If game consoles want to take on cable companies, then cable companies want to take on game consoles.
Three major paid TV providers are reportedly working on plans to incorporate cloud-based gaming services to their customers. So people won’t need to go out and buy a multi-hundred-dollar device to plug into their TV; they’ll just need their cable box.
In a move that would be similar to companies like Onlive and Gaikai, Time Warner, Verizon, and AT&T are all working on a platform that will allow cable subscribers to play top-rated video games. It shouldn’t be an incredibly difficult process since the infrastructure is already there. It’s just a matter of content.
This comes as all major game consoles are trying to get a leg up on the traditional cable providers. Microsoft and Sony are really hitting the industry, and both the PS3 the Xbox 360 actually offer some live TV programming.
For the most part, though, content providers are unwilling to snub companies like Time Warner Cable and Verizon Fios since they are the ones that really pay the bills. Eventually, though, that is going to change and there could be a case in which cable and broadcast networks strike deals to offer live programming to alternative devices.
As a result, cable and satellite companies absolutely need to start thinking about new revenue streams and other opportunities.
