OnLive promises video games without all the hardware

ByABC News
March 24, 2009, 10:59 PM

— -- A new online video game distribution network hopes to free players from buying game discs or the console systems and high-priced computers needed to play them.

The OnLive Game Service, expected to launch later this year and to be officially announced today at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco lets subscribers choose from a on-demand catalog of new video games that can be played on Windows and Apple Macintosh computers or television sets.

Bypassing current console systems such as the Microsoft Xbox that play only games made for that specific platform, OnLive lets computers play games stored on its network of super-powerful data servers. These servers bounce game data back and forth from the player's computer using proprietary compression technology to make the games run as if they are loaded on the computer.

To play over big-screen HDTVs, a small microconsole unit (the size of a deck of cards) that connects to home broadband networks is used. Game controllers and headsets can connect to the microconsole using USB or wireless connections.

As the first true virtual console, "OnLive shows the potential for a gaming world without consoles," says Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan Securities. However, he says, if the service costs too much, it runs the risk of being like TiVo's digital video recorder among the first DVRs but priced too high for mass acceptance.

The price of the microconsole needed for TV-based connectivity and monthly subscriptions will be announced later. (Those interested in participating in the testing of the system can sign up on www.onlive.com.)

Games such as Prince of Persia (Ubisoft), LEGO Batman (Warner) and Mirror's Edge (Electronic Arts) were among the 16 games to be shown as playable on the service. Supporting game publishers include Atari, Codemasters, Electronic Arts, Eidos, Epic Games, Take-Two Interactive Software, THQ, Ubisoft and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. OnLive does not offer classic video games, but does plan to explore back catalog titles in the future.