Yahoo links up with Microsoft for games

"Fifteen games developed by Microsoft Game Studios are now available online for a fee from Yahoo, the companies said Thursday.

The deal is expected to take the total number of on-demand games from different publishers available on Yahoo Games to 100. New Microsoft titles include 'Dungeon Siege,' 'Flight Simulator 2004,' 'Freelancer' and 'Zoo Tycoon.'

'This relationship gives Yahoo Games the ability to meet the growing demand for direct rental and streaming play via the Internet,' Dan Hart, general manager of Yahoo Games, said in a statement.

Subscription-based online PC gaming is gaining popularity among Internet users. Market research firm IDC predicts that revenue from downloadable PC gaming will grow from $52.7 million in 2003 to more than $760 million in 2007. The spread of broadband is helping Internet companies set up streaming services that let subscribers play PC games directly on their desktop PCs."

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