In 2009, we predicted that cloud gaming would eventually reshape the gaming landscape. At the time, an early Beta version of the OnLive gaming service had just been announced. OnLive uses cloud computing to allow people to play system-intensive games on Internet terminals, older PCs, and even some smartphones.
We wrote:
Even if OnLive doesn’t work, similar services will eventually negate the need for anything more powerful than a standard Internet terminal. In time, it might become possible to play games like Crysis directly on Internet-equipped television sets, such as Sony’s Bravia line of HDTVs. Once that happens, gamers won’t even need a console to play advanced games. (See Innovation and Marketing in the Video Game Industry p. 77)
In a recent edition of Maximum PC, reviews editor Michael Brown described one of the first TVs to incorporate cloud gaming. Calling it a “Must see TV”, he writes,
Vizio demonstrated new entries in its VIA Plus series of LCD HDTVs at CES that integrate the cloud-based OnLive Gaming System—no console required. The company is also bucking the active-shutter-glasses trend with a line of LED-backlit LCD TVs that utilize circularly polarized filters on the display along with passive 3D glasses. (see Maximum PC March 2011 p. 10)
It could be some time before cloud gaming becomes ubiquitous, but the popularity of tablet PCs and Internet enabled TVs will surely facilitate the adoption of cloud gaming services.
Prof. 
