OnLive internet gaming service aims to kill off the console

A gaming service, which could end up killing off the traditional gaming console, will begin streaming popular games over broadband this June.

Rather than asking gamers to download content before they buy, OnLive will offer games on-demand to either PC or Mac owners with the use of a small browser plug-in. Additionally, it will be available via HDTV, providing the user has access to OnLive's MicroConsole TV Adapter.

Previously it's been noted users should be able to enjoy gaming on-demand with OnLive with fairly basic broadband connection speeds. For standard play this would mean a minimum 1.5Mb connection, and for high-definition games it should run fine with a download speed of at least 5Mb.

Far from being full of freeware titles, some big games developers have signed an agreement with OnLive bringing instant access games from the likes of Electronic Arts, Ubisoft 2K Games, THQ and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Titles anticipated to be available on the service include Mass Effect 2, Dragon Ace Origins, Assassin's Creed II, Prince of Persia - The Forgotten Sands, Borderlands and Metro 2033.

Speaking on the service, which has been in development for eight years, Mike McGarvey, COO of OnLive, said: "The OnLive Game Service creates a new opportunity for consumers to play the latest games without spending hundreds of dollars on a hardware system to make it happen." He added: "As a Mac user myself, I'm excited about the opportunity to help bring high-end gaming to this new and significant market."

At first, OnLive will only be available to US gamers, where as part of a pre-registration offer it has agreed to waive the the $14.95 (£9.99) monthly subscription fee for the first three months. As of yet, there's no word on a launch date for the UK.

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