OnLive

FAQ

For Gamers

• What is the OnLive Game Service?
  The OnLive® Game Service is a revolutionary, on-demand video game platform capable of delivering the latest and most advanced games instantly via a broadband connection on virtually any PC or Mac®, via a small browser plug-in, or on an HDTV, via OnLive’s MicroConsole™ TV Adapter. The OnLive Game Service enables an entirely new way to discover, explore, purchase and experience video game content. Additionally, the game service offers instant access to purchase or rent new release games on an à la carte basis from many of the world’s leading publishers.
• When will OnLive be available?
  The OnLive Game Service will be available for users in the 48 contiguous United States on June 17, 2010.
• Where will OnLive be available?
  We'll be launching across the continental US.
• How much will this cost?
  The base month-to-month service fee is $14.95. Loyalty programs (e.g. multi-month pricing) and other special offers will be announced by the start of E3. The first 25,000 qualified people to register on the OnLive Game Service will have their first 3 months’ service fee waived. You’ll find all the important details here, and note that the service fee does not include the purchase or rental of games. Included in the monthly service fee are OnLive-exclusive features such as instant-play free game demos; multiplayer across PC, Mac and TV platforms; massive spectating; viewing of Brag Clips™ video capture and posting; and cloud-saving of games you’ve purchased—pause, and instantly resume from anywhere, even on a different platform. Also included in the monthly service fee are features you’d expect from standard online games services such as gamer tags, user profiles, friends, and chat.
• What kind of Internet connection do I need to use the OnLive Service?
  OnLive works over nearly any wired broadband connection (DSL, cable modem, fiber, or through the LAN at your college or office) with 5Mbps or greater for HD-resolution games. OnLive requires 1.5Mbps for SD-resolution, but initially at launch, OnLive will only offer HD-resolution. Although OnLive technically works over WiFi wireless networks, the reliability of wireless networks can vary greatly, due to interference sources such as microwave ovens, and other wireless networks sharing the spectrum. Initially at launch, OnLive will not support wireless networks.
• What do I need to play OnLive on my TV?
  All you need is your TV, an OnLive MicroConsole™ TV Adapter and a couple of cables. MicroConsole availability will be announced later this year.
• What if I want to play OnLive on my PC or Mac—what are the minimum specs?
  Since the game is running in the OnLive data center, our system requirements are pretty low. All you need is a PC running a current version of Windows XP®, Vista®, or Windows 7®, or an Intel®-based Mac running a current version of OS X®. Although OnLive has found that most computers with at least a 5Mbps wired residential Internet connection are sufficient for HD-resolution, many factors affect network quality and computer performance, including other application using computer resources, and other users sharing your network. As part of the registration process for OnLive, you will be sent a performance test to run to see if your computer and network configuration are sufficient to run OnLive.
• How long does it take to download a game?
  With OnLive, you don’t download any games. They just run instantly—it’s a totally new way to experience games.
• How do I patch or update my games?
  OnLive games are patched and updated automatically for you in the OnLive data center. So, updated games start up the instant you click on them.
• What is the difference between OnLive and other services delivering games via the network?
  There isn't anything like the OnLive system in terms of instant access to the latest games, a media-rich experience, ease of use, and ability to play on your TV, or entry-level PC, or Mac.
• How long until the newest games are available through the OnLive Game Service?
  OnLive works with its partners to deliver new release titles. No waiting in lines, pre-ordering, or waiting on shipments. Just connect and play!
• Can I try new games before buying?
  Yes. You can play the latest and greatest demos, and even rent games to try them out. OnLive also lets you watch the top players as a way to discover new games and learn a few new tricks.
• Are the games currently listed on your website the only games available?
  These are just some of the games that will be available at launch. We will be announcing more titles as we get closer to June.
• Does OnLive support multiplayer?
  Absolutely. Even beyond normal online multiplayer action, OnLive has many social features that make it a great place to watch your friends and record and share your highlights (or lowlights).

For Developers and Publishers

• What is the process for getting my game onto OnLive?
  Instructions for becoming a certified developer or publisher and for downloading our SDK are available here. If you're interested, sign-up and we'll be in touch.
• Can firms develop games specifically for the OnLive platform?
  Yes, using our SDK. And since we run your game on high-end servers, every gamer gets the optimal experience. OnLive is intended to be a complete development-to-distribution platform.
• What are the details around programming for the platform?
  We have a few compliance requirements in place to move existing PC titles onto the platform, and a richer SDK available to take advantage of unique OnLive features. Additionally, there is no expensive development hardware to purchase, and you can use standard PC development tools you know and love.
• How does OnLive work with publishers?
  In addition to offering a direct channel from development-to-distribution, OnLive opens completely new doors for marketing and promotion, as well as a seamless way to connect with a large, engaged target audience.
• Who's supporting your platform?
  Lots of people are. We're getting an extremely positive reaction, as evidenced by the partners who've signed on thus far. OnLive simplifies the game development process for developers, and offers publishers improved economics and a more direct relationship with their customers.