GameFly launches video game streaming service on Amazon Fire TV

By Karen Tumbokon Published June 5, 2015

gamefly new video game streaming service news — Image used with permission by copyright holder

GameFly, the rental service that sends you games in the mail, is launching a new video game streaming service today. GameFly has also revealed today that it has acquired streaming service Playcast, which will power the new service.

According to The Verge, GameFly’s new streaming service lets users rent games for $7 a month each. GameFly’s service includes six bundles, each containing seven games focused on a different theme. One bundle offers LEGO games while another offers adventure games such as Darksiders II and Batman Arkham titles. GameFly’s Streaming service also offers a “gamer pack” which comes with 16 games for $10 per month.

GameFly Streaming is currently only available for Amazon Fire TV, which costs $100. Most games are compatible with the $40 Amazon Fire TV controller. Using the GameFly service, users can play high-quality PC titles.

Other companies have tried to create a “Netflix for games,” but haven’t had much success. OnLive recently shut down, while PlayStation Now is just getting started. Microsoft has also talked about a streaming service for Xbox One.

According to Amazon, their FireTV has the fastest growing selection of any streaming media device, especially in the last three months. Amazon Fire TV now offers over 1,600 titles, which is more than the number offered by Roku or by Apple TV. Popular new titles include Popcornflix, Funny or Die, Candy Crush Saga, and Fox News.

GameFly says it hopes to build “the world’s premier multi-platform, console-quality streaming video game service.” Steve Rabuchin, Vice President of Amazon App Store says, “With the addition of new titles like Fox News, Popcornflix, Candy Crush Saga and GameFly, customers now have access to even more of their favorite TV shows, news content, top quality games, and live TV.”

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Karen is a technology, music and entertainment writer. Originally from New Jersey, Karen began her writing career in music…

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