Streaming Game Service

At GDC, a hitherto unknown start-up made an extraordinary claim: They have the technology to stream video games, on demand, to your PC, Mac or TV. I'm not talking about downloading the game when you want to play it, like an ethereal version of Steam, but actually getting the game graphics and sounds streamed to your device.

Yep, I know what you're thinking, because I laughed too. But check out the list of publishers behind this plan.

So far ten publishers have signed up to provide titles for OnLive. They include familiar names like Atari Interactive, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Take-Two Interactive Software and Warner Bros.

Now think about it. That's when I stopped laughing. If this works, it's going to change everything in the home gaming environment. It still feels like a pretty big IF. Rendering and streaming full HD video and gathering numerous split-second responses back must be a tall order.

Supposedly launching later this year, I'll be very interested to see what comes of this. It could be the end of that noisy, fragile dust magnet under your telly.

Onlive website