BT Openworld has acquired one of the largest computer games sites ahead of a relaunch of its broadband operation.

The purchase of Games Domain is part of BT's plan to reposition the service around specific sites based on music and games that can be downloaded over a fast connection.

Ben Andradi, the chief operating officer at BT Openworld, said the move would "ensure the editorial content segment of our games service is second to none."

Games Domain, which operates a network of sites from the US and the UK, was put up for sale by its parent company, TheGlobe.com, in July.

The site is designed along the lines of online games magazine - its front page currently leads on reviews of new Formula 1 and football games.

However, the new site will enable users to try out games on a pay-per-play basis.

BT Openworld will take ownership of the various sites, including GamesDomain.com and ConsoleDomain.com, and integrate them into its new operation.

It plans to retain most of the existing staff and the editorial content on the sites, which attract a UK audience of around 800,000 unique users.

Useful link
Games Domain