Looks like OnLive could have some competition in the form of Gaikai, another cloud-computing service that promises performance gaming without a console. Unlike OnLive, which uses a standalone box, Gaikai streams games directly into your browser; we’ve already seen it streaming WoW to Apple’s iPad. Intel Capital has just invested an unspecified amount [pdf link] into Gaikai, which will use the company’s hexacore servers and SSDs.
Another partnership, with Limelight Networks, will give Gaikai the flexible infrastructure it needs to funnel gaming through to end-users. The concept behind cloud-gaming is straightforward: rather than having a console or games PC which you have to upgrade or maintain, the games run on remote servers: the visuals are squirted over the internet to a low-powered viewer (either a standalone box in the case of OnLive, or a browser plug-in with Gaikai) while your control movements are sent back.
Gaikai has already inked a deal with Electronic Arts, which will see EA titles like The Sims, Mass Effect and Medal of Honor available via the service; in short, this isn’t just like playing Farmville in your browser. Availability is currently via beta invitation only