Orange County, Calif. — Cloud gaming platform Gaikai, which allows gamers to play games instantly on internet-connected devices, has entered into a major deal with Walmart.com to offer consumers the opportunity to test and instantly purchase video games online, according to VentureBeat.
VentureBeat reports that the deal between the two companies will allow Gaikai to get paid by the number of minutes users play streamed games and puts Walmart.com in position to compete with OnLive — an online gaming service that sells games on demand. One of the benefits of Gaikai’s technology is that it allow games to stream online even for low-end PC’s, and through Walmart’s online Game Center, will allow potential buyers to try games for free.
VentureBeat confirmed the existence of the deal with Gaikai CEO David Perry, who said: “Over the next 12 months, when people see a video game on TV and want to try it out, they can be sure the fastest way will be on Walmart’s website. It’s an exciting time and you’ll see more sites around the world doing these stealth launches with us.”
The new technology represents a sea change in the industry as digital distribution offers new opportunities to consumers, publishers and retailers alike. Although Walmart.com currently has only a small number of games available through the service, the potential popularity and profit earned could allow publishers to provide more games, while enabling Walmart to provide these games without going out of stock.
Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/3p6trof (Venture Beat)
http://see.walmart.com/gamecenter/
