Macworld has posted an interview with Michael Rogers, President of Aspyr Media, about the upcoming release of the company's new game downloading software. Titled Gamerhood, the software will allow users to purchase and download games in a format similar to iTunes. Other plans for Gamerhood include removing the need for CD or DVD copy protection checks by authorizing a limited number of machines to use a piece of software, and streamlining the update and patching process.

Rogers said that Apple’s iTunes Music Store is the model for Gamerhood—not Valve Software’s Steam technology, which is required in order to play the hit Windows game Half-Life 2. While Steam similarly allows you to download and play games without needing a disc in your drive, it’s been criticized for problematic connections and accused of having buggy anti-cheating and anti-piracy technology.

“Unless they have PCs, Mac gamers haven’t had that experience on the Mac,” said Rogers, referring to Steam. “So we’re trying to more closely model the iTunes Music Store, because it’s simple and easy and straightforward about what happens and how it works.”

Another key difference between Gamerhood and Steam, Rogers noted, is the absence of a multiplayer component—Gamerhood doesn’t seek to replace the multiplayer mechanisms found in Aspyr games. (Steam incorporates its own game finding, tracking, and chat service.)

Macworld: Gamerhood Interview

Aspyr Media (add to watch list)

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