GameRanger

GameRanger is an online gaming platform that includes "social-media-like" features such as profiles, friends lists and chat to truly interact with other players.

GameRanger was created by Scott Kevill and is run by GameRanger Pty Ltd, located in Perth, Australia. The service has been active since 1999, originally for Mac users, and after its 1999 release it was named "Best Internet Gaming Achievement" by Macworld Magazine. In November 2008 it added Windows players, creating a large community of online players worldwide.

GameRanger supports over 700 games and demos, from strategy titles such as Age of Empires II to shooters such as Battlefield 1942, and it has become a new home for many games whose official servers were shut down. There are 3 membership tiers labeled as Bronze (free), Silver ($19.95 per year), and Gold ($39.95 per year). With each higher tier, more privileges are included, such as a larger friends list (50, 100 or 500 friends), full voice communication, a custom user icon, removal of ad banners, an expanded profile and more.

The GameRanger website is clear and easy to navigate. The software download is available on the website for free. After installing the client, you create an account with a valid e-mail address, activate it through a confirmation e-mail and begin playing with the option to host a new game or join an existing game room. Outside of the software (on their website), players can contact user support with feedback or problems.

The software gives the opportunity to chat and play across multiple platforms.

Features:

• Silver and Gold memberships add more privileges for a yearly fee and come with a 30-day refund.

• Players can interact on the software both through in-game voice communication and IM-like chat.

• Social networking features are used such as custom profiles, friends lists, and the aforementioned chat.

• In January 2015, GameRanger announced that it had over 6 million registered members within its community.

This software suits players who enjoy playing with others worldwide, including classic games that no longer have official servers, while having social functions in reach to interact with friends.