GameTap subscription to cost $15 a month

Turner Broadcasting System has set the price for its debuting GameTap broadband gaming download service, at a cost of $14.95 per month, with new subscribers getting a free two-week trial.

Coming this autumn to North America, GameTap allows subscribers to download -via a broadband connected PC- a selection from over a thousand videogames in its network, ranging from early arcade titles to console and PC games, across publishers including Activision and Ubisoft. The downloadable-client based subscription also allows access to Turner's entertainment programming network.

Turner suggests the $14.95 rate, with free two week trial, is comparable to what's currently charged for services like massively multiplayer online role-playing games and DVD subscription services.

"GameTap is such a new concept that we wanted to unlock the 'vault' as a kind of virtual open house," said Dennis Quinn, executive vice president of business development, TBS. "While two weeks [free trial] is not nearly enough time to explore the full depths of GameTap, it's a great opportunity for an introductory self-tour."

There are currently no plans to provide the system in Europe.