Game.Net

After BarrysWorld's initial foray into the commercial sector the business was acquired by UK retailer Game (originally called Electronics Boutique). For a while BarrysWorld adopted a subscription model and ran private servers (accessed using the BarryBar software), and a series of Clan Server options.

After 6 months (??) the ‘new’ BarrysWorld was rebranded as a channel within GAME.Net. The plan was to launch various GAME.Net services, including e-Commerce (which still exists as GAME.co.uk), online gaming and digital distribution, all accessible from one login, and with discounts for GAME Reward Card holders. BW/GAME.Net also ran the online gaming infrastructure for British Telecom's online gaming service GamesDomain. The GamesDomain service gave GAME breathing space (and money) while they redeveloped BW into a more 'commercial' service, and GAME took on support staff, Bazerka and Natrat to look after technical support of the BT deal.

The online gaming part of the GAME.Net initiative was abandoned by GAME in November 2003, when the BT deal ended and GAME's Board of Directors decided to close all of GAME's 'non-core' businesses as the Game Cycle approached its low point prior to the launch of 'Next Gen' consoles and GAME started to struggle financially, prompting the (re)founding of FreddysHouse.