Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ouya ships with native Twitch app]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/ouya-ships-with-native-twitch-app/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/ouya-ships-with-native-twitch-app/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/ouya-ships-with-native-twitch-app/#comments If you're already tired of playing games on your Ouya (see our preview here!), you can easily watch other people playing them. Streaming site Twitch.tv revealed that it already has a dedicated viewing app on the tiny crowdfunded console at launch.

Ouya is officially the first console with a native Twitch app ... if only because the Xbox 360 app, announced at E3, has been delayed. "Unfortunately, we ran into some development snags, but rest assured it is slated for release in May," Twitch notes.

JoystiqOuya ships with native Twitch app originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileouyastreamingtwitchFri, 29 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AMD announces Sky Graphics as part of cloud gaming strategy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/amd-announces-sky-graphics-as-part-of-cloud-gaming-strategy/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/amd-announces-sky-graphics-as-part-of-cloud-gaming-strategy/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/amd-announces-sky-graphics-as-part-of-cloud-gaming-strategy/#comments AMD announces Sky Graphics as part of cloud gaming strategyAMD is making a new push into cloud gaming. The company today announced the Sky series of Radeon graphics cards, designed especially with cloud gaming in mind. The line includes three enterprise-grade cards, with the high-end Sky 900 incorporating a whopping 3,584 stream processors, 6GB of GDDR5 memory and a memory bandwidth of 480GB per second. The cards are built on AMD's Graphics Core Next architecture and use RapidFire technology, which it says allows for "highly efficient and responsive game streaming."

The company is "working closely" with several cloud gaming companies to take advantage of the new line of cards, including Otoy, Ubitus, G-Cluster and CiiNow. The latter in particular was promoted heavily, with AMD noting that, paired with its new Sky cards, CiiNow is capable of delivering content to a broad range of devices including game consoles, tablets and, of course, computers. Furthermore, it claimed that CiiNow offers lower latency than competitors like Gaikai and, somehow, even lower latency than the local signal between a game console and a television.

Nvidia made similar claims about its Grid cloud technology last year, at which time Ubitus and G-Cluster were also announced as partners. Awkward.

Continue reading AMD announces Sky Graphics as part of cloud gaming strategy

JoystiqAMD announces Sky Graphics as part of cloud gaming strategy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amdciinowcloudcloud-gaminggdc-2013pcradeon-skysky-graphicsstreamingWed, 27 Mar 2013 01:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2013 live stream schedule]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/pax-east-2013-live-stream-schedule/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/pax-east-2013-live-stream-schedule/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/pax-east-2013-live-stream-schedule/#comments PAX East 2013 streaming scheduleWe're shipping up to Boston for PAX East 2013, which runs Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24, but you may not be so fortunate. Or maybe you just didn't snag tickets in time, or you couldn't find someone to watch your cats this weekend. Whatever the reason you can't come out to PAX East, Twitch has you covered with live streams of main stage panels, concerts and the Omegathon tournament.

Check out the PAX channel on Twitch this weekend for live streams such as Storytime with Cliff Bleszinski on Friday, Indie Studios Founded by 38 Studios Alumni on Saturday and You Game Like a Girl: Tales of Trolls and White Knights on Sunday. The full schedule is below. If Twitch shows any footage of the show floor, be on the lookout for your favorite Joystiq staff: We'll be the ones grinning maniacally and/or teetering on the edge of a claustrophobic breakdown.

Continue reading PAX East 2013 live stream schedule

JoystiqPAX East 2013 live stream schedule originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>live-streampax-eastPAX-East-2013streamingtwitchWed, 20 Mar 2013 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Redbox Instant, GameTrailers apps now on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/redbox-instant-gametrailers-apps-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/redbox-instant-gametrailers-apps-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/redbox-instant-gametrailers-apps-now-on-xbox-live/#comments Redbox Instant, GameTrailers now on Xbox LiveRedbox's new "Redbox Instant by Verizon" video streaming service has moved out of beta and is now available to Xbox Live Gold subscribers. The app itself will require its own additional subscription for unlimited streaming, though purchasing and renting movies can be done regardless.

Two levels of Redbox Instant subscriptions are available: Four kiosk DVDs and unlimited streaming for $8 a month, or a Blu-ray version of the deal for $9 a month. A one-month free trial is available for anyone wishing to see how Redbox Instant's catalogue compares with its competitors.

Meanwhile, Xbox Live's other miscellaneous entertainment offerings have also expanded by way of a new GameTrailers app, which brings the video portal's various reviews, original programming and, well, trailers to the Xbox. This way, everyone with an Xbox 360 can enjoy staged interviews with purported burn victims.

JoystiqRedbox Instant, GameTrailers apps now on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 03:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsgametrailersmicrosoftredboxredbox-instantrentalstreamingstreaming-videoxboxxbox-livexbox-live-goldWed, 20 Mar 2013 03:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Nielsen: PS3 sees biggest year-over-year growth in streaming (and other such tidbits)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/nielsen-ps3-sees-biggest-year-over-year-growth-in-streaming-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/nielsen-ps3-sees-biggest-year-over-year-growth-in-streaming-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/nielsen-ps3-sees-biggest-year-over-year-growth-in-streaming-an/#comments Nielsen PS3 sees biggest yearoveryear growth in streaming and other such tidbitsIn 2012, PlayStation 3 owners spent 23 percent of their time with the console streaming video-on-demand services like Netflix and Hulu Plus, according to the data-minded folks over at statistical aggregation station Nielsen. This is up nearly 10 percent from the amount that PS3s were used for that purpose in 2011. The surveyed time spent using the PS3 as a DVD/Blu-ray player dropped by four percent over the last year.

The information comes from a survey conducted between October of 2011 and October of the following year, which asertained how console owners aged 13 and over used their gaming devices. The resulting infographic, seen in full here, breaks it down.

The survey also tracked the amount of time that each console spent playing games online and offline, with the Xbox 360 seeing the most online performance (33 percent of time spent playing games) and the Wii experiencing the least at 11 percent.

JoystiqNielsen: PS3 sees biggest year-over-year growth in streaming (and other such tidbits) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnielsonnintendoplaystationps3statisticsstreamingwiixboxThu, 14 Mar 2013 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[WSJ: New PlayStation to stream PS3 games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/wsj-new-playstation-to-stream-ps3-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/wsj-new-playstation-to-stream-ps3-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/wsj-new-playstation-to-stream-ps3-games/#comments The next PlayStation will be able to stream PlayStation 3 games, according to unnamed sources "familiar" with Sony's plans. The claim comes from a new report published by the Wall Street Journal, and suggests that online streaming of current PS3 games will be paired with new games sold on optical media through regular channels.

Sony's cloud service hinges on its $380 million acquisition of streaming company Gaikai, which was announced last year. If the PlayStation 4 houses architecture different enough from the PS3 to preclude effective backwards compatibility, streaming may be pitched as a solution.

Sony's official word on the matter is expected during the PlayStation event next week on February 20.

JoystiqWSJ: New PlayStation to stream PS3 games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaikaiplaystationplaystation-4ps3ps4streamingFri, 15 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epix app hits PS3 in Q1, PS Vita in the spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/epix-app-hits-ps3-in-q1-ps-vita-in-the-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/epix-app-hits-ps3-in-q1-ps-vita-in-the-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/epix-app-hits-ps3-in-q1-ps-vita-in-the-spring/#comments Epix app coming to PS3 in Q1, Vita in springEpix subscribers will be able to access the streaming service on PS3 sometime before the end of March, and on PS Vita in spring.

Use of the free Epix app requires a subscription through cable, satellite or telecommunications distributors. A full list of other supported devices is available on the Epix website - just don't let your set-top box see you checking out those other devices. It's sensitive.

JoystiqEpix app hits PS3 in Q1, PS Vita in the spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epixepix-hdplaystationplaystation-vitaps3streamingvitaFri, 04 Jan 2013 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ExtraLives aims to hit $100K for charity with Pokémon marathon this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/26/extralives-aims-to-hit-100k-for-charity-with-pokemon-marathon-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/26/extralives-aims-to-hit-100k-for-charity-with-pokemon-marathon-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/26/extralives-aims-to-hit-100k-for-charity-with-pokemon-marathon-t/#comments ExtraLives aims to hit $100,000 for charity with Pokemon marathon this weekendThe good folks at ExtraLives.org have raised $91,837.25 since 2009, and they're hoping Pokémon will help put them over the $100,000 mark this coming weekend. Starting up on Saturday, December 29, the team is going to start up three different Pokémon sessions at the same time, marathoning Nintendo's addictive little monster capture RPG all the way into 2013.

They'll start with the old Game Boy titles, and then make their way up into the DS era, campaigning the whole time to try and raise money for charity.

The marathon will begin at noon on Saturday, and each of the three streamed screens will be running a different version of Pokemon, so you'll get to see for sure just how different the game is if you go with Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle for your first pet. The infamous Pokémon bootlegs will also be making an appearance. All the money will be going to Free the Children, so it's for a great cause.

Our heartfelt holiday donations: Let us show you them.

JoystiqExtraLives aims to hit $100K for charity with Pokémon marathon this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Dec 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitydsextralivesfundraisinggameboymarathonmobilenintendopokemonstreamingWed, 26 Dec 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online gets 'Mechsgiving' update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/mechwarrior-online-gets-mechsgiving-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/mechwarrior-online-gets-mechsgiving-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/mechwarrior-online-gets-mechsgiving-update/#comments MechWarrior Online gets 'Mechsgiving' update, with new mech and equipmentMechWarrior Online finally went into Open Beta late last month, and the team isn't wasting any time updating the game with new content. They're asking players to celebrate "Mechsgiving" later this week with a new mech called the Cataphract, which features a solid offense combined with jump jets and plenty of armor.

The update introduces the "Frozen City at Night" environment, along with new modules for targeting and the Beagle Active Probe, which can increase a mech's sensor range.

The folks at Pirahna Games will show the content live on Twitch.tv tomorrow, November 21 at 6pm PST, and invite players to jump in with them during that time. Pictures of the Cataphract (and its four variants) are in the gallery below.

Gallery: MechWarrior Online (Cataphract Mechs)

JoystiqMechWarrior Online gets 'Mechsgiving' update originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentdevelopersequipmentfree-to-playmechmechwarrior-onlinepcpirahna-gamesstreamingtwitch-tvWed, 21 Nov 2012 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin gets Twitch.tv live streaming support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/origin-gets-twitch-tv-live-streaming-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/origin-gets-twitch-tv-live-streaming-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/origin-gets-twitch-tv-live-streaming-support/#comments Origin gets Twitchtv live streaming supportOrigin is getting Twitch.tv support, letting users connect their Origin account to their Twitch.tv channels and set up live streams within EA's portal. The new feature is being rolled out initially to those who've opted in for beta updates, and then everyone else will have it. Since it's in beta, EA notes greater functionality will come over time.

As it stands, players can adjust the stream's resolution and frame rate within Origin, and see an optional in-game "indicator" overlay which displays the number of people tuning in, along with how long the stream's been going.

Interestingly, EA's announcment comes on the same day Activision confirmed YouTube live streaming for Black Ops 2, and hot on the heels of Sony revealing Twitch.tv support for Planetside 2. A Twitch.tv representative tells us the site is up to 23 million unique visitors per month, with 200,000 unique broadcasters. The whole world is streaming or watching streams, it seems, and the big guns are getting involved.

JoystiqOrigin gets Twitch.tv live streaming support originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaEAlivestreamoriginpcstreamingtwitch.tvThu, 08 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai sued over alleged patent infringement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/gaikai-sued-over-alleged-patent-infringement/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/gaikai-sued-over-alleged-patent-infringement/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/gaikai-sued-over-alleged-patent-infringement/#comments A Delaware company called T5 Labs has filed suit against cloud-gaming service Gaikai for alleged patent infringement, putting the technology that underpins Gaikai's fancy cloud-computing/game-streaming wizardry under the legal microscope.

Specifically, T5 Labs claims that by "providing a system and methods of sharing a graphics processing unit (GPU) between a plurality of programs," Gaikai is "actively, knowingly and intentionally" using the technology covered by T5's patent for "Sharing a graphical processing unit between a plurality of programs."

Multiple programs using the same GPU may sound like something that every single computer does on a regular basis, but T5's patent actually covers a specific scenario involving servers, remote terminals and compression algorithms. No specific dollar amount is listed in the complaint, but T5 is seeking damages, attorney's fees and "a judgement permanently enjoining Gaikai from further infringement."

Gaikai has "no comment at this time" regarding the situation.

JoystiqGaikai sued over alleged patent infringement originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudcloud-gaminggaikailawsuitlegalmacpatentpcstreamingsuet5-labsUSPTOThu, 11 Oct 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom launches TwitchTV channel for official Street Fighter tournaments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/capcom-launches-twitchtv-channel-for-official-street-fighter-tou/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/capcom-launches-twitchtv-channel-for-official-street-fighter-tou/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/capcom-launches-twitchtv-channel-for-official-street-fighter-tou/#comments Capcom launches TwitchTV channel for official Street Fighter tournamentsFighting game tournaments are exciting and fun and everything, especially when we're talking about big-ticket international stuff like Capcom's 25th anniversary Street Fighter tournament series, but finding the livestreams for each event can be a bit of a crap shoot.

While tracking down that obscure sunday night ranbat may still be a pain, watching Capcom events has at least gotten a bit easier thanks to Capcom Fighters; an official Capcom TwitchTV channel that is now the dedicated home of all official Capcom tournaments.

The channel's next live event will be the Street Fighter 25th anniversary series qualifier in San Paulo, Brazil on October 12 - 14, though the station is streaming reruns of previous 25th anniversary qualifiers all weekend to celebrate its launch.

JoystiqCapcom launches TwitchTV channel for official Street Fighter tournaments originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcapcom-fighterse-sportsFGCfighting-game-communitylivestreamstreamingsuper-street-fighter-4-arcade-editiontournamentstwitch-tvSat, 06 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Xbox Music launches this month with free ad-supported streaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/report-xbox-music-launches-this-month-with-free-ad-supported-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/report-xbox-music-launches-this-month-with-free-ad-supported-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/report-xbox-music-launches-this-month-with-free-ad-supported-st/#comments Microsoft's Xbox Music service will reportedly launch alongside Windows 8 on October 26, according to anonymous sources speaking with Polygon.

The service will supposedly provide both subscription-based and free ad-supported streaming music plans for Xbox 360, Windows 8 and Windows Phone users. Microsoft SkyDrive integration is also said to factor heavily into the service's functionality, allowing for synced playlists and music libraries across all supported devices.

These claims match an earlier report from last June, in which Bloomberg claimed that Xbox Music would launch with Spotify-like streaming options and cloud storage capabilities. Microsoft did state shortly thereafter that reports of it "launching a new music service on Xbox this fall are inaccurate," only to discontinue certain Zune services the following month.

Personally, all we care about is whether we'll be able to use this new service to watch Girls' Generation videos, regardless of when it actually comes out.

JoystiqReport: Xbox Music launches this month with free ad-supported streaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freemicrosoftmobilepcreportspotifystreamingsubscriptionwindows-8windows-phonexboxxbox-musiczuneSat, 06 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch a live stream of the Wii U Nintendo Direct for Japan [update: it's over!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/watch-a-live-stream-of-the-wii-u-nintendo-direct-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/watch-a-live-stream-of-the-wii-u-nintendo-direct-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/watch-a-live-stream-of-the-wii-u-nintendo-direct-for-japan/#comments

Today Nintendo announces the Wii U price and release date, along with other core launch details about the console. First up on the schedule is Japan's Nintendo Direct, in which Nintendo president Satoru Iwata may give us an idea of what to expect from the Nintendo of America event taking place later today. We're never really sure with Nintendo, which is half the fun.

We've got the Nintendo Direct stream for you right here, and we'll cover all the important details and revelations as they happen. The stream starts at 3 a.m. ET (12 a.m. PT, 8 a.m. BT).

Update: It's over, and we have the launch details for Japan right here.

JoystiqWatch a live stream of the Wii U Nintendo Direct for Japan [update: it's over!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 02:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendonintendo-directstreamingwii-uThu, 13 Sep 2012 02:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U price and release date to be announced tomorrow [update: Reggie's invitation]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/wii-u-price-and-release-date-to-be-announced-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/wii-u-price-and-release-date-to-be-announced-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/wii-u-price-and-release-date-to-be-announced-tomorrow/#comments Ravaged, a vehicular FPS, to be pubbed by Reverb


Nintendo is revealing the Wii U's price and release date during its Direct presentation tomorrow, Thursday, September 13. Nintendo announced the news on its Japanese Twitter feed, setting a time of 3AM Eastern (Midnight Pacific, 8AM Brit-time) for company president Satoru Iwata to reveal the core launch details about the console. The translated tweet reads:

"Good evening, it's Iwata from Nintendo. Tomorrow at 4pm [Japanese time] we'll broadcast online the Wii U's sale information. We'll tell you when the Wii U will launch and how much for."

Nintendo is streaming the presentation on its website tomorrow, and we'll have coverage of all the reveals as they happen. We figure it's worth staying up for - for us, not for you, you look prettier with a full eight hours rest. At 10AM Eastern Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime will host a Wii U event in New York City, where we presume he'll reveal the US price and release date. There's a European Nintendo Direct scheduled for the same time.

Update: Reggie pops in to let us know there'll be a stream of his NYC event on the Wii U Facebook page. We'll be covering what he has to say right here.

JoystiqWii U price and release date to be announced tomorrow [update: Reggie's invitation] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europejapannintendopricereggie-fils-aimerelease-datestreamingwii-uWed, 12 Sep 2012 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop streaming service to include demos, possibly extra games tailored to players' interests]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/gamestop-streaming-service-to-include-demos-possibly-extra-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/gamestop-streaming-service-to-include-demos-possibly-extra-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/gamestop-streaming-service-to-include-demos-possibly-extra-game/#comments GameStop Spawn LabsGameStop acquired Spawn Labs in 2011, planning to use that company's streaming gameplay technology for its own streaming service. GameStop has recently adjusted its plans to include PCs, tablets, and smart TVs only, even after announcing the technology for a larger variety of devices. That decision is motivated, in part, by the upcoming console generation change, CEO J. Paul Raines told me.

"Some things are happening in the gaming business that we're now having to adjust to," Raines said. "One of those is we're moving to a new generation of consoles. So what was our old console based technology now has to change for the new generation of consoles. So that's giving us some challenges on the technology side."

Continue reading GameStop streaming service to include demos, possibly extra games tailored to players' interests

JoystiqGameStop streaming service to include demos, possibly extra games tailored to players' interests originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopj-paul-rainesmobilepcspawn-labsstreamingThu, 06 Sep 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive on rumors of closure: 'of course not' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/onlive-on-rumors-of-closure-of-course-not/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/onlive-on-rumors-of-closure-of-course-not/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/onlive-on-rumors-of-closure-of-course-not/#comments Report Onlive laying off all employees, rebooting the company

InXile Entertainment's Brian Fargo tweeted this morning that he heard from someone inside Onlive that it was closing down, and has now posted that everyone on staff has lost their jobs, and that "a new company will be formed" soon after. A Mashable report from an anonymous source alleges the same.

Joystiq reached out to OnLive directly to ask about the rumors, and Director of Corporate Communications Brian Jaquet replied to us with a blunt denial: "We don't respond to rumors, but of course not."

"The exciting news is that the first VIZIO Co-Stars (Google TV stream players) with the OnLive app built-in have just arrived in customer homes," he continued, "and our second of three 'Indie Giveaway Weekends' is going on now. OnLive users can get a free copy of the award-winning games Space Pirates and Zombies and SpaceChem." So it sounds like OnLive is still open for business.

Joystiq followed up to ask if there were any layoffs at the company this morning at all, and Jaquet could only confirm that "the OnLive service is not shutting down." We'll update this post with any more details if we can get them.

Update: Kotaku is now hearing from "a source inside OnLive" that there in fact was a meeting this morning where CEO Steve Perlman told the staff that the company was filing for bankruptcy, and that no one would be employed by the current OnLive going forward. We're still researching this story, and will provide more information when we get it.

Update 2: IDG's Martyn Williams reports via Twitter that he's outside OnLive's headquarters in Palo Alto, CA, and that he's seeing "employees leaving OnLive headquarters with moving boxes." It's looking more and more like there were layoffs at the company today. Joystiq is continuing to follow up.

Update 3: OnLive laid off "at least 50 percent" of its staff this afternoon, and the company is being taken over by an unknown third-party. More through this link.

JoystiqOnLive on rumors of closure: 'of course not' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceocloudgaminglayoffsonlivepatentspcrebootrumorservicestreamingFri, 17 Aug 2012 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop's cloud streaming service shifts to PC, tablets and internet TVs only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/gamestops-cloud-streaming-service-shifts-to-pc-tablets-and-int/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/gamestops-cloud-streaming-service-shifts-to-pc-tablets-and-int/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/gamestops-cloud-streaming-service-shifts-to-pc-tablets-and-int/#comments GameStop has been talking about its plans to stream games since acquiring Spawn Labs and Impulse back in early 2011, and next summer the new service will launch. But it won't be available on consoles as originally thought.

"Based on consumer feedback, our success in selling mobile devices, and the imminent launch of new consoles, we have decided to move our technology to a PC-based model," GameStop president Tony Bartel said during a conference call with investors today (via Gamasutra). After running a nationwide private beta, GameStop has decided to offer the service only on PC, tablets and internet-enabled television sets.

Previously, GameStop senior VP Mike Mauler proposed a scenario where users would need to own a retail copy of a particular game they wished to stream from the cloud. That's not set in stone, of course - and that's not to say GameStop won't bring the service to the next generation of consoles, but for the near-future, it appears consoles aren't getting an invite to GameStop's cloud club.

JoystiqGameStop's cloud streaming service shifts to PC, tablets and internet TVs only originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcloudgamestopiosipadiphonemobilepcspawn-labsstreamingThu, 16 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iHeartRadio hearts Ouya; U4iA crafting 'Offensive Combat' port]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/iheartradio-hearts-ouya-u4ia-crafting-offensive-combat-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/iheartradio-hearts-ouya-u4ia-crafting-offensive-combat-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/iheartradio-hearts-ouya-u4ia-crafting-offensive-combat-port/#comments iHeartRadio hearts Ouya U4iA crafting 'Offensive Combat'Beyond its use as an Android-based gaming console, and its use as an OnLive streaming device, Ouya is also a radio, apparently. iHeartRadio announced its intention to partner with Ouya this morning via Kickstarter, which will bring the usual selection of iHeartRadio functionality to the $99 console (streaming actual radio stations, creating custom stations, etc.). For non-US streamers, don't fret! Ouya says it is "actively reaching out to international partners as well."

Also of note, iOS/Android first-person shooter Offensive Combat is headed to the Ouya. Developer U4iA said of the news, "Given that consoles are so expensive and face an uncertain future, Ouya stands out as the perfect example of an afford home-entertainment platform created specifically for core gamers like us." CEO Dusty Welch also said he "can't wait to bring all-new games in the Offensive Combat universe to the Ouya platform." Whoa Dusty, slow down there!

Ouya's Kickstarter page is just five days away from completion, and as of this writing has approximately $6.5 million accrued. That is well over its original $950K goal.

JoystiqiHeartRadio hearts Ouya; U4iA crafting 'Offensive Combat' port originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddusty-welchfirst-person-shooteri-heart-radioiheartradiokickstartermobileoffensive-combatouyaradiostreamingu4iaFri, 03 Aug 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai hits Samsung 7000 series TVs in beta, despite Sony acquisition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/gaikai-hits-samsung-7000-series-tvs-in-beta-despite-sony-acquis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/gaikai-hits-samsung-7000-series-tvs-in-beta-despite-sony-acquis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/gaikai-hits-samsung-7000-series-tvs-in-beta-despite-sony-acquis/#comments Gaikai hits Samsung 7000 series TVs in beta, despite Sony acquisitionStreaming games service Gaikai and Samsung are still in business, regardless of Sony's recent purchase of Gaikai to establish a "new cloud service." Gaikai's cloud gaming beta is live today with a firmware update on 2012 Samsung LED 7000 series and higher SmartTV systems.

Early investors in these high-end internet TVs can download the Gaikai early access program now, cracking the cloud-gaming floodgate on a few Gaikai games. Some "selected participants" will be eligible to receive a free Logitech gamepad as well.

Sony purchased Gaikai for $380 million on July 2 to "establish a new cloud service" for as-yet-unannounced platforms and purposes. It was previously unclear how this acquisition would affect Gaikai's hardware-integration efforts, but it appears all systems are go, at least for Samsung.

JoystiqGaikai hits Samsung 7000 series TVs in beta, despite Sony acquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudcloud-gaminggaikaiinternet-tvsamsungSmartTvSONYstreamingThu, 05 Jul 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive support dropped from Sony media player post-Gaikai purchase [Update: support not dropped, says OnLive]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/onlive-support-dropped-from-sony-blu-ray-player-post-gaikai-purc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/onlive-support-dropped-from-sony-blu-ray-player-post-gaikai-purc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/onlive-support-dropped-from-sony-blu-ray-player-post-gaikai-purc/#comments OnLive support dropped from Sony Bluray player postGaikai purchaseRemember the Sony streaming media player that reportedly packed OnLive support? After yesterday's announcement of the acquisition of Gaikai - that other video game streaming service - OnLive support for the player is unsurprisingly kaput, Sony confirmed to VentureBeat.

Presumably, Gaikai support could be added to the device in the future, but for now it's clear that Sony's game streaming intentions (understandably) no longer include OnLive.

Update: An OnLive spokesperson has told Joystiq that VentureBeat's information is inaccurate. Specifically, OnLive was never going to be preloaded into Sony's device in the first place. Users will, however, still be able to download OnLive to the device. Furthermore, the OnLive spokesperson stated that the OnLive controller is still compatible with the device as well.

We've contacted Sony directly to see if we can clear all this up.

JoystiqOnLive support dropped from Sony media player post-Gaikai purchase [Update: support not dropped, says OnLive] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud-gaminggaikaigame-streamingmedia-playeronlivesonystreamingTue, 03 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gibeau says EA mostly ignores NPD reports; NPD knows 'for a fact' major publishers use them]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/gibeau-says-ea-mostly-ignores-npd-reports-npd-knows-for-a-fact/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/gibeau-says-ea-mostly-ignores-npd-reports-npd-knows-for-a-fact/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/gibeau-says-ea-mostly-ignores-npd-reports-npd-knows-for-a-fact/#comments EA's Frank Gibeau NPDs are 'irrelevant' for not tracking digital salesLast year EA went on record calling the NPD's sales reports "a misrepresentation of the entire industry," and this year EA Labels president Frank Gibeau is taking that sentiment one step further, saying EA largely ignores NPD reports.

"An occasional bad report from NPD, which measures a sliver of what's actually happening in gaming, gives people an erroneous impression," Gibeau tells Games Industry International. "My point is it's an irrelevant measure on the industry. It's totally irrelevant. We don't even really look at it internally anymore."

NPD reports track retail games sales from stores such as GameStop and Wal-Mart, but don't provide a comparable breakdown of digital sales. In Q4 2012, EA saw digital sales generate $419 million, while packaged goods made more than double that, with $949 million.

David McQuillan, president of NPD Games, is "surprised" by Gibeau's comments for a few reasons, provided in a statement to Joystiq. The first: "While we will not comment on the specifics on our long-standing relationship with EA, we can say with confidence that we have daily dealings with all of our major publisher clients. And we know for a fact they're using the data."

The second reason McQuillan cites is the continued prevalence of physical sales, making up 56 percent of industry sales in 2011. "The current games industry is still largely rooted in retail and any industry player involved with AAA content simply can't take their eye away from the retail environment," he writes.

NPD Group's David Riley adds, "We do cover digital. Granted, it's not near the level of granularity that we provide via physical point of sale, but physical POS is still huge and needs to be taken seriously. In my opinion, you do a disservice to our industry when you dismiss the value of retail sales research."

EA's Digital sales are growing rapidly, Gibeau says, and EA is focused on riding that streaming, cloud-based, downloadable wave into the future, with or without NPD sales reports.

"We're going to be a 100 percent digital company, period," he says. "It's going to be there some day. It's inevitable."

JoystiqGibeau says EA mostly ignores NPD reports; NPD knows 'for a fact' major publishers use them originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clouddigitaldigital-distributionmacmicrosoftmobilenintendonpdnpd-grouppcplaystationps3salesstreamingwiixboxMon, 02 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Potential OnLive integration in Sony Internet player]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/potential-onlive-integration-in-sony-internet-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/potential-onlive-integration-in-sony-internet-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/potential-onlive-integration-in-sony-internet-player/#comments Potential OnLive integration in Sony Bluray playerSony's Internet Player with Google TV lists "OnLive Gaming Controller/USB dongle" as compatible with the streaming device, according to its hardware product page. OnLive has yet to announce any partnership with Sony, though the addition of OnLive controller compatibility infers (but doesn't confirm) support of the service in this product.

While categorized with the company's Blu-ray player offerings, the Internet Player with Google TV doesn't appear to support the standard hi-def disc format. The inclusion of OnLive in a Google TV player doesn't come as a huge surprise either, as OnLive planned to bring its service to all Google TV devices, Engadget reported back in January.

Additionally, OnLive recently popped up on Vizio's Co-Star, which means in streaming device terms, it gets around.

JoystiqPotential OnLive integration in Sony Internet player originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>google-tvinternet-playerOnLiveonlive-game-serviceSONYstreamingSun, 01 Jul 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Gaikai seeking to sell itself for $500 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/rumor-gaikai-seeking-to-sell-itself-for-500-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/rumor-gaikai-seeking-to-sell-itself-for-500-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/rumor-gaikai-seeking-to-sell-itself-for-500-million/#comments David Perry's cloud-based gaming middleware company Gaikai could soon be courting buyers, according to a report at Fortune. The company has supposedly hired bankers in order to prepare for the transaction and purportedly anticipates that its market value will ring up somewhere around $500 million or higher, according to Fortune's sources.

Unlike OnLive, Gaikai provides no consumer-facing gaming service itself, but instead provides the technology required for other companies like Samsung, LG and Facebook. Gaikai's official stance on the situation is that it does not comment on rumors; a statement likely prepared by a super-cluster of servers before it was streamed to our inboxes.

JoystiqRumor: Gaikai seeking to sell itself for $500 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud-gamingdavid-perrygaikaipcsalestreamingThu, 21 Jun 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a look at the Wii U's Netflix app in these leaked images]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/take-a-look-at-the-wii-us-netflix-app-in-these-leaked-images/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/take-a-look-at-the-wii-us-netflix-app-in-these-leaked-images/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/take-a-look-at-the-wii-us-netflix-app-in-these-leaked-images/#comments Take a look at the Wii U's Netflix app in these leaked imagesWondering how Nintendo's Wii U will stack up when it comes to Netflix? Engadget's got these first images of the Netflix app prototype in action.

The app seems to enable browsing of the movie queue from the handheld screen, and one screenshot shows a video playing on the WiiPad - which should leave the television free for a different input.

If anything, it'll do wonders for uninterrupted viewings of Zen & Zack. Say goodbye, bathroom magazines! Take a look at the full gallery right here.

JoystiqTake a look at the Wii U's Netflix app in these leaked images originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leaknetflixnintendostreamingwii-uwiipadTue, 12 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive coming to browsers, smart TVs with more viewing capabilities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/onlive-coming-to-browsers-smart-tvs-with-more-viewing-capabilit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/onlive-coming-to-browsers-smart-tvs-with-more-viewing-capabilit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/onlive-coming-to-browsers-smart-tvs-with-more-viewing-capabilit/#comments OnLive coming to browsers, smart TVs with more viewing capabilitiesOnLive has announced that its popular game streaming service is headed out to even more platforms, including LG Smart TVs with Google TV, and a Internet browser near you thanks to a new In-Browser Gaming feature. Starting today, players will be able to go to OnLive's website, and load up the streaming service without a standalone app. OnLive says the browser service is also very customizable by any publishers or content providers, allowing for free streaming trials of any games on the service, with options to send customers off to buy or preorder the games once they're done playing. The service is very similar to competitor Gaikai, and should lower the barrier of entry for customers unwilling to download a separate app: OnLive says it will even work in popular mobile browsers, on smartphones and tablets.

OnLive has also introduced a new feature called MultiView, which allows players to watch multiple views of other players' gameplay while playing their own games, as seen above. Because OnLive's streaming technology just sends video and audio, players can watch up to three other screens while their own game is running, without any more speed hits on the local CPU. MultiView is currently in beta, and should see a full release later on this summer.

JoystiqOnLive coming to browsers, smart TVs with more viewing capabilities originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012gamemobilemultiviewnewsonlivepcstreamingviewsTue, 05 Jun 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai bringing cloud gaming to Samsung this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/gaikai-bringing-cloud-gaming-to-samsung-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/gaikai-bringing-cloud-gaming-to-samsung-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/gaikai-bringing-cloud-gaming-to-samsung-this-summer/#comments Gaikai bringing cloud gaming to Samsung this summerGame streaming service Gaikai is partnering with Samsung to add its cloud gaming service to Samsung televisions, the company announced today. The partnership is dubbed "Samsung Cloud Gaming," and will bring Gaikai's game lineup to Samsung televisions starting some time this summer (the Samsung 7000 series is the first to get the streaming treatment).

Gaikai says that a "diverse selection of AAA content appealing to both families and gamers alike" will come with the service when it arrives later this year. From the handful of screens we've seen, games like The Witcher 2 and Limbo apparently represent the all-encompassing scope of Gaikai's game offerings.

Gallery: Gaikai on Samsung Smart TV

Continue reading Gaikai bringing cloud gaming to Samsung this summer

JoystiqGaikai bringing cloud gaming to Samsung this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud-gaminge3-2012gaikaisamsungsamsung-cloud-gamingstreamingTue, 05 Jun 2012 11:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Join us in watching Sony's E3 2012 press conference, right here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/join-us-in-watching-sonys-e3-2012-press-conference-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/join-us-in-watching-sonys-e3-2012-press-conference-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/join-us-in-watching-sonys-e3-2012-press-conference-right-here/#comments Join us in watching Sony's E3 2012 press conference, right here
What's that? You couldn't afford a plane ticket to Los Angeles, but you really, really wanna see your buddy Jack Tretton? Well you're in luck, friend, as Sony's got a handy livestream of the whole goings on. What's more, we've embedded that stream just above. Go ahead, give it a shot. Pretty nice, right?

JoystiqJoin us in watching Sony's E3 2012 press conference, right here originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012moveplaystationplaystation-vitapress-conferenceps3pspsonystreamingvitaMon, 04 Jun 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hawken to be playable via Gaikai prior to official release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/hawken-to-be-playable-via-gaikai-prior-to-official-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/hawken-to-be-playable-via-gaikai-prior-to-official-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/hawken-to-be-playable-via-gaikai-prior-to-official-release/#comments ImageHawken keeps surprising us. First, we were surprised that the really great-looking mech shooter is being made by an indie studio, then it surprised us to learn that it would be free-to-play. And here's another surprise: Dave Perry's cloud gaming system Gaikai has signed a deal to let players see Hawken running through the service in advance of the planned December 12 release date.

Gaikai allows nearly any game to be streamed directly from its servers to any browser, which means that the first impression of the graphics-intensive Hawken will be playable anywhere Gaikai will run (including on some tablets, and computers of all shapes and sizes). This deal makes a lot of sense from both sides: Hawken needs a large audience to get its free-to-play engine running, and Gaikai could use a big title to connect users to its servers. The Gaikai demo will be on playhawken.com and a few other sites, so eyes open until then.

Continue reading Hawken to be playable via Gaikai prior to official release

JoystiqHawken to be playable via Gaikai prior to official release originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adhesive-gamesclouddave-perryfree-to-playgaikaihawkenmechpcservershooterstreamingSun, 20 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stream IGF nominee games through OnLive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/stream-igf-nominee-games-through-onlive/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/stream-igf-nominee-games-through-onlive/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/stream-igf-nominee-games-through-onlive/#comments Haven't had a chance to play all of the IGF nominees this year? Well, a lot of them aren't out, so that makes sense. OnLive is providing the most stress-free avenue for catching up, with a two-week Indie Showcase on the streaming service.

Through March 11, you'll be able to play timed demos of 16 nominees, including: Atom Zombie Smasher, Be Good, Botanicula, Dear Esther, Dustforce, English Country Tune, Frozen Synapse, FTL, Lume, Nitronic Rush, Once Upon a Spacetime, POP, SpaceChem, To The Moon, Toren, and WAY. Your "likes" and play sessions will be tallied by OnLive to determine the most popular IGF game on the service.

Then, starting March 5, OnLive will put a bunch of previous IGF honorees on sale. Basically, no matter what, you're going to be able to find some kind of indie thing to play.

Continue reading Stream IGF nominee games through OnLive

JoystiqStream IGF nominee games through OnLive originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>igf-2012indieonlivepcstreamingstreaming-gameplayTue, 28 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gface, Crytek-backed streaming game network, goes into beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/gface-crytek-backed-streaming-game-network-goes-into-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/gface-crytek-backed-streaming-game-network-goes-into-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/gface-crytek-backed-streaming-game-network-goes-into-beta/#comments No longer content with making incredibly technologically advanced games, Crytek is going after the casual space with a browser-based, social gaming platform called Gface (so that's what that trademark was for!), developed and maintained by an affiliate, also called Gface.

Gface is sort of like a game-focused Facebook: a cross-platform social network designed to facilitate playing casual or hardcore, 2D or 3D games with people, and finding more people to play with. Games are delivered through a plugin based on the "Seed Engine," enabling installation-free, streaming gameplay.

If you're interested in checking out Gface, the company is hosting signups for a closed beta. Maybe if you get in, you can find out what the games are!

JoystiqGface, Crytek-backed streaming game network, goes into beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekgfacemobilepcsocial-networkingstreamingSun, 05 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XBL getting Crackle, CinemaNow apps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/xbl-getting-crackle-cinemanow-apps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/xbl-getting-crackle-cinemanow-apps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/xbl-getting-crackle-cinemanow-apps/#comments If Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus and the Zune marketplace haven't been enough to satiate your unquenchable thirst for all things cinematic, perhaps two more apps will help quell the raging torrent in your soul. Crackle, a free service, has a somewhat limited and eccentric selection of movies and television shows to choose from, although they do have a rather impressive selection of classic anime like Ah! My Goddess and Galaxy Express 999.

Best Buy's CinemaNow ecosystem has more new releases to choose from, but its services require cash money. It's unclear whether all of the content on these two services will be available through the respective apps, or if some content will be restricted, like the YouTube and Hulu Plus apps. If our calculations are correct, Xbox Live only needs 2 more movie apps and 4 more internet radio apps before it becomes self aware.

JoystiqXBL getting Crackle, CinemaNow apps originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeappbest-buycinemanowcracklelivemicrosoftmoviesstreamingtelevisionxboxXbox-LiveSat, 04 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky TV to offer cable access via broadband in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/sky-tv-to-offer-cable-access-via-broadband-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/sky-tv-to-offer-cable-access-via-broadband-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/sky-tv-to-offer-cable-access-via-broadband-in-the-uk/#comments Unlike its unflinching US equivalents, News Corp-owned Sky TV is readying its service for availability via broadband, rather than solely through traditional cable box delivery. The company announced plans today to bring a mixed on-demand/pay-per-month streaming service to the UK in the coming months -- a move we've yet to see made on this side of the Atlantic from any major cable provider.

Sky's first step is competing with the likes of Netflix and LoveFilm with an on-demand video service, as well as a pay-per-month unlimited option. And that service is set to expand not long after the initial "first half of 2012" launch time frame, with sports and entertainment offerings said to be coming "soon afterward."

What does any of this have to do with gaming, you wonder? Well, silly, Sky TV is offered via both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and the plan going forward is to continue that support on "a wide range of connected devices, including PCs, Macs, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, games consoles and connected TVs." It's unclear how currently available apps will be affected, but we'll assuredly see more from the UK TV provider as we move through the first half of 2012.

Continue reading Sky TV to offer cable access via broadband in the UK

JoystiqSky TV to offer cable access via broadband in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidenglandiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenewscorppcplaystationps3sky-tvskytvstreamingstreaming-televisionstreaming-tvukunited-kingdomxboxTue, 31 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix drops plan to offer video games like it was Qwikster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/netflix-drops-plans-to-offer-video-games-like-they-were-qwikster/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/netflix-drops-plans-to-offer-video-games-like-they-were-qwikster/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/netflix-drops-plans-to-offer-video-games-like-they-were-qwikster/#comments Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, who you may remember from his Match.com profile video explanation video of Netflix's aborted split into two companies, said Netflix has no plans to offer video games right now, speaking in a Q4 investor meeting today. Hastings didn't offer more details on far-future plans, but he did confirm Netflix is investigating 3D streaming options to supplement its Blu-ray 3D disc service.

For now, it looks like gamers all will be getting is digital and physical disservice.

JoystiqNetflix drops plan to offer video games like it was Qwikster originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftNetflixnintendoplaystationps3reed-hastingsstreamingwiixboxWed, 25 Jan 2012 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai full-game streaming to start 3 months after launching on Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/gaikai-full-game-streaming-to-start-3-months-after-launching-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/gaikai-full-game-streaming-to-start-3-months-after-launching-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/gaikai-full-game-streaming-to-start-3-months-after-launching-on/#comments Gaikai is set to launch full-game streaming services on its network of gaming and entertainment websites, ramping up its current demo-only model, GamesIndustry reports. After launching its cloud service on Facebook, Gaikai will roll out full-game streaming on retailer sites such as YouTube, Best Buy and Walmart, and on publisher sites such as EA and Ubisoft.

Full-game streaming will go live about 90 days after the Facebook service begins, which should be soon, Gaikai head Dave Perry says. Gaikai's main competition is OnLive, but Perry says there is a huge difference between the two companies. "They have to modify the game; they have to get the source code to the game," Perry said. "Gaikai doesn't require modification of the game."

There are no direct plans to put Gaikai on console, but Perry can see the need for cloud services on all platforms: "You do not want to be the console that can't do this," he said. "You do not want to be the retail website that doesn't have playable games on it. You don't want to be the gaming website that you can't buy a game from.

"I don't want to take your console from your cold dead hands, that's not the case at all. You're going to continue to play the way you play, but just imagine that you could have an opinion on all games because you've been able to try all of them."

JoystiqGaikai full-game streaming to start 3 months after launching on Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best-BuycloudEAfacebookgaikaimacmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3streamingUbisoftwiixboxyoutubeTue, 24 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai will introduce your mom to hardcore gaming through Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/gaikai-will-introduce-your-mom-to-hardcore-gaming-through-facebo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/gaikai-will-introduce-your-mom-to-hardcore-gaming-through-facebo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/gaikai-will-introduce-your-mom-to-hardcore-gaming-through-facebo/#comments Streaming service Gaikai has finalized a deal to bring hardcore PC game demos to Facebook, following previous deals made with YouTube, Wal Mart and others. Gaikai said it has been working with Facebook for some time, and it sees this as a golden opportunity for both parties.

"Facebook already owns the category of casual gaming; we're going to help them own core games," founder David Perry said at Cloud Gaming Europe, GamesIndustry reports. "A click and boom, you're playing World of Warcraft."

Perry demoed World of Warcraft on Facebook, but later clarified to GameSpot that Gaikai "is NOT bringing WoW to Facebook (at least not in the foreseeable future)." Gaikai's approach to streaming games sees it in more of a marketing role than a game-provider, but introducing the Facebook audience to more hardcore opportunities shouldn't be a bad thing. Unless your mom starts sending you invites to join her guild page, "Massive Mamacitas."

JoystiqGaikai will introduce your mom to hardcore gaming through Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudfacebookgaikaihardcoremacpcstreamingWed, 18 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai coming to LG TVs, playable OnLive coming to GoogleTVs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/gaikai-coming-to-lg-tvs-playable-onlive-coming-to-googletvs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/gaikai-coming-to-lg-tvs-playable-onlive-coming-to-googletvs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/gaikai-coming-to-lg-tvs-playable-onlive-coming-to-googletvs/#comments If you're someone whose hatred of physical media and cluttered entertainment systems is rivaled only by your passion for contemporary gaming and universal controllers, your next television purchase may have just become as conflicted as your eccentric little heart of hearts.

Gaikai and LG have announced plans to place Gaikai's cloud-based game-streaming services inside of LG's upcoming 2012 line of Cinema 3D TVs. The service will use Gaikai's middleware to power an LG-branded gaming portal within the company's existing Smart TV app ecosystem. No information has yet been given regarding how these games will actually be played, but we're hopeful it will involve a controller of some kind, rather than creative use of the TV's remote.

OnLive has also announced further integration of its cloud-based game-streaming service into Google's GoogleTV platform, by way of Vizio's "next generation" of "Internet Apps Plus" devices. Vizio TVs equipped with Internet Apps Plus and GoogleTV 2.0 will allow users to connect their Universal Controller and stream games normally. This is a big leap from OnLive's current GoogleTV presence, which is currently limited to a "Player" app that allows GoogleTV users to spectate OnLive games happening on other devices. No word on whether full OnLive functionality will come to other devices running GoogleTV 2.0.

Continue reading Gaikai coming to LG TVs, playable OnLive coming to GoogleTVs

JoystiqGaikai coming to LG TVs, playable OnLive coming to GoogleTVs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2012Cloud-gaminggaikaiGoogle-TVGoogleTVLGonliveSmart-TVstreamingTVvizioWed, 11 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Netflix live on PS3, Wii in the UK and Ireland; 360 app up later today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/psa-netflix-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/psa-netflix-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/psa-netflix-uk/#comments As of today, the lands of the UK and Ireland will use Netflix not only as a noun, but as a verb. Today they begin saying, "Wait, you haven't seen that? Netflix it!" The movie rental company's streaming service is available now on PC, certain televisions, PS3 and Wii. The Xbox 360 app will hit later today.

Netflix is available to try at no cost for one month, and after that it's £5.99 or €6.99, depending on your region. Netflix for the UK was announced late last year, shortly after the PR disaster that saw the birth and death of Qwikster in a little under a month. The company's stock is still recovering from the free fall.

JoystiqPSA: Netflix live on PS3, Wii in the UK and Ireland; 360 app up later today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeIrelandmicrosoftNetflixnintendoplaystationps3streamingstreaming-videoUKunited-kingdomwiixboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Bloomberg: Microsoft to create its own TV programming for Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/bloomberg-microsoft-to-create-its-own-tv-programming-for-xbox-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/bloomberg-microsoft-to-create-its-own-tv-programming-for-xbox-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/bloomberg-microsoft-to-create-its-own-tv-programming-for-xbox-l/#comments Microsoft's streaming television service in the US is still in its infancy, but the company reportedly has plans to greatly expand it in the coming months, even introducing its own programming. Bloomberg reports that Microsoft is currently on the hunt for a television exec to handle said original programming, with two ex-NBC suits named as potential candidates (Marc Graboff and Jess Gaspin).

No details are given on what kind of content the company might provide, though the report says it will be paired with the already existing streaming offerings. Microsoft already dips its toe into original programming via the Xbox Live Dashboard (Major's Minute, Xbox 101, etc.), and hosts partners for promotional tie-in videos (IGN) alongside streaming services like Crackle, HBO Go, and the Zune Marketplace. The company also worked in the past with NBC on the network "MSNBC," though Microsoft later exited the partnership. The Redmond, WA-based company isn't offering any comment at this time regarding the report.

JoystiqBloomberg: Microsoft to create its own TV programming for Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloombergjeff-gaspinlive-tvmarc-graboffmicrosoftnbcoriginal-programmingreportstreamingtelevisionxboxxbox-liveMon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom for Keflings coming to OnLive with touchscreen controls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kingdom-for-keflings-coming-to-onlive-with-touch-screen-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kingdom-for-keflings-coming-to-onlive-with-touch-screen-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/kingdom-for-keflings-coming-to-onlive-with-touch-screen-controls/#comments NinjaBee's decidedly adorable city-building game, A Kingdom for Keflings, is the latest arrival on the recently launched OnLive mobile streaming application. As part of its welcoming celebration, the title will run players $2.50 (down from $9.99) through midnight on Monday, December 12. Better yet, anyone who bought the PC version of the game directly through NinjaBee's site are eligible to receive a free OnLive copy -- just email Swag@NinjaBee.com with the subject "Keflings OnLive," including the name and email address you used to buy the game.

The OnLive version is one of few games on the platform to be altered to include native touchscreen controls, making it a nice fit on tablets like the iPad 2 and Android devices. Keflings, you see, are meant to be poked and prodded, not manipulated with cold, unfeeling joysticks.

Continue reading Kingdom for Keflings coming to OnLive with touchscreen controls

JoystiqKingdom for Keflings coming to OnLive with touchscreen controls originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-kingdom-for-keflingsandroidiosipadmobileninjabeeonlivestreamingtabletThu, 08 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST