GECs
TVHead licenses Tetris for interactive TV
MUMBAI: Capitalising on a truly global game phenomenon, TVHead has secured the worldwide interactive TV rights for Tetris – including cable, satellite and IPTV – through 2010. The games-on-demand television network will provide the game to cable and IPTV subscribers as part of its premium offerings.
With its user-friendly interface and addictive appeal, Tetris is believed to be the world’s best selling electronic game, due to its wide availability on almost every modern computer and game system available.
“Tetris is more than just a game… it’s a phenomenon with a level of consumer loyalty and awareness equal to top TV programs. Not only is Tetris the number one downloaded wireless game by a large margin, but it has also been incredibly successful on every other platform on which it has been introduced. We are thrilled at the opportunity to provide Tetris to TV audiences because television is the perfect casual games platform. By offering such a consumer-demanded blockbuster, TVHead enables operators to keep their game playing subscribers happy and in front of the TV,” said TVHead CEO and founder Sangita Verma
TVHead will offer two versions of Tetris: Tetris Classic and Tetris Battle. In the classic Tetris puzzle game, players must clear horizontal rows to score points by creatively rotating and aligning falling blocks while the action accelerates with every move.
Additionally, Tetris Classic will include high scores, multiplayer and advance play modes. Tetris Battle, a new multiplayer version currently in development, begins when a player submits his or her ‘best of’ game as a challenge to others. Competitors can then select to play against this game—being dealt the same pattern and speed of falling blocks—to see if they can best the score. Highest scores continue to move up the ranks with postings on leader boards and prizes for obtaining high-score benchmarks. Rankings span first local, then regional, and finally national status.
TVHead is also working with Blue Planet Software Inc., the exclusive worldwide licensing agent for The Tetris Company, to create a consistent multi-platform game experience in which players are able to compete against each other using television and PCs.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
