We're currently trying to get a fuller explanation of the current situation. Perry says that GameTap will continue to expand their library despite this setback, but the issue seems to be a wake-up call to many subscribers that GameTap isn't the repository of gaming that they once thought. Although it's unofficial whether GameTap didn't want to pony up the cash to extend the contracts or the publishers asked for too much money to renew -- we're pretty sure GameTap isn't happy about dipping below the 1,000 game mark they recently hyped. It's also not a great day for the company when their subscribers learn quite harshly that games on the service have a virtual shelf life.
Update: An unofficial list of games being lost Dec. 11.
[Thanks Satertak, Matt]
(Page 1) Reader Comments
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Back in October 2005, there weren't three consoles with downloadable small games competing. I wouldn't be surprised if more companies decide to try for higher profits by the sold copy instead of diminishing repacking opportunities by going with Game Tap.
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Most of the 70 games seem to be edutainment software (like 10 Arthur games that nobody plays)
As an above poster said, this is probably due to the existance now of XBLA and PSN and WiiWare. These consoles can basically exist as a set-top-box for older software, which was gametaps original long term goal.
Does ANYONE really still care about it?
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Still - I hope they can renegotiate somewhere down the line....
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Still, looking at the list of what won't be there anymore, it wouldn't affect me much, as I own most of the, what I would consider, good games from the list. Sad to see the Ultima series gone though...that's one series I only played the tail end of, would have been another incentive to subscribe. Gametap should try very hard to get the publisher back responsible for Alpha Centauri though -- I know a few people who subscribed to Gametap based purely on that game.
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Basically what I'm saying is, try Gametap out for 1 month at 99 cents. If you like it, keep it, if not, cancel before it charges you $10.
I tried it and liked it, but unfortunately there were too many things holding me back from using the service, number 1 being the sheer number of great games being released around the holiday season on other systems. But also it's because I don't have a good enough computer to run newer games like Jericho.
But all in all, this kind of a thing is really no big deal, because if those games are fundamental to your subscription, all you really have to do is unsubscribe.
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Seriously, I played Pajama Sam as a little kid; totally awesome game for youngsters. No sex or violence and tons of great puzzles.
It was almost like talking to small children on drugs, i don't recommend it, I'd ask him a question and he'd come out with some non-sensicle babble. Anyway looked crap.
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Anyone can sign up for a Gametap ID and play games, i believe the only restriction is the game was released in their country.
"Users in any country can sign up for a TapID (Green account) and play games available in their country ".
I could mock you at this point, but i doubt it would be worth it.
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It stinks these games are going, but all in all that list only has a few "must haves". Alpha Centuari, and the Ultimas for me. Populous 3 was pretty lousy.
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This is what happens when you license content you don't own, and the owner gets a clue that Oldskool is profitable!
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I wonder if everybody is going to try to do their own "Gametap" now. Sorry, only enough money in most budgets for one of these services.
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I can see how things like Live and the VC would be competition, and it'd be great to get some of these games available more widely. Often they can't be found in the shops at all.
However I'm skeptical about getting a lot of old PC games to run on consoles. Anyone remember how many keys you needed to play freespace or wing commander???
I wonder if they'll head to Steam? that seems to have been adding a fair number of old games lately.
Actually, I'm wondering if services like the VC won't have to move to more of a gametap model. Demand is great at the moment, but once they've exhausted all the classics, i dunno how much people are gonna want to pay for average SNES/NES games. A low monthly fee option might be more profitable, long term.
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