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GameTap forgets half its name, adds music content
GameTap has added music content to its diverging focus from being a videogame download service. While game-related video shows -- and some that aren't expressly about games -- were already a part of GameTap, the music areas and new "Artist of the Month" selection confuse the message.GameTap has recently been earning gamer credibility by publishing new titles like Sam & Max episodes and the upcoming Myst Online: Uru Live, but the new music content seems like an idea from out-of-touch marketers to appeal to a younger audience. Even the first two featured bands seem like a scattered approach. Fall Out Boy strikes us as My First Emo, appealing to the Music Television kids with their Total Request Lives. (At least Kyle's cousin likes it.) And The Hold Steady is nearly the opposite, a great rock outfit that sounds like the smokey halls it plays.But, come on, GameTap. If we wanted to listen to The Hold Steady, we'd play it on our stereo. (And if we wanted to listen to Fall Out Boy, we'd turn on an MTV awards show.) We hope that GameTap can turn a profit and please papa Turner without pandering to a music audience.GameTap, it's too early for you to jump the shark; keep the focus on games.
Showtime to launch On Broadband gaming network
Subscription cable network Showtime has announced plans to launch On Broadband, an online gaming service, in second quarter 2007. Although a subscription model will be available, games will be available for purchase a la carte to download for your PC.The service will be sold to cable TV and DSL companies to function under their name, although all the work will be done by On Broadband. No details have been given as to what games will be offered or what prices will be set (and whether that will be up to Showtime or the individual providers).Any comparisons to GameTap might be unfair as this service is not working under an unified name. However, if their intention is to compete with Turner's subscription gaming network, then their next few announcements better be partnerships with some major publishers.
GameTap now in Canada, other locations planned
GameTap, the subscription, all-you-can-eat game download service is expanding into Canada and other international locations. Beginning today, Canadian gamers can pay $6.95 USD each month and are also eligible for the current $59.40 USD promotion for a full year. GameTap plans a bigger worldwide rollout in 2007, with the first quarter goal to reach three or four other English-speaking markets. After that, the company will focus on additional English markets throughout the year, with non-English localizations prepared for 2008.We assumed that the delay for international release was due to licensing issues -- game distribution licenses vary by region -- however, David Reid, VP of GameTap Marketing told us via email that the wait was unrelated. Reid explained, "We were far more concerned with getting the product right before exporting GameTap out of the U.S. Now, with the original content, robust community features, over 700 games, and GameTap TV programming, we truly feel that we have a strong, comprehensive product ... ."However, the company can still be challenged by landing local publishing rights. Reid acknowledged that the exact lineup of games will be almost the same for all markets, but not every title will be available. He said, "For any games that are not initially included, especially any particularly notable titles, we will be working hard to bring those to our international audience."GameTap also announced its "GameTap Originals" brand, a way to publish new content. We already knew about Sam & Max, released today, and Myst Online: Uru Live, being released in December; both of those games will receive the Originals label.Reid couldn't specify, but said that other developers and titles are on the way. He also said that exclusivity -- Sam & Max will also be offered from Telltale next month -- will be determined on a case-by-case basis.While the news is anti-climactic for American gamers, Canadians -- and eventually other regions -- can now ponder the subscription-versus-ownership question for themselves.See also: Gametap for $5 paid in advance
GameTap for $5 paid in advance
Is $9.95-per-month too expensive for GameTap? If you want to pay in advance, Cheap Ass Gamer mentions a half-off promotion to get a year for $59.40 -- that works out to $4.95 each month.GameTap will launch episodes of Sam & Max beginning October 17, and Myst Online: Uru Live is expected later this year. Our GameTap interest had been at shrug-level before the promise of new content. Now anticipating those games, we're at raised-eyebrow. $4.95 each month may elevate us to tilting nod.The half-off promotion ends October 22.See Also:Joystiq interviews David Reid of GameTapJoystiq interviews Dan Connors and Emily Morganti of TelltaleJoystiq interviews Rand Miller of Cyan Worlds[Via Cheap Ass Gamer]
Sam & Max cartoon coming to GameTap
GameTap users will soon be able to watch The Adventures of Sam & Max: Freelance Police, the animated show that was on Fox Kids back in the late nineties. The first episode will debut this Thursday, October 12, and will percolate at a rate of one episode per week. GameTap TV will also be airing a "Making of Sam & Max" original show.The Sam & Max show ran for 24 episodes. If GameTap keeps their promise of one episode per week, we'll have something to look forward to every week until March 22, 2007. As for Sam & Max: Season One: The first installment debuts next Tuesday, October 17. GameTap users gloat about their fifteen day exclusivity. On November 1, everyone can get Sam & Max. GameTap users lose bragging rights but still get the animated show. Periods of gloating recommence in December, for 15 days each month, until the end of the season in April. Sam & Max: Season One, sans GameTap, will be $9 per episode or $35 for a season pass. Those who need a quick Sam & Max fix can check out fr34kystyley's Sam & Max repository on GooTube YouTube -- act now before The Man shuts it down! Continue reading for some artsy craftsy bit of time wasting nonsense.
