Gaikai brings cloud gaming to Facebook

cloud gaming provider, has introduced a beta of an app on Facebook that it claims will deliver games such as Saints Row and The Witcher 2 over the social network, Digital Spy writes.

Backed by venture capital funding, Gaikai enables users to stream console-quality games over the Internet without the need for sophisticated local hardware.

Expert Reviews reports that, for its beta launch, Gaikai is offering European gamers free access to Magicka, Sniper - Ghost Warrior, The Witcher 2 - Assassin of Kings, Orcs Must Die! and Farming Simulator 2011.

"People don't want to leave Facebook to play games - Zynga's phenomenal success is proof of that," claimed David Perry, Gaikai's CEO.

Gamers will need to be in a Gaikai coverage area with a broadband Internet connection (a reliable one with a comfortable data allocation) and Java, IT Pro Portal states.

Gaikai's Facebook app can already be downloaded, and other than THQ, a number of other games publishers can be expected to sign up.