Cloud App Service Spoon Entering Streaming Gaming Market

Cloud-based application host and server virtualization company Spoon has launched its own cloud-based game service, offering 200 games that can be played without installation through a browser-based plug-in. The selection is currently tilted towards casual titles and classic Namco titles including Pac-Man and Dig Dug, but also includes meatier fare like MMO Second Life, RPG Eschalon and indie action-adventure Cave Story. Some games on Spoon can be played completely free, while others feature limited-time free trials before askign to be purchased for prices ranging from $5 to $7. Titles can be played via Spoon's gaming portal or embedded on other web sites. The company claims a combination of remote and local storage technologies allows complex games to be played from the cloud with limited bandwidth demands, and that game states are automatically synchronized between different devices and browsers. “Spoon is excited to bring app virtualization technology to the gaming community,” said Spoon founder and CEO Kenji Obata. “Gamers can now enjoy graphically rich desktop games in the cloud without the latency issues associated with other cloud technologies.” The cloud gaming market has seen heavy attention in recent months, with segment leading service OnLive offering free TV-based microconsoles to players that pre-ordered THQ's Homefront for the service and competitor Gaikai recently launching its service with a set of EA game demos.