News, deals and offers for online gamers - Broadband Genie reports

Online gaming is increasing in popularity fast following the release of the eagerly anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV and announcements from Nintendo on their new WiiWare download service.

2008-05-16, Genie Ventures Ltd

Posted by geniegroup 237 days ago (1)
Category: Consumer | Tags: broadband compare broadband

In the week, UK ISP PlusNet reported that the amount of gamers using the multiplayer online function the day after the release of Grand Theft Auto IV were the highest ever in the history of online gaming.
Selling almost one million copies in its first week the Microsoft Xbox 360 console uses peer-to-peer methods to manage the multiplayer features of the game, allowing users to play along with fellow Grand Theft Auto gamers the world over.
PlusNet reported that up to 90,000 of its customers were using their broadband service for gaming purposes the day after Grand Theft Auto IV’s release. However, the effect on traffic management was kept to minimum disruption as the ISP prepared for the game’s popularity in advance.
Once just an issue for those interested in “massively multi-player online role-playing games” (MMORPG), the latest announcement from Nintendo - that they are launching a new Wii download service on the 20th May means that more people than ever will need to research their providers and package offers when signing up to a new ISP. It’s also a vital piece of research to make if switching services in order to get the most out of an online gaming service.
Ciaron Dunne from Broadband Genie, explains: “If you are going to be using your broadband connection for gaming purposes it’s important that you seek out a relevant service. Playing games through your broadband will require you to have a very fast connection to avoid any stalls.”
“Most important of all is the bonus of a generous download limit. Playing multi-player games online or downloading new content for your Wii will inevitably eat up your download limit. Looking out for a package that offers unlimited broadband will be your best bet, even if the monthly contract price is a little more expensive it will save any nasty surprises when the bill comes in.”
BT Total Broadband are currently offering new subscribers to their 8Mb BT Total Broadband Option 2 and 3 packages the chance to get a free copy of Mario Strikers Charged Football. In order to claim for their free game, customers are asked to make a note of their broadband order confirmation number displayed on the final page of their confirmation email and visit http://btnintendo.onlinerebates.com/ to complete the claim form.

Notes to editors

Broadband Genie allows users to compare broadband online, and is part of Genie Group.

Genie Group Ltd is a leading independent provider of internet comparison shopping services in the UK, and was set up in 2004 by Philip Wilkinson (co-founder of Kelkoo UK). Genie Group's unique selling point is 'the Genie', which makes personal recommendations to internet shoppers based on ground-breaking, intelligent technology. This gives Genie Group the ability to provide an enjoyable and satisfying internet shopping experience, and deliver an unmatched quality of sales leads to our affiliate merchants. Genie Group launched its flagship broadband comparison service Broadband Genie in January 2005.

More information can be found at http://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk . Please direct all media enquiries to Ciaron Dunne. Interviews with Philip Wilkinson can be arranged on request.