Samsung Electronics is entering into the gaming business, using a cloud-gaming service powered by gaming streaming startup Gaikai.
The new service will officially be announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles that could bring a big change for the gaming industry as Samsung sets to compete with Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony, the big three gaming players.
David Perry, chief executive of Gaikai said that “œSamsung will become a first party and we will power their game network. They will be the fourth major company. They are going after gaming.“
Rather than introduce a gaming console, Samsung’s service will be accessed through its Smart TVs sold this year. The cloud will stream a variety of video games directly to the TVs that requires no downloading or installations. This will allow Samsung to move quickly into the market as Gaikai begin beta testing in the upcoming weeks.
Samsung isn‘t relying on Gaikai for the cloud gaming service rather Gaikai will be supplying the data center infrastructure and streaming technology.
Consumers who already own a Samsung LED ES7500 and up will be able to have use of the service, accessing content directly from Samsung‘s Smart Hub.
Under the service, users can choose to buy a web-enabled TV with Gaikai‘s service pre-installed on it. They can then try out games for free for a half hour and then have an option to buy them.
“œSamsung is excited to deliver this revolutionary gaming experience that takes advantage of all the benefits of cloud-computing, all on the central screen of the home“”Samsung Smart TV,“ said Kyung-shik Lee, vice president of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “œWith Samsung Cloud Gaming, Samsung‘s leadership in Smart Content and commitment to providing consumers with an innovative Home Entertainment experience is evident.“
Source: Venture Beat, Mashable
