Xfire joins MTV family [UPDATE 1]
by Jennie Lees 
{ Apr 24th 2006 at 5:55PM }
Combining instant messaging with games seems to be
a magic formula for Xfire. The popularity of the program hasn't gone
unnoticed, and today Viacom -- which operates the MTV brand -- announced the acquisition of Xfire, Inc for $102m. Not bad for a company with a free product and "no desire" to advertise. Xfire joins Viacom's other gaming assets Neopets and GameTrailers, both of which continue the "gaming community" theme, which means we can guess at MTV's plans for the future. They want gamers, whole communities of 'em, to extend their reach to those disaffected generations who shun the TV for games. Either that, or they've a nefarious plan that involves an evil robot gamer clone army -- you decide.
[Update 1 - fixed typo, thanks SeNiLe]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Simon @ Apr 24th 2006 6:03PM
As long as they don't start charging for xfire, then I'm happy with this. It's price, or lack of, has been one of the main reasons behind the programs popularity. If anything, I'd like to see this result in additional funding for the development team, meaning quicker updates and better integration with games. But perhaps that's just wishful thinking.
AnimalTaglits @ Apr 24th 2006 6:10PM
Joystiq is next?
HallwayGiant @ Apr 24th 2006 6:20PM
I agree w/ Simon, if this only means good things in the future instead of a paid subscription or dumbed down service then its just business...and therefore no problem. =P
DaveTehWave @ Apr 24th 2006 6:25PM
to the #2 poster -
Weblogs Inc. was aquired by AOL/Time Warner... so Viacom missed the boat!
SeNiLe @ Apr 24th 2006 7:04PM
$120m or $102m?
Danny @ Apr 24th 2006 7:26PM
If I see one ad on xfire its over.
Philip Isles @ Apr 24th 2006 7:31PM
[They want gamers, whole communities of 'em, to extend their reach to those disaffected generations who shun the TV for games] = [a nefarious plan that involves an evil robot gamer clone army -- you decide.]
Bizzle @ Apr 24th 2006 8:18PM
If I have to pay well...I won't. And if I start geting pop-ups and crap like that well...I'll be angry
Exbzurg @ Apr 24th 2006 8:59PM
To #6(danny)
xfire has already had ads before this.
they are the small integrated ads inside the menu for your friends list and options list.
Usually these are gaming ads, but ive noticed alot of axe deoderant ads recently.
Settra @ Apr 25th 2006 8:18AM
Since when has xfire NOT had ads?
obo @ Apr 25th 2006 4:09PM
Man, I'm even happier I didn't sign up for it now.