Samsung Electronics and cloud gaming service Gaikai have partnered on Samsung Cloud Gaming, a new service that will make even the most resource-intensive games playable through connected Samsung Smart TVs.
Using Gaikai’s technology, the Samsung Smart Hub interface will offer a range of titles beginning in 2012 with the Samsung 7000 series. The partners promise there will be AAA games for all types of players, from families to the most hardcore gamers, available to play instantly using game controllers. No additional hardware is needed.
Gaikai entered a similar partnership with LG in January to launch an integrated cloud gaming service across LG Cinema 3D TVs starting with the 2012 products.
“Working together we are proud to bring the biggest blockbuster video games straight onto Samsung televisions, significantly adding to the value of the Smart TV platform, as well as giving digital consumers an entirely new way to try and buy video games from the convenience of their living rooms,” said Kyung-shik Lee, vice president, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics.
David Perry, CEO of Gaikai Inc., said the partnership will turn Samsung Smart TVs into a convenient, immediately accessible, console-like experience. “Our vision is to provide the same access to video games that consumers enjoy with TV shows, movies and music. Our research made Samsung the obvious partner to turn this vision into a reality,” he said.
In unrelated news, Gaikai also announced that En Masse Entertainment’s award-winning massively multiplayer online game, TERA (pictured), is now available to stream across Gaikai’s cloud streaming network. Using Gaikai, gamers can instantly experience the action combat MMO in a timed demo that requires no downloads or installations.
Headquartered in Southern California, Gaikai is backed by Benchmark Capital, NEA, Rustic Canyon Partners, Limelight Networks and Intel Capital.
Related links:
Gaikai – official site
Samsung – Smart TVs
Gaikai – En Masse press release
