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 TMSR Thorium Molten Salt Reactor TMSR Technical Manual Seatask Requirement ), today announced that it has entered into an agreement to provide Talk n' Play(TM) online community communications services to Computer Gaming World Computer Gaming World (CGW) was the first magazine devoted exclusively to computer games. CGW was founded in 1981 by Russell Sipe as a semi-monthly publication. , (CGW CGW Computer Graphics World (magazine) CGW Computer Gaming World CGW Chicago Great Western CGW Corning Glass Works CGW Coated Groundwood (paper) CGW Communication Gateway ), a Ziff-Davis (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :ZD) 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 Chat Client is the name used for alternative engines to messengers such as Yahoo!, MSN, and AOL. Several offer limited services with only IM/PM ability while some offer combined messsenger services with Yahoo!, AOL, or MSN, among others, combined into one. , 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 A gaming community is usually a group of like minded individuals working towards a goal (such as promoting fair play and team work) or supporting each other within games (usually online video games such as MMORPG's or FPS's) RTS(real time strategy) games are developing larger 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 CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). , 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 Headphones combined with a microphone. Used in call centers and by people in telephone-intensive jobs, headsets provide the equivalent functionality of a telephone handset with hands-free operation. Many people use headsets at the computer so they can converse and type comfortably. microphone designed to optimize Internet voice communication. "cgwgaming.com will bring a whole new level of communication and interactivity to the online gaming See 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 proliferation /pro·lif·er·a·tion/ (pro-lif?er-a´shun) the reproduction or multiplication of similar forms, especially of cells.prolif´erativeprolif´erous pro·lif·er·a·tion n. of our WeCanTalk.com solutions will be pursued via the execution of a near-term revenue model, driven by the retail and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) The rebranding of equipment and selling it. The term initially referred to the company that made the products (the "original" manufacturer), but eventually became widely used to refer to the organization that buys the products and 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 (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. . "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. About Computer Gaming World/Ziff-Davis For more than 17 years, Computer Gaming World has been the industry's publication of record for news, reviews, and previews on computer gaming and gaming products. In addition to a subscription base of more than 300,000 core computer gamers each month, Computer Gaming World is available at newsstands nationwide and online at www.computergaming.com. Ziff-Davis is a leading integrated media and marketing company focused on computing and Internet-related technology, with principal platforms in print publishing, tradeshows and conferences, online content, television, market research, and education. The Company provides global technology companies with marketing strategies for reaching key decision-makers. About PeopleLink Established in 1996 by idealab!, and funded by AT&T Ventures, PeopleLink provides community information and communications services to web sites, ISPs and online businesses. PeopleLink is headquartered in Santa Monica Santa Monica (săn`tə mŏn`ĭkə), city (1990 pop. 86,905), Los Angeles co., S Calif., on Santa Monica Bay; inc. 1886. Tourism and retailing are important, and the city has motion-picture, biotechnology, and software industries. , Calif. About ThrustMaster ThrustMaster is a developer and marketer of realistic, high quality game controllers and software solutions designed to enhance the entertainment experience. ThrustMaster is a leader in bringing outstanding PC, video game, and Internet entertainment solutions to consumers worldwide. For more information, view the ThrustMaster Web site at http://www.thrustmaster.com. This press release includes forward-looking statements forward-looking statement A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections. regarding the acceptance and expected shipment of the WeCanTalk.com product portfolio of solutions into the retail, OEM, and eCommerce channels. In addition, forward looking statements also include the ability of the Company to succeed in rapidly proliferating WeCanTalk.com products into the mass market and achieve success in the execution of its near-term, mid- term, and upgrade revenue models. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Investors are directed to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's 1998 Form 10-K Form 10-K A report required by the SEC from exchange-listed companies that provides for annual disclosure of certain financial information. Form 10-K See 10-K. , which are available from the Company without charge, for a further description of the risks and uncertainties relating to relating to relate prep → concernant relating to relate prep → bezüglich +gen, mit Bezug auf +acc forward-looking statements made by the Company as well as to other aspects of the Company's business. |
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