GameSpy Offers New Subscription Services for Gamers

May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- GameSpy Industries is launching two new subscription products for users of the GameSpy Network, both offering users a more streamlined information and entertainment experience -- advertising free.

The first service, GameSpy Ad-Free, gives gamers access to GameSpy Network's range of editorial and community content free from advertising for $14.95 per year or $1.95 monthly. Current subscribers to FilePlanet or GameSpy Arcade can add this service to their existing subscriptions for just $9.95 a year or an additional $0.95 per month.

GameSpy is also launching the GameSpy Founders' Club, a new combination subscription offer which rolls up the benefits of FilePlanet, GameSpy Arcade and the new GameSpy Ad-Fee subscription services into one package, offered at $79.95 a year or $9.95 per month, a savings of more than $40 a year over single service costs. Customers opting for the new combo-service will also receive a year's subscription to one of the top game magazines.

The new subscription services are expected to add further momentum to GameSpy's leading position in generating subscription revenues through the marketing of the most appealing and valuable services for gamers. GameSpy increased its subscription base by more than 18,000 monthly and annual subscribers in Q1 2003, more than three times the number of subscribers added by GameSpot and IGN, which added 5,300 and 3,000 subscribers respectively according to public company reports.

GameSpy's subscriber growth in Q1 and April means that close to 300,000 gamers have subscribed to one or more of the company's subscription services, which include monthly, annual and lifetime subscriptions. More than 100,000 of these subscribers have purchased recurring monthly or annual subscriptions, giving GameSpy a recurring subscription revenue stream close to triple that of its closest competitors.

"Based on our calculations, GameSpy is earning the highest revenue per subscriber in the business -- a real testimony to the quality and value of all of our products and services," said Mark Surfas, chairman and founder, GameSpy Industries. "We listen to our customers and give them innovative products with the features they tell us will make our services even more valuable. It's all about pleasing the gamers."

GameSpy's success at subscriptions, its leading position as a provider of advertising to the gamer market, and its role as a foundational technology and infrastructure provider for online gaming have fueled a new type of business model based on the synergies of online media and online gaming technology. The company is growing faster and producing more profits than its competitors.

"GameSpy is the clear leader in the development of value-added subscription services for gamers," Surfas added. "We give gamers more options and privileges. Gamers come to us because they get more value and more services for their dollar than anywhere else."

GameSpy's offerings for the game fan include live multiplayer game services and game-focused editorial websites.

• GameSpy Arcade, the leading online multiplayer game service, delivers superior online gaming and community experiences to millions of customers, globally.
• The GameSpy Network is a group of game-focused editorial and community websites reaching more than 14 million consumers per month, the largest available audience of gamers through any medium.
• FilePlanet is the Internet's largest and most popular destination for gaming downloads.
• GameSpy is also the publisher of GameSpy 3D and Roger Wilco!, leading software products that enable multiplayer gaming and voice chat for millions.

Source: GameSpy Industries