Showtime To Launch On Demand Gaming Service

Officials from CBS-owned cable television network Showtime have announced that the station has joined with edutainment publisher Broadband Libraries (Curious George Learns Phonics) to form a new private label game service aimed at cable TV companies and DSL providers. Financial details were not disclosed. The new service, called On Broadband, is expected to launch in the second quarter of this year, and will offer a collection of games that can be downloaded or played online. Some offerings will be free and some available for purchase, while a subscription option will also be available. In addition, On Broadband officials also noted that other game related content, such as reviews, cheats, and tricks, will also be made available. The venture is expected to see revenue from fees from broadband companies, subscriptions, the sale of games, and advertising. According to a statement from the two companies, On Broadband is designed to boost the offerings of broadband providers and tap into the growing demand for video games and game content. Officials add that while On Broadband will handle tasks such as the sale and delivery of games, the service itself will carry the brand of the local cable or DSL company instead of the Showtime brand. While unrelated, the service seems similar to Turner Broadcasting System's popular broadband game network, GameTap, which was launched in 2005 and already boasts over 500 licensed video games for download and play on demand. "While it might not seem like a natural, when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense for Showtime," commented Showtime Networks chairman and chief executive Matthew Blank. "We are used to dealing with a premium customer. We have the marketing and promotional expertise to be in those businesses."