Fans of "Wheel of Fortune®" are getting ready to spin the wheel and compete against other players -- right from MSN Messenger! Microsoft Corp.'s online network today introduced the MSN® Instant Games Clubhouse, a subscription, interactive gaming service for MSN Messenger that combines online versions of well-known games with head-to-head competition, advanced features and the convenience of instant messaging (IM).

The new MSN Instant Games Clubhouse debuts in the United States today in time for the release of MSN Messenger 6.2 next week. MSN Messenger is one of the world's most popular free IM service and boasts more than 120 million users each month. The MSN Instant Games Clubhouse initially will offer four head-to-head games: "Wheel of Fortune" from Sony Pictures Digital Networks; "UPWORDS," a word game by Hasbro Inc. (NYSE: HAS), makers of the SCRABBLE brand crossword game; "Bankshot Billiards," an online version of pool; and MSN Instant Games Chess, a high-quality, full-featured version of the classic board game. Customers in the United States can play all the games free as part of a 14-day trial. Customers can subscribe to clubhouse games such as "Wheel of Fortune," "Bankshot Billiards" and "UPWORDS" at a price of $4.99 per month per game or a special introductory price of $14.99 per year per game.* MSN Instant Games Chess is available at a price of $3.99 per month or a special introductory price of $9.99 per year.*

"The popularity of online gaming is booming, with nearly 50 million people already jumping on the Internet, instead of pulling a boxed game from their closet, when they want to play games," said Blake Irving, corporate vice president for MSN Communications Services and Member Platform Group at Microsoft. "Gaming with MSN Instant Games combines the best of both worlds, bringing some of the most popular boxed games to life online, while enabling people to connect with their friends -- or rivals -- in gameplay wherever they might be."