So-called cloud computing services, like OnLive and Gaikai, are considered by some to be the future of gaming distribution. Denis Dyack, founder of Silicon Knights, discussed the issue of cloud computing in his GDC Europe speech "Musing about Cloud."
Dyack believes that cloud computing will speed up the development process, make the gaming market more competitive and reduce both marketing and development budgets. He also noted that there could be multiple channels for cloud computing.
"Don't assume there will just be one cloud in the sky - there will be hundreds," he said, according to GI.biz. "Assuming Silicon Knights had the resources we could have a cloud. Sony could have one, Nintendo could have one, Microsoft could have one. I think about clouds like cable channels, there'll be hundreds. I think that's likely where it will go, because it's an accepted consumer model already."
Taking a historical perspective, Dyack thinks that despite drooping sales for 2009, this year may ultimately be seen as the beginning of the cloud computing era, where "services" are more important than hardware. "If I was to look back in ten years at how 2009 was remembered, I think it would be as the end of the golden era of videogames of coin-ops and consoles," said Dyack.
"This kind of talk for me really isn't speaking about what Silicon Knights is going to do, more about what's in store for the industry. These things don't happen overnight, but in small steps. It might all go horribly, and we don't see another cloud model for four more years - but I do think in 20 years that cloud will be the dominant model," he concluded.
While the current model of gaming is in tough shape, cloud computing is but one possible solution. As Master Yoda once said, "Always in motion is the future."
