GameTap Launching Enhanced Subscription, Free Options

Turner Broadcasting System’s Broadband Entertainment Network Also Opening Digital Retail Storefront

By Multi Channel News Staff -- Multichannel News, 5/1/2007 8:56:00 AM MT

On tap at GameTap: enhanced subscription play, a digital retail storefront and a free-to-play, advertising-supported offering.

GameTap's new day-and-date subscription-play and digital-retail model will get a kick-start from Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary following an agreement with publisher Eidos Interactive. The game will be available to GameTap subscribers and for purchase at its new digital retail store on the same day it hits retail shelves in the United States.

And beginning May 31, GameTap.com will offer more than 30 free games, with more added every week, from the most popular game franchises of all time.

Launch titles will include Metal Slug from SNK Playmore; Taito's Bust-a-Move and Space Invaders; Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend from Eidos; and Midway Home Entertainment titles Joust, Robotron: 2084 and Rampage.

GameTap said the ad-supported initiative is “aimed at capturing a new audience of ‘mainstream gamers’ who are looking for a no-hassle place to play great games for free.”