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
(Page 1) Reader Comments
And lol @ another blinded Sony fanboy. I was worried they were dying off.
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m3mnoch.
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Anyways this article is about Gametap so I will talk about that and not some fanboy correcting. I tried out Gametaps 2 week trial (as a matter of fact I cancelled my account 1.5 hours ago 13 days into it.... just in time!) and while the nostalgia was good I felt that it could've had more.
Gametap is limited by the games it can have due to publishing. For instance the 1 game that I would have to seen be challengeable was Street Fighter II, but it was only 1 player. I would have also like to seen better sports games on the service. I don't see why Gametap couldn't offer Madden 2004 or 2005. Sure it's old but nobody buy those games anymore and it could have gained Gametap another customer (me).
To some it up Gametap is still new starting off. Maybe in 6 monthes I'll try them again. They did have some games that took me back to the good old days but in the end I can get those games with an emulator and some roms. I good effort but maybe if they add more exclusives that will make a diifference.
Confucious says lets keep this forum on topic
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I actually got a little bit of time with Uru Live at the DIgital Life show in NYC, and I'm officially interested. The idea of an MMO in the nonviolent Myst world is intriguing. It seems to be all about getting together with people to solve puzzles, which sounds really fun---the rep said they were trying to recreate the experience of playing Myst with a friend on a large scale, which is a great idea. Plus the graphics looked absolutely lovely---very true to the Myst aesthetic in a 3-D world.
There are even hints that a MacPro version of GameTap might happen someday, so I don't have to try it on Boot Camp, which makes the whole prospect damn-near irresistable...
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Waiting....
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You reminded me of the Sony Fanboy on GameSpot Radio:
http://web.utk.edu/~ascott9/SonyFanboy.mp3
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BRB while I'm pimp slapping his face.
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I'm personally more interested in actually owning my games then just borrowing them as long as I pay a fee. In the future, though, I'd like to see something like this available on Wii and X360's classic game services, since I'm sure there are a lot of classic Nintendo and new indie games that would benefit from such a "rental" service.
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...On the other hand, paying a monthly fee for hundreds of games, when those hundreds of games include stuff like Sam & Max, the Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale series, The Last Express, and tons of other gems that are virtually impossible to find or get at this point, as well as the Sam & Max cartoon (which is easily my favorite cartoon of all time), is something I could see paying a subscription fee for. Maybe. I'll have to try out their free trial when they get everything set up, since I can't access it right now (I'm Canadian).
"joystiq sux only blind fanboys like you go there."
This statement is dripping with so much irony... I love it.
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As a warning, if you're on a wireless network and have anything less than a perfect connection, expect some technical difficulties. I've had a lot of frustration from downloads crapping out.
Uru Live is probably going to force me to subscribe sooner or later, but I'm still undecided on the rest of the service.
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"Matt your too retarded to exist." ~Nova
This sentance amuses me to no end. Catch the irony!
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I'm still going to buy the games that I really love, but this is great for those games that I would only pick up if they were used/cheap.
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I'ma gonna have to resubscribe. Now if they would get vista support (or if vista would support it, one or the other)
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I want Baldurs Gate, Homeworld, Icewind Dale and Planescape Torment...PLEASE!
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