GameAgent
GameAgent is an online store, digital distribution platform, and information hub for OS X games. The platform is owned and operated by Aspyr, while the e-commerce portion is being handled by Digital River.[1]
History
Launched in 2008, GameAgent originated as a storefront and digital distribution platform specifically for games published by Aspyr. It sold titles both as digital downloads and as physical boxes and featured games on both the OS X and Microsoft Windows. Many of the initial games offered digitally came with the Software Passport digital rights management (DRM).
Since its launch, GameAgent has added titles from additional publishers, such as Feral Interactive, to its library of titles it sells directly.
In 2012, the GameAgent site was completely overhauled, removing boxed options and Windows PC games from its offerings. It introduced a new look and new features, many of which can be found in the current iteration of the site. It also began adding games not sold directly; instead it offered links to purchase games on the Mac App Store and Amazon.com, in addition to its own purchase links.
Digital rights management
While some of the games that GameAgent sells directly still use the Software Passport DRM, many of the more recent titles rely on Steam for DRM. As such, GameAgent sells Steam codes for these games; these codes are redeemable via the Steam client. Other titles rely on other serial-based systems of DRM.
Titles not sold directly by GameAgent rely on a myriad of DRM solutions, depending on where the game is purchased. Mac App Store titles all feature Apple's in-house DRM solution, while games purchased from Amazon.com may feature DRM from Steam, EA's Origin service, or any other developer-hosted DRM solution.
References
- ↑ Cohen, Peter (May 9, 2008). "More Details Emerge About Aspyr's Game Agent Service". PCWorld. IDG Consumer & SMB. Retrieved June 19, 2016.