OnLive application delayed by Apple with no ETA
updated 12:01 am EDT, Thu June 7, 2012
In-app game purchasing mechanisms removed from title
OnLive announced and demoed its streaming game service client for the iPad at last year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). According to OnLive representatives, the previously heavily-promoted application has yet to be approved by Apple for App Store distribution. CEO Steve Perlman announced at this year's E3 that the iOS version of the app has been complete for some time, but has yet to be approved. Perlman gave no reason for the delay, but did say that the game purchase mechanism had been disabled in the application to avoid Apple's in-app purchasing policies, which may pose a problem in itself.
Online dating service Match.com found its iOS application pulled from the App store. Match.com's mistake was directing users to pay for their service in the application without going through Apple's mandatory in-app purchasing system. Apple disallows buttons or external links that make it possible for users to purchase additional content or subscriptions directly. Audible.com removed all mention of and links to content from its application, and is considered to be in compliance with Apple's in-app purchase rules. Users can still purchase Audible titles by using the web browser or iTunes to purchase items.
As planned, 25 games in the OnLive stable have been modified for touch screen controls. The rest will require the OnLive universal wireless controller.
The OnLive service performs the processor-intensive calculations involved in 3D gaming in a server farm, and communicates video changes to the client software. An OnLive "console" client is available for $100 and includes a wireless controller. The universal wireless and Bluetooth controller is available for $50 for use with computers and mobile devices. A persistent internet connection is required during gameplay. The Android version (free) of the gameplay client has been available for select devices since December.
