Gaming coming to on-demand TV

g-NET Media, a producer and publisher of video game-related programming, has today announced a partnership with Rainbow Media's Mag Rack--the first service designed exclusively for on-demand television. Together the companies plan to launch America's first Video-on-Demand (VOD) service about video games, entitled 24seven gamer.

"Gamers love innovation, and g-NET's partnership with Mag Rack will demonstrate an entirely new way to experience and learn about today's hit games," said David Getson, CEO and cofounder of g-NET. "This blend of g-NET's insider information and Mag Rack's innovative and cutting-edge delivery format will really satisfy an otherwise underserved target audience."

"In keeping with Mag Rack's mission to provide distinct audiences with a compelling, engaging television experience, 24seven gamer will be produced from the insider's perspective," added Jesse Raiford, director of production operations at Mag Rack. "By partnering with g-NET, Mag Rack will be able to provide even the most discriminating hardcore gamers with a fresh take on what's hot in the world of video games."

Programs included in the 24seven gamer service will consist of strategy guides for games, insider coverage of events such as E3, and shows that focus on viewers' lists of everything from the most influential games to the hottest video game babes.

VOD services give digital cable customers the opportunities to watch their programs whenever they wish, and they can control the shows in much the same way they would a DVD. According to the official Mag Rack Web site, as of mid-2003, approximately 40 percent of all US cable TV systems were offering VOD, and almost 4 million cable TV subscribers were using the service regularly.

The 24seven gamer service is currently scheduled to debut sometime next month.