Music streaming is already a success and video streaming services are on the rise. The next big thing is video game streaming and according to Bloomberg, all major TV providers in the US are working on cloud gaming. The first products could be available as early as next year.
Cloud gaming from your TV company
FlatpanelsHD has already taken a look at cloud gaming. Cloud gaming is a scenario were games are processed in large data centers and streamed directly to consumer devices such as Smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs etc. It is a promising technology that could change how we think about gaming. Sony and Microsoft are also acknowledging the threat. Sony recently purchased one of the largest cloud gaming companies and Microsoft is said to be working on cloud gaming.
With cloud gaming you can access your games on any device connected the internet
Bloomberg reports that US TV providers are working on cloud gaming solutions. The list includes AT&T, Verizon, Time Warner, Comcast and Cox, in other words all the major US cable TV companies. Bloomberg says that the first three on the list will initiate testing later this year and could be ready to roll out the service as soon as 2013. The two latter are expected to join in 2014.
The TV providers hope to provide “advanced action games from top publishers” but no specific titles are mentioned. The companies are also exploring integration with other smart devices such as smartphones that could act as game controllers. The streaming technology is said to be supplied by CiiNow and Play Cast Media. Play Cast Media already has a partnership with Nvidia who believes that cloud gaming is "hugely disruptive" to the gaming industry.
With cloud gaming you can access your games on any device connected the internet
The service is not expected to differ hugely compared to offerings from Gaikai and OnLive but the TV providers can use their established customer based to sell cloud gaming as an add-on product.
Still, cloud gaming still faces major challenges in the short term and existing companies have had little luck in attracting customers. Customers have complained about for example subpar gaming quality. OnLive recently filed for bankruptcy but has been established as a new company under the same name since. Sony’s motive for buying Gaikai remains unclear but some speculate that it has something to do with the PlayStation 4.
- Source: Bloomberg
US TV providers to offer game streaming in 2013
