Opinion: Blockbuster offering movies as downloads, games might be next

No doubt following in the footsteps of Netflix, Blockbuster has also decided to bring movies to other media outlets as well.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Dallas-based Blockbuster is forming a partnership with Sonic Solutions Inc. to offer videos for rent and sale on various Broadband connected devices such PC’s, cell phones, Blu-ray players, and internet connected TV’s.

The movies offered will be a combination of Blockbuster and CinemaNow movies, which Sonic acquired last year. The company is hoping to be able to stream videos through the Xbox 360 like Netflix.

Will video games be next? Blockbuster offers the rental of video games at their stores and through the mail, so it would only make since to include these in their new package deals.

Gamefly, another home delivery service dedicated to video games alone, offers video games though the mail but not over the internet or your TV. I’m not sure this service is even possible but it would be nice to be able play a Blockbuster-rented game through your Xbox 360, TV or internet whenever you want.

I use Gamefly and, although they offer a huge variety of games, it could sometimes take up to a week to receive your next game in the mail. With downloadable games, it would be instantaneous. If you decide you don’t like the game or are done with it, you get your next game as quickly as a few button pushes. Not only that, you don’t have to worry about defective disks.

I remember many years ago they offered a cable channel that would allow you to play Sega Genesis games. You did need to own to the system and pay a few extra dollars a month, but it was great because you could play multiple games the same day, you just click on a title and start playing it. They also offered new games every month. Perhaps Blockbuster could do something like that. Though games have changed and expanded greatly since then, it still might be possible.

Perhaps Blockbuster will be the first one to offer this much needed service since the company is currently the only home delivery rental service that offers both movies and games. It would be really nice to be able to rent and play a game without even having to get off the couch.

Read [Wall Street Journal] Also Read [New York Times]