InstantAction lets developers embed games in websites
updated 11:00 am EST, Fri March 12, 2010
InstantAction shows in-browser game platform
At the GDC show, InstantAction has shown off a new platform that will enable game developers to embed video games in websites such as Facebook, MySpace or blogs, as well as in e-mails. This means users do not need to download the games, and access them from any web-connected computer that has access to a website or e-mail that hosts their game. The company claims that thanks to a combination of in-browser, thin-client and progressive downloading technologies, embedding even high-end games is as easy and fast as uploading a photo or video.
Consumers can try games before buying them at their full price, as well as a pay-as-you-play method that effectively renders the game a rental. Accessing the game is said to be quick as well, as the whole title does not need to be downloaded, but just the part a user is currently accessing. InstantAction says gamers can begin playing in a few minutes depending on their Internet connection speeds.
Once a user owns a game, whether they paid for it all at once or in increments, they can access it from any computer, once they login to their accounts. All gaming progress is saved on InstantAction servers that are regularly backed up. Unlike OnLive, however, processing is still done on a user's own computer, so graphics-intensive games will still require a potent gaming rig. A system and software check is done before downloads start to inform uses whether their setups can handle particular titles.
Thus far, the only game confirmed to support the InstantAction platform is LucasArts' upcoming The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition. When it will launch or how much it will cost has not been revealed, and InstantAction is otherwise keeping silent about what kind of Internet speeds are required for different games or their pricing schemes. [via Engadget]
