GLLS2007: Digital Downloads for Gamers

…with Beth Gallaway, who identifies different types of digital downloads:

• Games that can be downloaded and installed locally
• Digital game lists
• Subscription services for users to download @ home or library
  • GameTap
    • Online arcade of 900+ video games for PC platform. No Mac support.
    • $6.95-$9.95 per month
    • 8 logins per location
    • No public performance allowed
  • Games On Demand
    • For Comcast subscribers
    • $15 per month
    • E, 10+, T, M
    • Kids version available @ $7.95/month; games are rated EC/E
  • PlayFirst
    • Mostly PC, but some for Mac
    • Demos available
    • $19.95
    • Ratings are not available
  • Direct2Drive
    • PC Platform
    • Too many titles to count
    • Rated E-M
    • Includes reviews, cheat codes
  • Shockwave Unlimited
    • Ad-free access to downloadable games
    • PC platform
    • $4.95-$9.95 per month
  • Overdrive
    • Games are accessible via library card
    • Productivity and arcade-style games
    • PC platform
    • 70 titles
    • Cost ???
  • StepMania
    • DDR for your fingers!
    • Dance pad w/USB connection can be plugged in to computer
    • Open source
    • PC and Mac versions available
  • Snood
    • Puzzle game
    • For all ages

• Games for kids
  • Apple Corps
    • Mr. Potatohead online, but with other fruits and vegetables that are not copyright protected
    • Runs on any computer
    • Advertisements are questionable
    • Free and fun
  • Funbrain
    • Supports math, science, and reading curriculum
  • Girls Go Tech
    • Girl Scout site with games related to badge completion
  • Neopets
    • Virtual electronic pets
    • Very commercial
  • WebKinz
    • Users purchase plush pets that come with a unique secret code
    • Users care for their pets online

• Games for adults and teens
  • Darfur is Dying
  • Runescape
  • Kingdom of Loathing
  • iFiction
    • Interactive fiction
    • Archive of 250+ text adventure games
    • Lots of reading
  • Set Game
    • Pattern recognition game
    • Enhances math and pattern recognition skill
    • Great mental calisthenic!
  • Education Arcade
    • “Learning through authentic and engaging play”
  • Games for Change
    • Uses games to explore management and leadership challenges in the public sector
    • Games in educaiton
    • Training
  • Gaia Online
    • 3D digital community
    • Anime style
    • No download or install required
  • Second Life
    • 3D virtual world community
    • Requires download, install, and strong Internet connection

Beth also recommends Prima Strategy Guides, a print-on-demand service for instant access to strategy guides.