New technology brings TV and web-play closer together than ever

US internet media company Spiderdance have launched a new software system that will allow gamers their 15 seconds of fame, not just on the net but also on TV.

Using just Spiderdance's 'online/on-air' programmes (there's no need for a set-top box), American PC owners will soon be able to sync up with millions of other gamers and get involved in mass-participation TV game shows.

Spiderdance are already courting a number of broadcasters in the hope of getting more web-TV programmes off the ground. The company's system is already behind MTV's weekday webRIOT, a music trivia game show that allows users to play along online and compete for prizes.

In other words, boys and girls, the Age of Convergence is clearly upon us, and the likes of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? will soon be consigned to the dustbin of history. And who knows, if you've dreamed of one day playing The Running Man, Arnie-style, before an audience of millions, or take part in a live mass Star Wars-style dogfight on primetime TV, then maybe that dream could be about to be realised...