 | |
| Original author(s) | BT Group |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | BT Group |
| Initial release | June 1996 |
| Available in | English |
| Type | Game server browser |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | www |
Wireplay was an online multiplayer gaming network available as a dial-up service that allowed players to match up and play PC games with each other remotely. Compatible games had Wireplay capability built into the game itself, with the online service being launched from the game's menu. The service was created by BT Group and was released to the public in the UK in June 1996. 18 months later, BT licensed the technology to telephone companies in Australia and the US. At its peak, there were more than 100,000 registered users and 50,000 active monthly users in the UK. It was sold to Gameplay plc. for £5.5 million in 2000, but following the sale, the service began to make losses and in August 2001 it was reduced to a shell company and was looking to sell off Wireplay. Arena Technik then bought the service on 31 August 2001. The service endured for a time but was finally shut down in 2014.