The debate over which console provides faster game accessibility or better television or movie distribution will finally be put to rest with PlayCast. Imagine not needing an Xbox 360 or PS3 to play the latest high-end games, or having the option to watch the latest TV shows or movies without the streaming money-raper that is Netflix? Yeah, we’re talking about the real deal here folks, and it's called PlayCast.
"We need to keep in mind that for the user, it’s a whole new ball game, literally - imagine watching a football match on a cable sports channel and being able to trigger a version of FIFA or Pro Evolution featuring the same teams at the touch of a button. With our console-free service and cost effective pricing models our target audience goes way beyond the hard-core gamers.” Says Playcast COO & President of Media, Alon Shtruzman.
The service is currently in a closed pilot program, supposedly with a tier-1 international operator since February 2008. Xenia Ventures (the owner of PlayCast) is nearing the end of the market and research phase for the project, with limited coverage of the service expected to go live in April of this year.
PlayCast won’t be fully recognizable in US, Europe and Asia until late 2009 and early 2010. At least they know the best time to hit the market is during the holiday season. However, with the economy in its current state, the real question is how well people will receive a new service that looks like a money hungry, technological monster?
"Playcast represents a quantum leap for gaming on demand," said Guy De Beer, CEO of Playcast. "While Cable TV systems currently offer only rudimentary games at best, Playcast marks the start of new generation of game distribution. Finally, the TV space and real games unite to deliver exciting new ways of reaching users".
This Cable/IPTV solution is as unique and interesting concept as it is scary for what will happen to the PS3 and Xbox 360 hardware sales. This is considering that it’s much easier to bypass a bulky console in favor of PlayCast’s service. While hardcore gamers may fend off Xenia’s new project with a cold shoulder and short shrug, casual audiences may find this as a perfect alternative to experience “next-gen” gaming on the fly.
We’ve already seen that a cheap game console with a motion-sensing remote was fodder for the masses, so it could be the same thing with PlayCast: Anyone who uses IPTV/Cable and wants to get their game on will have a cheaper solution than buying a new console.
You can learn more about PlayCast and Xenia Ventures by visiting the Official Website. For more gaming news, info and updates, be sure to stay tuned in with Blend Games.
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