Cloud computing and virtualization technology developer Spoon has launched a cloud gaming service that delivers 200 instant games with no installs. However, the new service delivers desktop games on-demand via a small browser plug-in. The 200 titles range from popular casual game franchises like Jewel Quest and Farm Frenzy to massively multiplayer game clients such as Second Life. The free service was announced today at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, Calif.

“Spoon is excited to bring app virtualization technology to the gaming community,” said Kenji Obata, founder and CEO of Spoon, in a statement. “Gamers can now enjoy graphically rich desktop games in the cloud without the latency issues associated with other cloud technologies,” added Obata.

Unlike other cloud gaming models, Spoon Cloud Gaming runs games using a hybrid of remote and local computing resources, reducing bandwidth requirements while ensuring smooth, uninterrupted game play, said Spoon. Games delivered with Spoon launch from the web with no installs can optionally migrate offline for disconnected play, said the service provider. Spoon automatically synchronizes game state between devices, giving consumers the freedom to play titles from any desktop, noted Spoon.

“We are currently seeing growth in cloud gaming as game developers and publishers look to capitalize on the power of the web to sell and distribute PC games online. Yet, until now the options for delivering desktop games online, without compromising performance or offline capabilities, have been limited,” said Laura Allen Phillips, an analyst at Parks Associates (News - Alert), in a company statement. “Spoon’s technology offers a viable solution by combining high quality, traditional desktop game play with the flexibility of cloud-based delivery,” noted the analyst.