Browser-based Gaming Platform InstantAction Shutting Down

Portland, OR-based web gaming, social game and digital distribution platform InstantAction is shutting down, according to a key member of the company. "Today, InstantAction informed employees that it will be winding down operations," wrote Eric Preisz, director of InstantAction's Torque game engine operations on Torque's community forum. "While we are shutting down the InstantAction.com website and Instant Jam game, Torquepowered.com will continue to operate while InstantAction explores opportunities with potential buyers for Torque," he added. "We thank all of our past and current customers for their support." Gamasutra independently confirmed the closure of InstantAction, which is owned by IAC, the large Internet-specific conglomerate that also owns sites like CitySearch and Match.com. The technology behind InstantAction allows gamers to play games embedded in web browsers, such as The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition. The company also recently launched the browser and Facebook-based music game Instant Jam. InstantAction also promised technology to get gamers into large-download games faster than current solutions. The tech would allow games to be downloaded progressively to a user's PC, meaning that they would be available to play sometimes within minutes, either within the browser or in a full-screen mode. InstantAction was formed by developer GarageGames in 2007. Former Electronic Arts executive and co-founder of Command & Conquer creator Westwood Studios Lou Castle came on as InstantAction's CEO in 2009.