AOL Games.com Portal Retooled & Relaunched

AOL has announced that it has relaunched its Games.com Portal to broaden avenues of advertising and demographics appeal. the site’s been retooled for a new look and easier navigation, and will feature 20 new games by the end of 2007. Additionally users will now be able to contribute game reviews, tips and ratings to games.

Unfortunately this all comes with the plague of in-game advertising that is threatening to sweep the industry. Expect to see it in titles including Bingo and Solitaire. Users can also expect pre-roll ads and in-game interstitials

AOL is hoping games.com will appeal to a broader demographic, while its games.aol.com will still target traditional adult gamers.

Games.com will feature over 400 online and downloadable games and will add twenty new single and multiplayer exclusive online games, such as multiplayer Solitaire to its roster by the end of 2007. The site will concentrate on developing its single and multiplayer games to including card and board games, casino games and puzzles. AOL intends to enhance games with feature tournament functionality, a prizing system, player profiles and state of the art graphics.

AOL Games director Greg Mills says, “By offering next generation online games and continuing to partner with all the leading game casual downloadable publishers, Games.com will be able to offer the best selection of online and downloadable game content on the Web. The new community features will provide a destination where people can experience the games they love while connecting with players from around the world.”

via Gamasutra