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New Game Download Site Offers Play-As-You-Download Service

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the instant-gratification dept.

arcticstoat writes to tell us that despite the many game download sites already available, another one has decided to give it a go; only this time, with a twist. UK-based Game Domain International is launching their AWOMO service that will allow you to play the game before it's done downloading. As an added incentive to get people to sign up, you can try out the beta now and get Rome: Total War for free. "The trick, according to GDI, is its 'unique technology' that 'lets you start playing before the game has finished downloading, meaning you can be up and running, jumping and fragging in minutes rather than hours.' Although some other download services allow you to start playing a game before it's fully downloaded, you usually still have to download a big chunk of data before you can start, and GDI reckons that it's cracked this problem. According to GDI, AWOMO takes a look at your PC's spec and connection speed, and then hooks you up with a sufficient buffer to stop your game stalling during gameplay. The company is confident that 'the delivery system accurately predicts the data you require next and ensures it's already there waiting before you need it.'"

20 of 104 comments (clear)

  1. The 80s called... by camperdave · · Score: 4, Funny

    The 80s called. They want their "Please Wait. Loading..." screens back.

    --
    When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
    1. Re:The 80s called... by WhatAmIDoingHere · · Score: 2, Funny

      "Buffering..."

      --
      Not a Twitter sockpuppet... but I wish I was.
  2. How? by revoldub · · Score: 2, Interesting

    So does this new technology only allow client only based games, where maybe you could download the first part of the game, and progressively as you complete different levels the rest of the game downloads?
    I don't see it being very plausible in multi-player games as you would most likely have to have the whole engine and all the map / character textures and video rendering engine?

    1. Re:How? by nategoose · · Score: 5, Funny

      It starts out as text base and then as the download progresses you'll start to get crude low polygon monochrome wire frames with only PC speaker beeps. Eventually you'll get to high polygon count fully textured and shaded 3D graphics with surround sound.

    2. Re:How? by eln · · Score: 2, Funny

      So in other words it's blocky and ugly during the entire game, but the ending sequence is AWESOME.

  3. Is this a granular revenue model? by MessyBlob · · Score: 4, Interesting

    This looks like a way in for agent software to charge for modules of software, e.g. episodic games. Alternatively, it looks like a good technology to speed up app launch on any system, using caching.

  4. superfluous crap by bugs2squash · · Score: 3, Funny

    Perhaps I should patent the idea of adding random superfluous crap to the end of any file such that it can be opened and the useful part accessed before the tail end of it has fully downloaded.

    Or then again, maybe adobe acrobat plugins and web browsers already do that.

    --
    Nullius in verba
  5. Could be cool, but I'm skeptical by WiiVault · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The concepts is awesome, especially for those of us who use services like this. However I am unsure about how they can accurately predict where a player in "going". In some linear games this might not be too hard but what about GTA or other sandboxed games? Also in many cases it seems as though the game engine itself is a significant part of the download. If the entire engine must be downloaded first, then it is not so similar to other download-to-buy services. Still despite my concerns I will keep my eye on this one.

    1. Re:Could be cool, but I'm skeptical by dk90406 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      My thoughts as well. But realistically thinking, the game engine is probably pretty small (say 30 MB) compared to textures, audio and video. So for a linear games or level/scenario based games, this seems feasible.

  6. Guildwars by im_thatoneguy · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Guildwars has done this for years. I think WOW does as well.

    It's great if you're at school or work or grandma's or somewhere else. Just stream in the content you need for the region/quest you're in.

    1. Re:Guildwars by cephah · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Not really the same thing. What you are talking about is loading an area before you get to it. Games have been doing that since the original Playstation, or ealier. But to play the games you mention, you still need to download them in thier entirety first, and then install them.

      Last time I played Guild Wars I downloaded a 50 kb executable and streamed content as I entered new areas. Makes me wonder if you've even tried the game.

    2. Re:Guildwars by KillerBob · · Score: 2, Informative

      WoW also has a small executable client that streams content as you play. Sadly, it's quite laggy as you enter new areas, and doesn't seem to remember old areas though. :(

      --
      If you believe everything you read, you'd better not read. - Japanese proverb
  7. Re:Not Exactly Original... by dr_wheel · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I could swear Valve tried something like this with Steam back when it originally launched, but my memory is a bit fuzzy... probably has something to due with the bouts of fiery rage I experienced at the time.

  8. Do I own the games? by omnilynx · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Let's say I take them up on this beta offer and download Rome: Total War. Then I decide their service just isn't for me. Do I own Rome: Total War? Can I play it after I quit their service? Or does it check with their service that I'm entitled to play the game every time?

    --
    ceci n'est pas une .sig
  9. need both sides by syrinx · · Score: 5, Funny

    The trick, according to GDI, is its 'unique technology' that 'lets you start playing before the game has finished downloading, meaning you can be up and running, jumping and fragging in minutes rather than hours.'

    Interesting, but we need both sides of the story: what does NOD think?

    --
    Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum sonatur.
  10. This isn't new by Narishma · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Other services like Steam and Metaboli already allow you to start playing the game while it downloads the rest of it in the background.

    --
    Mada mada dane.
  11. Re:Old idea by rezalas · · Score: 2, Informative

    No, they actually had a client you could play while downloading the game install files. It only worked for fresh accounts. They discontinued it after a little while (rather quietly) but i actually started my second account this way because I was interested in seeing how it worked (and subsiquently discontinued my second account).

  12. Great, 32 bit only by Pop69 · · Score: 3, Informative

    Their software thingy complains it'll only run on x86, people with 64 bit windows need not apply

  13. Article refers to possibly a fake malware site by vmahrra · · Score: 2, Interesting

    This looks REALLY suspicious and I would advise that nobody registers or downloads the .EXE files until this has been checked out.

    Firstly the parent company as listed at http://www.awomo.com/?q=node/10 appears to have an address which is The Queen's residence, Windsor Castle

    http://maps.google.com/maps?client=opera&rls=en&q=12+Castle+Hill,+Windsor,+Berks+SL4+1PD&sourceid=opera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&um=1&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title

    Secondly, the company GDI Game Domain International plc doesn't appear to exist - try finding a stock ticker. To be a PLC in the UK you must be a public limited company with shares traded on the London Stock Exchange.

    Dodgy! Unless this can be cleared up and proof of the company's details validated I would steer clear of this.

  14. Re:A service tailor-made for the worst cases... by Dutch+Gun · · Score: 3, Funny

    I have ADD, you insens... Oooh, shiny...!

    --
    Irony: Agile development has too much intertia to be abandoned now.