OnLive, the California-based provider of cloud gaming, has announced that it’s service will be closing this month. As a result, Sony has been able to strengthen it’s own cloud gaming service by purchasing OnLive’s patent portfolio, making it the company’s second cloud-gaming acquisition since Gaikai in 2012.
OnLive’s services will continue to operate until April 30th this year, but no further subscription will be charged, and anyone whose subscriptions renewed after March 28th, will have their money refunded.
This is the second time OnLive has been forced to close. Back in 2012 the company entered administration but was later bailed out for $4.8m by newly formed business, OL2.
OnLive’s parent will be used by Sony with PlayStation Now, which is scheduled to launch in Europe this year. The patents will give a significant advantage to Sony in the cloud-gaming market, however, the cost of the acquisition was not disclosed.
“These strategic purchases open up great opportunities for our gamers, and gives Sony a formidable patent portfolio in cloud gaming. It is yet another proof point that demonstrates our commitment to changing the way gamers experience the world of PlayStation,” said Sony Compute Entertainment’s VP of global business development Philip Rosenberg.