GameSpy Expands

GameSpy Industries, the folks behind the first-person shooters' favorite low-ping server finding tool, announced Monday that it has teamed up with Alienware, maker of gaming-oriented high-performance computer systems.

As a result of the deal, Alienware will bundle the GameSpy 3D software with all of its gaming systems, allowing new computer owners near-instant access to online gaming sites around the Internet. Both companies will also instigate some cross-promotional deals in print and on the Web.

"Both GameSpy and Alienware are extremely dedicated to catering to the computer game market," said Mark Surfas, president of GameSpy Industries. "Given GameSpy's success and brand recognition, partnerships such as this one are ideal for PC manufacturers targeting this demographic."

Last week, GameSpy announced that The Yucaipa Companies (an investment group headed by entertainment veterans Michael Ovitz and Richard Wolpert) made an equity investment in GameSpy Industries (as well as the GameSpy Network). Since 1986 The Yucaipa Companies has completed 16 mergers and acquisitions valued at more than $30 billion. Not only was there interest in GameSpy 3D and the 30 or so web sites that make up the GameSpy Network, but also in MP3Spy, GameSpy's newest product, which lets users download streaming MP3 files over a high-speed connection.