Catapult Entertainment to bring high-speed, interactive gaming to Pentium processor PCs; Intel Corp. assisting in development.CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 1995--Personal computer game players will soon be able to compete with opponents around the country using a networked online service from Catapult catapult (kăt`əpŭlt'), mechanism used to throw missiles in ancient and medieval warfare. At first, catapults were specifically designed to shoot spears or other missiles at a low trajectory (see bow and arrow). Entertainment Inc. Catapult Thursday announced that it is extending its real-time interactive gaming network, called XBAND, to personal computers based on Intel Corp.'s Pentium processors. With technical assistance from Intel, Catapult is developing the software that will make its XBAND video game network accessible to PC game players, the fastest-growing video gaming video gaming n. 1. Gambling by means of interactive games of chance played on a video screen. 2. The playing of video games. segment. Catapult's XBAND network cost-effectively links 16-bit video game players around the country, in real time, via the telephone and is currently available in New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , San Francisco San Francisco (săn frănsĭs`kō), city (1990 pop. 723,959), coextensive with San Francisco co., W Calif., on the tip of a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, which are connected by the strait known as the Golden , Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. , Dallas and Atlanta. Players using the network are matched with players of similar skill in a simple, one-step process and are able to compete head-to-head playing one of five popular titles. The software being developed by Catapult will extend the same XBAND service to PCs based on the Intel Pentium processor. The PC software is slated for availability for the 1995 holiday season so that it can be bundled with systems from participating PC manufacturers. ``We are delighted to bring XBAND to Intel-based PCs,'' said Adam Grosser, president of Catapult. ``The PC gaming market segment is projected to experience exponential growth Extremely fast growth. On a chart, the line curves up rather than being straight. Contrast with linear. and we intend to capitalize on Cap´i`tal`ize on` v. t. 1. To turn (an opportunity) to one's advantage; to take advantage of (a situation); to profit from; as, to capitalize on an opponent's mistakes s>. this opportunity by bringing the greatest availability, quality and variety of network game play options to PC users.'' Avram Miller, Intel vice president of corporate business development, said, ``We are pleased that Catapult is providing technology that will play a key role in enabling high-performance, multiplayer PC games in the home. This is another example of the PC becoming the preeminent pre·em·i·nent or pre-em·i·nent adj. Superior to or notable above all others; outstanding. See Synonyms at dominant, noted. [Middle English, from Latin prae interactive entertainment platform.'' Robert Carberry, vice president of technology, Blockbuster block·bust·er n. 1. Something, such as a film or book, that sustains widespread popularity and achieves enormous sales. 2. A high-explosive bomb used for demolition purposes. 3. Entertainment and a member of the Catapult board of directors, said, ``Catapult is on the cutting edge of networked multiplayer games See multiplayer gaming. and we are pleased to see the technology used to boost the efficiency of, and access to, real-time PC gaming in the home.'' Grosser said Catapult also intends to work with major computer manufacturers and software publishers. ``We've built our reputation on high-energy multiplayer and network PC gaming,'' said Mark Yahiro, senior vice president of marketing for Velocity, one of the first software companies to develop network games. ``The interest and demand is there; however, the technology has been expensive, cumbersome and limited. Catapult's XBAND technology allows more players to enjoy compelling game play with an easy interface and the ability to work with existing popular titles like Spectre and our upcoming JetSki Rage.'' ``The game industry is headed toward networked gaming,'' said Randy Komisar, president of LucasArts Entertainment. ``We're excited to see Catapult bring their easy-to-use XBAND service to the PC.'' Catapult Entertainment launched XBAND for Sega Genesis in November 1994. XBAND for Super Nintendo will be introduced in mid-1995, with both systems available nationally in the fall of 1995. Catapult Entertainment was formed to create premier products and services to support networked real-time interactive entertainment. Founded by senior executives from Sony Pictures Entertainment, General Magic, T-HQ and Apple Computer Inc., Catapult is a private company based in Cupertino. CONTACT: Catapult Entertainment Inc., Cupertino Susan Baldwin, 408/366-1736 or Intel Corp. Tom Waldrop, 408/765-8478 or KillerApp Communications Rachel McCallister/Scott Grogin, 213/939-5991 Laurie Burrier/Katie Cotton, 818/509-3700 |
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