Through the agreement, gamers at any skill level can play Return to Castle Wolfenstein and vie against each other over the Internet for the opportunity to win money and prizes. Participants who connect to YouPlayGames' servers to play Return to Castle Wolfenstein will be required to have the latest version of Even Balance's PunkBuster Anti-Cheat software on their systems in order to compete.

"We chose Return to Castle Wolfenstein as YouPlayGames' first title because of its amazing gameplay and immensely popular following. There are more than one million Return to Castle Wolfenstein players in the world, which provides YouPlayGames with an extensive fan base to launch its service," said Chris Grove, executive director, YouPlayGames. "Even Balance's PunkBuster software also helps to ensure an enjoyable, cheat-free gaming experience."

"Return to Castle Wolfenstein games are already intense, but with cash and prizes on the line over the YouPlayGames service, your next battle in the trenches will be more exhilarating than ever," said Todd Hollenshead, chief executive officer, id Software.

"Even Balance has been serving the online gaming community for years by fostering fun and fair competition," said Tony Ray, president, Even Balance, Inc. "YouPlayGames participants can rest assured that their opportunity to profit while playing Return to Castle Wolfenstein will be maximized due to the presence of our PunkBuster Anti-Cheat software."

Upon signing up for an account on YouPlayGames.com, players begin gameplay with a free life that is 100 percent intact. There is no entry fee to participate, but players who are fragged or who leave the game in a damaged condition are charged for the life at the game's life cost rate. Conversely, for each frag registered, players receive a percentage of the life's cost. Life cost rates will vary from game to game.

YouPlayGames plans to launch the service in late-March 2003.