GameTap unveils content, VP for fall launch

Turner Broadcasting System knows what gamers want. The company has a firm hold on the prized male 18- to 34-year-old demographic, thanks in large part to its Adult Swim programming on Cartoon Network--the block of animated programs is consistently intertwined with the gaming world.

Whether it's Aqua Teen Hunger Force's Mooninites, 2D extraterrestrials that are a throwback to Atari 2600 Space Invaders, or the multitude of anime shows that have their own games (Inuyasha, Fullmetal Alchemist), Adult Swim speaks to the same audience that spends hours on the Xbox, PlayStation 2, or GameCube.

In April, Turner announced GameTap, a broadband-based PC gaming service that would allow gamers to play a host of games, both recent and classic, for a monthly subscription fee.

Turner today announced that the service will offer more than just games. Several pieces of original programming will also appear on the service, including how-to shows, reality shows, and short animated features. Some of these will be stand-alone programs, and others will be used to pass time during loading screens.

Among the shows announced for GameTap's October launch are Tapped In, a look into the games on the GameTap network; Fame & Game, a Cribs-like show featuring gaming celebs; Challenged, where grudges are settled on the digital front; Space Ghost Coast to Coast, featuring outer space's animated talk show host; and Day in the Extra Life, which details what goes on in the minds of "extra lives" as they wait for their turn to play.

GameTap today also announced a new vice president of content, Rick Sanchez. Sanchez has years of experience working for Internet media outlets and will now oversee and implement content strategy and acquisition management of games.

"Rick's extensive background in publishing, product management and content production make him a valuable addition to our team," said Dennis Quinn, executive vice president for TBS. "He'll play a critical role in shaping the GameTap experience for our broad consumer base."