Next Generation Interactive Music Entertainment Platform Debuts From MusicPlayground, A Namco Limited Subsidiary

Market Wire, 20050229

The next generation of Internet/Windows(R) PC-based interactive music entertainment was introduced today by MusicPlayground, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Namco Limited of Japan.

Available now at www.MusicPlayground.com, MusicPlayground offers a one-of-a-kind interactive music experience for music lovers that have Internet access and a Windows(R)98/Me PC. MusicPlayground makes use of virtual instruments - USB peripherals -- that simulate their real world counterparts. The experience is currently available in two membership kits that include a V-Pick(TM) virtual guitar (or bass) pick, a CD with MusicPlayground Player software, and direct access to the company's online music jukebox of licensed songs. A $59.95 prepaid membership kit allows members to download up to 40 songs for unlimited play over a consecutive 12-month period. A second $19.95 membership kit allows members to download up to 8 songs over a one-month period. Monthly members can renew at will in 30-day increments. In addition, a V-Stix(TM) Virtual Drum Kit is available for an additional $19.95.

It's easy to get started. Members simply install MusicPlayground's Player software onto their hard drive and plug in their virtual instruments. Playing begins by starting up MusicPlayground's Player software, selecting a song to download and play, and by striking their virtual instrument in time with the Rhythm EKG (TM) rhythm guide displayed within the MusicPlayground Player. Song lyrics are superimposed on top of visual content for a total entertainment experience. Members can even compete with each other by uploading their playing scores.

Equally important, MusicPlayground is also a platform for musicians who want to either learn or practice the actual guitar, bass, and drum parts of the songs by plugging in their real instruments. Thus, MusicPlayground marks the first time that musicians and non-musicians alike can take and share the same stage, turning their family room into a concert arena.

Commenting on the potential impact of MusicPlayground, company President & CEO Bradley J. Naples noted that, "Music related products and services are among the fastest growing in the overall entertainment category. Music Playground's one of a kind interactivity adds a completely new dimension to this category."

"Since all of our content is licensed, we believe that MusicPlayground also provides music publishers and artists with incremental revenue from royalties they would not receive anywhere else."

Under development for the last six years, MusicPlayground comes to market with license agreements from BMG Music Publishing, Bug Music, Chrysalis Music Group, Del Sound Music, Ice Nine Music Publishing, Music & Media International, Inc., Peer Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, The Famous Music Publishing Companies, The Richmond Organization, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappel Music, Inc., and Windswept Pacific. In addition, MusicPlayground has entered into artist partnership agreements with Roger Daltrey (of The Who) and Nikki Sixx (of Motley Crue). Other artist and publisher agreements are pending.

According to Roger Daltrey, founding member and lead singer of the legendary rock band The Who, "The technology and the vision behind MusicPlayground will have a profound impact on the way musicians and general consumers interact with their favorite music. MusicPlayground is a terrific new way for the industry to promote music, one that will be fun for music fans of all ages and genres. I believe it will enhance our appreciation of music and the creative process by which it is created. For artists, song writers, and publishers, MusicPlayground represents a risk-free way to create a new source of revenue."

According to Nikki Sixx, founding member of The Motley Crue and currently with 58, whose latest Americoma Records CD release is Diet For A New America, "There's never been anything like MusicPlayground before. It is the only true way for fans to get as close as possible to their favorite music and enjoy the same experience as the actual band members. For recording artists, it provides a whole new source of revenue that can't be duplicated anywhere else."

Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, MusicPlayground, Inc. is a leading music technology and entertainment company that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Namco Limited of Japan. Founded in 1993, MusicPlayground, Inc.is the owner of five patents worldwide covering real-time interactive signal processing technology that allows general music consumers to play-along with musicians without having to know how to play an instrument.

Founded in 1955, Namco Limited of Japan, and its affiliated companies, employs more than 11,000 people worldwide, is a public company in Japan and a private company in the United States. The company's businesses include the operation of amusement facilities and restaurants, as well as the development and marketing of coin-operated game machines and home video game software. The company's leading line-up of home video game titles includes "Pacman," the "Tekken" series, "Dragon Valor," "Ace Combat: 3 Electrosphere," "Soul Blade," the "Point Blank" series, and "Klonoa."