GameTap Adds Multiplayer, IM, TV Shows

Turner Broadcasting System has announced that it is introducing new social networking, multiplayer, and GameTap TV features to its GameTap subscription PC 'all you can eat' gaming service, which currently offers over 500 licensed video games for download and play on demand. The company today unveiled several new features for the $9.99 per month GameTap service, including multiplayer gameplay, instant messaging, and multiple streaming animation series on GameTap TV, including exclusive titles. In addition, Gametap representatives note that new online multiplayer games will be added on a regular basis going forward. Among those games given new multiplayer features include classics such as Burger Time, Galaga, Zaxxon, and Pac-Man. Initial head-to-head games include such games as King of the Monsters, 1941: Counter Attack and Bust-A-Move. The new GameTap branded instant messaging feature now allows users to communicate with other users within the GameTap network. In addition, GameTap now features a dozen new chat lobbies centered around each of the new online games to allow users to freely chat and challenge each other in a group setting. In addition, the AOL's popular instant messaging service (AIM) has also been seamlessly integrated into GameTap to allow existing and new AIM users to simultaneously access the AIM network with their AIM screenname and chat with their AIM buddies without having to leave GameTap. In addition, the company announced additional content for its Animation channel on the included GameTap TV service, featuring an original series entitled Computer Lab, and select animation content from the Cartoon Network and the Anime Channel. Computer Lab was produced by GameTap and Soup2Nuts, the creators of Adult Swim’s "Home Movies", and chronicles the lives of the denizens of an all night computer lab at the University of State College. Additionally, GameTap will now offer selected Cartoon Network programs to subscribers via GameTap TV, including Johnny Bravo, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Dexter’s Laboratory, Evil Con Carne, Courage the Cowardly Dog, The Powerpuff Girls, Ed, Edd n Eddy, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Codename: Kids Next Door, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, Camp Lazlo, and My Gym Partner’s a Monkey. The Anime Network’s critically acclaimed anime series “Mezzo” will premiere on GameTap TV on July 19th. Also from the Anime Network, North America's first cable network devoted entirely to Japanese animation, Megaman, Capcom’s star of games and screen, will join the trio that make up the Danger Service Agency during Capcom week as he tries to prevent the fiendish Dr. Wily from destroying Japan in “Upon a Star.” “GameTap is leading the industry in digital distribution with the most games and video on demand at an affordable price,” said Stuart Snyder, GameTap’s General Manager. “Beyond the largest games catalog and exclusive new content, we’re looking for our community to help drive what’s next.”