PROFILE

NTN COMMUNICATIONS is an international producer, programmer, marketer, and broadcaster of interactive television and Internet programs and trivia games. The main company is based out of Carlsbad, California. Their url is http://www.ntn.com

The Canadian rights are owned by, Networks North of Etobicoke, Ontario. They have their own distinct site at http://www.ntnc.com.


PROBLEMS

Both websites seem to exist solely to promote their bar game.

Having two sites is irrelevant to the consumer and also perhaps confusing. Both websites offer financial and investment information that is probably not of interest to the average person.

There are also problems with the navigation and architecture. For instance the very useful location finder is buried in the "hospitality" section.

There is an e-commerce aspect in that souvenir merchandise is sold. This is a niche market that would be difficult to enlarge.


ONLINE LIVE INTERACTIVE TRIVIA GAMES

Their website's strongest asset is their unique online games.

NTN produces about 40 online games. Ten games are offered on their own sites.

Most games are locked into an exclusive contract with AOL. NTN has earned four consecutive AOL Players Choice Awards for Best Game Site.

Some are designed for specific events such as Universal's Halloween '98 lineup or NBC's "ER" site.

Using a Java-script enabled interface, players compete in real-time with participants nationwide. After each question, local and national player scores are ranked on the screen.

NTN allows users to play up to 25 others and offers humourous hints to the questions that the competitors do not (eg. Jeopardy Online). Players can also chat as they are playing the game.

More games need to be offered on their website. The games currently locked in AOL should be on their site, if only in a recycled form.

Improving the flow of the sites and beefing up content would make this site much more marketable. It could easily become a regular visit for users.

With some simple steps the sites could be better marketed.