Is "ON LIVE" the future of video games???

According to a news, the "cloud" gaming technology, backed by telecoms giant BT, will allow users to play high profile releases like ASSASSINS CREED and DUES EX instantly on tablets and televisions without buying the titles on discs. Users of "ONLIVE" can currently choose from 150 games. The revolutionary service could pave the way for the best selling titles like CALL OF THE DUTY franchise to be playable within seconds on an iPad rather than paying $61.72 for the console version. Those who adopted ONLIVE early can purchase their first game for just $1.54, while another deal allows users to play over 100 games for $10.79 a month.

It makes high performance gaming as accessible as streaming video, with unique social features such as watching thousands of people play games live with voice chat and facebook integration. BT are offering 3 months free and unlimited access to a play pack of new and old titles, from DEUS EX to BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM for existing subscribers. Titles used on ONLIVE run using the service's data hub, with video compression technology being used to deliver top end games straight into the home.

The broadband dependent service is currently only available in usa and uk, as the wireless speeds vary more across the continent. ONLIVE has been available in USA for 15 months with initial reports suggesting that there has been very little down time since its launch in the UK.

But does this mean that it is the future of gaming and the consoles like XBOX 360 and ps3 will disappear in future ??? ...  Most of the gaming experts have stopped short of confirming that the service could be the future of gaming.

My thoughts:

ONLIVE sounded too good to be true as a service, and why not as you can get a handful of free "old" games to play when you sign up, but if you want to play anything new of even up-to 1 year old then you will have to pay up-to your neck. For example DEUS EX - $53.99 (high street price is around $46.27), SPACE MARINE - $53.99 (this is currently $12.33 brand new in amazon). The only real bargain appeared to be Colin McCrae 3 which was listed as $6.16. However when you click it, it will show up as $6.16 for a 3 day trial and if you want permanently it will cost $61.70

ONLIVE is a good start, but the concept needs a bit more development. Games are pretty poor in graphics compared to their PC and console counterparts, and the games are limited to sub 720pixel resolutions. And there is no price saving at all compared to their PC versions.

So gamers.... the "GAME ON" for ONLIVE to replace your consoles is still a distant dream and for players in India I will say "DREAM ON"