OnLive to launch $9.99 monthly subs plan

Cloud gaming set-up OnLive has just announced a new initiative that will give users unlimited access to a library of games for $9.99 a month.

According to VentureBeat, the games available in the Play Pack scheme won't be brand new releases but you'll get to play titles that are only about six months old.

A full line-up has not been confirmed for the 14th January launch but OnLive boss Steve Perlman believes there will be about 40 titles on offer at first, including established AAA titles and various indie games too.

Among the games playable in the free beta, which will be up for the next six weeks, are Prince of Persia, Tomb Raider: Underworld, F.E.A.R. 2, Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X., Unreal Tournament 3, Vin Diesel Wheelman, LEGO Batman and World of Goo.

Perlman hopes that the offer will widen the audience for OnLive, offering a Netflix-like service for those who don't want to shell out for a brand new game but are happy to browse older titles at their leisure for a monthly fee.

"In this economy, you want to offer the users a lot of options for paying," Perlman said.

"You won't find a lot of new releases on Netflix. But you will find classic films and new release indie films. With the flat rate, consumers have more ways to buy. This is all about reducing friction that stops a consumer from picking up a game and playing it."

Perlman added that the first OnLive units are shipping now to those who've placed orders in the US. The gadget, which enables PC games to be played through your TV via a live stream, is retailing for $99.

A UK release for the device, which apparently works like a dream, is expected next year.