More so than the support from any individual developer, news that OnLive had vowed to support Android-based console Ouya from launch has turned plenty of heads.
Not only was it a sign of confidence in a platform that many still believe is nothing but a pipe dream, but it also raised the prospect of the device boasting a number of triple-A releases from day one.
Ouya was already guaranteed a number of casual releases thanks to its core Android support base, but OnLive's backing means it could potentially boast a full spectrum of releases that appeal to a multitude of audiences from the word go.
That's something even the likes of Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft will struggle with their next machines.
We caught up with OnLive general manager Bruce Grove to find out why he thinks all is well with Ouya.
Pocket Gamer: Some have questioned whether Ouya will ever make it to market. Clearly, with your backing you're confident the console will make it to the digital shelves. Why do you think some doubt its chances?
Bruce Grove: Plenty of people said OnLive could never work - we've been there too and we've also built our own hardware console platform.
If you look at what Ouya is trying to do, it's setting out to bring to market a platform based on existing technology and an existing OS with an existing ecosystem of developers already to go.
Their technology isn't significantly different to what we're already delivering in the MicroConsole and wireless controller or boxes like Vizio's CoStar and the Roku HD.
How does supporting a platform like Ouya fit in with your strategy of being built into televisions, such as those from LG?
Our strategy has always been platform agnostic - we consider that a key piece of differentiation for cloud gaming, but it's still going to take time for people to move to connected TVs.
It's happening quickly, but in the meantime devices like Vizio's own CoStar, Ouya and others fill that gap by providing an easily accessible cheap connected TV experience.
Attach a game controller and you're opening up a huge opportunity for new paths to market for video games. I think if you start locking out other platforms with cloud gaming then you're losing a huge part of the potential audience.
Some believe Ouya's Android base will mean it plays host to lots of smaller, mobile-style releases. Do you think the kind of big blockbusters OnLive can play host to will complement that?
Absolutely. Connecting to the TV gives us the opportunity to bring in a whole new audience - it puts all the content in one place and gives people more choices.
I don't always want to play big blockbusters - sometimes I'm just snacking or I want a few minutes idle gaming. Other times I'm settling in for a couple of hours.
I think that's true of a lot of people and now we can bring that through a single device.
What does supporting a platform like Ouya do in regard to OnLive's own battle with the likes of Gaikai in the game streaming space?
I'm not really sure there is a battle.
We can all speculate on what Sony might do with Gaikai but until we see something that's all it is, speculation.
OnLive's continuing to do what it set out to do from day one, bring a cross platform full gaming experience across a wide range of devices and we continue to build on that with every new device that supports us.
Thanks to Bruce for his time.
Interview
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
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