INTERNET (esecurities.W) April 19, 1999 - "Computer Gaming World and ThrustMaster Partner to Bring Talk n' Play Online Community Services to Computer Gamers"
HILLSBORO, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 1999--ThrustMaster, Inc. (Nasdaq:TMSR - news), today announced that it has entered into an agreement to provide Talk n' Play(TM) online community communications services to Computer Gaming World, (CGW), a Ziff-Davis (NYSE:ZD - news) publication.
Computer Gaming World is the leading computer gaming magazine serving gamers in the software entertainment market.
Talk n' Play services consist of three modules: an instant messaging client, a unique community network, and revolutionary voice over the Internet software allowing up to four players to simultaneously talk while playing their favorite online games. The Talk n' Play client software and community network were developed exclusively for ThrustMaster by PeopleLink, the leading outsource provider for community based information and communication services.
On or before July 15, 1999, CGW will commence offering the Talk n' Play instant messaging client software (which includes the first two modules only) as a free download in connection with the launch of cgwgaming.com, a new gaming community network web site that will enable gamers of all levels and interests to instant message, chat online, join special interest groups, and find and communicate with others based on common interests. Gamers will be able to interact with CGW editors during online events, exchange tips and tricks, and play head-to-head with some of the most experienced gamers in the industry. In addition, CGW will co-market the Talk n' Play instant messaging client by including it on CGW's monthly CD-ROM, which is included in its monthly issue. CGW has a monthly subscription base of approximately 300,000.
For under $30, gamers at the cgwgaming.com web site will be able to upgrade to the full version of Talk n' Play, the exciting multi-person voice conferencing solution that allows up to four people to talk over the Internet from up to four separate locations while playing their favorite online computer games. The full version Talk n' Play solution includes Talk n' Play multi-person Internet voice conferencing software, 28 Internet games from WON.net including card, board, casino, golf and flight games, plus a professional headset microphone designed to optimize Internet voice communication.
''cgwgaming.com will bring a whole new level of communication and interactivity to the online gaming community,'' said Lee Uniacke, publisher of Computer Gaming World. ''Through our relationship with ThrustMaster, we are extending our CGW brand and substantially enhancing our media services to the online game community where we see a significant amount of interest and growth.''
''Online communities are an exciting and rapidly growing Internet phenomenon being driven by the desire of people to meet, talk, and interact with others who have similar interests. It is well documented that web sites that offer community services attract more online gamers who will find they want to visit more often and stay longer,'' said ThrustMaster's Vice President of Marketing, Ron Resnick. ''We are fortunate to have this opportunity to partner with CGW and bring Talk n' Play to a significantly larger percentage of the online gaming community.''
''Our relationship with CGW is significant as it reinforces the validation of the Talk n' Play technology and solution and is indicative of our early success in entering the eCommerce channel with key strategic partners. The objective of mass proliferation of our WeCanTalk.com solutions will be pursued via the execution of a near-term revenue model, driven by the retail and OEM channels, and a mid-term revenue model, driven by the eCommerce channel and other diffusion strategies,'' stated Frank G. Hausmann, ThrustMaster's President and CEO. ''Our alliance with CGW represents a diffusion strategy in the eCommerce channel where mass proliferation lays the foundation for both high margin upgrade revenue and a broader strategic alliance,'' added Hausmann..."
SOURCE: © 1999 Monday April 19, 12:31 pm Eastern Time Company Press Release
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