Thursday January 21, 2:17 pm Eastern Time
Company Press Release
Thrustmaster and Earthlink Forge Distribution
Agreement
HILLSBORO, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 21, 1999--ThrustMaster, Inc. (Nasdaq:TMSR - news) today announced an
exclusive distribution agreement with EarthLink (Nasdaq:ELNK - news), whereby ThrustMaster will include a trial offer for
EarthLink Sprint Internet service in retail packages of its Talk n' Play(TM) Internet voice software solution.
In exchange, ThrustMaster will receive a financial bounty per qualified member signing up for EarthLink Internet services.
EarthLink will also participate in the Talk n' Play product launch and plans to incorporate Talk n' Play into the EarthLink Internet
Hour radio show.
''ThrustMaster has come up with one of the missing links in Internet gaming -- multi-lateral voice-to-voice interaction,'' stated Bill
Greene, Director of Affinity Distribution at EarthLink. ''Talk n' Play could be a hit with the people who play on our Arena game
site, and the ability to have voice communication over the Internet is the next step in gaming evolution.''
''EarthLink was selected as the exclusive Internet service provider for the Talk n' Play retail solution because of EarthLink's more
than 1,700 local access points across the U.S., coupled with EarthLink's award winning service and simple installation,'' stated Ron
Resnick, ThrustMaster's Vice President of Marketing. ''EarthLink's excellent reputation and quality service lead us to conclude
that EarthLink is the appropriate provider to meet the needs of Talk n' Play customers desiring a fast reliable Internet connection.''
Talk n' Play, a revolutionary new PC based entertainment software solution, enables up to four people to talk over the Internet
while simultaneously playing online computer games. When using the headset provided as part of the Talk n' Play solution, players
can enjoy 'hands-free' voice communication to keep pace with the game action, as opposed to restrictive text based messaging.
Talk n' Play incorporates Intel® Multi-Point Audio software technology licensed from Intel Corporation and Talk n' Play Instant
Messenger software developed by PeopleLink, the leading outsource provider for community based information services.
Talk n' Play, the first solution of the previously announced WeCanTalk.com product portfolio, will be available in the retail channel
in January 1999 at an estimated street price of $29.95. The Talk n' Play retail product includes twenty-eight Internet games from
WON.net which consists of board, card, casino, golf, and flight games, plus a special headset and microphone designed to optimize
Internet voice communication.
The trial offer provides Talk n' Play customers with a fast, reliable EarthLink Sprint Internet connection. New EarthLink members
taking advantage of this offer receive EarthLink's award-winning, twenty-four hour toll free member support and their choice of
Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Talk n' Play customers will also be able to take advantage of the free trial
offer from EarthLink included with the Talk n' Play solution.
About ThrustMaster
ThrustMaster is a worldwide developer and marketer of realistic, high quality game controllers designed to enhance the
entertainment experience. ThrustMaster continues to be a leader in providing innovative peripherals and looks forward to bringing
outstanding PC, video game, and Internet entertainment solutions to consumers. For more information, view the ThrustMaster Web
site at thrustmaster.com.
About EarthLink
EarthLink is one of the world's leading Internet service providers. Through its unified EarthLink Sprint Internet access service, the
company makes the Internet relevant and productive to more than a million individuals and businesses every day. Headquartered in
Pasadena, California, EarthLink provides a full range of innovative access and hosting solutions to thousands of communities
internationally from more than 1,700 points of presence. EarthLink and Sprint Corporation (NYSE:FON - news) have formed a
broad business relationship to create an Internet service with the potential to reach millions of new customers. Sprint is a global
communications company and one of the world's largest carriers of Internet traffic. Information about EarthLink and EarthLink
Sprint services is available by calling 800/395-8425 and through EarthLink's Web site at www.EarthLink.net.
About PeopleLink
Established in 1996 by idealab! and funded by AT&T Ventures, PeopleLink develops custom communications services to web
sites, ISPs, and online businesses. PeopleLink is headquartered in Santa Monica, California.
This press release may include forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks
and uncertainties and various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.
The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements:
uncertainties associated with market acceptance of and demand for the Company's products, impact of competitive products and
pricing, dependence on third party suppliers, uncertainties associated with the development of products and manufacturing and
differing characteristics of different distribution channels. Investors are directed to the Company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, including the Company's 1997 Form 10-K, which are available from the Company without charge, for a
further description of the risks and uncertainties relating to forward-looking statements made by the Company as well as to other
aspects of the Company's business.
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