Do We Really Need a Slingbox for Video Games?

As I wrote the other day, I can’t say I’m ever happy to see a product or company die. But I just don’t see a place in the world for Spawn Labs. Introduced at TechCrunch50 (video above), they liken their product to a Slingbox for video games. Making them a niche within a niche. The $200 Spawn Labs HD-720 hardware isn’t unreasonably priced for what it provides, yet I don’t see a sustainable market for remote console gameplay through a web browser. Additionally, as an Xbox Live Call of Duty sniper I worry what sort of impact network latency might have when trying to line up a head shot on a moving target from 100 yards.

And speaking of misguided gaming innovation, does Sony really think we’ll line up to play in theaters? It seems like a pretty cool promotional tool for Uncharted 2, but I’d rather play 1vs100 from the comfort of my home. Where snacks won’t break the bank and pants are optional. From Technologizer:

Mike Fidler, Sony’s senior vice president of Digital Cinema Solutions and Services, suggests that this isn’t a one-off thing. In explaining that he wants more theaters to go digital, Fidler said that gaming “will be an important part of that equation.