[Jackal]

So, you may have noticed in the completely casual, totally unobtrusive and non-at-all eye-catching banners that there's one day (okay, technically "1 Days!") left until Sam & Max: Culture Shock is released on GameTap.*

If you're a cheap, impatient bugger Sam & Max fan planning to check out the game through GameTap's free trial period, then I highly recommend using the sign-up link provided by Telltale Games, as opposed to doing it through another link or directly from GameTap's website. (Any direct link to GameTap from Telltale's site will also work.)

As mentioned in a recent blog at Telltale, GameTap has set up an affilitiate program that benefits the developer for any sign-ups done through the site -- including the free trial period.

So let's see... free trial period, early access to Sam & Max and almost 700 other games, and support for the game's developer? I've heard of win-win, but win-win-win doesn't come around often. Normally I wouldn't do any shilling on anyone's behalf, but this just sounds like a great deal for everyone.

Of course, if you want to own the game, you still have to wait until November 1st, as GameTap is a subscription-based network. Or you could even do both.

*Apologies to Europeans and other non-North Americans, who can't get GameTap in their country.

[Eleri]

Oh yay! I was wondering if there was a signup link for S&M fans. The only promo link I had was for Uru.

[Coop]

How long is the free trial period?

[Legolas813]

Free trial is two weeks, last time I checked. You have to cancel by phone before it ends or you will automatically be put into your chosen subscription plan ($4.95/month if you pay for a full year before October 22; $9.95/month if you pay monthly). U.S. and Canadian residents only.

[vivasawadee]

Is there a workaround for non US residents to subscribe and play gametap?

How about if I got my cousin in Minnesota to open an account and she passes me the login and password. Would I still be restricted because my IP address is international? Someone please answer! Enquiring minds want to know.

[Jackal]

I'm afraid circumventing GameTap's registration rules isn't something that should be discussed here, since it's obviously treading murky legal waters.

Of course, your cousin could always sign up and you can find out for yourself.

Spoiler:

Note: I did not say that.

[vivasawadee]

Thanks Jackal, I tried to subscribe and they stated that I wasn't a US resident so it is seems they trace IP location.

[xChri5x]

Originally Posted by Jackal

*Apologies to Europeans and other non-North Americans, who can't get GameTap in their country.

[Erwin_Br]

*cough*IhearditonlychecksIPbeforeregistration.*cou gh*

--Erwin

[bysmitty]

Whiew Erwin. That is a nasty cough you got there. You should cut down on the smoking and see a doctor lawyer before it gets worse.

...bysmitty

[Legolas813]

Good news for those outside North America who want Gametap:

GameTap plans a bigger worldwide rollout in 2007, with the first quarter goal to reach three or four other English-speaking markets. After that, the company will focus on additional English markets throughout the year, with non-English localizations prepared for 2008.

We assumed that the delay for international release was due to licensing issues -- game distribution licenses vary by region -- however, David Reid, VP of GameTap Marketing told us via email that the wait was unrelated. Reid explained, "We were far more concerned with getting the product right before exporting GameTap out of the U.S. Now, with the original content, robust community features, over 700 games, and GameTap TV programming, we truly feel that we have a strong, comprehensive product ... ."

However, the company can still be challenged by landing local publishing rights. Reid acknowledged that the exact lineup of games will be almost the same for all markets, but not every title will be available. He said, "For any games that are not initially included, especially any particularly notable titles, we will be working hard to bring those to our international audience."

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/ga...tions-planned/

[Legolas813]

Canadian Gametap users:

Please be aware that you will not get the entire library of Gametap games, like the U.S. does. Due to publishing restrictions, Canadian users will not have access to the following games until further notice. This information comes directly from the Gametap FAQ.

3-D Ultra Cool Pool
3-D Ultra Mini Golf Deluxe
3-D Ultra Mini-Golf
3-D Ultra Pinball: Thrillride
3-D Ultra Pinball: Creep Night
3-D Ultra Radio Control Racers
A-10 Tank Killer
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn
Baldur's Gate
Battlecruiser Millennium
Boxing
Caesar III
Championship Snowboarding 2004
Cosmic Commuter
Decathlon
Disciples II: Gallean's Return
Disciples II: Rise of the Elves Gold
Dragster
Empire Earth®
Extreme Paintbrawl 4
Fathom
Homeworld
Homeworld 2
Hoyle® Backgammon and Cribbage
Hoyle® Battling Ships & War
Hoyle® Blackjack and Craps
Hoyle® Bridge & Euchre
Hoyle® Children's Collection
Hoyle® Classic Games
Hoyle® Slots & Video Poker
Hoyle® Solitaire & Mahjong Tiles
Human Freeway
Ice Hockey
Icewind Dale 2
Icewind Dale: Heart of Winter
Kabobber
King's Quest® I: Quest for the Crown
King's Quest® II: Romancing the Throne
King's Quest® III: To Heir is Human
King's Quest® IV: The Perils of Rosella
King's Quest® V: Absence Makes the Heart Go Yonder
Laser Blast
Laser Gates
Lords of Magic: Special Edition
Lords of the Realm II
Lords of the Realm III
Moonsweeper
O.R.B.
Pharaoh
Planescape®: Torment
Playground Sports
Police Quest: SWAT® 2
Private Eye
Quest for Glory® II: Trial by Fire
Quest for Glory® III: Wages of War
Quest for Glory®: So You Want To Be A Hero
Quick Step!
Rapala Pro Fishing
Sky Jinks
Space Quest I: Roger Wilco in the Sarien Encounter
Space Quest II: Vohaul's Revenge
Space Quest III: The Pirates of Pestulon
Space Quest V: The Next Mutation
Spelunx® and the Caves of Mr. Seudo®
Star Voyager
Subterranea
Tennis
Tetris
The Adventures of Willy Beamish
The Incredible Machine®: Even More Contraptions
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3
Universal Combat Gold
Zeus: Master of Olympus


Also, "due to Canadian law the video list must be restricted to 49."

So that means no episodes of Mezzo, Megaman, Sealab 2021, Sam and Max, etc. on Gametap TV (at least for the time being).

http://kb.gametap.cust-serv.com/game...lecttype=match

[bysmitty]

Wow. That is a lot of great games they won't get to play yet.

...bysmtity

[Erwin_Br]

A lot of Sierra, too. (Including the Pinball titles)

--Erwin

[Legolas813]

^ Yeah it seems mostly there is a problem with Sierra allowing their games in Canada.

Also that Canadian law about only 49 videos allowed on Gametap TV is crazy. I would be mad if I couldn't get stuff like the Sam and Max animated series.

[Giligan]

The time to get the free trial would be after all the Sam&Max episodes have been released on Gametap, in my opinion.

Seriously, while I've never looked into the whole system too deeply, I doubt it would work for a dial-up computer, would it?

[MickTheAnt]

gametap didnt let me get Sam And Max as part of the trial period, it said it was only for gametap members.

[Legolas813]

Originally Posted by MickTheAnt

gametap didnt let me get Sam And Max as part of the trial period, it said it was only for gametap members.

That's probably because there are two types of free trials. One is where you enter your personal information in and pick a plan. Then you get to try out the full library during the two weeks. If you just download Gametap without entering all this information, you can sign in as a guest or whatever, but you will only have access to a few select games.

Originally Posted by Giligan

I doubt it would work for a dial-up computer, would it?

You aren't able to access Gametap with dial-up.