Metaboli launches new games-on-demand download service

Following a successful launch in France last year, digital download service Metaboli is expanding into the rest of Europe, offering games-on-demand to UK broadband users from today.

There are two monthly subscription packages available: the Ultimate Collection, which gives access to 45 games for UKP 12.95, and the Essential Collection - 31 games for UKP 6.95.

There is no limit to the number and frequency of downloads, or how long members can play each game, and it's possible for the same member to download the same game to different PCs. Metaboli uses buffering and streaming technology to let users start playing games as soon as one third is downloaded.

On average, four games will be added to the Metaboli catalogue each month, with more than 70 titles promised by the end of 2005. Publishers signed up include Atari, Ubisoft, Eidos, Microsoft Games Studio, DreamCatcher Games and MC2 Microïds, and titles already available include Prince of Persia: Warrior Within, Hitman: Contracts and Rollercoaster Tycoon 3.

"Metaboli's premium game download service is about having a good gaming experience and consumers coming back for more," said Charlie Barrett, head of strategic sales and licensing at Ubisoft UK.

"This is a long term project for us and we're fully supporting Metaboli with our games going forward."

The Metaboli service originally launched in France ten months ago, and 15,000 subscribers have since signed up. Today's UK launch will be followed by a roll-out across the rest of Europe over the coming months. More information is available at the Metaboli website.