MCV's sister-site Develop reports that the eBay-owned web communications company Skype is introducing a new casual games portal - and is courting developers to provide content.

Skype's Game Channel joins its voice over IP service and follows in the footsteps of casual-orientated pack-in games like those found with Microsoft Messenger.

However Skype and the operator/creator of its games offer, Easybits, have unveiled an aggressive move to secure and encourage content for the channel in the form of the Skype Game Developer Program.

The Program provides free SDK and tools while promising third-pary developers access to the almost 200 million registered Skype users worldwide - distribution, DRM and e-commerce is all handled through the Skype software.

Director of the Skype Developer Program, Paul Amery, announced the move today during a keynote address at TMC's Communications Developer Conference.

“Skype users are doing more than just placing voice calls and we are constantly looking for new ways to enhance their overall internet communications experience,” said Amery.

“People are increasingly using Skype to interact with one another, with many choosing to play simple games like checkers or backgammon. However, the tremendous size of Skype’s user-base makes it an ideal environment for multi-player and community-based games in which people can play against or collaborate with one another.

“We hope the Skype Game Channel becomes a popular entertainment destination within the Skype community. Our goal is to make it as easy and profitable as possible for the developers, while keeping it simple and fun for consumers to use,” added Amery.

More information on the Skype Game Developer program can be found at developer.skype.com/gamesdev and skype.easybits.com.