GDC: InstantAction reveal direct web distribution

Gaming site InstantAction has created a ‘direct-to-consumer’ online game distribution platform allowing studios to embed games anywhere on the net.

Blogs, emails and social networking sites can all link directly to games via a combination of in-browser, thin-client and ‘progressive’ downloading technologies.

InstantAction claims uploading the games will be as simple as uploading videos or photos, and at equivalent speeds. The company believe that the potential for studios to expand distribution by placing their games directly in front of consumers is huge.

LucasArts announced its intention to use the platform for online distribution of The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition at GDC yesterday.

Consumers will be able to browse and sample games instantly and for free, with studios setting their own pay-as-you-go time limits for game trial periods. Consumers will also be able to access their purchased games and saved games on any computer, pulling the information from InstantAction severs.

The ‘pay-as-you-go’ option will also benefit studios financially, giving them the option to set varied payment methods on game purchasing, and giving consumers the option to stop and start topping-up their game purchase any time they wish, similarly to a ‘rent-to-own’ model.