Online entertainment pioneer to introduce virtual reality world

FEBRUARY 6, 1996 -- BURLINGAME, Calif. -- The ImagiNation Network (INN),
the pioneer in online interactive entertainment, is taking its successful
network environment to the 3D world and adding universal network access.

The completely interactive platform, code-named Cyber Park, will feature a
sophisticated new 3D virtual reality environment with high- resolution
graphics, fully-animated characters, and rich entertainment and
information content. It will be Internet-accessible with advanced Windows
95 features and is scheduled to launch this summer.

New partnership business model

Cyber Park formalizes a significant transition in INN's business model as
the company transports its environment and interactive expertise to a
broader business model with online and Internet service providers as
distribution partners. It also opens INN to licensing opportunities with
international and new media companies.

This new model is possible via INN's new Universal Access Platform (UAP).
Recently completed in partnership with Sun Microsystems and AT&T, UAP will
allow online consumers to access Cyber Park through online services, the
Internet and other emerging consumer entertainment networks, like DBS and
cable TV.

Communities of interest needed on the Internet

"ImagiNation Network has a tremendous track record in developing
community-driven environments that encourage a high degree of
communication and involvement among our members," said Dean DeBiase,
president and CEO of the ImagiNation Network.

"Personal loyalties and community alliances have become key to effective
brand management over online services. The difference between people
surfing the Web and sticking to your brand is not how cool your site is;
the winners will have targeted messages, meaningful and entertaining
environments, extremely simple features and helpful online support people.
These elements encourage consumers to stay on the network longer and to
return more often. We are taking our technology and expertise in these
areas, adding next-generation graphics and animation, and bringing it to a
dynamic, accessible environment on the Internet."

With INN's unique combination of content and online "hosts," its current
network has one of the highest average session times in the consumer
online industry -- more than one hour per session. DeBiase says that Cyber
Park's 3D VR environment, with depth of content and extensive
interactivity built into it, will likely increase session times even
more.

"That's critical to our new network partners regardless of the vertical
industry or application, from games and entertainment to health care,
financial services or retail," he said.

Mainstream interactive neighborhoods

Cyber Park is designed like a city, with buildings and various
"neighborhoods" that will house entertainment activities and games
appealing to specific communities of interest. It will be "staffed" with
fully animated non-player inhabited characters (NPIs), including
sorcerers, waiters, butlers, janitors and others, that interact with the
3D animated character personas that can be customized by individual
players. It will accommodate hundreds of thousands of online visitors who
can gather and socialize simultaneously around entertainment content,
bulletin boards, chat rooms, conferences, online events, classes and other
activities.

"Our current network initially attracts people because they're intrigued by
the depth and breadth of entertainment and game content we offer,"
explained DeBiase. "But once on, the socialization and community drives
their experience. Cyber Park will be accessible to even more people, and
we expect the diversity and uniqueness of the environment to add a broader
appeal to users. We will be both content-rich and community-rich."

In addition to the neighborhoods, graphics, and entertainment features,
Cyber Park has full multimedia features. It will offer realistic sound and
spatial sound immersion, with variable sounds and volume reflecting the
visitor's journey through the park. In addition, a visual acoustic will
allow them to "see" and join conversations as they wander within visual
"earshot." Future enhancements will allow for video and voice applications
as well.

Founded in 1991, The ImagiNation Network is the first and largest online
service totally dedicated to interactive entertainment. INN currently
features more than 30 multi-player games, including strategy, card and
board games, action and sports games, flight simulations, role-playing
games and others. INN also features hundreds of bulletin boards and chat
rooms, and sponsors dozens of online tournaments and events. To learn more
about INN, visit the Web site at http://www.inngames.com. The ImagiNation
Network is headquartered in Burlingame, Calif.
 
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