14 DAY TRIAL // GameTap, one of the best known PC gaming services focusing on digital distribution of episodic content games as well as free, ad-based titles, will be sold to an undisclosed company, according to reports coming from website Gamasutra.
GameTap parent Turner has decided to sell the service following the parent media company's second quarter financial results, reporting an $18 million write-off credited to the decision. Names for potential buyers were not disclosed, and the future of the service is not clear at the moment. However, keeping in mind that GameTap is one of the best known online services, chances are that it will continue to deliver quality games in the future too.
A Turner spokesperson said that "There is considerable marketplace interest in the GameTap business and brand. We are considering various strategic options, but have reached no final agreement as yet. When there is a resolution, we will announce it."
The most recent big name added to GameTap's roster is American McGee's Grimm, a wicked episodic game that just got released with a free first episode. The concept is pretty interesting, we must admit it: Grimm, the main character of the game, is a dwarf who believes that the lessons offered by original fairy tales were lost over time and replaced with "happily ever after" endings for all characters, whether they deserve it or not. So, Grimm embarks on a quest to transform these joyful interpretations of the stories into twisted, dark versions. Hopefully, this one, as well as all the other titles currently on offer over at GameTap will suffer no consequences.
Aside from American McGee's Grimm, the service recently signed a deal with THQ to publish the company's PC titles online. However, GameTap closed the doors on the editorial division and lost Myst Online: Uru Live to its creators, Cyan Worlds. So things are not necessary smooth over there. But we'll keep you updated.