A Special Thanks to OnLive Founding Members
After last week’s OnLive Game System announcement, we’ve seen the biggest surge of new users in OnLive’s history. I’m pleased to say that OnLive’s systems handled the load without a hitch and continued to deliver a great experience to everyone simultaneously.
Certainly, the OnLive team deserves a lot of credit for building such a solid service offering, despite the immense technical and practical challenges.
But, today I’d like to thank another group of people who also deserve credit for OnLive becoming what it is. These are people who took a chance on OnLive during its early days, at a time when there was far greater uncertainty—and outright skepticism—about OnLive’s future: OnLive’s Founding Members.
The following is a Big Thanks from us to you:
It takes a certain kind of person to try out something that is an entirely new concept, and beyond that, spend hard-earned money on it, believing that it has a future. Because Founding Members like you believed in OnLive, you made it possible for us to analyze OnLive usage patterns, for us to be able to test millions of Internet connections throughout the US, and for us to understand what users like and don’t like. Without your help, we could not have gotten to where we are today.
We are very grateful for your help, and we thank you.
We’d like to give something back to the people who took a chance on us, as very special Thanksgiving weekend gifts*:
- If you bought 1 or more OnLive PlayPasses, we will email you a promo code for a FREE Full PlayPass (up to $49.99 value), good till November 30, 2010!
- If you’ve bought 2 or more OnLive PlayPasses, then you can pre-order a FREE OnLive Game System ($99 value)! Nope, I’m not kidding. It’s our gift to you. You just have to pre-order by November 30, 2010, and you only have to pay for shipping.
If you qualify and haven’t yet ordered an OnLive Game System, it’s easy to get your FREE OnLive Game System: Just sign in here and then proceed with the order. If you qualify and have already ordered an OnLive Game System, don’t worry, you don’t have to do anything: Your bill will be discounted automatically when it ships so that your OnLive Game System is free.
In addition, we’re making sure Founding Members have first dibs on OnLive Game Systems.
The first boxes that ship out on December 2 will start with Founding Member pre-orders, in the order received. So, if you are a Founding Member who has already put in a pre-order, you’ve got a great place in line. If not, it would be a good idea to get your order in soon.
And, to top it all off, we have INCREDIBLE game deals in our Thanksgiving Sale this weekend. Great time to load up for games to play on your brand new OnLive Game System!
From all of us at OnLive, we wish you a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving. And, once again, a sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU. What you’ve seen so far is just the tip of the iceberg. Amazing stuff is yet to come. But, YOU made it possible for us to get to where we are.
—Steve Perlman, Founder & CEO
*Only PlayPass purchases made through November 23, 2010, 11:59 PM PST (the “Qualifying Date”) are considered in qualifying for these promotions. OnLive members who have purchased one or more PlayPasses by the Qualifying Date will be sent an email with a promo code for a free Full PlayPass that must be used by November 30, 2010, 11:59 PM PST while connected to the OnLive Game Service. OnLive members who have purchased two or more PlayPasses by the Qualifying Date that pre-order an OnLive Game System (“OGS”) by November 30, 2010, 11:59 PM PST will purchase the OGS for free. Sales tax (where applicable) and shipping costs apply. Optional OnLive Component Video Cable is extra. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO RETROACTIVE DISCOUNTS. SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED. OGS purchase includes a promo code for a free Full PlayPass that must be used by December 31, 2010 (11:59PM PST), while connected to the OnLive Game Service. OnLive is not responsible for any inability to take advantage of these offers, including but not limited to delivery delays, limited supplies or inability to connect to the OnLive Game Service. Offers only valid within the contiguous United States. PlayPass promo codes and purchases are not transferable and are available only for the OnLive Game System, PC and Mac® platforms. No cash value. This is a special, limited-time offer. For more details go to onlive.com.
November 24, 2010 at 10:39 AM
I was skeptical, but I really wanted this to work. I’m really happy to see your success! It would be very hard to express how thankful I am for this gift in a pithy, comment-oriented manner. Truly generous. Thank you!
November 24, 2010 at 10:42 AM
Ah! Best customer service experience I’ve ever had!
Thanks a bunch!
November 24, 2010 at 10:48 AM
I <3 you onlive
November 24, 2010 at 10:49 AM
Wow… I don’t know what to say to such generosity. It seems that words would fall short for the magnitude of appreciation that I feel. I am honored to have been selected as a founding member and that honor just grew ten fold with this gift! I will continue to enjoy your services with great gusto and keep spreading the word of this awesome service. Thank you a million times over, from the bottom of my little gaming heart! ^_^
November 24, 2010 at 10:51 AM
Please Release Onlive in the uk!!!
I have been testing it out from within the uk and the service looks great but please get it out in the uk!!!
BTW i have 100meg bb from virgin media so im more than ready!!!
November 24, 2010 at 10:56 AM
I am nigh speechless for such an amazing gift from an equally amazing company! I bought into the OnLive concept from the moment I heard about and have been thoroughly pleased with the products and services you offer. I’m glad I had the opportunity to be a part of something new and revolutionary and I look forward to the continued success of OnLive!
Thank you!
November 24, 2010 at 11:42 AM
Dear OnLive, I love you.
November 24, 2010 at 12:02 PM
wen is it coming to norawy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?
November 24, 2010 at 12:15 PM
Great job guys! Now please start service in Europe! Many customers are waiting
November 24, 2010 at 12:31 PM
OnLive will one day topple the Xbox Live crown!
OnLive you are amazing!
November 30, 2010 at 11:16 PM
I’m an avid Xbox Live user, and even I say “I hope so”. If only for the greediness – they’re upping the cost – and the awful customer service. When I email OnLive, I get responses from real people, and they know what they’re talking about. When I emailed XBL about an issue accessing a “special” deal they had up, they first sent me to a page telling me how to change my account from Silver to Gold (totally irrelevant, and I was very clear to them), and then after clarifying even more they told me I couldn’t access the deal’s page because I am in the UK (I live in Florida). – Sorry, had to vent.
Anyway, thank you OnLive. You are terrific in so many ways.
November 24, 2010 at 12:38 PM
I’m speechless, I just don’t know what to say. You, Steve, and OnLive, are just simply awesome. I can’t wait to add another free game to my collection of 18 playpasses. I will continue to openly discuss my opinions in onlivefans.com, and spread the word of your awesomeness.
November 24, 2010 at 12:47 PM
Grats to all founding members!
As you can see its not only me asking so PLEASE start in the EU. i hope i dont have to wait a whole year for it
the day it comes online im there.
(goodbye windows rig, hello micro console and android tablet)
November 24, 2010 at 12:49 PM
THANK YOU! I am a founding member; I signed up more than a year before release, purchased multiple full play passes, and pre-ordered the TV adapter the day it was available to do so. And now today, you tell me I get to keep my $100! You rock so hard, since I considered it spent, I’ll just get more PlayPasses!
November 24, 2010 at 1:03 PM
When is SD coming?? I would have bought lots of games if SD would have released!!! But I am very glad to see the people who were able to purchase the games get a free game/micrconsole!!! I really can’t wait to see what OnLive has in store!!!
November 24, 2010 at 1:04 PM
Wow, I purchased a game just in the nick of time it seems! Got my free game (Borderlands Game of the year edition), and will be getting the console for Christmas hopefully. You guys will be to PC and console gaming what facebook was to social networking. The concept itself is nothing new (fancy remote desktop with some custom hardware acceleration), but no one has had the balls (for lack of better words) to actually step up to the plate and make it happen. Phantom tried and failed. You guys tried and succeeded. Congratulations on starting a new gaming revolution. Just PLEASE get more games into the market!
November 24, 2010 at 1:10 PM
That’s a nice gift, I’m a founding member but unfortunately have not had the cash to buy anything. Even worse is that with a new job I’m starting soon I’ll have plenty of cash.
November 24, 2010 at 2:14 PM
Now you guys have the right idea — make your customers love you. With a free game console and two free games, I will be playing OnLive for a long time. Thanks!
November 24, 2010 at 2:19 PM
THANK YOU OnLive
Glad to see how supportive you guys are for your fans! Looking forward to see this grow!
November 24, 2010 at 2:21 PM
I’ve already bought one full PlayPass. Just one more by today at 11:59 and I qualify for the system? Is that right? Seems too good to be true! Personally, I’ve been pleasantly surprised about performance of the system, even for someone way down here on the southern tip of Florida.
November 24, 2010 at 2:24 PM
Tom, you to be eligible for the free OnLive Game System, you must have made the game purchases by midnight last night. Sorry for the confusion.
November 24, 2010 at 2:35 PM
I was thinking today was the 23rd for some reason. No worries! I’ll probably still pick one up.
November 24, 2010 at 6:18 PM
Thank you, for making the MicroConsole free. I will continue to use the OnLive service, recommending it to friends. Because this offer is worth about 200 Dollars (For the Microconsole and the two games averaged at 50 dollars). I don’t think that Nintendo, Sony, even Microsoft could offer something like this! Thank you OnLive.
November 25, 2010 at 12:51 AM
Thanks so much for this amazing gift! I’ve been hoping since I first heard about this service that it would take off the way it has, and from where I’m sitting it looks like you guys have nowhere to go but I’m. I’m very grateful to be a customer and will continue to tell all my friends about this incredible service. Best of luck to everyone at OnLive and keep up the hard work!
November 25, 2010 at 12:51 AM
nowhere to go but *up
November 25, 2010 at 4:02 AM
no joke. after reading this i just ran around my house yelling with excitement. Honestly, i cant thank you guys enough, you guys are the most generous company there is. I love the service and i am glad that i jumped on early because this has been the best gaming service for a college student. im constantly moving around and using different computers but no matter where i am, or whos computer im on, i can game. Thank you onlive for creating what i truly believe is the next generation of gaming.
November 25, 2010 at 9:33 AM
Oh Wow. Thanks OnLive(saw this on Joystiq.com–had not checked my email yet) .
I have been mentioning you recently as a possible future purchase for Xbox Live’s Microsoft to integrate into their streaming & DLC over Blu Ray disks storage strategy, but this type of customer appreciation is more than I ever expected. Thank you so much for validating my confidence in purchasing $35(over 7 titles) in On Live games. I was planning to buy the console next year to go with my 360 and PS3, but will consider giving out one as a gift to help you succeed even more.
One bit ogf advice: Please upsell your Arena system. it is one the unique features that the 360 and PS3 will hopefully follow your lead on.
November 25, 2010 at 12:12 PM
Just had to say thanks to the OnLive crew, I’ve enjoyed the service and have been letting all my friends now about it. I hope to see it continue and grow, keep it up!!
November 25, 2010 at 1:41 PM
Thank you Onlive!!
I was going to wait for a console but you just gave me one! I have never been treated this good for being a beta tester, well done! I will continue to spread word about your great service.
November 25, 2010 at 1:51 PM
Now THAT’S customer service! Amazing.
Waiting patiently in Sweden for OnLive to arrive. Keep up the awesome work.
November 26, 2010 at 1:19 PM
Onlive i just want to say thank you so much for thinking of us the founding members that really shows that you care for your customers unlike other companies. this puts you on top of the customer satisfaction list oh and when i call onlive for any problem i always get answered withing 3 minutes and im back to playing. now im helping out by spreading the word everywhere i go i see an xbox or PS3 or any console and i bring onlive up to them, which they seem to always check out and some of them do sign up so thats my way of helping now all we need are more multi-player games like the ones consoles have and onlive will shine like never before. well i have to get going now but again thanks alot for everything and the amazing service you guys provide
good bye xbox, steam and hardware upgrades for me.. im an Onlive gamer now! 
November 28, 2010 at 10:58 PM
Wow, just wow. I am so impressed with the Onlive service. I am based in the UK and found out on a forum that you were allowing Europeans to gain access to your US server. I can’t believe how good the service. I was never skeptical of Onlive. I had heard of Otoy a year before you guys came out with Onlive. I knew this was the future of video games. But when you guys came out I was more impressed because you were offering a closed system that is going to be a new platform. With you experience and a fantastic team of engineers. You are taking games to a whole new level. I am a little puzzled as to how the service works flawlessly for me. I hear your allowing EU customers to access only your San Jose, California server. Well I am near London, and that’s a distance of 5600 miles. Onlive always made note that you should be within 1000 miles to get a lag free experience. Well on my BT 8mbps connection which os those 8mbps I get a sustained connection speed of 5.3mbps on most days. What I am experiencing with Onlive covering such a distance is absolutely no lag, delays or anything of the sort. A small amount of stuttering sometimes, like in the intro when Onlive starts and shows the camera zooming into the arena and sometimes when games start. But it’s never enough to retract me from playing. The game play on my connection looks in most games to be 720p at 60 frames per second. I sometimes think that I am playing the game locally on my notebook. I don’t even think my notebook is dual core. It’s a Dell Inspiron 6400, 1.86ghz Processor, 15 inch 1920 x 1200 screen which is the resolution I have when playing Onlive. 512MB RAM, 256MB GPU, 8GB HDD. It’s around 5 years old and at the time was a top of the range model. The graphics are sharp with Batman and Just Cause 2 looking incredible. The strange thing is, I can even play Unreal Tournament online. So far the highest amounf of players I have seen on a server has been 16 players on screen. I don’t get any lag. It shows my ping at times on the leader board at the end of the match as saying 4ms. Sometimes it’s 3,7,8, or 14ms. Other peoples connections are 0ms, 78ms, 56ms, and one of these players are in the USA as I think I had seen their screen name on this forum that I hang out on. It’s the same screen name as there Onlive screen name. Or I should say Onlive gamer tag. Now I have run pingtest.net and it shows my ping in the UK at 31ms and my jitter at 11ms. When I test each of your 3 servers. Well let’s just say the San Jose one is 1ms jitter and 115ms ping there and back. How is this possible? On Speedtest.net it shows my 5.3mbps connection I am getting to you San Jose server. I know BT has partnered with Onlive and wonder if they have made optimizations to your service for Europe. They are my ISP and so that could explain part of the reason the service is so good. The fact that it’s so good right now will mean it will be incredible when your UK server is up and running. I read somewhere that this will be in Wales, I am within 200 miles. That sounds awesome. I never expected that connecting to your US server would be so good, I thought this kind of experience would only be possible from connecting to your UK server. I am thoroughly impressed. The no lag experience is strange, as lot’s of people in the USA I read their comments on blogs and forums and they say the service just doesn’t work so well for them. I am connected via wifi and wired and I try the service with both connections and it works flawlessly as well. I remember a few years back I would play some first person shooter on UK servers and US servers and on them the lag was a lot worst so high as up to 180ms and my character would have a delay in moving about at times and when their rifle was fired. The action of me pressing a button and for the command to reach the server and back was too slow because of the high ping time that the experience was not so good. But then here comes Onlive where it works perfectly, how is this possible? Lastly, as I like the service so much. I really would like to use a micrconsole and game controller and wondered if you could please send one my way? This service is so awesome. Many thanks for creating a truly incredible service and what’s coming from Onlive must be mind blowing. Well done and keep up the great work. Please pass this message on to Steve Perlman.