GameTap's free version plays globally

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jun 4th 2007 at 4:01PM }

GameTap's subscription buffet service can't be played globally, much to the chagrin of those outside North America, but apparently their new free service can be according to GameTap's latest release. So, despite not being able to play Tomb Raider: Anniversary (available at 12:01AM Eastern) tomorrow on the subscription service, gamers around the world can play Tomb Raider: Legend and 29 other games for free at GameTap.com.

When we contacted GameTap to get some clarification on what's going on with the international issues, they said it's a currency conversion and general international business issue. They hope to make the service available to Europe in the relative future and it is something they're working on. Mac compatibility should be available by late summer. Today is also the launch of GameTap's digital online retail store with 450 titles offered. Well, despite the international crew not being able to use GameTap.com's subscription service, at least you'll be able to play 30 games from the service for free each month. And, per usual, this part is key, you play them for free legally.

Update: Added new information on midnight release of Tomb Raider: Anniversary

[Via Press Release]

Tags: free service, gametap, globally, subscription

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

n_revolution9 @ Jun 4th 2007 4:25PM

You spelled 'chargin' wrong. j/k

Jonathan Tran @ Jun 4th 2007 4:28PM

Gotta say the TR:Legend free deal is awesome.

I just got to Africa.

Brian Sexton @ Jun 4th 2007 6:44PM

And yet they can't manage to get the text on their Web site to appear properly. For example:

Metal SlugÂ™

MasqUAP @ Jun 4th 2007 10:45PM

Still doesn't work. You go to sign up for a Gametap ID and it gives you the 'not available outside of the US and Canada', so you go to the game (Tomb Raider Legend) and lite player is shaded, so you click deluxe player and it tells you you need to sign up for a Gametap ID... good work Gametap and Joystiq, nice to see the info is accurate!

MasterPug @ Jun 4th 2007 10:50PM

Um, so don't log in. You can play the games without logging in.

Hubert @ Jun 5th 2007 6:16AM

"Um, so don't log in. You can play the games without logging in."

No, you can't. The play free option is disabled when you're not logged in and you cannot get the free account if you're outside US (like me).

t_m @ Jun 5th 2007 8:04AM

Jeez.. i had to go through loads of hoops to get an ID via a proxy server... but now i can play from outside the US.

I didn't get the impression it was something GameTap was encouraging though.. considering how much hassle it was.

Tomb Raider Legend is rather underwhelming so far though, but i love all the retro games. I'd possibly pay for this service.. so its a shame its not available abroad.

Given that most of the ads are for gametap products, and we can't actually BUY said products, its kinda odd they'd let us play the free one abroad, but not let us pay them.

Anyone know what happens after a month if I haven't finished TR:Legend? Will it just disappear from my hard drive, or will i be allowed to finish it?

Hubert @ Jun 5th 2007 8:10AM

@t_m

"Given that most of the ads are for gametap products, and we can't actually BUY said products, its kinda odd they'd let us play the free one abroad, but not let us pay them."

That's the most ridiculous thing - they don't want my money!

"Anyone know what happens after a month if I haven't finished TR:Legend? Will it just disappear from my hard drive, or will i be allowed to finish it?"

I'm afraid that that would be impossible to play after that date without paying... so, basically the free service is still useless unless you play only small retro games.

MasterPug @ Jun 5th 2007 9:40AM

Ok, so lets make sure we are doing the same thing here. I'm not logged in, and I don't have GameTap installed. I click on Rampage on the main GameTap page. The Rampage page pops up and I click on Lite Player. It says I need to install the lite player, so I do, and then I click play. GameTap pops up and the top of window says "GameTap Lite Player - Anonymous." After the ad plays, I click play and the game works just fine.