Cloud-Based Install Base Growing

It was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show that popular HDTV manufacturer Vizio will integrate the OnLive gaming service into HDTVs, tablet computers, Blu-ray players and cell phones.

This reminds me of a question I had from a student when I spoke at Westwood College last summer. His question was something like, “Do you think 3D is the next big thing in gaming for the end of this year [2010]?”

My answer was, “That’s a question about install base. How many people do you know who don’t even have an HDTV yet? Do you really think there will be a significant percentage of people owning a 3D TV soon in this economy?”

The obvious answer to my question was no. But HDTV is the current standard for television, and most new sets sold are HD. I have a Vizio and I see Vizio units in friends’ homes and offices all the time.

If consumers get cloud-based gaming in their homes as an integrated part of a unit they’re going to buy anyway, that’s the quickest and easiest route to a significant install base that’ll make cloud-based gaming a common reality.

http://www.industrygamers.com/news/onlive-to-be-integrated-into-vizios-new-product-line/
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/32025/OnLive_Awarded_CloudBased_Game_Streaming_Patent.php