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MSN Games (also known as Zone. com - formerly known as 'The Village', 'Internet Gaming Zone', 'MSN Gaming Zone', and 'MSN Games by Zone. com') is an online games site devoted primarily to casual games, both stand-alone and multi-player online games. Games are available in free on-line versions, trial versions, and full feature pay-to-play versions. Stand alone games can be played on the Web, or downloaded to a personal computer or smartphone. Multi-player games require either internet or cell phone connectivity. New York Magazine -- Dating/Matchmaking Services -- Marketplace.

The numerous multi-player games that are available encourage a sense of community as players interact in online game rooms, while playing games using Windows Live Messenger, and while on their cell phones when playing Windows Mobile versions of the games.

MSN Games is a member site of the MSN portal, and part of the Microsoft corporation, headquartered in Redmond WA.

History

The first version of the site, which was then called "The Village", was founded by Kevin Binkley, Ted Griggs, and Hoon Im. In 1996, Steve Murch, a then-employee of Microsoft, convinced Bill Gates to acquire the small online game site, then owned by Electric Gravity. The site was rebranded to "Internet Gaming Zone" and launched in 1996. Between 1996-97, Murch worked on modernizing the site and adding—and sometimes remaking—new games. Safer & Saner Online Dating Service.