Xfire - Im & Chat

Xfire is a new, free tool that automatically keeps track of when and where gamers are playing PC games online and lets their friends join them easily. It works regardless of game type, server browser, or gaming service that a player is using. Xfire eliminates the hassles of running multiple programs like IRC, instant messengers, or in-game friends lists to keep track of when and where a gamer's friends are playing. It supports the best and the latest online PC games including server- and non-server-based First Person Shooters, Real Time Strategy, and Role Playing Games.

Xfire was founded by Dennis "Thresh" Fong (World Champion of Quake) and Mike Cassidy (former CEO of Direct Hit). Xfire is based in Menlo Park, CA.

In April of 2006, Xfire was acquired by Viacom. Viacom is one of the leading global entertainment content companies, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Offering programming and content for television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom's world-class brands include MTV Networks (MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Comedy Central, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 120 networks around the world), BET Networks, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, DreamWorks and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at www.viacom.com.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•See when your friends are online, what game they're playing, and what server they're on
•Communicate with your friends while playing a game
•Xfire's voice chat lets you talk 1:1 or in groups with your friends while you're in or out of game.
•One-Click Join
•Server Browser
•Profiles with Automatic Stats
•Doesn't support *all* games, but they will add the game you're missing messaging support for if you ask them by e-mail.
•Talk to your girlfriend/wife/boyfriend/husband/boss while you're playing your favorite game, uninterrupted.
•Records in-game video and screen shots and uploads it to your profile page for other people to enjoy

Cons:

•Does not support other IM networks such as MSN, AIM, Yahoo, ICQ, etc.