Cloud-based, streaming game platform OnLive will officially launch in the UK on 22 September, 2011.

The service is all about on-demand gaming, and through a nifty combination of ridiculously powerful servers, a BT-powered infrastructure that's laced over Britain and some on-the-fly video codecs, you can stream full-on PC games over the web.

When the service goes live you'll have access to around 100 top-tier titles, including recent releases like Duke Nukem Forever, classics like Deus Ex and indie favourites like The Ball. They can be rented, bought separately or as part of the flat-rate PlayPack bundle, and there are demos to sample too.

You'll also have plenty of options about where you can play those titles. There are downloadable clients for PC and Mac, apps for Android tablets and the iPad, and if you buy the dinky little "OnLive Game System" device you can play on your HDTV.

The Game System will go on sale at OnLive's website on the same launch day, alongside a universal Bluetooth controller for use with loads of compatible devices.

The firm has worked closely with BT to get OnLive access to as many people as possible. If you're worried about internet speeds, the company requires a minimum broadband connection of 2 Mbps, but recommends 5 Mbps and upwards.

If you're attending the Eurogamer Expo -- an annual London games blowout that kicks off on the same day, 22 September -- look out for the OnLive booth. The team will be showing off upcoming games and forthcoming technology and, more importantly, handing out thousands of the OnLive Game Systems for free.

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Thoughts? Will this catch on or fail miserably?

Is this the future of gaming?

Personally I hope not, I like my physical copies.

Wait, they're not bankrupt yet?
Huh?

Are there any press releases on costs, subscriptions etc? I know I can look it up but it would save me the time as I am leaving work now.

It will be interesting to see how this progresses. The fact that almost every platform is included makes it unique.

I hope there is room for it alongside the already established gaming market.

I live in the UK, the broadband is less than stellar compared to what I had in France. Today, i had two net outage of 2 mns, and last week ends because of the storm I had a longer outage. So no onlive nor shitty DRM.

does it have any exclusives that will drive people to the console? i'll bet not so why bother.

i think Rol said it perfectly. Rol also means WiiU but failed to mention it on purpose.

Wii U has the display controller also Nintendo games are the reason to buy nintendo consoles both cant be offered through onlive so its no alternative. But on HD consoles things like shooter are going strong some COULD consider Onlve as alternative.

so we are talking about MS and PC, cause Sony hasn't needed third party at anypoint this gen.

i agree that Nintnedo doesn't need third party but it seems to be Nintendos new approach with WiiU. Nintendo will indeed have there focus on thirdparty with WiiU more so then there on IP atlease thats wht there showing me and thats wht your afraid of.

That is absolutely false.

While Sony's FP games are brilliant, they are NOT what mainly sells the system.

i didn't say Son'y firstparty sold the system. thirdparty is why it sales now not when the gent started.

think about how this gen started. where was Sony's thirdparty support then? Sony got to where they are on there own this gen

They got there on brand name and rainbow hopes, nothing else.