OnLive, the newly launched cloud gaming service, has announced a partnership withVIZIOthat will see OnLive integrated into the US based tech comany's future line of entertainment products.
Announced at CES 2011 in Las Vegas, OnLive will soon be included as an app in VIZIO HDTVs, its VIA brand tablets, phones and Blu-Ray players. This deal follows OnLive move to patenting its cloud gaming service, and it looks to provide a significant backing for the company that has been working hard to stake its claim in the gaming industry.
Infine PR fashion, OnLive's Founder and CEO Steve Perlman declared the partnership to be a major coup for both companies, stating, "Today's OnLive and VIZIO announcement marks a major milestone: for the first time in the history of video games, consumers will be able to enjoy premium video games directly on a TV, no console or computer needed."
VIZIO, on the other hand, was far less positive and decried the partnership as a horrible misstep. Just kidding - they also love the idea. According to VIZIO's Chief Technology Office, Matthew McRae, "Consumer adoption and feedback on VIA has been phenomenal, and we're excited to work with OnLive to bring instant gaming direct to our products."
With opinions on cloud gaming ranging from 'revolutionary' to 'the unholy scourge of video games', it'll be interesting to see howwhether thispartnership will strengthen OnLive's expansion. Then again, it certainly can't hurt it. Can it?
Jan 4, 2011
OnLive patent may prevent competing services
Or at least lead to a lot of licensing fees
