Sony Pictures Consumer Products and Encore Software Inc. to Publish ``Jackie Chan Adventures'' On PlayStation 2 and Xbox.

Business/ Entertainment Editors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 24, 2001

Sony Pictures Consumer Products and Encore Software Inc. today announced that they have signed an exclusive, worldwide agreement to develop, market, promote and distribute "Jackie Chan Adventures"(TM) on the Sony PlayStation(R) 2 and Microsoft Xbox(TM).

The games will draw from the successful animated series airing on Kids' WB! that pairs Jackie with his niece Jade as they protect the world from evil forces.

"We're so excited to partner with Encore Software on video games based on the highly successful 'Jackie Chan Adventures' franchise," said Al Ovadia, executive vice president, Sony Pictures Consumer Products. "'Jackie Chan Adventures' is a tremendously popular property with kids, and one that is ready to explode at retail this fall with over 20 key licensees in a broad range of categories worldwide."

Added Michael Bell, CEO and chairman of Encore Software, "The 'Jackie Chan Adventures' videogames will combine Jackie Chan's star power, amazing athleticism and unique humor with a great cast of characters and compelling storylines. These attributes -- which make the Sony Pictures Family Entertainment animated series so popular -- lend themselves perfectly to the gameplay and excitement of the PlayStation and next-generation systems."

At the debut on Kids' WB! of "Jackie Chan Adventures," it was named the highest rated new show among 2 to 11 year olds (source: Summit Media Group Small Screen). Currently, the animated series airs on Saturday mornings, and will air daily in the after-school time slot starting this fall. A total of 52 episodes have been contracted for development.

The show has consistently held the top position since its debut in its time slot for boys ages 6 to 11. And, out of all Saturday morning shows for the same demographics, "Jackie Chan Adventures" ranks third. The series will launch in over 20 countries around the world in Europe, Southeast Asia, Russia, Canada, Australia and New Zealand starting in fall 2001.

About Sony Pictures Consumer Products

"Jackie Chan Adventures" is a property of Sony Pictures Consumer Products, based in Los Angeles, which handles the merchandising and branding efforts for some of the most recognized properties in film and television. This includes theatrical properties such as "Men in Black 2"(TM), "Stuart Little 2"(TM) and "Spider-Man"(TM) through a limited partnership with Marvel Enterprises Inc., as well as television properties like "Phantom Investigators"(TM), "Harold and the Purple Crayon"(TM), "Jackie Chan Adventures"(TM) and "Max Steel"(TM).

SPSP is a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), whose global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution, television production and distribution, worldwide channel investments, home entertainment acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities, development of new entertainment products, services and technologies, and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries.

About Sony Pictures Family Entertainment

Sony Pictures Family Entertainment Group produces traditional cel animation, CGI and live-action properties for television around the world.

The division is currently producing "Jackie Chan Adventures," "Max Steel," "Men in Black: The Series," and is distributing "Phantom Investigators" for Kids' WB!; "Dragon Tales," co-produced with Sesame Workshop, on PBS' Ready to Learn block; "Harold and the Purple Crayon" for HBO Family, "Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles," "Jamanji" and "Extreme Ghostbusters" airing in syndication; and the upcoming "Heavy Gear." SPFE is also developing the animated series "Stuart Little" for HBO Family, and "Lenore," an original Internet series with Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment (SPDE).

About Encore Software Inc.

Encore Software is a leading interactive publisher in both the CD-ROM and videogame markets. The company offers a broad range of CD-ROM education, reference and casual gaming software under such well-known brand names as National Geographic, Kaplan, Advantage(TM) and Vegas Fever(R). It is also the world's largest publisher of software collections such as "Fun & Skills Pack"(TM) and "MegaHits." In videogames, the company develops and publishes titles based on best-selling properties including "Zoboomafoo"(R) and "Jackie Chan Adventures"(TM). These titles are sold in over 35,000 stores nationwide, and in many international markets.

Encore Software is the nation's largest privately held consumer software publisher, and among those recognized in Inc. magazine's list of America's 500 fastest growing private companies. For more information on the company, visit www.encoresoftware.com.