Stream Theory and Interplay Align to Bring Streaming Software to Interplay.com; Top Publisher Taps Stream Theory to Provide Streaming Demo Software Service

Business Wire, Dec 13, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 13, 2000

Stream Theory, Inc., an innovative start-up with proprietary technology to quickly deliver software applications over broadband, wireless, and other delivery platforms, and Interplay Entertainment Corp. (Nasdaq:IPLY), a worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of award-winning entertainment software for both core gamers and the mass market, today announced the official launch of streaming software demos on Interplay's website, www.interplay.com. The web site is using Stream Theory technology to stream Interplay's PC game demos to broadband visitors. Stream Theory is using patent-pending technology that allows visitors to simply point, click and run video game software over the Internet almost instantly and without installation.

Interplay's web site features 18 streaming PC demos identified by Stream It buttons in the "Demos" area. Broadband users simply click the Stream It button, and after a brief jumpstarting period, play the game. Interplay.com will use the Stream Theory technology to directly stream PC playable game demos, requiring no installation or downloading, and allowing a unique trial experience for its broadband visitors.

"We chose to partner with Stream Theory after closely examining the companies in the newly emerging industry," said Cal Morell, president of Interplay.com. "Using their superior streaming technology we will engage broadband users with quick and easy access to our content. We intend to provide a rewarding gameplay experience that is capped off by a compelling offer to purchase. By keeping the user on our site the "try-before-you-buy" process is seamless and compelling."

Interplay will feature some of their newest and most popular PC titles as streaming demos, including Sacrifice, MDK 2, and Star Trek Starfleet Command Volume II: Empires at War, which begins shipping today. Several of the games offer Internet multiplayer modes of play. For the first time, interplay.com visitors will be able to stream software and simultaneously play against others over the Internet.

"Interplay has a long-term track record of publishing successful titles in both the console and PC video game markets," said Scott Berlin, vice president of sales at Stream Theory. "We are thrilled to team up with Interplay and support their streaming software service. Both companies have similar visions as to the future of software delivery and it is exciting to marry Stream Theory technology with Interplay's stellar content. We believe this is a perfect start to a long-term relationship."

First-time users are taken through a brief process to install the approximately 1.8MB Stream Theory Player. Thereafter they can access PC demos in as little as a few seconds or minutes compared to an hour to download the same files, even with a fast Internet connection. Gamers who have played the demo are then delivered to Interplay's online store where they can easily purchase the game and find out more product information.

Interplay offers a broad range of products in the action, adventure, role-playing, strategy and sports categories across multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Dreamcast and Nintendo 64. Through its extensive global distribution network, Interplay's titles are sold more than 16,000 retail outlets located in more than 50 countries worldwide as well as their website. There are many benefits with streaming software, including the elimination of downloading, zipped files and the install and uninstall procedures. Users are required to have broadband Internet access, such as cable modem, DSL or T1.

About Stream Theory:

Founded in 1996, Stream Theory, Inc. has pioneered the era of instant streaming delivery and management of software on the Internet, CD-ROMs and DVDs. The patent-pending streaming software service was developed for software publishers, developers, e-tailers, portals and application service providers. Any business application written in Windows 9X, Java, DOS and more, as well as entertainment software such as PC videogames and demos, can be streamed securely to PCs without any modification or "porting" of the software. Streamed applications execute locally in real-time and are never installed on the user's hard drive. Stream Theory technology provides a wide variety of streaming services, including streamed demos and trial versions, timed use of full applications, software rentals on a timed, per-use or flat-rate basis, online sales using streamed installation and integrated ad delivery surrounding software usage. Stream Theory simplifies software usage to increase "stickiness" of web sites, eliminate download hurdles and increase sampling, maximize online sales to reduce distribution costs, eliminate installation problems to reduce tech support costs and integrate targeted messages to increase ad revenue. Stream Theory delivers off-the-shelf and custom applications for ASPs (application service providers). Stream Theory eliminates the need for patches and updates to be installed locally. Stream Theory is a privately held company headquartered in Moffett Field, CA. For more information, please visit Stream Theory at www.streamtheory.com.