OnLive unveils Facebook integration, Intel hardware deal
Direct launching from social network from next week; UK roll-out this autumn; universal controller planned
OnLive has unveiled a host of new plans to push its cloud gaming service into more mainstream markets, including integrating its technology into Intel hardware, direct launching of games from Facebook and the release of a wireless universal controller for multiple platforms.
In the social space, from June 7, users will be able to launch games directly from Facebook, post Brag Clips of their performance, allow friends to spectate in high definition and leave comments on on pages.
"The OnLive Facebook integration is a watershed event for the videogame industry," said Steve Perlman, CEO of OnLive.
"No one questions the massive appeal of social gaming, but before OnLive there was no frictionless way to integrate AAA core games into the global social network fabric. OnLive's Facebook integration not only achieves this, but OnLive's spectating, voice chat and Brag Clip videos add a media-rich social dimension unlike anything that as existed before."
No one questions the massive appeal of social gaming, but before OnLive there was no frictionless way to integrate AAA core games into the global social network
Steve Perlman, OnLive
OnLive is pushing the idea of high-end gaming anywhere, with Facebook and OnLive experiences supported on PC, Mac, tablets, TVs, and in the future smartphones, IPTV and set top boxes, blu-ray and other media players.
The company is also updating its SDK for content creators to incorporate social features such as cross-device spectating and voice chat at the development stage.
The streaming games service - which now boasts over 100 titles in its portfolio - is also teaming with Intel to offer access to high end games on any Intel hardware with the Atom Processor CE4100, including Smart TVs, Blu-ray players and set-top boxes, doing away with the need for the current MicroConsole TV adaptor.
Accompanying that announcement is the unveiling of a universal wireless controller, allowing users to play with one peripheral across multiple devices, and to better take advantage of games designed for a home console.
With the service already well underway in North America, OnLive has also confirmed an autumn roll-out of the games platform for the UK with other European regions to follow.
OnLive is also adding Disney Interactive titles to its line-up, including two games from Black Rock: Pure and Split/Second.