LG and Gaikai to bring cloud gaming to 3D televisions in 2012

LG Electronics and Gaikai are teaming up to bring an integrated cloud gaming service to LG Cinema 3D TVs in 2012.

Gaikai says it has spent three years building the fastest interactive cloud network in the world, instantly capable of delivering cutting-edge games without the need for any extra custom hardware. The company’s cloud platform will be a part of LG’s game portal service within the Smart TV ecosystem and will allow consumers to use their Smart TV log-ins to seamlessly play a broad range of games, including some of the lastest award-winning releases.

“We care passionately about delivering the best content and most premium experiences possible for our valued customers,” said Taeg Il Cho, VP of TV Product Planning Group at LG Electronics. “The ability to have award winning games that run on much more powerful hardware in the cloud than today’s PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 made this a must-have feature for our televisions and future devices.”

Gaikai has recently scored some big deals with other retailers and game publishers — including Best Buy, Capcom, Ubisoft, Walmart, and Electronic Arts — by offering the ability to stream games directly to Internet users. By adding a small amount of code to a website, a retailer or publisher can offer streaming game demos to interested consumers, who can then purchase the game on the same page.

A prototype version of the LG Smart TV gaming service will be demoed live from the CES 2012 show floor in Las Vegas.