OnLive offers PlayPack subscription option

OnLive today tried a new business model for its streaming gaming service for those wanting an alternative to per-title access. The PlayPack gives users access to at least 40 older but high-profile games, such as the recent Prince of Persia remake and LEGO Batman, for $10 per month. Game saves still work and will be kept for up to a year after a gamer stops subscribing, letting them resume if they either start another subscription or buy access outright.

The subscription will work both through the Mac OS X and Windows browser plugins as well as the recently unveiled MicroConsole. OnLive's advantage remains its lightweight requirements, which let older computers and low-end hardware play games that would otherwise need a high-end system.

Titles not included in the PlayPack will still require either a purchase or a three- or five-day rental from OnLive, although prices for a full purchase can vary from as little as $4 for an older title to $50 for a current release. The new subscription option will go live on January 15 with more titles added, but those who buy a MicroConsole will have free access until the subscription is made public.

By Electronista Staff