Over the last decade, smart televisions have almost entirely eliminated the need for hardware, making DVD players, cable boxes, and streaming sticks a relic of the past. Now, the videogame console could be next.
On Friday, the TV manufacturer LG launched a partnership with the cloud gaming startup Phynd, which will bring free, console-quality video games into the Samsung gaming library for anyone who owns an LG Smart TV made in 2021 or later.
The setup enables LG owners to play the games without any kind of subscription or payment; they can also, after downloading a mobile app, use their smart phones as controllers.
The move aims to transform consumers’ living room TVs into standalone gaming setups, eliminating the need for expensive gaming consoles, subscriptions, game purchase, or even controllers. In doing so, the company aims to dramatically expand the potential market for gaming.
“The a-ha moment is when people realize the game comes right out of the TV,” said vice president of its platform business Bo Moon.
Phynd is positioning itself against a wave of competitors, including a similar effort in the works from Netflix and FIFA, by emphasizing gaming fidelity.
