Last June, Sony purchased Gaikai, a company that can stream games — delivering them over the internet in real time from remote servers, by sending compressed video frames.
Now, The Wall Street Journal reports what many have suspected for months: Sony will use the service to stream games to the next PlayStation game console, which the company is widely expected to reveal on February 20th.
However, according to the publication, Sony won't necessarily use Gaikai to deliver brand-new games. Those will still be delivered on optical disc. Instead, the next PlayStation will bring existing PlayStation 3 games to the new system using the streaming technology.
20°
40°
30°
40°
Ad 
40°
What a great service they are doing gamers by making us rebuy all of our PS3 games. I've been a Playstation fan since the beginning but it's underhanded tactics like this that make me ashamed of SONY.
I'm looking for real BC on the PS4. If Microsoft sticks with BC and Sony doesn't; that could be the deciding factors for many gamers including myself.
Not saying that's gonna happen, lets at least wait until something is announced.
there's no way of them knowing if you bought the game or not...some of the trophies you have might be from borrowed or rented games
The only way to get BC is to include the old hardware inside the new, which drives up costs and makes the machine larger. We are talking $100 extra at a minimum, and in today's market that will get you beat, atleast in the US...which is a region MS cannot afford to lose.
I'm glad you fools are the minority!
Much better than upping build cost with old chips inside. Genius stroke if it works like I just said - disc in to prove you own the PS3 game (instead of rebuying)
Rebuying kinda defeats 'backwards compat' so I doubt they would ignore your PS3 library.
http://www.neogaf.com/forum...
Sony Corp. 6758.TO -1.87% is planning to offer technology to stream games to its next videogame console, people familiar with the company's plans say, alongside other enhancements to bolster its position in the market.
The new technology, to be unveiled Wednesday along with the new console, will allow users to play games delivered over the Internet, these people said. The streaming service, they added, is designed to use current PlayStation 3 titles on the new console; the new device is also expected to play new games stored on optical discs.
Sony's plans come after it acquired Gaikai Inc. last year for $380 million. Though many companies now offer simple games over the Internet, Gaikai was one of several companies that offered online access to visually intense games, which ordinarily require specialized circuitry found on high-end personal computers and gaming consoles.
The streaming technology is one of the new features and enhancements expected to be offered with the new console, which Sony plans to unveil at an event in New York. Sony's new PlayStation, for example, may control the action with higher fidelity cameras for its "Move" motion-sensing technology and touch-sensing pads on new controllers, according to people who have seen and been briefed on the devices.
Still, Sony is pushing ahead and has been investing heavily to prepare Gaikai's service, people familiar with the matter say. Microsoft also has experimented with its own version of cloud gaming, people at the company have said, but has in the past questioned the costs associated with building a service large enough to reach all its customers.
Bubbles for you. That would be an incredibly smart way to implement backwards compatibility. While I still want real compatibility without any latency, this would nonetheless be a brilliant move for Sony.
I hope they make a backwards compatible PS4 like they did with the PS3. The reason why I own an old 60 GB PS3 instead of some of the later models was simply because I heard they were cutting backwards compatibility out. They honestly forced me to spend $500 back then rather than wait for a price cut.
How else do you think Sony will make back the money they spent on buying gaikai?
By the end of 2014 a PS3 will probably be down to $129 so even if your current PS3 dies you will be able get a new one for peanuts.
http://arstechnica.com/busi...
pc can play most of the 360 games as most of 360 games are multiplat.
Anyway ... This also opens up the possibility of every single PC game coming to the PS4 too. In fact I'll personally guarantee it [Note that the previous statement is subject to change, and may not represent the final product.]
Dude I agree a 100% with you! My ISP will prob ban me if I stream games eventually exceeding a certain threshold... Who knows what cap will be needed to finish Uncharted in a 12 to 15 hour run through...
It sucks living in a 3rd world country...
I do think MS will be able to have BC though. MS are always obsessed with that on the windows platform to the point where it stops it from moving forward. People get annoyed at first but they'll move on. They did with ps3, they will again with ps4
You can't wait to pain again to be able to play games you already own?!
No brain, but money to trow away.
@sigibmr
Going by the votes you've got, the fools are in fact in majority. Lol
No. If you have PS3 games it's because you have a PS3 to play them on. You're NOT forced to rebuy anything.
""If Microsoft sticks with BC...""
Right, because if Microsoft does BC it will somehow solve your PS3 games problem. /s
They may not ask you to purchase the game. You may simply be able to load your PS3 disc in PS4 and it may recognize it and book up Gaikai Streaming.
Being backwards compatible is a definite plus, but not an essential feature, and contrary to whatever you might think, backwards compatibility does not determine the success of a console. In fact, if it needs backwards compatibility to be successful, then that only shows that that new generation library of games is weak.
Best solution to backwards compatibility? keep our old hardware. simple.
The 360 is backwards compatible, yet one of my favourite games on the original XBox that I still want to play (Otogi 1 and 2) just happens to be one of the few games 360 won't play.
Suck it up and enjoy the PS4 for what it is.
If you look at the history then actually PS3 had the greatest BC functionality any console has ever had, with the original system capable of playing anything from Sony's entire history in the industry. No other console has ever had a system compatible with 2 previous generations of software and media.
You could try dispute the removal of the emotion engine but it would likely only be from a one sided perspective. When Sony removed the BC they knew a huge backlash would follow, it's not something any business would take lightly. So really you have to think, what was in their projections? Obviously things were going very bad for them and they needed to save costs somehow. I miss my BC but I'm also glad the system is still here..... but would it be if Sony didn't cut the BC?
When ps4 launches I plan playing ps4 games, I don't have time to go back to games. The only games I went back to this gen were Uncharted and Fallout
Don't you guys find that incredibly ironic?
I would think because of the way they design games around the cell it would be hard for the new system to to play them without it.
When you sell your games to Gamestop, Gamestop could give you a code that allows you to stream your old games with actually repurchasing it. Like if I sold MGS4, I will get a code that will allow me to 'buy' MGS4 and stream it to my PS4...
or
They could just make all the old PS3 games $20 or less.
I would love it if Ps3 games could even be improved on the PS4 in terms of anti-aliasing at least.
I want the quality of PS3 games to go up, not down. But maybe that is still possible using the streaming tech. We'll see. Exciting times.
... but reading 'streaming' fills me with sadness, as I have absolutely no faith in that technology seeing how unstable/slow many internet-connections are.
I just want hardware-based backwards compatibility. I just want to put my PS3 disc into the new console and play the game.
I would even be willing to pay 100 bucks extra to have them include the extra necessary hardware needed to provide backwards compatibility.
They could even release 2 versions of the PS4, 1 with BC (including the PS3 hardware) and 1 without.
This is perfect solution. Brand new hardware, old gamers catered for with streaming (Put PS3 disc in PS4 - simple security disc check will enable the stream - no need to REBUY your game)
If I can think of that solution then am sure Sony has.
Although, streaming is okay for demos, online games, and games I don't need in my collection imo.
@ebeneezer: It WOULD make sense to have hardware support for PS3 backwards compatibility because it wouldn't be very expensive to implement and it would enable their continued support of the PS3, a system with an already large user base. Although your security disc check I could almost live with if necessary.
@Alpha: Your BC accessory add on idea I could deal with.
Just a personal opinion
... PS3's can break down, and when that happens and they don't sell them anymore, the ability to play your collection of games would be gone as well. Which is why we wantbackwards compatible hardware in the PS4.
It would cost them less than 100 bucks to implement it in the new PS4, hardware-wise, and I would be more than willing to spend that extra money to get hardware-based BC.
Maybe Sony can release 2 versions of the PS4: 1 with complete backwards compatibility by including the necessary hardware, and one without, which would obviously be cheaper.
. If you get a PS4 you also have the capability with it to stream PS3 games without the need for a PS3:)
There will be a store where you'll have to rebuy your ps3 games. Then they are played on a remote server and streamed to your ps4.
The only real requirement is bandwidth + small app to run the code. Cell phones run OnLive just fine. OTOY has also been tested on those platforms. PS3 is more than capable. If PS2/PS1 had a unified Network/system for updates then it could even run it.
With Gaikai PS1,2,3,4, Vita, PSP, and PC titles could be streamed to any of the platforms that had enough power to utilize the application(Andriod, iOS, Windows, Linux, Mac, Smart TVs, all Smartphones, and so on.)
Likely Sony might be aiming to throw in a rental service for games, and possibly a way to sell or trade games between profiles with developers receiving a royalty with every sell/trade. Then again that is in a semi-DRM free world though and we know that doesn't exist.
Hopefully it does.
Still it's rumor and speculation until confirmed.
I'd much rather buy an accessory add-on to allow for BC. I can understand not putting it in maybe for costs/hardware construction, but streaming HD games isn't an option for me.
What company you with Alpha? Rogers?
Now some ISPs are going for unlimited data usage. I'm with Distributel now. They use Videotron's and Rogers cable for their internet and I have no problem with that, it's still reliable :P
Sony isn't going to let you stream games you already own because it costs them money to do so. If they intend to make it so every PS3 game can be streamed for free on the PS4 just by inserting the disc into the console, they'll end up spending more money in server costs over the years than if they had included hardware backwards compatibility.
I am getting sick of Sony and Microsoft constantly jumping from one architecture to another, especially when they keep moving to hardware not powerful enough to emulate the previous iteration. I honestly would have preferred an updated version of the Cell with something like 3-4 PPEs and 12-16 SPEs because at least it would have made backwards compatibility much easier. Sure some developers might not like it but it is not as if having eight 1.6GHz x86 cores is that much better, especially not ones based on Bulldozer.
Any ways with the strong support the PS3 is still having and it imminent price cuts BC will not be a great issue haters are saying it will be for the next 4 years.
In fact getting a PS3 to play Ps3 games is the most economical and practical solution to play PS3 games.
And I have no doubt PS3 and PS Vita is capable of Gaikai even.
Also Gaikai have the potential to be the Netflix of video games across multiple platforms like Sony gaming devices, PS3, PS Vita, Android, Apple, smartphones, tablets, PCs, Laptops, etc.
One time payment to play PS1, PS2, PSP, PS3, PS Vita games on any of these devices makes gaming very affordable.
It will reach more people to play PlayStation games in the end which will benefit everyone: gamers, devs, pubs and hardware. win win
good thing sony is not going full digital.
You'd need it for streaming ps3 games, in the same way you'd need it for streaming movies from netflix but i dont see any mention of requiring an online connection for ps4 games - you know, the games the console is primarily designed for.
If you are streaming games, as apposed to downloaded titles, you'll have to always be online.
Edit:
The main point I'm trying to make is that Sony will make it's customer base accustomed to having their systems always online. PS+, if they make most if not all PS3 titles available via streaming, will become extremely attractive to new PS4 owners as it will give them instant access to a ton of games, but it will also make them use to the idea of always having the system online.
Its a reason to always be online.
I suspect that Gaikai will be tied to some sort of subscription. Sony may go with a tiered PS+ approach. Basic would be basically what you receive today at $50 a year. Premium would include Gaikai and possibly Movie rentals for $15 a month.
For the time being I think people are just assuming this is how BC is going to be offered, and like always too many people jump the gun.
Let me ask you this. If an 8 core cpu with a monster GPU and massive bandwidth compared to the PS3 cannot emulate a PS3, a "wonderbox" on the other end of teh net can? And even if, you will need one server for each PS4 sold to be able to play those games? How feasible is this?
It just won't happen. No matter what the WJS is reporting. This is either unrelated to BC or there was some misunderstanding. Considering this is no tech paper but a business orientated firm I would not be surprised if the later is true.
5 more days till find out =)
This way, rather than a million or two potential buyers, theyd have an audience of 70 million+ right from the off, with anyone wanting the optimal experience still going out and buying the new hardware.
PCSX2 (PC PS2 emulator) runs on x86-x64 architecture (PS4's supposed to run on one of those 2), it makes the games look better than the HD collections and it runs on hardware weaker than the PS4 rumored specs. So software emulation for PS1 and PS2 is totally possible on the PS4.
If you ask me these articles are hella late.
Anyway, that means those same games can be streamed to the PS Vita probably also, Ni No Kuni on Vita here I come without a firmware hack.
Going to be sick. I hope they have it up and running to show off on the 20th.
From a technical standpoint I do not believe a existing binary PS3 title can run on any kind of HW which is economically feasible to maintain. Using a streaming service doesn't change this. You will need an extrem powerful server farm which would probably be more expensive than putting a HW BC into the PS4.
With that said, any such solution, if at all will target something else.
If those PS3 games would require to be "ports" than those could as well be ported to the PS4 and run natively like current refactored PS2 games. But this will mean those games need to be rebuild - each of them. And those could as well run on a server.
Again, unlikely.
I think Gaikai was purchase as a technology portfolio and because of OnLive at the time (which was the competition). So, either this was strategic or to strip whatever technology they have out of Gaikai.
After the crash of OnLive I think this tech will be used in a similar but still different way. Maybe some form of improved "remote play". Something down the line. But it will not be a streaming service a la OnLive. I would not hold my breath waiting this materializes.
Anyway, come the 20th we'll know more. And maybe I will have to take this back. But so far, I doubt it.
ontopic: i knew sony was going to do this. make people rebuy games they already own. i hope MS doesn't do this with the next xbox cause i have over 70 games for it and i would like to replace my system. i already have enough things hooked up to my TV.
Playing ps3 games streamed to my vita?! PLEASE SONY!
I say Sony should go beyond with what they currently offer through plus and create an entirely new premium PlayStation plus service. They could call it PlayStation Premium+ and offer more than just game related perks. For example...
PlayStation Premium+ offers its subscribers a movie and music collection,this works just like your instant gaming collection.
3 free HD movies a month, and your choice of 6 songs a month.
Its also worth noting that this new service will also offer discounts on movies and music.
In Addition to this PlayStation Premium+ will cover half of your monthly fees on your favorite streaming services such as netflix hulu+vudu,provided you are susbcribe to those services.
With the addition of gaikai, PlayStation Premium+ will also offer full psone, ps2,psp,psn and ps3 games to any compatible devices for free exclusively to PlayStation Premium+ subscribers.
Auto settings, auto patches and background updates are all included as well.
PlayStation Premium+ will also offer and support MMO gaming at no extra cost outside of your subscription.
Finally but not least, PlayStation Premium+ will record and save your favorite tv shows at no extra cost.
PlayStation Premium+ will cost 69.99 a year.
so what happen to the part where PSN premium +, as you described, is profitable for Sony?
But i am with you guys on this though, there needs to be a profitable aspect to all this.
Sony is bound to lose money on each unit sold, its how they've always done console launches. MS figured they charge for live and charge for it, not only to cut losses on hardware sell, but also make a profit down the line.
Money they then use to buy exclusive rights to a number of content outside of time exclusivity. I just hope Sony can take advantage of this as well, because that would seriously help them in the long run.
I love PlayStation, I think this service will be great, however it shouldn't be the only option. I currently own over 60 games, I'm not buying them again and would prefer to not have to use two consoles for it.
It will probably be overpriced too. PS3 games that can be found at retail for 20 dollars or less, will probably be 40 to 60 still. Just like PS2 and some Ps1 games are 10 to 15 dollars on PSN....
http://n4g.com/news/1174729...
http://n4g.com/news/1160800...
If this is Microsoft, then it is ripping customers.
You gotta love the standard here on N4g.