Virgin Games and GDI forge alliance for digital distribution of games

Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) today announced a partnership with Games Domain International (GDI) to offer a revolutionary service to PC gamers.

Together, Virgin Games and GDI will launch a unique gaming proposition, using break-through technology that offers gamers access to a range of multi-format games. The new service enables games to be delivered online via a proprietary streaming technology that does away with downloading large files.

The new platform will enable any PC game to be distributed digitally to customers, making piracy virtually impossible and potentially saving content owners millions in lost revenue.

The set up will provide a publisher with the means to both monetise their back catalogue and launch new products at very low conversion cost. Consumers will have a range of options, including games-on-demand rental, direct purchase and skill-based multiplayer tournaments.

Simon Burridge, Chairman of Virgin Games, said:

"This partnership will combine ground breaking technology with Virgin Group's marketing and strategic expertise to create a digital distribution and marketing service for PC games publishers - bringing both new revenue streams and new customers.

"Our partnership with GDI is both an exciting step into a new marketplace, and a defining content move with strong potential for link up across the Virgin Group, particularly given the recent 'quad play' merger of Virgin Mobile and NTL/Telewest."

Virgin Games believes that the GDI platform will revolutionise what is already one of the fastest expanding markets in the entertainment industry. The company has started negotiations with the major games publishers, as well as other partners to help exploit the platform's full potential.

Virgin Games and GDi plan to launch worldwide in March 2007.

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Media enquiries:
Alistair Laycock
Nelson Bostock Communications
e: Alistair.laycock@nelsonbostock.com
t: 020 7792 7421

About Virgin Games

Virgin Games (http://www.virgingames.com) is a website offering casino, poker, bingo and skill games. Launched in July 2004 and a subsidiary of Virgin.com Ltd, Virgin Games is about more than money - it's designed to offer fun and entertainment with all of the games available to play for free as well as for money.

For those who do fancy their chances, Virgin Games offers a variety of cash jackpots, exclusive Virgin prizes and life-changing opportunities, and stakes start from as little as 5p.