SharkWire Online
| SharkWire Online | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Developer(s) | InterAct, Spyglass, Inc. |
| Publisher(s) | InterAct |
| Engine | 14.4 kbit/s modem MODEM |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo 64 and a scheduled PlayStation release |
| Release date(s) | 1 January 2000 |
| Genre(s) | Video game cheating, web browser |
| Mode(s) | download, web browsing, video game cheating |
SharkWire Online is a specialized GameShark device with a serial port and modem added, accompanied by a now defunct dialup Internet portal service. It was sold only in the US, by InterAct which is most famous for its GameShark and Dexdrive. Scheduled for launch in January 2000, it was the only Nintendo 64 online service to have been launched apart from Nintendo's Randnet service in Japan.
The SharkWire Online's Nintendo 64 accessories were developed by Datel in the UK, for InterAct to sell in the US. The now defunct dialup portal system was developed between InterAct and its communications partners: Spyglass, Inc. for its Mosaic web browser application; D3 Networks, an Internet Service Provider (ISP) for game devices, which built and operated the SharkWire Online dialup network and content portal; and GTE Internetworking for its local dial-up access via its DiaLinx(R) network and Global Network Infrastructure (GNI) backbone.
The SharkWire Online was presented to the public at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles on May 13–15, 1999. Later in 1999, it was test marketed in Atlanta, Georgia, Dallas, Texas, Minneapolis, Minnesota, but not released to the rest of the USA until January 1, 2000. The company considered the possibility of eventually supporting online multiplayer gaming, and opening up access to the wider Internet beyond their proprietary portal.
The company ran a $5–10 million advertising campaign created by advertising agency J. Walter Thompson across TV, print, radio, direct, and interactive media. It portrayed an aggressive image of teenaged "hacking" versus the FBI, which "gives kids a feeling of control and power over the establishment".
Before InterAct closed down operations, SharkWire Online and all other trademarks of GameShark were sold to Mad Catz.
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