It seems as if cross-platform browser-based gaming has really picked up over the last few months.
Yesterday, we reported that Atari is working on bringing the majority of its classic library to browsers using HTML5. Meanwhile, Square Enix, possibly best known for the Hitman and Tomb Raider franchises, is also working on bringing console-quality video games to web browsers.
The technology powering this initiative? A micro transaction-based service called CoreOnline. When the new platform launches, Hitman: Blood Money and Mini Ninjas will all be playable via the website – with additional titles on the way.
Square Enix has already confirmed that Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and Tomb Raider: Underworld will be rolling out at a later.
“Square Enix is at the forefront of experimentation of new business and services models in the game industry,” explained CEO Yoichi Wada. “Through our CoreOnline technology service, users can access our content easily through the browser.”
According to Wada, CoreOnline will use proprietary technology developed by Square Enix and Google. It is slated to support the Chrome browser, Firefox, and Internet Explorer. iOS users will be left out of the mix – at least for now.
With the paid version, players can bypass advertisements by paying a small fee and move onto the next chapter. Those playing for free will be forced to to sit through a short ad before the next chapter of the game starts. As expected, player payments and saved game data will be stored on the cloud – allowing players to pick up where they left off at any time.
