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Phantom Goes Software Only
Daysaway writes "Gamasutra is reporting that the Phantom Game Service will be replacing the Phantom Game Console. The company formerly known as Infinium Labs has stated that the Phantom hardware was originally designed to run on a Windows XP platform, so it is not a stretch to believe this service will be launched sometime in the very near future." From the article: "A recent update to Phantom Entertainment's website, though, indicates that 'The Phantom Game Service was originally engineered to run on a Windows XP embedded operating system on a Phantom Game Receiver managed by Phantom content servers over the Internet.' The site now suggests that: 'The Company intends to modify the Phantom Game Service software to run as client software on personal computers operating Windows XP and Windows XP Media center operating systems.'"
...the "Nothing to see here. Move along." message was so appropriate.
Is it just me, or does Valve's Steam already do what PHANTOM is planning to do? Heck XBox Live 360 seems about the same too.
Props to the Phantom guys if they can get others to join them.
IMarv
Trusting software vendors is no smarter than trus
So let me get this straight. A company that has failed to knock together a custom PC that boots CDs despite FOUR YEARS of trying now thinks that they're mogul enough to take the PC World by storm with an online game delivery application (like Steam?) that appears to have little to differentiate itself in the market?
Excuse me while I don't hold my breath in anticipation.
This company has churned through incredible amounts of talent to produce nothing more than press releases about a fancy keyboard and mouse! In that time, Microsoft has launched not one, but TWO separate game consoles that both compete in the exact same space. In that same time, the company was believed to have been a Pump and Dump scheme by the SEC. In that same time, they have never demonstrated an actual working prototype of anything more than their mouse and keyboard!
Excuse me? Could someone please tell me how long it takes to send a manufacturing file out for a custom case, then stuff standard hardware into it? (Don't answer that, it's a rhetorical question.)
I have absolutely no trust in this company, its vision, or its future; and I feel deep sympathy for anyone who has had the displeasure of dealing with them in the past.
Javascript + Nintendo DSi = DSiCade
Somehow the con just goes on and on... and somehow there's always a few gullible angels around willing to perpetuate it.
What I love most is the brazen use of word "Phantom" in the name... I mean, why not just call it "Vaporware Console"?
Anyway, here's a better analysis of both the company and of Tim Robert's curious (for lack of a better word) resume history.
"Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai
So, basically, Phantom just became a Gametap competitor?
You could have keft out "12) ???" -- there's no question marks, you've summed up his business plan perfectly without it.
What I'm amazed by is that this business model continues to work post-dotcom-bust. I do understand that there are massive tax penalties for some of the VC firms out there if they don't invest the capital, but really... Roberts must have some good connections and be pretty charismatic.
Anyone here ever worked with/for him, or dealt with him on a professional basis?
"Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai
I'm a bit surprised they didn't think of this sooner.