GameStop to stream console games
Beta testing now. Roll-out mid-2012.
Mega shop GameStop has begun testing the streaming of PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 games.
GameStop is working with publishers to beam these games, on demand, to smart devices and dedicated hardware.
A roll-out is planned for mid-2012. GameStop UK told Eurogamer that it is "in the plans" to make the service available in Europe as well.
GameStop streams games via the Spawn client - technology built by streaming boffin Spawn Labs, a company acquired by GameStop this year.
"Spawn recently began its first beta and is currently live, testing the streaming of Xbox 360, PS3 and PC games from a data centre in Austin, Texas," said GameStop president Tony Bartel.
"We continue to get positive feedback from our publishing partners about the pro-console, low-investment model that we have chosen."
The GameStop beta will be opened to the US before the end of the year. GameStop is expected to say more about the service, and shed some light on pricing, early 2012.
The Spawn client will be offered to members of GameStop's PowerUp rewards program. There are 12 million of them.