Gaikai
Encyclopedia
Gaikai is a cloud-based gaming service
that allows users to play demos of major PC games and applications instantly from a webpage or internet-connected device..
Gaikai recommends an Internet connection of 5 Mbit/s or faster, and a 3 Mbit/s connection meets the minimum system requirements.
Gaikai's proprietary technology runs, in part, by using previously installed plug-ins such as Java
or Adobe Flash
. A demo video of the service at GDC San Francisco 2010
showed Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
, World of Warcraft
, EVE Online
, Spore, Mario Kart 64
and Adobe Photoshop
all running in Adobe Flash player. In May 2010, Gaikai demonstrated World of Warcraft running on the iPad using its game streaming technology.
On February 27, 2011, Gaikai's technology officially launched in the United States and internationally with Dead Space 2
, The Sims 3
, Spore
, and Mass Effect 2
.
The Gaikai Affiliate Network was launched on June 2, 2011 and is expected to have 10 million monthly active users by fall 2011. Websites who join the network are able to stream high-end PC games via embedded advertising, and in exchange receive a share of the marketing revenue generated from games streamed to consumers, who play the demos free of charge.
Gaikai is currently available in 12 countries in North America and Europe and planned to be released in Asia.
, Rustic Canyon Partners, Benchmark Capital
, TriplePoint Capital, NEA
and Qualcomm
.
Cloud gaming
Cloud gaming, also called gaming on demand, is a type of online gaming that allows direct and on-demand streaming of games onto a computer, similar to video on demand, through the use of a thin client, in which the actual game is stored on the operator's or game company's server and is streamed...
that allows users to play demos of major PC games and applications instantly from a webpage or internet-connected device..
Gaikai recommends an Internet connection of 5 Mbit/s or faster, and a 3 Mbit/s connection meets the minimum system requirements.
Service
Gaikai's streaming service can be embedded on either game-related websites and microsites, social media sites like Facebook, or the specific products (such as mobile devices and digital TVs), as determined by the publisher. Users are not forced to navigate to an online portal in which they have to register to be able to access the games and do not need to download any software. At the end of the demo, the customer is given the option to purchase the game or product from a local retailer, online store, direct-to-drive download, or continue streaming the product. If users wish to continue streaming after the free trial, the company will allow them to continue on a pay-as-you-go basis.Gaikai's proprietary technology runs, in part, by using previously installed plug-ins such as Java
Java applet
A Java applet is an applet delivered to users in the form of Java bytecode. Java applets can run in a Web browser using a Java Virtual Machine , or in Sun's AppletViewer, a stand-alone tool for testing applets...
or Adobe Flash
Adobe Flash
Adobe Flash is a multimedia platform used to add animation, video, and interactivity to web pages. Flash is frequently used for advertisements, games and flash animations for broadcast...
. A demo video of the service at GDC San Francisco 2010
Game Developers Conference
The Game Developers Conference is the largest annual gathering of professional video game developers, focusing on learning, inspiration, and networking...
showed Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a 2007 first-person shooter video game, developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii. A handheld game was made for the Nintendo DS. The game was released in North America, Australia, and...
, World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game by Blizzard Entertainment. It is the fourth released game set in the fantasy Warcraft universe, which was first introduced by Warcraft: Orcs & Humans in 1994...
, EVE Online
EVE Online
Eve Online is a video game by CCP Games. It is a player-driven, persistent-world MMORPG set in a science fiction space setting. Characters pilot customizable ships through a galaxy of over 7,500 star systems. Most star systems are connected to one or more other star systems by means of stargates...
, Spore, Mario Kart 64
Mario Kart 64
is a racing game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. It is the second installment in the Mario Kart series. It was released in 1996 in Japan and in 1997 in North America and Europe. In January 2007, Mario Kart 64 was released on Nintendo's Virtual Console service for the Wii...
and Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a graphics editing program developed and published by Adobe Systems Incorporated.Adobe's 2003 "Creative Suite" rebranding led to Adobe Photoshop 8's renaming to Adobe Photoshop CS. Thus, Adobe Photoshop CS5 is the 12th major release of Adobe Photoshop...
all running in Adobe Flash player. In May 2010, Gaikai demonstrated World of Warcraft running on the iPad using its game streaming technology.
On February 27, 2011, Gaikai's technology officially launched in the United States and internationally with Dead Space 2
Dead Space 2
Dead Space 2 is a survival horror third-person shooter video game developed by Visceral Games and published by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It is the sequel to Dead Space. Unlike its predecessor, Dead Space 2 has a multiplayer mode. A Collector's Edition is...
, The Sims 3
The Sims 3
The Sims 3 is a 2009 strategic life simulation computer game developed by The Sims Studio and published by Electronic Arts. It is the sequel to the best-selling computer game, The Sims 2. It was first released on June 2, 2009 simultaneously for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows...
, Spore
Spore
In biology, a spore is a reproductive structure that is adapted for dispersal and surviving for extended periods of time in unfavorable conditions. Spores form part of the life cycles of many bacteria, plants, algae, fungi and some protozoa. According to scientist Dr...
, and Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 is an action role-playing game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The game was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 on January 26, 2010 and for PlayStation 3 on January 18, 2011...
.
The Gaikai Affiliate Network was launched on June 2, 2011 and is expected to have 10 million monthly active users by fall 2011. Websites who join the network are able to stream high-end PC games via embedded advertising, and in exchange receive a share of the marketing revenue generated from games streamed to consumers, who play the demos free of charge.
Gaikai is currently available in 12 countries in North America and Europe and planned to be released in Asia.
Partnerships
- June 17, 2010: Electronic ArtsElectronic ArtsElectronic Arts, Inc. is a major American developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video games. Founded and incorporated on May 28, 1982 by Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer games industry and was notable for promoting the designers and programmers...
- July 20, 2010: Intel
- July 20, 2010: Limelight NetworksLimelight NetworksLimelight Networks is a content delivery network service provider. The company is based in Tempe, Arizona, U.S.A., with offices in San Francisco, Seattle, New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Tokyo. The company operates a global fiber-optic network that helps content publishers avoid sending...
- April 5, 2011: Bigfoot Networks
- June 2, 2011: The EscapistThe Escapist (website)The Escapist is a web resource site that advocates and supports role-playing games as a social and educational activity, and works to educate the public on the true nature of gaming and dispel myths and misunderstandings about the hobby...
- June 8, 2011: EurogamerEurogamerEurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on...
- June 21, 2011: Walmart
- July 5, 2011: CapcomCapcomis a Japanese developer and publisher of video games, known for creating multi-million-selling franchises such as Devil May Cry, Chaos Legion, Street Fighter, Mega Man and Resident Evil. Capcom developed and published Bionic Commando, Lost Planet and Dark Void too, but they are less known. Its...
Investors
Gaikai is funded by Intel Capital, Limelight NetworksLimelight Networks
Limelight Networks is a content delivery network service provider. The company is based in Tempe, Arizona, U.S.A., with offices in San Francisco, Seattle, New York, London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Tokyo. The company operates a global fiber-optic network that helps content publishers avoid sending...
, Rustic Canyon Partners, Benchmark Capital
Benchmark Capital
Benchmark Capital is a venture capital firm responsible for the early stage funding of some very successful startups. In 1997, the firm invested $6.7 million in eBay, which became worth more than $5 billion by the spring of 1999. Other high-profile investments include Ariba, Juniper Networks, Red...
, TriplePoint Capital, NEA
New Enterprise Associates
New Enterprise Associates is a global investment firm focused on venture capital and growth equity investments. With approximately $11 billion in committed capital, NEA is among the largest venture firms. The firm invests in three broad industry sectors: information technology, healthcare, and...
and Qualcomm
Qualcomm
Qualcomm is an American global telecommunication corporation that designs, manufactures and markets digital wireless telecommunications products and services based on its code division multiple access technology and other technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, USA...
.