Microsoft selects Extent Technologies as digital distributor

Microsoft has selected Extent Technologies, a market leader in the field of secure online delivery of games-on-demand, to be its first global digital distribution partner.

Extent already provides games-on-demand services for Internet portals and broadband service providers including Yahoo! Games and Comcast. The company also provides aggregation services for publishers such as Atari and Microsoft.

As part of the new deal, Extent will aggregate and distribute popular Microsoft PC games including titles from the Age of Empires, Dungeon Siege, Mechwarrior, Rise of Nations and Zoo Tycoon series.

"By making our titles available through games-on-demand services, we can broaden our reach to new audiences and monetise additional release windows," said Xbox executive Ed Ventura.

"Extent's distribution channels help us to extend the life cycle of our game catalogue and to build a firm foundation for the future."

Exten CEO Zvi Levgoren commented: "The addition of Microsoft to our growing line-up of game publisher partners is a leap forward in the evolution of digital game distribution."

"We're delivering the very best user experience, which in turn maximises end-user acquisition and retention for our customers," he added.