JoWooD Hits E3 Expo with Top Software Entertainment for the X-Box, PlayStation 2, PC and Game Boy Color Systems

Business Wire, May 16, 2001

Business Editors & Technology Writers

E3 Expo

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 2001

JoWooD Productions Software AG, a developer and publisher of software entertainment, is hitting Los Angeles with their 2001 lineup.

The company has experienced remarkable growth, and has added in-house development studios in Vienna and Ebensee, Austria. In addition, JoWooD has a fast-growing roster of exceptional game developers, including Neon, Wings Simulations and Massive Development in Germany. JoWooD's upcoming titles will also feature games from well-known studios such as Neo Software, Vienna; Enlight Entertainment, Hong Kong; Reflexive Entertainment, San Diego; SilverStyle, Berlin; and BugBear from Finland.

"With all our development power, JoWooD will have plenty to show at E3 this year -- everything from our continuing PC simulation "Giant" series to fast-action X-Box games," said Andreas Tobler, President & CEO for JoWooD. "We are excited to share with the industry our expansion of quality software entertainment for PC and next-generation consoles."

Following are some of the titles JoWooD will be showing at E3 2001:

Industry Giant 2 -- PC (Simulation)

Following the huge success of "Industry Giant" (almost 1,600,000 units sold worldwide), it is now time for the long-expected successor -- INDUSTRY GIANT 2. The business simulation begins in America at the turn of the century and ends in the year 1980. As in its predecessor, the player slips into the role of an entrepreneur trying to create an enterprise of global extent.

The player is responsible for the purchase of raw materials, the processing, distribution and sales. An enhancement over Industry Giant is the ability to select among the different steps of production. You may produce goods and sell them to distributors or take over the role of the distributor yourself. Ship and handle your goods with the help of more than 50 different means of transportation, e.g. ships, locomotives, or trucks.

Live the American dream -- start off as a dishwasher, end up as a millionaire.

The Nations -- PC (Strategy)

Choose a tribe and develop a relationship with each member of your tribe. Give them names and try to satisfy their needs. Take into account that everyone is an individual character with his or her very own habits and characteristics.

Each nation now consists of different tribes. The player controls one of those tribes trying to satisfy each individual's needs and demands. Members of one tribe may defect to another tribe if they feel that they will be treated better there.

Unlike its predecessor, war and fighting are not the main aspects one should focus on here. Prove your ability to communicate and take advantage of trade and diplomacy -- and solve your problems peacefully. If worse comes to worst, you always have the option to hire soldiers, but make sure you keep them satisfied or they may turn against you.

Zax -- PC (Action Adventure)

Zax -- The Alien Hunter is an action adventure with very detailed graphics and tremendous action! Your mission is to survive while destroying the angry demon. Whilst most shooters only have action with slow stories, Zax offers a very detailed and thrilling story. It delivers adventure that forces you to use your brain. So you see there is much for you to do!

A planet of turmoil and power...of ancient religion and wondrous magic where nothing is as it seems, Zax has but one place he can turn to for help, one potential ally, a single downtrodden race that is desperate to help themselves. With limited resources at his command and surrounded by danger Zax must utilize all his years of military training to simply survive on this complex planet.

Gorasul -- PC (RPG)

Gorasul -- The Legacy of the Dragon is a role-playing game of epic proportions. In short, the tale deals with the life of Roszondas, who was raised from infancy by a magical dragon. As he grew up, he obtained the magic and character of his adoptive father. But the world of the adolescent Roszondas is about to collapse, as it is at war with a demon from another dimension.

During this time, Roszondas turns into the greatest hero of the world, as we know it. His dragon magic power helps him to survive as one of the few defenders of the good. Beside him, only a few other magicians remain, fighting to save their bastions despite the enemy's attempts to destroy them. They also offer shelter to the remaining inhabitants of the destroyed world. The legend begins with Roszondas' reincarnation, as he has died previously in an attempt to defend good from evil. His life in this world, which now consists of mayhem and chaos, is now in your hands...

Rally Trophy -- PC and X-Box (Racing Simulation)

Rally Trophy is not only challenging, it is also the first rally simulation featuring historic rally cars, such as the legendary Ford Cortina, Mini Cooper, Opel Kadett Rallye Coupe, Volvo Amazon and Saab 96 V4. In all, there are 10 shining old classics to drive, all of which have been modeled in great detail. Drive these cars on 49 exciting, challenging and visually stunning racetracks.