Gaikai is delivering high-end, console quality game experiences directly to consumers through Facebook (News - Alert). The company has launched the Beta of its Facebook app that allows video game publishers to easily reach hundreds of millions of potential new players in North America and Europe.

Currently available in North America & Europe, Gaikai’s Beta will allow gamers to try out a selection of games for free so that they can sample games before they buy them. Free playing will also build anticipation for games, increase sales reach and significantly reduce player acquisition costs.

Those interested to use the newly announced Gaikai Facebook app need to be in a Gaikai coverage area with a broadband internet connection and Java installed.

Gaikai claims it works on any PC or Mac using Windows, Mac OS or Linux. Also, it works in all major browsers including Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox and Safari.

Users can try several games in the Beta v1.0 Launch including Saints Row - The Third (USA); Dead Rising 2 - Off the Record (USA); Magicka (USA & Europe); Sniper - Ghost Warrior (USA & Europe); The Witcher 2 - Assassins of Kings (USA & Europe); Orcs Must Die! (USA & Europe); and Farming Simulator 2011 (USA & Europe).

“Cloud Gaming means that the game doesn’t need to be downloaded and run on your computer, it literally means the game runs out on the internet, in the cloud, with the experience being streamed to the players,” said David Perry, CEO of Gaikai. “Most video game publishers are now seeking to grow their digital customer base and unlike movie and music services like Netflix and Spotify (News - Alert), Gaikai gives the game publishers relationships with the customers.”

Gaikai was in news earlier this year for announcing that a free playable demo of 2K Games' highly anticipated first-person shooter, The Darkness II, is now available for instant trial at its website and selected affiliate and retail websites across North America.