 "Gameloft - The Ultimate Gaming Solution" |
6/13/00 |
| Bahn discusses the latest online community for gamers, programmers and musicians |
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Six years ago, X-band gave console gamers their first opportunity to experience online gaming. Giving host to a variety of titles (my particular favorite being Super Street Fighter 2 of course) which connected players throughout the entire country. While limited in its overall execution; (you try typing 60wpm on a control pad), with a host of applications seen in today's ensemble of online companies is likened to using sticks and stones. There of course were the 'pulling' from players striving to keep their records clean from losses, the 2400 baud rate, and oh, did I forget to mention the rates at which some members were charged? Though in all fairness, it was an enlightment to many, including myself. There were those in this community who were remained in contact with each other, and thus making friendships between one another. At best,...the X-Band was the precursor of the many online community services which have been founded in today's era. Today, the online communities are growing. Gaming and communication are no longer limited by playing those around your local neighborhood. As PC gamers themselves have long since had their taste of this with popular titles including Everquest, Starcraft and Diablo; are now being met by console firms looking to step in on the craze. In just a few months, you'll be able to log onto the proprietary networks constructed by Sega, Sony and Nintendo enjoying their respective games in multiplayer fashion. There's certainly a variety of options to choose from. While each respective platforms serves to offer their own edge 'play with us' campaigns, GameLoft stands to introduce itself as the sole destination - one which connects gamers, developers, creators and anyone who's attracted to their unique approach to the online community that's taking the world by storm. Um...what is GameLoft? That's initially what I asked upon becoming aware of the company's existence, just a few months before their official unveiling at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo. After taking a closer look, I found myself quite intrigued with GameLoft - an online center of services and unique content designed for passionate gamers. Through the support of Guillemot Corp and Ubi Soft Entertainment, GameLoft will establish networks throughout 15 countries worldwide by December 2000. The Gamers Solution
GameService
While lag, dense communities and the lukewarm experience is something each and every PC gamer can relate to, you won't find this within GameLoft's online center. Because of its unique infrastructure that's being established worldwide, there's always going to be someone online. So what if there's a problem? "Hey, I can't get online, I need help!". Who wants to sit on hold directing through an intricate voice menu directory? (For more aggravation, press 5 *click!*) Through GameLoft's live technical support and 24-hour gaming partners stationed throughout the world, you'll never have to worry about talking to an automated service.  GameService also features specialized channels which are based upon the passions of its enthusiasts. While of course many of us eat, sleep and think games on a daily basis, GameLoft recognizes that we have other interest beyond our treasured pastime and thus have created a variety of related topics including gaming news, information, tips, sports, fashion and lifestyle.
So why is GameLoft considered to have added value?
...and what of those who want to present their innovative ideas to the public? |
When it comes to online gaming, it boils down to efficiency, variety, and the most important - pure entertainment. Besides, why indulge yourself on a network that can't offer you hours of fun? GameLoft is a non-propietary gaming platform which supports all multiplayer standards such as Direct Play™ and Quake™-likes. In addition, each of GameLoft's regional sites can host online games that appeal to their individual communities. GameLoft seeks to make your initial session not only exciting, but one which keeps you coming back; and not simply just for gaming. Through its other complimentary entities, respectively known as Beatz 4 Geekz and Game Live, gamers can associate with other musically inclined persons, acquire an abunance of related content, and enjoy a vast commmunity which promotes and assists for web-based game development. More on this shortly...
The various tools as aforementioned above allows gamers a variety of tools at their disposal. GameService offers everything from high performance applications and rich content to first-rate services. By downloading the 5MB application, you'll be able to choose from an assortment of utilities which include matchmaking (for allowing you to match up rivals and allies of your choice), communication tools (i.e. Instant message, IRC and forums), a real time information service, friend management systems and more.
