Sega To Release First Online Multiplayer Game For Sega Dreamcast Network Earlier Than Expected

Market Wire, 20050229

Continuing to drive the future of console gaming, Sega® of America announced today that on March 2, 2000 the first fully networked multiplayer videogame will launch on the Sega Dreamcast™ Network - three months earlier than expected. "Chu Chu Rocket™," a puzzle/action game by the renowned Sonic Team, will be the first of many online titles available in 2000 for the Sega Dreamcast Network, which is accessible only via the 128-bit, Internet-ready Sega Dreamcast videogame console. Sega is now only one phase away from offering consumers full 3D multiplayer games and the re-launch of the Sega Dreamcast Network, which will be the ultimate online videogaming destination. Additional networked first- and third-party Sega Dreamcast titles, will follow throughout the year.

Almost 45 million online gamers in Europe and the US will be using Internet-enabled consoles by 2004, compared with 28 million people playing online through their PCs1. Sega Dreamcast is the only next generation videogame console that comes fully equipped with an upgradable 56K modem and its own online gaming network - the Sega Dreamcast Network. Since the system's launch on 9- 9-99, Sega has been 100% committed to expanding the gameplay experience for consumers via this network. Sega has been rolling out a phased online strategy, gradually making available e- mail, chat, new downloadable gameplay elements and e-mail based games via the Network. Now, for the first time in videogame history, consumers via Sega Dreamcast will be able to play fully networked multiplayer games through a console.

Sega announced last month that Sega Dreamcast had reached a sell-through milestone of more than 1.5 million units in North America since its launch on September 9, 1999. This significant figure came three months ahead of corporate predictions and just 30 days after the company announced sales had reached the one million units sold mark. Sega's record-breaking sell-through is attributed not only to the great game library available, but to the future that consumers see with the platform and the Sega Dreamcast Network.

With the Sega Dreamcast Network, Sega is effectively creating the world's largest gaming community. Sega's vision is to provide console gamers with a "hassle free" online gaming experience where consumers pop in a GD-ROM, click on a button and are instantly immersed in a highly interactive gaming environment with thousands of other gamers on the Internet. For this reason, Sega Dreamcast was launched with a built in 56K modem, allowing for full Internet functionality through the Sega Dreamcast Network, including chat, e-mail, web browsing and online gaming. Content for the Sega Dreamcast Network is currently provided by Sega, Excite@Home and IGN.com. The system's preferred Internet provider is AT&T WorldNet Services, the quickest and easiest way to take the system online.

The five phases of Sega's network strategy have progressed as follows:

Phase 1: E-mail, Game Tips - Since launch, the Sega Dreamcast Network has allowed users to communicate via e-mail, surf the Internet, congregate in chat rooms and access exclusive information on games, upcoming titles, cheat codes and share game information with other consumers.

Phase 2: Enhanced Gameplay Elements - Since launch, "Sonic Adventure™" has given Sega Dreamcast consumers the unique opportunity to add new characters and enhanced gameplay elements to the game. Players can upload and download little "Chao" characters, trade them with friends and learn more about them with information on the Dreamcast Network. Star Wars®: Episode I™ Racer from LucasArts (available Spring 2000) will allow players to post high scores to the Sega Dreamcast Network, adding an all new element of competition to gameplay.

Phase 3: E-mail Based Games - Beginning in February 2000, gamers will be able to enjoy the first e-mail based game - "Sega Swirl™." This colorful "Columns" style game allows players to e- mail their next move back and forth with another player. PC gamers can even get in on the action and e-mail the game with a Sega Dreamcast user.

Phase 4: Fully Networked Games and Parlor/Puzzle Games - Beginning with "Chu Chu Rocket" in March 2000, consumers will be able to play online games in real time against other players across the country. Following this title, gamers can expect to see new parlor/puzzle based games coming to the Sega Dreamcast Network from Spring 2000.

Phase 5: Full 3D Multi-player Games and the Ultimate Online Video Gaming Destination - From Fall of 2000 onward, the Sega Dreamcast Network will be the host of the first true 3D, and in the future, persistent world multi-player games designed for a video gaming console. Over the next six months Sega will be announcing what games will be brought to the Dreamcast Network. Expect the latest titles and best multi-player experience. Also in the Fall of 2000, expect to see the new online gaming portal from Sega. All the latest information, communities, tips, e- commerce, as well as news, previews and reviews of all games for Sega Dreamcast.