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New Game Download Site Offers Play-As-You-Download Service
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.'"
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Interesting, but we need both sides of the story: what does NOD think?
Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum sonatur.
Their software thingy complains it'll only run on x86, people with 64 bit windows need not apply
I have ADD, you insens... Oooh, shiny...!
Irony: Agile development has too much intertia to be abandoned now.