Launched today, blueyonder multiplayer gaming (http://gaming.blueyonder.co.uk) is the UK’s first dedicated service of its kind, offering gamers access to fast and reliable networked servers. Gamers are able to compete in single games, teams (clans), competitions and leagues, using dedicated servers and Telewest’s advanced broadband network.

Tom Cotter, head of games strategy, Telewest said: “This is an unparalleled combination of services and support that individual and multiplayer gamers have been demanding from the market for some time. It has been developed by gamers, for gamers and will enable people to enjoy games the way they were always meant to be played - fast, stable, low latency, sociable and easy to set up.”

The new web site, including the gaming services, enhances the existing blueyonder broadband service by combining ultra-fast internet access with dedicated broadband gaming content and services. Non-blueyonder customers can check out the gaming experience at http://gaming.blueyonder.co.uk.

Gamers can play a large range of games – including Counter Strike, Half-Life, Unreal Tournament and Quake Team Arena – for single-session blasts or as part of longer tournaments. The service will be supported by blueyonder’s team of community managers and provide access to forums, chat and instant messaging.

Philip Snalune, head of marketing for the blueyonder site, adds: “Although the gaming services are available to our dial-up customers as well as those with high-speed connections, games are central to the future of Telewest’s broadband services.

“We have invested in a service that combines a fantastic portfolio of games, with state-of-the art infrastructure and a creative team including some of the most talented people in the UK games industry.”

The news follows an earlier announcement that Telewest is to work with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe to trial Europe’s first PlayStation2 Broadband Network Service.