Moves by both OnLive and Gaikai to build their game streaming platforms into smart TVs from top manufacturers is a trend that can only benefit developers operating in the digital space.

That's the view of UK trade association TIGA, which claims OnLive's decision to partner with LG and Gaikai's alliance with Samsung will help "cut out the need for consoles" and enable developers currently operating on mobile to reach new audiences.

Streaming to success

"Streaming and cloud-based gaming services have actually been around for a while, but are now making rapid strides towards mainstream popularity," said TIGA board member and Denki MD Colin Anderson.

"I'm sure they will prove to be a viable digital distribution business model for game developers, initially alongside downloads and physical media, but ultimately replacing them both in the long-term."

Anderson said he expected there to be "new opportunities for self-publishing and independent developers" as a result, helping to position gaming "well and truly into the mainstream, removing what has been a major barrier to play for most people until now: the console."

Self publishing power

According to the chairman of TIGA's self-publishing committee and nDreams MD Patrick O'Luanaigh,TIGA is set to "assist UK studios" as they look to self publish on such platforms.

"We'll be talking with Gaikai and OnLive along with other emerging platforms to help our members contact the right people and get the best information about which platforms to support in the future as the gaming landscape continues to change rapidly," he added.

Speculation had suggested Sony was prepping a move to buyout either OnLive or Gaikai with an announcement at E3, though no such deal was revealed.