GamersGate To Launch Ad-Supported FreeGames

Digital distribution service GamersGate has announced FreeGames, a new platform enabling users to play Windows and Mac titles without charge after they watch an advertisement. The commercials are presented to users when they launch the game. Users will be able to select up to five games at a time to play for free on their accounts. GamersGate said players will be able to add more titles to that limit, but it did not disclose details for that option. FreeGames is scheduled to launch in 83 days, but GamersGate will begin an open beta in mid-June. The company expects "a large portion" of its 3,000+ game catalog to be available with this new ad-supported model when the service launches. "The new service offers the best of both worlds for both gamers and publishers," says GamersGate CEO Theodore Bergquist. "Gamers can play games for free, catch up on franchises or try a game out before they buy. He continues, "Publishers will receive ad revenue while expanding their audience. We’ve always been at the forefront of the digital delivery business and I’m confident that our new service will help reshape the industry."