Gaikai is a cloud-based games service that allows its users to play demos of PC games on an Internet browser through video and audio streaming, while the actual game is running on a remote server at another location. In this regard, it’s similar to OnLive, which may be a more familiar name to some of our readers.
Once you’ve tried a game out on Gaikai’s service, you have the option of buying the game as a physical product through a retailer, or as a digital version, or to continue streaming the rest of the game on a “pay-as-you-play” basis. At present, Electronic Arts already support the service with PC demos of Dead Space 2, Mass Effect 2, The Sims 3 and Spore.
Capcom plan to use Gaikai’s service to provide browser-based versions of select future “high-end” Capcom PC titles. Theoretically, this means being able to play Capcom games without owning a PC or operating system that meets the game’s requirements, if you have a fast enough Internet connection. In addition to availability on Gaikai’s network, these games will also be enabled to stream inside Capcom’s own websites.
“Capcom produces some of the industry’s most unique franchises, consistently leading their genres with the highest quality,” said Robert Stevenson, Senior VP of Interactive Entertainment at Gaikai. “And as a forward thinking publisher who has had great success in the digital space, we’re excited to be working closely with them on such properties.”
No further specifics have been provided regarding just what Capcom games one will see on Gaikai service, but we’ll keep you updated as more is revealed.
