MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. unveiled GameTap, which is a first-of-its-kind broadband entertainment network that offers games-on-demand plus original programming via a broadband connected computer. GameTap will launch fall 2005.

"Turner's lifeblood is creating branded networks and we are excited about the opportunity to create an immersive environment for games following our success with other branded environments like CNN, TCM and Cartoon Network. With GameTap, we are bringing to games what we brought to cable television: compelling, branded environments where beloved properties live on," said TBS, Inc president of domestic distribution Andrew T Heller.

For GameTap, Turner has licensed nearly 1,000 games from 17 publishers. The service will launch with 300, and then roll out new titles and programming each week. Programming is created expressly for GameTap - coming attractions and behind-the-scenes peeks that introduce the games and provide background information.

"With GameTap, Turner fills a need in the industry for a viable post-retail sales channel for games. We're taking publishers' time-honored content and re-packaging it for new and existing audiences," said TBS, Inc executive vice president business development Dennis Quinn.

GameTap provides subscribers an "all-you-can-play" gaming service accessible from up to two household computers. To access GameTap, players securely download and install Turner-developed client software from www.gametap.com that acts as a gateway to the GameTap library.

Due to the fact that games reside securely on the computer and not across a network, they act just as if they were still on the console or at the arcade. Fast response times, 3D effects, colors, and characters are all present and accounted for. GameTap supports navigation and game play using both keyboard and mouse, as well as most USB peripherals.