Sony Computer Entertainment has just shelled out $380m (£242m) for Gaikai, the cloud-based games service that rivals OnLive.
So the question is, do you really need a PS4 when you can deliver blisteringly fast games to practically any device with an internet connection?
The announcement says Sony will establish a new cloud gaming service using Gaikai’s technology, allowing for fast streaming to a range of devices. But where does this leave the PS4?
In a statement, Sony Computer Entertainment’s president and group CEO, Andrew House, said: “By combining Gaikai’s resources including its technological strength and engineering talent with SCE’s extensive game platform knowledge and experience, SCE will provide users with unparalleled cloud entertainment experiences.
“SCE will deliver a world-class cloud-streaming service that allows users to instantly enjoy a broad array of content ranging from immersive core games with rich graphics to casual content anytime, anywhere on a variety of internet-connected devices.” Quite a sentence, that.
Last month Sony was rumoured to be in talks with Gaikai to make its PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 games streamable to any device. This wasn’t confirmed or denied in the announcement.
But seeing as you can stream high-quality PC games to your laptop or smart TV, there’s no reason you won’t be able to do the same with PS4 titles. Will anyone really cough up more than £300 for a PS4 when your PS3 or telly will do the same job?
Over the weekend, VentureBeat reported Sony’s upcoming Google TV-equipped Blu-ray player would play nice with OnLive’s accessories, hinting it would tie-in with Gaikai’s arch rival. Either way, looks like Sony is investing in the cloud big time.
Source: The Verge
