Turner Broadcasting System is retooling its online gaming site by adding free access.
The change is meant to attract a larger group of users to Game-Tap, which was launched in October 2005 as a subscription site.
The service has been something of an experiment for Turner. GameTap was, and is, available only online. The site was the company's entry into the gaming business, and it has relied on paying users.
Turner expects the addition of a free version – supported by ads – to attract users beyond those who are serious gamers.
“We expect people to visit us who have never come before, and we also expect to convert even more subscribers because now people can try GameTap without giving a credit-card number or making an immediate commitment,” said spokeswoman Misty Skedgell. “We expect a more mainstream gamer.”
The site will continue to offer subscriptions. Those who pay will get broader access than people who use GameTap for free. A three-month plan, for example, costs $8.95 per month. Users who pay month to month are charged $9.95.
The free version will launch May 31 with 30 games, including “Bust-A-Move,” “Space Invaders” and “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend.”
GameTap also plans to offer an online “store” where users can pay to download a game. GameTap has reached a deal to sell access to games at the same time they reach retail stores. The first game that will be offered under this new option is the upcoming “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary.”
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COX NEWS SERVICE
