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Groove Games launches SkillGround

Groove Games has announced the launch of SkillGround.com, billed as the first online gaming service that lets users play games for free and compete against each other for cash.

Groove Games has announced the launch of SkillGround.com, billed as the first online gaming service that lets users play games for free and compete against each other for cash.

SkillGround is aimed at PC gamers of all skill levels "from the casual player to the hardcore expert", according to a statement. The service uses a proprietary skill ranking system and a "secure, cheatproof" playing environment designed to ensure players are matched up correctly and have a fair chance of winning.

There are currently four titles to choose from - LA Street Racer, Kung Fu: Deadly Arts, tactical military shooter Close Quarters Conflict and sci-fi themed FPS WarPath.

Gameplay modes include practice, tutorial, one-on-one, single player, and deathmatch for up to eight players, and there are also score-based games and progressive tournaments.

According to SkillGround's own figures 15,000 players took part in the beta phase, racking up 200,000 gameplay sessions.

A fifth game, Ultimate Tour Golf, is set to appear on SkillGround this summer, with more titles "based on hugely popular and successful third party games" due in the autumn.

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Ellie Gibson

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Ellie spent nearly a decade working at Eurogamer, specialising in hard-hitting executive interviews and nob jokes. These days she does a comedy show and podcast. She pops back now and again to write the odd article and steal our biscuits.