Sony today announced its cloud gaming service Playstation Now, which will enable users to access Playstation titles on demand via various consoles. While the road towards cloud gaming has been an uncertain one at times (evidenced by OnLive's near bankruptcy in 2012), today's unveiling at CES makes it a clear that Sony sees a bright future for on-demand gaming.
Sony's flagged its intention to enter the cloud gaming space with the acquisition of cloud-gaming company Gaikai in 2012 for US$380 million. While the company was open about its intentions in buying up the specialist cloud technology firm, it remained unclear exactly how it would harness the potential for its series of consoles and mainstream use.
Playstation Now will enable users to stream games from the cloud using the Playstation 4, Playstation 3 and Playstation Vita systems without the need to download files or use physical media.
To begin with, the service will provide only Playstation 3 titles on the Playstation 4 and Playstation 3 consoles, with support for the Playstation Vita to follow. The company also states that most 2014 U.S models of its Sony BRAVIA televisions will support Playstation Now and it aims to expand the service to other non-Sony internet connected devices in the future.
Sony is demoing four titles through Playstation Now at CES this week: BEYOND: Two Souls, God of War: Ascension, The Last of US and Puppeteer. The company is yet to detail any pricing information, but says a closed beta program will begin by the end of this month with an official launch is slated for sometime around mid-year.
Source: Sony