GameTree TV brings big-name casual games to TV

settopbox

In a move that looks to be an early test for the appeal of casual games on TV among people who dont buy consoles, a platform that enables just that has launched in France.

GameTree TV is the product of Canadian company TransGaming, and its first client is a French set-top box manufacturer. The platform brings casual games such as PopCaps Plants vs Zombies and Bejeweled 2 to the biggest screen in the house. As VentureBeat reports, it is being added to French broadband operator Frees Freebox Revolution set-top box, which is designed to provide web-connected entertainment on TV.

Launching with 25 games, additional titles will be added each week. Downloaded games will be charged to customers monthly bills.

Whats interesting here is that its one of the best examples thus far of apps on TV, something thats set to explode over the next few years. The question is, will customers opt for platforms like GameTree TV when big brands like Apple and Google start to expand their interactive TV ambitions. Given the success of the iPhone, the lure of iOS on TV is sure to put small players in the market on edge.


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