Comcast Teams With RealNetworks For Web Games
Operator Claims 1.5 Million Registered Users for Games Channel
By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 7/21/2009 1:08:03 PM
Comcast announced it is offering online games through the Comcast.net Internet portal in a deal with RealNetworks.
Terms of the deal weren't disclosed. Comcast.net's Games channel, www.comcast.net/games, provides free puzzle, arcade and card games such as solitaire, sudoku and mahjong, as well as paid game downloads.
Through the partnership with RealNetworks' RealGames division, Comcast.net users can download trial versions or buy full-version games. In addition, the site offers a subscription service, GamePass, that allows customers to purchase games for $6.99 per month.
Comcast also said it is using a tool from marketing-technology company Bunchball to provide broadband customers with "reward-based activities" that include earning points through game play and redeeming them for virtual goods.
Since Comcast launched the beta version of the community features in the gaming channel in October 2008, it has attracted 1.5 million registered users who play games a combined total of about 22,000 hours per day. Comcast added the RealGames content in June.
Comcast.net, which operates within the Comcast Interactive Media group, is the main portal for the MSO's 15.3 million high-speed Internet customers. The site generates 4.3 billion page views and receives 17.1 million unique visitors per month.
Separately Tuesday, RealNetworks announced the appointment of Matt Hulett to the newly created position of chief revenue officer for RealGames North America, overseeing the division's direct-to-consumer and syndication efforts. Most recently, Hulett was chairman and CEO of online ad network Mpire and president and CEO of Expedia Corporate Travel.
