GameTap Partners With Strategy First For Game Licensing

GameTap, Turner's subscription-based digital rental service, has announced a partnership with Strategy First to feature preview versions of the publisher's games in the GameTap network. The preview editions will be full playable versions of the titles, and will be available on GameTap prior to the official releases. The partnership marks the first use of GameTap to preview upcoming games rather than to replay older ones using GameTap's proprietary emulation service for systems dating back to the Atari 2600. Strategy First's deal with GameTap will also provide 40 of its catalog titles, including the Disciples and Jagged Alliance franchises, as well as Legion Gold, Battle of Europe and the Space Empires series. for use in such a manner, in addition to the preview versions of newer games. "The GameTap audience will benefit from our relationship with Strategy First by being able to play these great new games first," said GameTap General Manager Stuart Snyder. "By previewing these new games on our service, GameTap subscribers have access to brand new games, and publishers have another innovative promotional vehicle for new titles." "We are thrilled to be the first publisher to share game previews and trailers with consumers who subscribe to the GameTap network," said Strategy First Product Manager Emanuel Wall. "In addition to providing an outlet for building buzz around our upcoming games, GameTap provides the perfect home for our catalogue once it moves beyond the retail window."