WildTangent, Inc. announced today that it has added Gateway, Inc. to its video games distribution network, the WildTangent Games Network (WGN). All Gateway and eMachines desktops and notebooks sold through retail will offer a custom Gateway branded version of the WildTangent Game Console, a software application that enables discovery and enjoyment of hundreds of the most popular, family friendly video games, all with a significant amount of free play.
With this agreement, the WildTangent Game Console is now factory installed on over 85% of all consumer PCs sold in North America, solidifying its position as the pre-eminent solution for the online games business, the fastest growing segment of the video game industry, experiencing a 35% compound annual growth rate, and expected to hit $2.2 billion in revenue by 2008 according to industry research firm IDC. As part of the arrangement, WildTangent will also operate the Gateway and eMachines game sites.
The Gateway and eMachines Game Consoles and accompanying game sites will offer consumers virtually unlimited game play, through a weekly updated catalogue of hundreds of popular game titles across all genres, including action, arcade, sports, puzzle, and word games. The service includes both single player and multiplayer titles, including WildTangent Studios own blockbusters; FATE, Polar Bowler and Penguins!; as well as leading titles from over 50 top game publishers. Each game in the service comes with two free, unlimited sessions. Additional play is enabled through an outright purchase; individual session purchases; or free, ad-sponsored play.
"This is a huge endorsement of the WildTangent offering," said Michael Pachter, Research Analyst with Wedbush Morgan Securities. "They have built an industry leading solution that is accelerating the shift to the digital distribution of video games, for which the PC is the largest platform and most natural platform."
"Video gaming is a growing segment of the PC's many digital entertainment applications," said Gary Elsasser, Vice President of products for Gateway, Inc. "We are excited to offer consumers a fast, easy way to enjoy hundreds of the newest video games through our alliance with WildTangent."