Codemasters announces Funsta.com

Codemasters have announced the launch of an online gaming portal called [url=http://www.funsta.com]Funsta.com[/url] in September, which will feature over 1000 games, some will be downloadable others online only. Initially, Funsta.com will come with over 300 downloadable free-play games for the Funsta Arcade, 85 free-play browser webgames, over 500 downloadable premium-brand PC video games, games on demand, plus a series of sports management games and prize-based skill games.

Codemasters' Head of Internet Gaming Nick Pili says: "As online distribution becomes a more regular route for broadband Internet users to access entertainment products, Codemasters is perfectly placed to launch Funsta.com as an all-in-one gaming portal. By bringing together the best content providers to one site and promoting it to our extensive audience and beyond, we will make it a key online destination for both causal and core gamers."

"To launch Funsta.com Codemasters has signed a series of comprehensive content deals with leading online gaming and on-demand providers.

For casual gaming, Codemasters has partnered with RealNetworks, Inc. to feature a wide variety of downloadable content available through it's RealArcade game management software. The content will include puzzle, word, sports, board, arcade, action/adventure and card games through individual game purchases or via a monthly subscription service called GamePass. RealArcade will power the Funsta Arcade with over 300+ free-play games, including Luxor, Bejewled 2 and Diner Dash.

For core PC players, Funsta.com will provide online gaming through the trial, download-purchase or subscription-based play of the latest full-release PC video games. To facilitate the service, Codemasters has partnered with Macrovision's Trymedia business unit, whose game distribution technology and large catalogue of downloadable PC games will enable Funsta.com users to download and try before they purchase over 500 of the biggest brand PC games. An additional partnership with Metaboli will see a subscription-based service become available where users pay a monthly fee to access a selection of Codemasters' PC video games.

A series of sports management titles, including football, cricket, baseball and hockey will also be integrated into Funsta.com from partnerships with CAT Games and Silent Manager."