Intel Adds GameTap To Viiv Platform

Intel has announced that its Viiv platform, which facilitates digital downloads in a variety of media and is intended to be used in a 'living room' style setting, will feature compatibility with Turner Broadcasting's GameTap service. GameTap, which debuted in October 2005, allows subscribers access to hundreds of PC games and emulated console games through proprietary software, for a monthly fee of $14.95. The Viiv platform will specifically allow GameTap subscribers to play the downloaded games on their televisions, as with a standard game console, through Viiv PC's Windows XP Media Center. The PCs will support wireless USB game controllers, including Microsoft's Xbox 360 PC gamepads, and Media Center Edition remote controls. "Playing GameTap just got better for consumers as we take the experience beyond the PC environment and into virtually any room in the home," said GameTap General Manager Stuart Snyder. "The ability to expand the playground to a large screen and experience the network in a bigger way brings the consumer into an even more immersive world of video games and makes playing even more compelling." In addition to GameTap, other game companies partnering with Intel for the Viiv brand are Capcom, Square Enix, Ubisoft, arvato mobile, CCR Inc., Exent Technologies, Metaboli, NHN, Ourgame, Telecom Italia, The 9, and TWP Corp. The service will allow users to play games from the partner companies online with other users, as well as play single-player versions of Web games.