Though it has yet to reach the kind of audience that Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 are currently enjoying, the OnLive cloud gaming service is on the rise.  Ever since it launched last year, millions of users have been thoroughly investing in the service, playing on both the comfort of their computers and through the offered MicroConsole units (for TV play).  Now, on the verge of OnLive launching for iPad and other iOS devices, the company has moved forward with a launch in the UK -- and several new games coming soon.

As part of this week's Eurogamer show in London, OnLive has struck hard by launching its cloud service overseas, giving potential players the chance to play games without the need of purchasing hardware or software.  The service has been growing in popularity here in the U.S., thanks not only to several new releases like Warhammer: Space Marine and Duke Nukem Forever, but also due to the PlayPass, a monthly package that includes unlimited access to over 100 games.  (Today, that service added its biggest game to date, Batman: Arkham Asylum.)

With U.K. players now joining in the fun, players can expand their friends' lists and see what people overseas are playing alongside their friends.  And with a number of games available, including Split/Second, Homefront, Bioshock and several dozens of others, there's no shortage of titles to choose from.  And every Friday, OnLive puts a particular title on sale for a meager five bucks, including the likes of Mafia II and Darksiders.  Not sure what this week's game will be, tho...

We do know one thing -- more games are coming.  Along with previously announced "big hits" like Batman: Arkham City and Saints Row the Third, the company has announced several other titles that are inbound, including NBA 2K12, Driver: San Francisco, Super Street Fighter 4: Arcade Edition, Assassin's Creed: Revelations, and Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7, among others.

What's more, Electronic Arts, thought to be knee deep in its own Origin service, also announced its return to OnLive, bringing such games as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (both parts one and two), Bulletstorm and various others.  It's only a matter of time before the company's sports games also make a debut.

And in an interview posted over at Onlive Informer, OnLive CEO Steve Perlman stated the party isn't over yet.  Not only is 1080p support coming for games somewhere down the road, but a major partner, Rockstar Games, could be coming as well.  Steve hinted during the interview that L.A. Noire, a big release from this year, could be coming soon.  Will Grand Theft Auto IV, Red Dead Redemption and Max Payne 3 follow as well...?

Though cloud gaming may not be a big deal to some people, it is on the rise, and OnLive continues to ride the successful wave into the fall season and an even bigger 2012.  Who knows what they'll be up to next?

OUR THOUGHTS: We do have an OnLive test unit here, along with access to several games.  So far, it has yet to let us down.  A lot of the games perform admirably, even in multiplayer, and the selection of classic favorites in the PlayPass is definitely a great deal for the $9.99 asking price.  You even get access to Saints Row 2, and all the silliness it brings.  Who can turn down an over-the-top game such as that?

To check out more, visit the official OnLive page.

About the Author

Robert Workman

Senior Writer/Editor

Robert has years of experience in the video game industry, writing for such sites as AOL GameDaily, PlanetXbox360 and Comic Book Resources.  He can also outdrink you any day of the week.  And twice on Sunday.  Follow him at www.twitter.com/thedcd.