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MMObility: The year in mobile
What a year, huh? We gamers have seen a lot of changes, but especially in the mobile market. New devices came and went, technologies spread out even further in the world, and MMO gaming established itself on the smallest screens possible. Of course, the mobile market is not as large as the standard MMO market, but it is definitely growing. As more devices appear, more players come to fill up the games. Our phones are not what they used to be, even five years ago. They are now truly tiny and powerful computing devices that are always connected. A player can literally live all of his digital life on one small device. If we look at the laptop and netbook market, we see even more growth and power. All of these devices need games to play on them, and MMOs fit perfectly into the mobile lifestyle. Click past the cut and I'll recap many of the best stories from Massively's mobile coverage!
OnLive updated for Xperia Play (meaning: leave the external gamepad at home)
You may have greeted the news that OnLive was playable on tablets with a certain amount of apprehension. "But how am I supposed to control complicated console games with a touchscreen," you bemoaned. "I know I could use the external gamepad at home but what about when I'm on the go? I'm a busy, important person." We understand your frustration, but the OnLive wizards have concocted a solution, enabling full slide-out gamepad controls for the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play or, as you may prefer to call it, the PlayStation Phone. So instead of virtualized buttons, a formula that OnLive knows doesn't work, and instead of carrying your smartphone and the not-so-convenient OnLive controller, you can bust out your gamepad-enabled phone for that console-gaming experience on the go.
Dear Aunt TUAW: Where's the OnLive App?
Dear Aunt TUAW, More of a question rather than a tip, but with the App Store lockdown today, I presume OnLive's Player App will not be live in time for Christmas. I was thinking: Do you think Apple delayed approval of the app to maximize profits by sales over Christmas, including the significant revenue likely generated by the release of Grand Theft Auto 3? Your skeptical nephew, Chris Dear Chris, Hey bud! It's your cousin Mike -- Auntie asked me to field this one, since I recently had a chance to play with the very impressive OnLive app in question. You're right: We heard great things about the app and its accompanying controller a few weeks ago (and I promise they're real, since I've still got the app installed and working on my personal iPad), but since then we haven't heard anything from OnLive, and the promised software has failed to materialize. That only applies to iOS, for the moment; we're told the app is available on the Android store right now, so if you have an Android tablet, you can play with it there. But most of us TUAW folks don't bother with Android, so when is it coming to iOS? I asked OnLive, and they tell me that both the iOS release of the app and the controller are still pending. The app specifically, an OnLive rep tells us, "in the approval process with Apple." The rep couldn't provide any further information, and it's possible that even OnLive doesn't know what the holdup is. Apple's approval process can be pretty secretive, even for the developers in it. There's possibly a few things happening here. First, OnLive might just honestly be waiting on approval -- it's too bad they didn't clear the process before the big announcement, but them's the breaks, and maybe they are just waiting on a release. Second, Apple could have denied the app for some reason, and it's possible that OnLive is working to fix or resubmit the app in order to get Apple's approval. I've used the app, and I can't think of any reason technically that the app wouldn't be accepted, but maybe there was something. Third, as you say, there could be something a little sneakier going on here. OnLive's service is paid for by selling access to PC games running on their own servers, and the way they have it set up, you can't buy those games through the app (you need to buy them from a regular PC before playing them on the iOS app). That means that Apple doesn't get any cut of games "sold" on OnLive, and that may be causing issues with the approval process. But that really shouldn't matter -- Apple doesn't take a cut of Netflix subscriptions, for example, and the Netflix apps are up and running without a problem. Or, as you suggest, Apple could simply want to sell iPad native games, and is holding the OnLive app off in order to increase native app sales rather than OnLive game sales. That seems a little too sneaky to me, but you're welcome to be as paranoid as you want. Honestly, I don't think there's a conspiracy here. The OnLive app makes your iPad more useful, and that's in everyone's favor. My guess is just that the app is caught up in the process. You're right in that it won't be approved over the App Store freeze, so we at least have to wait another week, but I think it'll either be approved soon, or we'll hear back from OnLive or Apple that it hasn't been accepted for whatever reason. In the meantime, OnLive is available on the Mac as well, so you can play all the games you want there for now. And we'll keep checking back with OnLive to see when the app is ready for release. Happy Holidays! Cousin Mike
OnLive now fully supports the Xperia Play, virtual thumbsticks and external controllers need not apply
Earlier this month, the good folks at OnLive released apps for both iOS and Android, granting mobile access to its cloud gaming service. However, its implementation was incomplete -- there was no support for the Xperia Play's slide-out controls. The company didn't leave owners out in the cold for long, however, as it has updated the Android app to fully support all of the handset's hardware just in time for the holidays. So, you're no longer constrained by the vagaries of touchscreen controls or forced to fork over your recently received Christmas dough for OnLive's wireless controller to get your tactile gaming on. Get all the good news in the PR below.
Kingdom for Keflings coming to OnLive with touchscreen controls
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.
Trine sales reach 1.1 million units
Developer Frozenbyte revealed today, with the launch of Trine 2 on PC/Mac, that the original Trine has sold 1.1 million units to date. Gamespot mentions a majority of Trine sales were achieved through Steam and the Humble Bundle, with a "notable part" also coming from OnLive. The co-op action title is also available on PS3, but never launched on Xbox 360 due to significant hiccups. Trine 2 should not experience the same console issues, with the title expected to launch in two weeks on PSN and XBLA. %Gallery-139935%
OnLive's mobile app hits and misses (with launch compatibility list)
OnLive CEO Steve Perlman promises a lot from his company's new cloud gaming apps for Android and iOS devices, but how does the app actually work? I've been able to play with the iPad version for the past few days, and using just the touchscreen it's far from perfect. While yes, the system does stream full live game audio and video to your device (which is impressive in itself), the controls are, frankly, a mess. OnLive's virtual controllers are just as janky as you'd imagine. In complex console games where you're using both joysticks and all of the buttons, it's playable but far from ideal. The wireless controller, on the other hand, really shows off what's possible with a service like this. Read on for impressions of using OnLive's new accessory with the iPad, as well as a full list of game compatibility on the service at launch. %Gallery-141268%
OnLive releases iOS and Android apps, custom touch controls, and a wireless controller
Cloud gaming service OnLive has been up and running for about a year now, and in all that time it's been doing exactly what many gamers thought impossible: Playing high resolution games over the Internet on any computer powerful enough to run a simple streaming app. Now, the company is taking its cloud-based show to smartphones and tablets, with a whole suite of apps available this week for Android and iOS devices. Joystiq had a chance to chat with OnLive CEO Steve Perlman, and he told us how the company has brought OnLive's library of PC and console titles to touchscreens everywhere (with the help of developers like Rockstar Games and a brand new controller), how OnLive and its service compares to the Xbox 360 console, and how his company would rather play nice with traditional console makers like Microsoft and Sony than disrupt their current business models.
OnLive intros apps for iOS and Android, refreshes its wireless controller, we go hands-on (video)
Look, games like Fruit Ninja can be addicting and all, but we've many times pondered what playing a proper title -- the kind intended for the latest consoles and PCs -- would be like on a tablet or smartphone. Of course, we've seen some fantastic results from Tegra 3 and been notably impressed by Infinity Blade 2 on iOS, but starting today, OnLive is set to one-up the limitations of locally run mobile games with its new app. Whether you're using an Android, iOS device or even a Kindle Fire, you'll now be able to play games from the OnLive ecosystem while you're on the move over 3G, LTE or WiFi, rather than merely spectating in OnLive Viewer. Better yet, the OnLive app itself is completely free and any games purchased can be used across devices, and currently, 25 titles have been optimized for touch-based controls, including a tweaked version of L.A. Noire. However, if you're more inclined to use tactile controls you'll be pleased to know that the company also has a soon to be released, revised version of its wireless controller. Outwardly, the updated controller is looks identical to the outgoing MicroConsole pack-in model, but this one connects to Macs, PCs and just about any mobile device thanks to new "adaptive wireless" technology. Those seeking extra low latency can use its bundled USB dongle to link up to four of the controllers and a single Bluetooth headset for voice chat with one PC. The gamepad's media controls can also navigate iTunes in addition to playback of Brag Clips within OnLive. When it debuts, you can expect to pick one up for about $50 (£39.99 in the UK). OnLive CEO Steve Perlman was kind enough to walk us through using this new bit of kit, so head on past the break for our full impressions and to see the controller in action. %Gallery-141278%
OnLive iPad app delivers console-quality gaming, custom touch controls
OnLive is one of the most impressive gaming options out there -- it's a cloud gaming service with the games actually 'playing' on remote hardware. That may sound clunky, but it works like a charm. Instead of running the games from a local executable on your PC, Mac or console system (as you would if you installed from a disc or downloaded from Steam), you instead buy access to games on OnLive's servers. The games run on OnLive's infrastructure, streaming audio and video to you as you play, and sending your control actions (either from your mouse and keyboard or a compatible controller) back to run the game itself. The arrangement may be a bit confusing (which is likely one reason for OnLive's relative obscurity, though in terms of digital sales, the company says it's second only to Steam itself), but in practice, it works quite beautifully. On any computer & ISP connection with the specs to run a streaming video service like Netflix, you can play console and PC games styled in all of their graphical glory. Now, you'll be able to do the same on any "post-PC" device too. Today, OnLive has released an official OnLive player app available for free on tablets and smartphones, including Android and of course iOS. At its core, this news means that gamers will be able to play much of OnLive's catalog right there on the iPhone and the iPad, and OnLive's CEO Steve Perlman tells TUAW that it will work "beautifully." The service will take high-end PC games (like Rockstar's LA Noire, above), and bring them in full motion to any iOS device. "So you're taking one of the highest end games and putting it on one of the lowest end devices," he tells us. "You can literally run this game on a phone now if you want to." If you're a gamer at all, your first thought is probably how the controls work -- a touchscreen interface is obviously very different from a mouse and keyboard or a console controller. But OnLive is way ahead of you: the company has three different solutions for various games on the service. The most fascinating solution is that OnLive has been working directly with some game developers to provide full touch interfaces for some of the titles. Rockstar is one of those developers, and the company has given its recent '40s cop title full touch controls for OnLive's app. Gamers who buy LA Noire via OnLive and then play it on the app will be able to control it using special touch controls that allow them to do things like rotate objects in the game world, or poke around crime scenes with their fingers. And because the game uses OnLive's streaming service, this will all be done with console-quality graphics, regardless of which iOS device you're running -- older devices like the iPad 1 or the iPhone 3GS will work great. Indie game Defense Grid Gold is the other launch title that will perform like this, and OnLive promises more touch interfaces are coming. Second, for games that still require buttons, there are two options. First, OnLive has developed some onscreen touch controls that will let gamers play titles on the iPad and iPhone with a virtual joystick or virtual buttons. This is the solution a lot of current iOS titles use, and regular iOS gamers know it can be hit or miss -- especially with a lot of buttons on the screen, your fingers can get lost, or the game's graphics can be blocked. So the other choice is a wireless controller, developed by and sold directly from OnLive. Available for $49.99, the controller will wirelessly connect up to tablets and smartphones (with "a bunch of different means," says Perlman -- he was rather vague on how it all worked, but said that it would) to work as a local controller, and it even comes with a USB dongle that will work with any PC or Mac as well. You can see my video demo of the controller below; sorry for the blurry, but you get the idea of how it works. The experience is very much like what you'd expect from playing the game on a console or on a desktop computer... but a lot more portable. Finally, some games that simply were built around a PC and a standard mouse and keyboard input (specifically some complex RTS and strategy games) just won't be playable on the tablet. That's just a limit of the system -- some interactions will simply require more direct controls than tablets and touch devices offer. OnLive is working hard to make as many games work as possible, says Perlman. "It's not that we don't have more games coming, but it takes time for QA to play through them. So that's why not every one will be available at launch." Of course, even games that don't work well on the iPad or iPhone will still be playable using the Mac or PC OnLive client. The company also sells a US$99 standalone 'microconsole' system that is basically the screensharing client in a box, with HDMI outputs to connect to your TV set and both wired & wireless network connectivity to hook up to your ISP connection. Will Apple let a system like this (basically a marketplace inside the App Store marketplace) all fly? Perlman says he's confident the company has a good relationship with Apple. OnLive has previously released a "viewer" app that will stream other players' gameplay to tablets, and Apple even spotlighted that app back when it was released. As for the marketplace question, gamers won't be able to purchase OnLive titles directly on iOS tablets -- they'll have to log into OnLive on a PC or Mac, buy the game there, and then log back in on the iPad or iPhone. Perlman believes that will pass Apple's rules on in-app purchases and subscriptions. "We're respecting the way they would like us to do it," he confirms. Perlman also promises some pretty incredible things in terms of performance -- he said that 3G is definitely an option for using the OnLive service, and that the company has worked with AT&T to make sure that the cellular bandwidth is there over the next few generations of protocols. "We actually worked with [AT&T]," says Perlman, "to make sure there's a mode, just for OnLive that makes it so that you have a nice natural response even over cellular. It's pretty badass." Indeed. Customers will need to sign up and register with the service on the official website, and then the app can be downloaded from the App Store (or from Android's marketplace, if you have an Android device or tablet) later on this week. OnLive originally promised to make cloud gaming a reality, and in the year the company has been running its service, it has shown the ability to do exactly that. Now, with these tablet apps, if OnLive can fulfill all of its promises, the sky's the limit in terms of iOS gaming.
Engadget's Cyber Monday 2011 roundup
<div style="text-align:center;"> <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/engadgets-cyber-monday-2011-roundup/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/11/-2.jpg" style="border-width:0px;border-style:solid;margin:4px;"/></a></div> <div> Didn't feel like brawling for two-dollar waffle makers at Wally World this past <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/engadgets-black-friday-2011-roundup/">Black Friday</a>? Don't fret, because Cyber Monday is just a few hours away -- there are literally only a few clicks between you and some awesome online deals. Best of all, you don't even need leave your abode or bear lines in the cold. Just like we did for BF, we've spotted some deals in advance and thrown 'em just past the break -- sure, it's only Sunday, but don't tell that to the retailers whose sales are currently ongoing! Unless you want to miss out on some chances to save on the gadgets you've been pining for, join us past the break for our full rundown. And as usual, if you spot anything we've missed, be sure to let us know in the comments. Ready. Set. Save!<br /> <br /> (<em>pssst: Don't forget to keep checking back, as we'll be constantly updating this post with even more deals as we come across them!</em>)<br /> <br /> <strong>Update (6:45PM ET 11/28):</strong> Now with even more deals!</div>
Get a free OnLive console with Assassin's Creed Revelations pre-order
We're always confused by pre-order offers for downloadable games -- even more confused by pre-order offers for OnLive games, for which the game code technically never leaves OnLive's servers. But we're able to overlook logistical questions, because OnLive is extending the generous offer of a free Microconsole with pre-order of Assassin's Creed Revelations, for those who purchase the $49.99 game by November 19. It's the same deal the service offers with every major release, and it wows us every time. "Free console with purchase of game" is a pretty good hook, an evaluation shared by Ezio's new equipment.
Halloween Sale Megapost: Namco, EA, GoG, Direct2Drive, OnLive
This Halloween weekend, many major game distributors are treating us to some massive sales on games they consider "scary," "dark," or that include zombies. To make the scavenging easy while you put the final touches on your Pyramid Head costume (you freak), we've compiled the Halloween-weekend deals from EA, GoG, Direct2Drive, Namco Bandai and OnLive right here. The trick? We're eating all the candy ourselves, and you get none. Boo-ya.
Pre-purchase L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition on Steam or OnLive for 10% off
Though L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition is set to launch on Steam and OnLive next month, plunking down the cash now will net you a price break. A pre-purchase will save you 10% off the final asking price, bringing it down to $44.99. L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition comes packed with all of the game's DLC. Seems like an open-and-shut case for us, though you may wish to investigate other leads -- up to you, detective!
MMObility: OnLive might just be perfect for MMOs
I sat in my bed last night, wanting to play something. I had already been playing my staple of browser-based MMOs. I had already crafted a bunch of arrows to grind on in RuneScape, ensured something was being built in Illyriad, and made note to try some of the new content in a few more of my favorites. I wanted to try something single-player, though, but my desktop was in the other room. It was chilly, and my dogs had weighed down the covers. So I pulled up my laptop and actually plugged it into my router instead of going wireless. I fired up OnLive, the miracle service that streams games to your device. Within a few minutes, I was shooting, exploring, and leveling in games that my little laptop would probably have had a very hard time running on its own. This got me thinking about OnLive's recent announcement about working with MMOs to stream them to players all over the world. Would it work? How would it work? Click past the cut and let's discuss it!
OnLive is putting six new indie games online this fall
OnLive is feeling the indie love at Indiecade 2011 this weekend with the announcement of six new indie titles landing in its library this fall: Orcs Must Die Limbo Magicka Bastion Space Chem Avadon: The Black Fortress OnLive already offers popular-indie games such as Braid, Trine, World of Goo and The Maw. OnLive veep of games and media John Spinale said, "OnLive has long been a supporter of independent publishers. Simply put, they're making some really great, innovative games these days," because that's true, and the more exposure for the talented underdarlings, the better, at least in our book. Er, website.
MMO impressions from Eurogamer Expo 2011
Some of the industry's biggest names were at Eurogamer Expo last week, including BioWare, NCsoft and Trion Worlds. I was on the floor at the expo to get some hands-on experience with several upcoming MMOs and countless singleplayer games. Guild Wars 2 and Star Wars: The Old Republic stole the show, with hands-on gameplay sessions and in-depth developer talks. BioWare also made the bold move of announcing SWTOR's official release date during its talk at the convention. In addition to promoting the heck out of RIFT, Trion showed off upcoming MMORTS End of Nations with a hands-on demo and encouraged attendees to sign up to the End of Nations newsletter. RIFT and World of Tanks were both playable on the show floor for the entire weekend, but nothing new was being shown. Hack-and-slash adventure RPG Dark Souls and the beautifully zen Journey both demonstrated incredibly innovative multiplayer aspects that I'll likely cover in my weekly Not So Massively column, but neither falls neatly into the MMO box. OnLive had a spectacular showing at the expo, giving away free home consoles to every attendee and demonstrating the system's surprisingly lag-free gameplay on the floor. We discovered that although there are no MMOs in OnLive's current lineup, this isn't due to technical infeasibility, so we may yet see MMOs launched on the service. Skip past the cut for my in-depth hands-on impressions of Guild Wars 2, Star Wars: The Old Republic and End of Nations from Eurogamer Expo 2011.
MMOs may be on the horizon for OnLive
The OnLive gaming platform officially launched in the US last year, bringing a new on-demand gaming service to homes with broadband internet connections. OnLive hosts and renders games on a computing cloud and delivers the resulting video feed over the internet. The potentially revolutionary system lets people play high-end games on low-end computers, but has a minimum bandwidth requirement of 2Mbit. OnLive celebrated its UK release this week during Eurogamer Expo in London, and we were on the floor to ask the OnLive staff some questions about the service. Representatives were able to confirm that there are plans to bring MMOs to the OnLive service in the future but no solid deals had been made. The only thing keeping MMOs out of the game catalogue is the fact that no deals have been signed with MMO publishers. OnLive representatives stated that it would be unlikely to see Activision-Blizzard's games like World of Warcraft on OnLive, but that Star Wars: The Old Republic and other MMOs could eventually be licensed to both the PC client and the home console. Talks are already underway with Electronic Arts, which released its first game on the system this week to coincide with the UK launch. When asked about latency issues, staff explained that the service already supports a large number of multiplayer titles with similar connectivity requirements to MMOs and latency is not a problem in those games.
Onlive launches in UK, offers cheap games and other deals
As promised, OnLive has brought its brand of cloud gaming to the UK as of today. If you're interested in checking it out, the service is offering some worthwhile deals. If you use BT's broadband service, you'll be able to subscribe to the "PlayPack," a monthly program that gives you unlimited access to over 100 games, for 3 months at no cost. That offer through BT can be found here. Oh, and OnLive play won't count toward your BT usage limit from now until January 2, 2012. It may start accruing after that, unless BT offers any other usage deals. Additionally, if you visit OnLive at the Eurogamer Expo, you can get a free MicroConsole, and all new UK OnLive users can get their first game for £1. Regular prices for those services are £6.99 a month for the PlayPack and £39.99 per purchased game, should you like it enough to use it again.
OnLive's cloud rolls across the pond, UK gamers now welcome
OnLive promised that it was coming, and the company has now brought its cloud-based gaming service to the UK right on schedule. That, of course, is identical to the service elsewhere, which lets you play a variety of PC games on any supported platform, including OnLive's own game system. UK gamers can also take advantage of a range of promotions coinciding with the launch, including their first OnLive PlayPass Game for £1 (up to a £39.99 value), and a free OnLive Game System to those attending the Eurogamer Expo (while quantities last, of course). Those interested can sign up and start playing right now at the link below.
