DISCover

Lore & Background

DISCover technology was created by Digital Interactive Systems Corporation, an American company specializing in gaming technology for PCs. The system's "Drop and Play" engine automated the process of playing games from CD or DVD, handling installation and updates, and could connect to the Internet for game updates. The technology was first shown at the 2003 Electronic Entertainment Expo, where an online service called "DISCover Arcade" was announced, built on GameSpy's infrastructure. Machines that used DISCover technology included the cancelled ApeXtreme console and Alienware's DHS series of media center PCs. Other partners included ABS, TekPanel, and Onkyo. In August 2007, DISCover announced that their Hardcore White-Label Gaming System (HAWGS) technology would be used for FiringSquad's Ammo digital distribution service. The following month, in September 2007, the company disclosed the InstaPlay desktop client, which improved ease of use for accessing games. DISCover chief executive officer David Ferrigno addressed Instaplay concerns and comparisons with other digital distribution services such as Direct2Drive and Steam.

Reader's Guide

DISCover's significance lies in its attempt to bridge the gap between PC gaming and the console experience, predating later efforts like Steam's Big Picture mode. The "Drop and Play" engine aimed to simplify PC game installation and updates, a common pain point for users. Its partnerships with major PC manufacturers like Alienware and inclusion in media center PCs showed an ambition to bring console-like convenience to the living room. The later InstaPlay client and HAWGS technology for digital distribution placed DISCover in competition with services like Direct2Drive and Steam, as acknowledged by CEO David Ferrigno. Though the ApeXtreme console was cancelled, the technology's adoption by Alienware and other partners demonstrated a market interest in simplified PC gaming. The use of GameSpy for DISCover Arcade tied it to one of the era's major online gaming platforms. DISCover's legacy is as an early proponent of making PC gaming more accessible, a goal that would be more fully realized by later digital distribution platforms.

Did You Know?

• DISCover technology debuted at the 2003 Electronic Entertainment Expo.
• The "Drop and Play" engine automated scripts for installing and updating games from CD or DVD.
• DISCover Arcade was an online service based on GameSpy.
• The ApeXtreme console using DISCover technology was cancelled.