Browser-Based Games are an Interim Step?

In Adrian Crook's excellent coverage of the Austin GDC, I came across this tidbit:

"In S Korea, people have no problem downloading big client products as the web is so fast. I often wonder if browser-based gaming is an interim step until web speeds creep up and people can return to client download." - Min Kim, Nexon

It's an interesting speculation. I'm intrigued.

At the moment, there are many people in the games industry, including myself, decreeing that the client download model should be abandoned if you want to reach the casual audience. The willingness of players in S Korea to download huge clients has always been the example offered defending large download sizes. Sadly, it never occurred to me that it's because of their super-fast connection speeds.

Perhaps, Min is right and we'll see a move back towards client-based online games in the future.

Looks like it might be here sooner than later.

Digital Distribution Tech that Allows Players to Start Before Game Fully Downloads
http://venturebeat.com/2008/09/15/bitraider-launches-digital-distribution-technology-for-games/