3DO'S Meridian 59 Now Available Worldwide Initial Response to Product Overwhelming.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 7, 1996--The 3DO Company today announced its first Internet product, Meridian 59, the world's first 3-D graphical multi-user dimension (MUD) game, shipped this week and is available at retail throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. In addition, product will soon be available in the Pacific Rim and Australia. Meridian 59 accolades have been pouring in from partners, retailers, press, and consumers. Here is what a few of them had to say.

Netscape and Intel

Meridian 59 comes bundled with Netscape Navigator(TM) Personal Edition client software and provides a one-button solution for consumers not currently connected to the Internet. In addition, Intel is featuring Meridian 59 in several of its upcoming Pentium(TM) processor marketing promotions.

"As the Internet moves into the consumer realm, we are seeing a tremendous interest from our customers for solid entertainment content," said Mike Homer, senior vice president of marketing, Netscape Communications Corporation. "We have combined the world's most popular client software with the Internet's leading-edge 3-D game, ushering in a new era of entertainment on the Internet."

"3DO's Meridian 59 is a great example of a hybrid application -- one that uses the power of a Pentium (TM) processor-based PC to create a rich and compelling experience on the Internet," stated R. Victor Varney, marketing manager for Intel's Developer Relations Group. "It is a showcase application and starting this quarter we are including Meridian 59 in our retail demo kiosks located in software stores, in our Software Expo on Intel's Web site, and as a featured title on a promotional CD we will distribute at Comdex."

Retail

"We are excited to be selling Meridian 59, which is our first Internet entertainment product," said Jerry Madaio, senior buyer, The Electronics Boutique, Inc. "The Internet as a gaming platform is what's hot right now and early signs are that Meridian 59 is a winner and a real value with Netscape Navigator included in the box."

Press

According to NEXT Generation Online (Sept. 1996), "Meridian 59 is without a doubt one of the most ambitious software projects we have ever seen. Quite simply, it's great fun and is in many ways, the first competitive/cooperative' graphical RPG. The human dynamic that is so evident in real life comes through in the game."

In the current issue, Computer Gaming World praises Meridian 59 as, ". . . one of the best examples so far of a graphics-based fantasy RPG world created exclusively for on-line play."

Consumer

"I participated in the beta test and I couldn't wait to get the retail version of Meridian 59," said Laura Baker, a New York user who plays under the name Cressida. "I installed the game on my computer as soon as I got it home, and my friends and I have been playing on-line ever since."

Meridian 59 Early Facts and Figures

"Having been available in 9,000 stores nationwide for only a few days, we are excited by the initial reactions," said Hugh Martin, president of The 3DO Company. "Already, we have opened several hundred player accounts each day, and the number continues to grow."

The Meridian world is just beginning to populate as retail players have begun logging on and settling into the game. Since the product first became available this week there have been more than 16,500 log-ins. Already, users have played an average of 10 hours each, with the maximum time played by one individual at more than 67 hours.

Meridian 59 has an estimated street price of $39.95 and an ongoing monthly subscription fee of $9.95 for unlimited play. In addition to the Netscape Navigator bundle, the retail product also includes 30 days of free game time and a special edition map of the Meridian world. Additional product information is available at www.3do.com/meridian/ and through 3DO Direct Sales at [phone].

SEE YOU IN THE GAME!

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this release are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, market demand and acceptance for the company's current and future products, the company's ability to develop and ship future products, and the consequences of competitive factors in the marketplace. Further information on potential factors which could affect the company's financial results are included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996 and the company's Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1996.

The 3DO Company (NASDAQ: THDO) is headquartered in Redwood City, Calif. With offices in North America and Europe, the company creates and publishes advanced entertainment software for personal computers, the Internet, and 32-bit and 64-bit video game platforms.

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Note to Editors: 3DO, the 3DO logos, and Meridian 59 are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of The 3DO Company. Netscape, Netscape Communications, and Netscape Navigator are trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation. All other product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: The 3DO Company

Diane Hunt, 415/261-3214

Tuesday Uhland, 415/261-3142