There's no logical possibility that OnLive can be a success.

[Mr Khan]

twesterm said:

1. Microsoft will not support it-- So?  EA, Activision (I think), and Ubisoft are and they, not Microsoft, are the biggest publishers.
2. Direct competition to Xbox Live/brand-- It's in direct competition to Windows Live on PC, which is shit from what I hear, but not against Xbox Live on the 360.  It's in same competition against the 360 as any other 360 game is against the PC.  Even if it was in direct competition, that's like saying the PS3 will fail because it's in direct competition with the 360.
   
3. Windows software decline-- What?  You realize most computers are bought for something other than games correct?
4. Computer hardware companies will not support it-- See above.  It will make nVidia and ATI pissy but who cares?
5. Retailers will not support it--  That's like saying retailers won't sell you book shelves.  Best Buy, Amazon, WalMart, and every other retailer will sell it.
6. Nintendo will not support it-- See the Microsoft comment.

For your other points

1. You assume no lag and then you bitch about lag?
2. OMG, if Live breaks I can't go on Live!  OMG, if Steam goes down I can't play Steam games!
3. See points #1.
4. True, but people do have internet connections that should be able to support it so there is a market.  So far, this is your only valid point.
5. The product isn't finished yet.  Lets wait for it to get finished since again, your first assumption is assuming this thing works.
6. This is the same with MMO's and Steam (except no paying there).  I imagine even if you stop paying, you still have record of the license so if you start again you can still play those past games.   Unless you can show me somewhere it says otherwise, I'm going to assume it's like that since that's the thing that makes sense.

Just to be clear, I'm *majorly* skeptical of the actual service, I just want point out you can't make basic assumptions and then say those assumptions are false.  If it works and works well, it will be awesome and I'll support it with great enthusiasm, otherwise, it will just fade away.

 

While Microsoft's support i think is a non-issue in this case, EA's support is no vote of confidence. EA did support Amp'd, from what i recall, and that platform crashed and burned right quick.