Sony Computer Entertainment Acquires Gaikai

Cloud-based gaming just hit the mainstream, as Sony Computer Entertainment has officially announced that they have entered agreements to purchase the cloud-based gaming platform, Gaikai.

Dual Pixels picked up the press release from the electronic entertainment mega-corporation who laid out the details on June 30th, 2012, Japan time for a massive $380 million.

Andrew House, President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. commented in the official press release about the acquisition, saying...

“By combining Gaikai’s resources including its technological strength and engineering talent with SCE’s extensive game platform knowledge and experience, SCE will provide users with unparalleled cloud entertainment experiences,”...“SCE will deliver a world-class cloud-streaming service that allows users to instantly enjoy a broad array of content ranging from immersive core games with rich graphics to casual content anytime, anywhere on a variety of internet-connected devices.”

There has been a lot of talk about cloud-based gaming lately, the thing really kicked into high gear when OnLive went live, providing players with the ability to stream their high-end gaming experiences from the comfort of a low-end laptop or a set top box. Cloud gaming revolves around streaming your gaming experience from the provider's servers, enabling you to play the latest and greatest games with the only requirement being that you need a high-end internet connection (usually 3MBPs or faster).

While this has sparked many statements about this being the wave of the future, a lot of gamers haven't been completely comfortable with the move from local-based gaming to cloud-based gaming due to no longer owning the product and instead, paying to rent the product from a service instead. I suppose, so long as all forms of gaming don't turn into cloud-based gaming then it should be all right.

Sony hasn't completely detailed how the service will be put to use, but it's probably a safe bet to assume that Sony would utilize Gaikai for compatibility between running PS4 games on the PS3. Streaming next-gen, HD games on a previous gen console would not only allow their established install base to "buy" into the next-generation of gaming without actually buying new hardware, it would also allow them to leverage their current install base to "try" or "rent" new games via cloud-based streaming.

We'll keep you posted on further developments regarding the Gaikai and Sony deal.

Will Usher

Staff Writer at CinemaBlend.