Digital distribution was the talk of GDC. No surprise there, given the importance of network services to Xbox, Nintendo and PlayStation. But OnLive stunned everyone, whilst Zeebo had us thinking about Brazil and China. Where no consoles currently grow.
OnLive is the brainchild of Mike McGarvey (the onetime global head of Eidos) and Steve Perlman (developer of QuickTime and WebTV).
It promises to allow state-of-the art online gaming without users owning a game, or even a console. All you need is a PC or Mac. Or even a TV if you have a dongle – which will be given away. Yes really.
Was a demo in San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art the day the industry changed, as claimed by Perlman – or is this just another Gizmondo?
Zeebo, backed by mobile giant Qualcomm, is a set-top box for emerging markets – using wireless 3G technology. No, I don’t know either.
But it will be fascinating finding out. And judging by the number of publisher bosses squeezed into that OnLive conference, we’re not the only ones who want to know more.
FOCUS ON DIGITAL AT LGC
Given the current debate about digital distribution, it is fitting that this will be the theme at the inaugural London Games Conference.
From OnLive to WiiWare, from the retail threat to pioneering in-store strategies, from consumer habits to market size predictions... all will be covered.
LGC ‘09: Digital Distribution & The Future Of The European Games Market takes place on Thursday October 26th at BAFTA. More news soon.
Comments
Let's wait and see
Let's wait and see if Perlman can make it work. If not, no big deal. If he does then, let's have a video game revolution!! http://OnliveFans.com
Exciting times
Very interesting movements in the gaming industry. Zeebo is heading into an untapped market, and cloud gaming uses the latest technology out there. -Sarah, OnLive forums http://www.onlive1.com
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