Filed under: Gaming, Software, Internet Tools
Aspyr announces upcoming Gamerhood application
Aspyr has announced a new application in the works for Mac gamers that will allow them to purchase and download games directly to their Mac over the internet. A wide range of games will apparently be available, from casual titles to the AAA big-hitters. Other features of this new application and system include:
- Play games without physical CD/DVD media
- Check user compatibility by comparing machine's hardware against a game's minimum system requirements before purchase
- Alert users to current Aspyr projects and new games
- Allow users to register games online
- Alert users to game updates and provide installs for updates
- Provide a user-friendly interface and convenient way to organize personal gaming catalog
- Allow parents to restrict game play and online game store material based on ESRB ratings
- Provide users opportunity to take advantage of special offers
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kyle said 3:23PM on 7-31-2006
Great idea. reducing overhead (distrobution, packaging, etc) may help more Mac games get made. I hope!
Reply
Stuart said 3:26PM on 7-31-2006
Excellent, hope it'll work outside the US and in the UK.
Reply
andy said 3:37PM on 7-31-2006
games? what games, i spose the emails of releases wouldnt get annoying, 1 email a month lol
Reply
Max v W said 3:45PM on 7-31-2006
So this is like Valve's thingy (Steam), but then for Mac?
Reply
Twist said 3:51PM on 7-31-2006
Okay this covers Steam now how about somebody bring something like GameTap to the Mac?
Reply
Silver said 3:52PM on 7-31-2006
The problem with online distribution is pricing. The publishers don't want to undercut retail store prices, so they price the download versions the same. And why would I spend $50 for a downloaded game at retail price when I could buy the packaged game for a discount at an online retailer (sometimes), not to mention the ability to eBay the game when I'm done playing it.
It's the same dilemma as online music purchases. Online distribution needs to start passing along its savings to the customers.
Reply
kevin said 4:05PM on 7-31-2006
horrible choice for a name
Reply
Mike said 4:26PM on 7-31-2006
I love Steam. And Valve. Mac compatibility for Steam and Valve games (I know it'll never happen) would be the best thing that could happen.
If Aspyr can make me love them like I love Valve, then I'll be plenty excited.
Reply
Brandon said 6:07PM on 7-31-2006
Glad they're doing it, not the best name.
Not a real big deal to me, but I submitted a tip about this back when they first announced it, back on July 10 or 11...just wondering why it took so long to post about it.
Reply
David Chartier said 6:41PM on 7-31-2006
#6: I felt like being nice this time around so I didn't mention it in the post, but yea: the name is horrible. Sounds like it was made up by someone in marketing who is almost as out of touch as the people who came up with "TheHub" for WalMart.
Reply
victor said 7:24PM on 7-31-2006
Are there games for mac ??
Reply
myheaditches said 10:54PM on 7-31-2006
Har har. Are there games for the mac. That's good stuff, think of it yourself?
Reply
Johnny said 11:15PM on 7-31-2006
its itunes for games. you can go buy music at the store or you can download it off itunes. the only difference is itunes is easier but it does have b/s DRM, and in the store you get the packaging, pricewise you pay more in the store too which im sure will be the case with this since there are no package costs. im lazy as crap so i dont mind. p.s. when i think of games i dont think of valve or steam or gamerhood, too many fanboys out there.
Reply
wackybit said 7:32AM on 8-01-2006
play games without physical CD/DVD media is good since you dont need to carry around all those game CDs you have, you can just open it!!! But would it then limit the installation on one computer? If so, then it sux.......because I'll need to pay twice, one for my desktop and one for my laptop
Reply