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richardhutnik on 02 January 2010
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Scoobes said:
Soleron said:
theprof00 said:
...

gaming merchandise will always be available. Well, not always.

If this thing comes out this year, then I predict at least 2 more console generations. But in 15-20 years, when every household has a 10MB connection, this cloud processing will be the only thing there is.

In 10 years, you'll be able to fit an high-end PC system of today in a 5W power envelope. A laptop or desktop under $300 would be able to play Crysis-level graphics. Since I believe game graphics will not progress much beyond today (too expensive), all the processing power any household needs will be very cheap, in a very small form factor and everyone will have one. Why would anyone then pay a subscription?

True, but there are other directions that tech and power can go to, like 3D (not sure how this'd effect OnLive). Just saying people and devs will come up with new ideas and innovations with the increase in power. And in answer to your question I'd point out millions are paying for X-box Live just for the privilage to play online multiplayer. If they bring out a small console form version of this which sells for cheap, a subscription based model could work as a lot of console only gamers are put off by PC gaming.

OT: I'm not sure I see this working soon, or OnLive the company being successful, but the tech could well be the future. I wouldn't be suprised if the 3 console manufacturers start experimenting with streaming games at the end of next gen. Devs and publishers would be especially happy because it would get rid of used game sales.

Even if we don't get much of a boost on the graphics front, at least we can look towards other things being upgraded, like detail in simulating the world, and so on.  We may be able to also have games redesigned so there is no load time noticeable at all.