February 4, 2009 by Matt Thomas
It seems another company is jumping on the App Store bandwagon. Amazon, the popular online retailer, has launched an online game download store. A beta version of the store is currently available, showcasing around 600 games, of which three are available for free. The illustrious gratis titles are, Jewel Quest II, Build-a-lot, and The Scuffs, users can download these games as soon as they have installed the Amazon Games software.
Much like the App store, in terms of games, Amazon Games is shunning major titles and focussing on the cheaper end of the market – the games will be available at two prices, $6.99 and $9.99. However, interestingly the games are initially available on a thirty minute trial basis. Once that trial period is over the users will be asked if they wish to buy the game. It is thought that Amazon is aiming squarely at the casual gaming market rather than hardened gamers.
This is a bold step for Amazon after branching out into music and software downloads late last year. However, early feedback seems good and, as they continue to add games it might be that we start to see Amazon games emerging as a viable competitor to the App Store.
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