeing its possible potential and would like to hear a little more about it.

[PinkFunk]

Anything that broadens the accessibility of interactive technology for the masses is good in my books. It seems silly nowadays that we should have high-spec hardware: I say f*** specs. Hardware is old news... in with the magic, man! My PS3 is clogging my living space as it is... Haha, well i'm only partially joking, I love my PS3.

[Torkith]

That's incredible. I don't really know what else to say that hasn't been said yet.

My major concern would be it actually running at 60fps. With this setup people would want to hook their computers up to their TV, so many things I can think of right now.

On a personal note I really hope it doesn't end home consoles that would be sad. I'd go bust out my genesis and snes to make me feel comfortable. lol. Even if it did, for this service to be perfected would take a long time imho.

Was that actually a demo or a pre-rendered video of what they're hoping to achieve?

[mazirjones]

The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, the girls are wearing less clothing...wait, what was I getting at? Oh yeah, you FOOLS, its almost APRIL!

[poopsack]

awwwwwwWwWwwWwWwwWwWGggggGGGgG gGg I didnt know, now im confused

[mazirjones]

but you can see how one could be cynical when it comes to technology like this being revealed at this time of year.

But still, there is the Phantom to consider...

[Slinkey]

Do not trust them! remember the phantom!

[realill]

I doubt it will work. Realtime HD video through network is very difficult task to accomplish.

[PtRoLLFacE]

is very similar to streamMygame but instead of using ur own computer u use servers, i try streamMygame one time on my ps3 with linux and i manage to play crysis on it, am telling u Onlive will be a success

[CrayzeeCarl]

The difference is StreamMyGame doesn't go out to the web, it stays in your LAN. That means <5ms latency and speeds of 100-1000mbps.

Once you go out to the web, you at least double the latency and speed drops to usually no more than 30mbps except for the best of the best connections.

[TomMcBaum]

That would really be a game changer, so to speak. And this could give a Wii or an Apple TV (etc.) the capability to play 720P/60 fps "HD" games, if it was released for these or other similarly "underpowered" consoles. If they don't screw it up with insanely high per-game pricing, of course. Watch out, STEAM.

[PumPum]

I dont like where this is going.

You know, when tech like this hits the market they nickle and dime you for how many minutes you play.
Say good by to physical copies which lasts lifetime in your shelf.

Gamers will officially be slaves of the system.

[barakiu]

story of the day, no question.

scratch that, gaming story of the year, and those to come!

[xabmol]

I doubt anything like this will become a reality until we get better at quantum computing.

[PtRoLLFacE]

lol u meant bye ps3 bye 360 and bye wii

[360 man]

quantum computing ?

[xabmol]

4 Paragraphs down
http://www.brighamandwomens...

[barakiu]

Play Console & PC Games On Your PC, Mac Or TV

http://www.kotaku.com.au/ga...

Warner Bros. backs new game console

http://www.hollywoodreporte...

GDC: OnLive Announces Cloud-Based Gaming Service

http://www.gamasutra.com/ph...

OnLive Promises to Deliver Cloud Gaming

http://www.ubergizmo.com/15...

OnLive Goes After Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo

http://www.cnbc.com/id/2984...

GDC 2009: Will OnLive change PC gaming as we know it?

http://news.bigdownload.com...

http://www.gametrailers.com...

http://www.onlive.com

[wibble]

This type of tech can only be useful for cell phones. The idea is that they render low res images on one of many regular PCs and stream them to a cell phone.

But to generate high res images and stream them to a desktop PC in realtime wouldn't be practical. They would need a farm of supercomputers and the end user would need a very fast connection.

[sniper4534]

it uses 1.5mb for standard resolution and like 5mb for 720p but the thing is that internet connection speeds are increasing everyday, other countries have higher standard speed confections like japan, the standard over there is above 10mb, but that wont be a problem for me, i have a 16mb connection so i can basically stream full HD lol

[barakiu]

now everyone can play the game. the dudes who created it must be excited for that possibility.

[sniper4534]

true and no body would be like, ohh mine version is superior than yours

[boJABER]

pretty amazing technology.
but for me, I like to buy and build my library at home ;)

[xc7x]

then we could see this killing off lots of things

[xaviertooth]

AFJ

that's it!

[machpants]

So with this I (and a lot of others) can game at AN INCREDIBLE 480p! ZOMFG what great graphics I will see at 768x480. Pile of toss I game now at 5040x1050, but (like a lot of people my download speed sux) I won't be touching this with a barge pole.

[Cajun Chicken]

VERY interesting. Good for rentals I guess, but I still like owning my own copies of a game in my own room whilst being offline.

[Madgunner]

while i was tearing some ppl up at my friends house playing street fighter.. one of my biggest concerns with this kind of service is... they are just using publisher games.. what about first party titles??? Will ONLIVE have their own internal game studios and produce software to then upload to this server.. to many unanswered questions and lots of factors to consider before even thinking about calling this a sucess within another 5 - 10 years.

EDIT how will publishers get paid is...it benificial to go this route for 3rd party companys?... will they make less revenue?... What about Sony nintendo and microsofts games... will we see halo on this onlive... will we see GT, GOW, Killzone 3 -5 on this thing, how about nintendos zelda or beloved mario series amongst many other franchises that they make... if MS sony and nintendo wish to stay in this market and keep making consoles themselves for years to come... do we think that Said companys are going to just let OnLive upload the franchise that sony ms and nintendo make...

[Durffen]

And what if I don't have a credit with ton's of cash to buy games with? As hyped as I am, and as much potential as this has, I'm not going to my parents to ask for their credit cards to buy games. No thank you.

[nefertis]

I guess if this takes off I guess we will be hearing arguments from the big 3 on who will buy this service. I wouldn't be surprise if MS pay them 20billion if OnLive takes off.

[silvacrest]

this seems amazing
i wish them the best of luck

[Flewid638]

Is great for hotel rooms who want a gaming service hooked up, without actually buying the hardware so that it doesn't get stolen. But for the home consumer? You're GOING to want the hardware in your house.

Hasn't worked for movies, and it certainly wont work for games. You need the hardware to achieve the highest possible level of digital quality AND physical medium ownership. Sure YouTube is great, but is your entire video/music library online? No. You own it.

[Redempteur]

i'm sorry but i doubt all types of game are playable with this ..

playing a 60 fps racing game streamed is something that can't be done today ...but i'll glad if they can prove me wrong ...

[solidt12]

Imaging a Fighting game. the Lag would be terrible.

[Flewid638]

But not the end all, be all. Human beings also have a physical attachment to the things they trade/sell/barter/own.

It's like the GoogleDrive. Do you really want your entire hard-drive saved online through Google by a virtual drive? So that Google can go through your files/porn/games/music and make a virtual profile of you? No thanks. That sh*t's private.

I look at this device the same way. Nice to have, but nowhere near feasible to replace my PS3. GREAT for when im on the road though, and I don't have ACCESS to my PS3 games.

[barakiu]

there are like 15 different threads on GT since the announcement.

1 made it to page 13 another page 9 .

this thing may be huge.

[Insanium]

OH. MY. GOD.

I just pissed myself.

[ONYX737]

I hope this thing sticks to it's own little dark corner if it ever does come out. I love having a physical game collection that with some games increases in value over time rather than access to a game online that I would lose rights to if the service goes belly up. And I hate the fact that you would have to subscribe and pay for games.

[Etseix]

lol i tought it was a DSi special edition
mmmm well i preffer having my own collection instead of this :S

[xaviertooth]

i wonder when 100K users access a game say Halo 4 in all 630p 30fps glory ...

---> BAD INTERNAL SERVER !

[Hildor_muthafo]

At first... I was thinking oh god, this is terrible. It will be the down fall of everything (I work in a game studio). But now that I have thought about this for a few hours... I must say that this might actually be much better for developers. Developers loose money in the console war (just look at Killzone 2, it should be making a lot more than what it is), ONLIVE would make it so that all games would be available to everyone. You wouldn't have to worry about not being able to buy a game, simply because you couldn't afford the console/didn't own the console. Eventually this could be "IT"... Now lets just hope that Microsoft doesn't buy these guys out by the end of the day and ruin this all LOL. (also, I'm not a fan boy.. I only own a 360)

[keeponjammin08]

First off I'd wager that I would notice lag. If my neighbor had the rendering pc and I was sending inputs and recieving a video stream of what his computer is doing through the internet there would be at least a one second delay. If the rendering computer was in another state you are looking at even more lag. Hardcore gamers even notice the input lag between a wired and wireless controller. So I know this will never render consoles or high end pc's obsolete.

Another reason this won't succeed is that developers aren't going to support a device that even further limits what they can do. This might catch on with casual gamers for a few months tops. Then it will be forgotten. Not to mention this thing will probably have ridiculous service prices which would add up to costing as much as a console or pc anyway. Another thing to consider is that there is still a high end computer doing the work, it's just not yours. This could work for cheap parlor games or something, but it's not the future of gaming.

[souljah]

do you have any idea what kind of bandwidth do u need to play crysis for example at full details ?? k`mon .

[NoBullsh1t]

You buy games and play them over you internet connection. You never get any kind of phsyical box to say the game is yours, only a message on scren saying it is purchased. Not only does this game depend on your connection for the quality of gameplay but it depends on the connection of your internet entirely! Your internet goes off, NO GAMES!

It basically runs the game over on their servers but with this being an already hefty task, any online gameplay would suffer severely. Lag basically! and lots of it.....

If you really think this is how gaming is going to go then your not to intelligent.

You will only see indie games and the odd PC games on this. Sony nor Microsoft will allow their exclusives on this platform, so say goodbye to anything exciting.

[moja]

I'm glad some folks are excited about this application. I think this is a novel idea for those with less free cash to purchase physical goods or who have simpler needs for gaming. I just wonder how much existing technology they can actually patent. This stuff has been around for 30 years (thin clients anyone?), it's just another niche to fill. Hardware and software competition fuel each other.

To spell the death of future console generations is just a regurgitated wolf-cry, and makes me wonder if they sold their cars for segways.