AOL makes free time more fun with new-look Games channel

AOL | October 29, 2004 - AOL today launched a new-look Games channel in the UK, aimed at reaching all sectors of the gaming community, from casual Solitaire players to console fanatics.

The new Games channel on the UK service will build on AOL's existing gaming footprint, following recent content deals with Electronic Arts, Trymedia and Zylom, and responds directly to the evolving needs of Internet users in a broadband environment. It will feature new enhanced games and features, as well as further expansion of its retail platform, which offers 'try before you buy' games for immediate download.

Tony Cross, Head of Entertainment at AOL UK, said: "We've always had a very active user base for games, with a large following who enjoy 'casual' games such as Solitaire and Bingo, and a group of avid console gamers. These audiences are obviously quite different, so our challenge has been to provide both groups with content and editorial that's really relevant to them, whatever type of games they're playing."

A core part of the new AOL games offering is an agreement with GameSpot (www.gamespot.com), a worldwide leader in video game editorial content and a property of CNET Networks Inc., giving AOL members in the UK access to one of the most extensive databases of reviews, previews, strategy guides, hints, tips and cheats.

In addition, AOL has signed an agreement with games and entertainment portal Kikizo.com, to provide users with daily news and updates on the biggest UK gaming stories.

Cross added: "Just as with online music, the growth in broadband is helping gaming come out of its niche position and into the mass market and we see it as a key part of the digital entertainment experience. We're committed to making gaming fun and accessible to all ages by providing the deepest and widest range of games and content, as well as the essential tips and cheats to keep people playing."

AOL has also pioneered a download purchase model for games, and the new-look channel will expand AOL's current download retail offering, optimised for broadband users, as well as providing an automatic search function that enables users to compare prices of games to get the best deal from a range of online retail partners.

For console gamers, AOL continues to offer network gaming support for both PlayStation2 and Xbox Live, enabling AOL Broadband members to plug into a global network of online gamers.

Notes to Editors

About AOL

AOL is the leading online interactive services provider to the UK, with more than two million members. AOL offers a range of online interactive services in the UK, including flat-rate, broadband and mobile, as well as unrivalled content and community for all the family.

Members spend more than one hour a day online on average, enjoying access to AOL's 24 channels of online content, from Entertainment and News to Parenting, Shopping and Money, as well as email and the Internet. All AOL members in the UK have access to freephone customer support.

The AOL service is provided to UK subscribers by AOL Europe Services SARL, a company in the AOL group based in Luxembourg. AOL (UK) Limited is part of AOL Europe, a business unit of America Online Inc., which is the world's leading interactive services company with more than 33 million members worldwide. America Online Inc. is a division of Time Warner Inc., the world's leading media and entertainment company.

Enquiries:

AOL UK

Louise Tipton

AOL UK

Tel: 020 7348 8096

Email: [email protected]