Sony recently went after trademark protection for a service called “Cloudsurf.” While Sony has yet to make an official announcement regarding this, and other ‘cloud’ trademarks, it’s easy to believe the company is working on some form of remote server gaming.
The idea of cloud computing is not new, and the video game industry has recently sought to take advantage of blazing fast mega servers coupled with improved home internet connections. Large corporations and universities often use cloud computing, but the migration to the video game business has been a bit slow. Still we are hearing more about cloud possibilities through services like OnLive, which promises the ability to stream games at 60 fps. How well that service will work is still open for debate.
In early 2009, Sony Computer Entertainment patented PS Cloud. The most recent Cloudsurf trademark applies to digital cameras, cell phones, televisions, video games, and more. Another trademark related to video games was sought, under the name voyAgent.
There are likely more uses for cloud gaming that Sony could take advantage of. We could of course see streaming games, perhaps on the PlayStation Network, or perhaps Sony’s servers could maintain save files, preferences, or other user information. Sony has promised more big surprises in 2010, leading us to believe we will likely hear more about its plans for cloud gaming. Will we see triple-A titles streamed through the PSN, will we have a new online community to explore, or will this service offer an enhanced integration between different Sony products – TVs, cell phones, cameras, PSPs and PS3s?
You can check out the trademark information here.