New GameSpot game service gets E3 debut

GameSpot will soon offer a new service to enhance the online PC gameplay experience. GameCenter is a next-generation connected gaming platform that will raise the bar for online PC gaming. GameSpot has teamed up with Super Computer International (SCI) to offer cutting-edge servers and high-speed Net connections, allowing GameCenter users to compete in their favorite games with a minimum of lag and a maximum of frag. It's just a few clicks with the quick-launch option, so it's not just for advanced gamers.

As a premier player-matching and game-hosting service on the Internet, GameCenter will offer numerous features not available anywhere else. Subscribers will be able to configure and host their own games on GameCenter's enterprise-level West Coast and East Coast server farms and take advantage of significant processing power and bandwidth. GameCenter will put an unprecedented amount of game-hosting power and speed into the hands of everyday players.

In addition to top-of-the-line dynamic servers, GameCenter will offer voice over IP for in-game communication between players. (VoIP is for out-of-game as well as in-game communication--a single click from one's buddy list.)

Communication will be key to keeping players on top of the action, as every captured flag and confirmed frag will count toward the multigame stat-tracking system available only on GameCenter. While most online game services track stats for each individual game, GameCenter will keep track of stats across all supported games, ranking players according to how well they play in a variety of genres, rather than just one.

Team management will also be an important part of GameCenter's offerings. Players will be able to form teams and track their friends, and a steady stream of tournaments will offer proof of who's really the greatest gang on the block.

To celebrate the impending launch of GameCenter, GameSpot will be offering a sneak peek at the subscription service on the floor of E3 next week.

Attendees are invited to stop by GameSpot's booth and challenge eVeNfLoW*dx to the GameCenter E3 Challenge. eVeNfLoW*dx is a top professional player of Unreal Tournament 2004 and finished in the sweet 16 at the World Cyber Games this past October.

eVeNfLoW*dx will take on all comers on Wednesday, May 18, 11am to 4pm; Thursday, May 19, 11am to 4pm; and Friday, May 20, 11am to 2pm. The top three contenders from each day will be eligible to receive over $2,500 in prizes. All competitions will be hosted on GameCenter servers to prove just how fast and reliable this new connected gameplay experience will be.

After E3, GameSpot Complete subscribers will have a chance to test GameCenter out. GameSpot will offer subscribers an exclusive sneak peek at GameCenter for several weeks, allowing them to see how much the new service offers.