Speakeasy Expands Broadband Gaming Network with Acquisition of GameDaemons

HostReview.com
Wednesday, June 23, 2004; 12:00 AM

SEATTLE, June 23, 2004 — Speakeasy (www.speakeasy.net), the nation's largest independent broadband services provider, has acquired Dallas-based GameDaemons (www.gamedaemons.com), a leader in the emerging game server rental industry, and NetFire, an international component of GameDaemons that focuses on advanced web hosting for large bandwidth applications. The addition of the two companies enables Speakeasy to expand on its broadband vision for the multibillion-dollar online game-playing audience.

Speakeasy's comprehensive plan focuses on a centralized, national broadband network where key partners come together and collectively, deliver the ultimate experience to online gaming consumers. GameDaemons and NetFire complement Speakeasy's host of gamer-friendly services which are built around an all-fiber national network featuring local game servers at eight Points-of-Presence (POPs) that help ensure low latency and ping times - a must for the competitive gamer. Though the Speakeasy broadband experience is optimal for online gamers, GameDaemons customers will not need to be Speakeasy subscribers to utilize the services. Speakeasy also offers consumers editorial and file download sites including Fileshack and Shacknews, and hosts PVPOnline, CSNation, and QuakeCon. These services and sites attract more than five million unique users each month. Speakeasy has provided gaming-related services to its subscribers and general consumers since 1999.

"Speakeasy and GameDaemons are pioneers in the gaming community and by joining forces, we are advancing the online gaming experience for both casual and hardcore online gamers," said Speakeasy chairman and founder, Mike Apgar. "Speakeasy's high-performance broadband connections and national network have long been favored by gamers and with GameDaemons, we now have a complete game-hosting solution."

Speakeasy and GameDaemons plan to consolidate and peer their respective networks in key locations which will give gamers with Speakeasy DSL a completely private route to the nation's premier game servers and help ensure low ping times and a better experience. NetFire involves a set of high-performance hosting collocation sites that are specifically targeted to the gaming industry; facilities are based in Ashburn, VA, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York, San Jose and London.

With the constantly evolving multiplayer technology, it is much easier for a consumer to rent a server versus investing in significant hardware and bandwidth - which may become quickly outdated. GameDaemons enables a consumer to register for a game server (in a city of their choice) and then allows specific participants in diverse regional areas to engage in multiplayer games such as Valve Software's smash hit "Counter-Strike," EA's "Battlefield 1942," or Dreamcatcher Interactive's "Painkiller." GameDaemons annual revenues have more than doubled in the past year and tens of thousands of online gamers play on its network of servers each night.

"We are thrilled to be a part of Speakeasy because they are committed to the gaming community and share our vision in setting the standards for online multiplayers," said Michael Mings, GameDaemons' general manager, who will continue to oversee day-to-day business operations from the company's Dallas headquarters.

About Speakeasy
Founded in 1994, Speakeasy is the nation's largest independent broadband service provider. Combining a nationwide network, intelligent customer service along with pioneering technologies and product offerings, Speakeasy delivers a superior online experience for demanding broadband users. Speakeasy broadband is available in most metropolitan areas within the 48 contiguous states. Those interested in Speakeasy's broadband service can visit www.speakeasy.net or call customer service at 1.800.556.5829.