GamesIndustry.biz: Sony brings backwards compatibility to PlayStation with Gaikai deal (still rumor status)

[mike_intellivision]

zarx said:

mitlar37 said:

zarx said:

mike_intellivision said:

That would be very nice. It would also mean that they would be giving you access to the IP for nothing more than a monthly charge, which also would be very nice and very unexpected.  I will admit that I had not thought of that ... and the reports did not indicate anything like that but more along the lines of a purchase or pay-to-play model. Thus, I think such a scenario may be wishful thinking.  But if it does come about in the way you describe, it might make me look into a PS3.

Mike from Morgantown

 

OnLive already offer a subscription service  http://www.onlive.com/games/playpack#&tab=top_games 

"The PlayPack Bundle is a $9.99/month video game plan that offers unlimited access to a regularly updated library of more than 100 recent, indie and classic games. Similar to other OnLive titles, all PlayPack games will play instantly on TVs using the OnLive Game System or on a PC or Mac® via a small browser download. Many PlayPack games can even be played on tablets and smartphones via touch controls or the OnLive Wireless Controller."

Yes but have you seen the crap that is available on the Playpack Bundle? I wouldn't pay $4.99 a month much less $9.99. All the rest is 3,5, or 7 day rentals and a lot are purchase only.

I am just using it as an example of a subscription bassed game streaming service. Sony of course have a much easier time securing licensing for games than OnLive does. Streaming games is still in it's infancy it won't be really viable for another 5 years anyway. 

And having to pay an additional fee for such a service is quite different than it being bundled in with an existing service you are purchasing.

(For example, everyone was making a big deal over NBA and NHL coming to Xbox 360 when it was access to buy their programming -- which almost anyone with a cable box or sattellite service can already do).

All of that goes back to my original point -- it is not backward compatability if you have to repurchase the product. It is just making older games available for play -- which is good but not the same.

 

Mike from Morgantown