Systems and service provider ICL Plc has finally launched GameZone, a dedicated European online games service that it originally said would be launched last Autumn. This is a new line of business for ICL, which it said complements its online retailing and education efforts and is part of its move away from hardware towards the systems and service market. Now that the service is established, ICL said it is in talks with internet service providers, hotels and internet cafes to resell the service. Games on the site include Gemstone III from Simultronics Corp, Kingdom of Drakkar from MPG-Net, Descent from Engage and Crimson Wars from Oceanline. There is no monthly fee for the service, instead users pay as they play, with charges automatically debited from the user’s credit card. Other site features include online chat, news and information and online shopping for games products. Users need to register online at gamezone.net and need to install game launcher software and the game client for the game they wish to play.
