Habbo Hotel - the Award-Winning Online Community for Teenagers - Checks-in to the U.S.

LOS ANGELES -- Gaming Environment Provides Outlet for Self-Expression and Creativity Through Animated Messaging

After much anticipation, Sulake Inc. announced today that Habbo Hotel(TM), one of the world's largest multiplayer, multidimensional virtual communities for teenagers, is now available in the United States at www.habbohotel.com. Habbo Hotel combines the concept of simulation gaming with the camaraderie of a community to enable teens and young adults ages 13 to 20 to express themselves creatively. Habbo Hotel is based on principles of respect and non-violence to help achieve an appropriate environment for youth. Using a personalized 'Habbo' character, members are able to interact with other Habbos, make new friends, play games and even decorate and furnish rooms. All that is required is an Internet connection and a wealth of imagination.

"After having successfully launched in 12 countries and with more than 2.2 million unique users every month, Habbo Hotel is one of the world's most popular online communities for teenagers," said Timo Soininen, CEO of Sulake Corporation, parent company of Habbo Hotel. "We are thrilled to bring this growing community to the United States and help U.S. teenagers break barriers to self-expression and social acceptance."

Habbo Hotel uses Java-based technology developed specifically by Sulake, and pays homage to early computer games with its unique pixel style and fresh color palette. The Hotel has won numerous international awards, including the Golden Nica in Net Excellence - the Cannes Grand Prix award of the Internet world.

HOW IT WORKS

Users register for free and create a unique Habbo character before enjoying basic services that include interacting with other Habbos, and exploring various public areas and guest rooms in the hotel. All Habbo characters are customizable with various hairdos and fashion styles that showcase the user's individuality, taste and style. Once in the Hotel, Habbos can dance, wave and talk to other Habbos.

To enhance the animated interactive experience, Habbo coins can be purchased for 20 cents each. These coins allow users to play numerous games, including the reflex challenge 'Wobble Squabble' and the diving competition. To match individual tastes and preferences, coins can also be used to design and furnish personal rooms with offerings from the Habbo catalog. Current catalog offerings include retro and space age furniture, posters, flags and plants, among others.

SAFETY MEASURES 

Working to maintain an appropriate environment for young people is a top priority at Habbo Hotel. Community management and technical tools, activity moderation and player education are key components of the Habbo security system. Paid moderators patrol the community 24/7 to help maintain an experience as non-compromising as possible. Conversations are screened and filtered using proprietary software - called a 'Bobba Filter' - in an effort to eliminate swearing, as well as racist and sexist remarks. Users can also use the instantaneous online help and support from Sulake staff, and all users are required to read a safety education manual before registration is complete. Habbo Hotel also works with several youth organizations internationally to provide educational and supportive Internet content for teenagers.

"We are committed to maintaining a fun, non-violent and creative environment for teenagers," explained Soininen. "Habbo Hotel truly embraces all members equally, and honors the spirit of an imaginative, safe, responsible environment for animated messaging."

About Sulake

Everyone Can Play(R)

Habbo Hotel was originally created by two Finnish students, Aapo Kyrola and Sampo Karjalainen. Launched in 2000, it is now operated by Sulake, a game development company specializing in massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) and online communities. Its games, such as Habbo Hotel, are community-driven, readily accessible and easy to play. Sulake currently has over 120 employees and operates in twelve countries: USA, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Norway and Finland.