Sony launching streaming PlayStation service

Gamers will be heading to the cloud this summer when Sony Computer Entertainment marks the U.S. debut of its streaming game service branded as PlayStation Now.

Plans call for PlayStation Now, dubbed PS Now, to deliver a variety of popular PlayStation 3 game titles on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 systems followed by the PlayStation Vita systems. In addition to PlayStation platforms, most 2014 U.S. models of Sony's Bravia brand televisions will support PS Now. Eventually, plans call for the service to expand beyond PlayStation platforms and Sony devices, allowing users to stream PlayStation games on numerous other Internet-connected devices, according to the company.

"We are thrilled to deliver entertainment experiences only possible from PlayStation through our new streaming game service," said Andrew House, president and group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "PS Now will allow users to engage in the world of PlayStation, whether they're existing fans or have never owned a PlayStation platform."

The company’s vision, shared with those who attended the CES in Las Vegas is to enable users to instantly enjoy a wide range of full games on the Internet-connected consumer electronics devices they use every day. The accessibility of PS Now means, for example, that PS4 users in the living room can continue playing a game on a PS3 system in their bedroom. Or PS Vita users can enjoy instant access to a game wherever there's Wi-Fi connectivity, such as outdoors, then can switch to a supporting Bravia TV's big screen and play the same game after arriving home.

According to the company, PS Now will offer choice to gamers with how they want to access content. Gamers can rent by title for specific games they are interested in, or they can choose a subscription that delivers additional value with the ability to explore and play many games available across a wide variety of genres.