Telewest drops games site in rethink

The company has conducted research to determine what bygames users want and feedback has suggested that they "do not want ISP-originated content force fed to them AOL- or Yahoo-style".

Accordingly, it has decided to shut down bygames in November, just over two years after it launched. The company will however continue to provide a range of broadband services to gamers to enable online play, but in future will work with third party content and service partners, rather than trying to keep gamers locked within the confines of a portal.

Telewest now favours a wide open approach to the web - its blueyonder.co.uk website actively encourages customers to surf the web to locate the best content. This is quite a contrast to the 'walled garden' model that ISPs have traditionally adopted.

"Research with our customer base that has told us that broadband users in particular don't want their hands holding by their ISP," said a spokesman, adding that users have matured in their use of the net and often know where to go for specific content already.

"The gaming service was popular and we're sad to close it, but it didn't fit with this strategy of outsourcing content."

Telewest Broadband director of internet services said: "The passion and loyalty of the multiplayer gaming community has made this a difficult decision. Over the past two years, the bygames team and its customers have underpinned the increased interest in broadband in the UK."

Shutdown will take place on 5 November. The cable operator will continue to provide broadband services that support online play, running at speeds of up to 2Mb.

Indeed, the company last week launched a dedicated broadband connection service for PS2 Online and Xbox Live users, allowing gamers to hook up for online play for a premium of £5 per month on top of their standard broadband fee.

Telewest will provide gamers with a console connection via a router and ethernet cables and a second IP address, subject to a £25 set-up fee.

3 October 2003:

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