Virgin does iTunes for games

A World of My Own (AWOMO) is a new digital delivery platform that's being labelled the iTunes of the videogame world by mega-millionaire Branson.

Due to launch later this year, the 3D 'virtual world' platform's a product of a team-up between Virgin Games and Game Domain International (GDI).

It will allow users to download PC games "in minutes", according to Chris Gorman OBE, director of GDI.

Initial testing on AWOMO has just been completed, and according to Virgin Games several of the world's major games publishers have already registered their support.

It's not yet been announced which games will be available for download on launch, although GDI intends to debut the service with a large selection of games available "in order to meet the huge international demand expected".

As well as offering fast download speeds, the service also provides far greater security, it's said.

"This is a really exciting development for us, as it gives us the opportunity to do for PC Games what iTunes has done for music", Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin, said.

"The GDI technology will revolutionise how the mass market will play games, and will give them more choice for less money."

Chris Gorman, meanwhile, enthused about the "highly alluring combination of being able to download a game in minutes instead of the existing standard few hours".

He also spoke of "the promoted mega cash prize gaming tournaments" that "will create a Mecca of opportunities for sponsors and promoters to target the vast gaming community."

via cvg