Broderbund's Red Orb Entertainment to Ship the Cyan Production, Riven: The Sequel to Myst.

NOVATO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 11, 1997-- -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Although this release has been updated and does include new contact information, it should be considered an extension of the press release Broderbund issued last June. Due to the large number of press requests for information on this title, Broderbund has reissued this press release as a convenience. -0-

The Red Orb Entertainment division of Broderbund Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:BROD), and Cyan Inc., the creators of Myst(R), are preparing to ship Riven(TM): The Sequel to Myst(R), perhaps the most anticipated computer game of all time. The visually engrossing Riven, scheduled for release this fall, promises an immersive experience in a world of intrigue and adventure unlike any ever known.

The story line begins where Myst ends although no prior knowledge of Myst is needed to fully enjoy Riven. As was learned at the end of Myst, Atrus is trying to find his wife Catherine who is trapped in another world, now known as Riven. It is up to the player to assist Atrus by traveling to Riven to free his beloved spouse. Riven carries on the tradition of Myst in its superlative graphic detail and captivating, all-encompassing aura, and takes that tradition several steps further. The game design offers intriguing puzzles that are more seamlessly integrated into a richer, deeper story line for the player to unfold during the course of the journey. This time a much larger area of the world can be explored before encountering puzzles. Riven is also populated with intriguing characters -- not all human -- that show up in often unexpected circumstances and surroundings.

"A significant amount of character interaction exists in Riven, thereby creating an organic, live feel to the environment," said Rand Miller, founder and president of Cyan, Inc. "It's reassuring to know you're not alone and yet it's disconcerting at the same time. This dual feeling provides an unbelievable sensory experience that will only enhance the engrossing nature of Riven."

Riven also pushes the envelope of game design with unprecedented graphic, animation, and sound effects aided by the cutting-edge technology from SoftImage that animated Jurassic Park's dinosaurs. The intricate level of detail in the landscapes and objects throughout Riven, from wind-shifted topsoil blanketing a mountainside to the knotted wood grain of a tabletop, exemplifies the supremely high standards set by Cyan. Dissatisfied with the look of computer-generated water, for example, the game's designers studied its physical properties and the complex qualities involved in its movement. Returning to the studio, they spent hundreds of hours designing water effects that resulted in startlingly realistic representations. Riven's water shimmers, undulates, reflects, and glints in the sun.

The developers at Cyan have spent the last four years amassing superior resources to perfect the world of Riven. Richard Vander Wende, an originator and co-creator of the Disney feature film, Aladdin, has been added as a co-director. Riven is being created using 13 SGI workstations and four SGI servers with a development team of more than 30 artists and designers. Conversely, Cyan's landmark title Myst, which has sold more than three million units in North America according to PC Data (4/97) was created by Rand and Robyn Miller and three others working on six Macintoshes out of their garage.

"Riven has taken the best attributes of Myst and pushed them several steps beyond," said Ken Goldstein, vice president and general manager of Red Orb Entertainment, a division of Broderbund. "Myst's design was so unique and captivating that it raised the bar for CD-ROM design to a new level. We believe Riven will do that all over again."

Red Orb Entertainment(TM), a division of Broderbund Software, Inc., is dedicated exclusively to the development of imaginative, high quality entertainment software for a broad range of game enthusiasts. In addition to developing entertainment software within the Red Orb Entertainment studio, Red Orb Entertainment publishes entertainment software from several of the industry's leading entertainment software development companies including Raven Software, Presto Studios, SSG, Trilobyte, and Cyan. Red Orb's Web site is located at http://www.redorb.com .

Broderbund Software, Inc., develops, publishes and markets a broad line of interactive content for use in homes, schools, and small businesses. Since its founding in 1980, Broderbund has pioneered innovative award-winning products that take advantage of the latest technologies. Broderbund has a successful track record of identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends through its studio development approach. Broderbund's Web site is located at http://www.broderbund.com .

Cyan, Inc. creates worlds. Since 1987 they've created worlds. Now they have some of the most talented people and state-of-the-art equipment in the universe. The worlds get better, but boy, do they need a vacation. Cyan's Web site is located at http://www.cyan.com . -0-

Note to Editors: Broderbund and Red Orb Entertainment, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Broderbund Software, Inc. Riven is a trademark and Myst is a registered trademark of Cyan, Inc. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

CONTACTS: Broderbund Software

Eric Winkler, 415/382-4568 (Marketing/Communications)

Robin Linstrom, 415/382-4449 (Investor Relations)

or

Porchivina & Associates for Broderbund PR

Rudy Porchivina, 415/893-8183

or

Connors Communications for Red Orb Ent. PR

Clay Hausmann, 415/217-7500