OnLive will launch in UK on 22 September

Written by Clive Webster

August 11, 2011 | 08:05

Tags: #broadband #bundle #cloud #date #demo #explained #free #launch #online #service #try #what-is

Companies: #games #onlive

Cloud-based gaming service OnLive will launch in the UK on 22 September at the Eurogamer Expo. Rather than have an expensive console under your TV, a cheap OnLive box streams an entire game from a bank of servers over a broadband connection.

This means that you can play AAA games at 'console-quality' on practically any internet-enabled device with a screen – OnLive demoed dual-screen PC games running on a tablet at E3 this year (see the video below) and says it has ‘over 100 top-tier games instantly available for play via almost any broadband internet connection throughout the UK on HDTV, PC, Mac, and iPad and Android tablets.

Unlike download services such as Steam, games stream to the device, meaning that you can start playing immediately rather than having to wait for them to download. OnLive membership is free. You can try any game for 30 minutes before deciding whether you buy, rent or reject it, and there are demos to try too if you want more time.

Furthermore, there's no discs to lose, drivers to manage or compatibility issues, as all the games are managed on OnLive's '2013 spec' data servers. The service also supports ‘massive spectating with voice chat’ and you can log in to your account from any location on the planet (you’ll need a broadband-like connection to play).

OnLive boasts that it will have ‘over 100 games, including top titles released the same second as consoles and PCs, available for great deals under a range of pricing plans.’ The flat-rate 'all you can eat' PlayPack bundle has over 70 games, rentals and full purchases, for example.

OnLive will utterly transform gaming in the UK,” said OnLive founder and CEO Steve Perlman. ‘No discs, big downloads or specialised hardware needed. OnLive gives you the latest games instantly, anytime, anywhere on HDTV, PC, Mac, as well as iPad, Android tablets. High-performance gaming as accessible as streaming video, with unique social features such as massive spectating with voice chat and Facebook integration.

OnLive also confirmed that the UK service will be integrated with its North American service, 'including trans-Atlantic massive spectating and voice chat. OnLive will steadily expand to other European countries as well as to other continents following the UK launch'


Well, that’s the end of September sorted for us, what about you? Tempted to at least try the service, or are you already using it? Let us know in the forum.
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