Cloud-based streamer could revolutionise gaming

Gaikai, the cloud-based videogame service which will allow users to stream games directly to their web browser, is launching a closed beta later this month.

The service promises to provide access to high-end games on computers that don’t necessarily have high-end specs, a process which the company calls Streaming Worlds. Basically, when you play a game through Gaikai, you’re sending commands back to a central server which is running the game in optimal conditions and streaming the results to your browser. The only requirements are an internet connection and Flash player.

Founder David Perry has used an open email to reveal his hopes for the beta test. “Our closed beta has two goals. Number one is to bring our servers to their knees so we can choose the final configuration before we start ordering large quantities of them. We think we have it worked out, but you can be certain our staff will be swapping cards and testing different processors as each day goes by.

“Goal number two is to test older computers. We’ve had lots of emails from people describing their computers and 99 per cent of them have ample performance. Remember you don’t even need a 3D card to see a 3D game run on our service. I know this is strangely counter to what people expect, but we actually want to get plenty of basic office-grade XP machines testing so we can make sure we can reach the widest audience possible.”

If you want to sign up for the beta, click here.