The gaming service that Comcast has been developing with Electronic Arts is starting up in Atlanta, according to an informed source within the MSO.

Since last month's discovery that Comcast Corp. is testing the new Xfinity Games service in partnership with Electronic Arts Inc. (Nasdaq: ERTS), there's been no official word on the trial from either company. But Light Reading has learned from an unofficial source within Comcast that the pilot is starting in Atlanta. To join the trial, customers must have a new, IP video-enabled X1 settop box and be invited by Comcast to participate.

Comcast has promised to deliver "console-quality video games" as part of the new service, but some of the most beloved titles in the EA catalogue aren't included in the trial. For instance, no Madden NFL games are up for offer, the source said, though other popular sports titles, such as FIFA Soccer and NBA Jam, appear in screenshots for the Xfinity Games app on iTunes.

The Xfinity Games app is designed to turn an iPad into a controller for games delivered to the X1 settop. It launched nearly a month ago, but Comcast has been silent about both the app and the accompanying Xfinity Games service.

The app was developed by a Comcast group based in Silicon Valley. Just 10 days after the Xfinity Games app hit the iTunes store, the same group released a family messaging app called Family Point. (See: Comcast Debuts Family Messaging App).

— Mari Silbey, Special to Light Reading Cable