Video game rental service GameFly to offer PC game downloads

Video game rental company GameFly is looking to evolve into a one-stop online destination for video games -- like Netflix is for movies and TV.Later this year, in time for the holiday shopping season, the online video game rental service will launch a new online client that incorporates direct downloading of more than 100 computer games along with its current 8,000 console titles available on disc.
The computer game downloading feature follows the company's acquisition three months ago of IGN's PC download service Direct2Drive. That service continues to offer more than 1,500 PC and Macintosh games.
A closed beta trial of the new GameFly software begins next month (stay tuned to Game Hunters for invites)."Now GameFly subscribers will have access to a library of PC catalog titles to play as often as they want and as long as they are a member," says GameFly co-founder Sean Spector.
Subscribers will be able to download unlimited computer games -- initially, only Windows PC games will be featured, Macintosh games will follow. "It's kind of like a Spotify or Rhapsody or a Napster," he says. "You have access to the content as long as you are a subscriber, but when you are no longer a member, the content then disappears."
While the PC game library will surpass 100 titles initially, "that is going to grow," he says. "We are in discussion with all the major publishers. You have the physical and now you are going to have access to the digital as well. GameFly subscribers will truly get a benefit for no extra cost."
Started nine years ago, GameFly has largely targeted men ages 18-34, but this year it has aimed to attract families who might have several gamers in the household. "There is a huge benefit with GameFly for a family with a couple of kids, and we have been really successful with that," Spector says. "So this client will be filled with PC games for kids, with casual games and indie games. It will run the gamut of content. We want to be accessible to all gamers, whether you are a 14-year-old boy or a 17-year-old girl or a 35-year-old gamer."Users of Apple's iTunes Store will have no problem navigating the made-over GameFly.