Press Release: 1999-06-14: Descent 3 Now Exclusively on HEAT.NET

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: SegaSoft (archived)

Phase 2 of the $50,000 Decent 3 Tournament is About to Begin

SAN FRANCISCO (June 14, 1999) - HEAT.NET™, the world's largest core gaming community with over 1.6 million members, today announced the availability of one of the most anticipated multiplayer games of 1999, Decent 3. As part of their exclusive licensing deal with Interplay, HEAT.NET is adding another "triple A" product to the fast, free online gaming service with the largest selection of games.

"The Descent 3 demo was a tremendous addition only a few months ago and has been one of the most heavily played games on the network," said Rich Pearson, director of marketing, HEAT.NET. "We are always excited to provide our gamers with the best online gaming experience and Decent 3 is easily destined to exceed all expectations."

DESCENT 3 GAMEPLAY

Descent 3, an action/arcade game and successor of Descent 1 and 2, takes the mind-bending, pulse-pounding experience to another level. This time around, players will experience the same frenzied subterranean shooting action along with the thrill of flying out of mines into the planetary atmosphere. Players will soar above the surface of the planet, engaging in combat with enemy air and ground forces using ten new lethal weapons to obliterate the most sophisticated enemy robots.

"Interplay chose HEAT.NET due to past success with our other hit products, the incredible gaming community, and the marketing ability and support for online gaming," said Stacy Bremmer, product manager, Interplay. "The hugely promoted Descent 3 demo, the tournament, and now the full version of the game is evidence of HEAT.NET's outstanding commitment to our games as well as their ability to continually attract and expand the core gaming audience."

HEAT.NET Hosts Largest Cash Giveaway Event Ever!

In addition to supporting the demo, HEAT.NET played a key part in hosting Interplay's $50,000 tournament. Phase 1 recently completed after a series of day long tournaments where players win seeding ranks in the Phase 2 or semi-finals leading up to the live championship event.

"This contest held the biggest purse of any other we've hosted," added Pearson. "Our players love to get paid to play as evident with our degree program and proof positive in the attention and traffic drawn to these tournaments."

ABOUT INTERPLAY ENTERTAINMENT

Interplay Entertainment Corp. is a leading developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software for both core gamers and the mass market. Interplay currently balances its development efforts by publishing for personal computers and current generation video game consoles. Interplay releases products through Interplay, Shiny Entertainment, Tantrum, Black Isle Studios, VR Sports, Flat Cat, Tribal Dreams, its affiliated labels and its wholly owned subsidiary Interplay OEM, Inc. More comprehensive information on Interplay and its products is available through its worldwide web site at http://www.interplay.com.

ABOUT HEAT.NET

HEAT.NET (www.heat.net) is the free online multi-player gaming service with the largest selection of games. HEAT.NET combines the best selection of multi-player PC games (over 100 are featured) with a thriving community of online gamers (1.5 million) and offers hundreds of competitive online gaming events and unique competitive features including the only rewards system for online gamers (frequent player points known as Degrees). While gameplay is free for all members, Premium membership allows players to redeem their frequent player points for prizes and make purchases in the HEAT.NET store. Premium members can also wager their points against one another in games of skill. HEAT.NET is the exclusive games provider for the @Home Network and the premiere games provider for Road Runner cable modem customers. HEAT.NET also operates the HEAT Collegiate Internet Gaming League (www.heatcigl.net) which features representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities in North America.

ABOUT SEGASOFT NETWORKS INC.

SegaSoft Networks, Inc. (SNI) develops and operates online gaming services and technology, including its flagship network HEAT.NET. Located in San Francisco, SNI is a privately held company whose shareholders include CSK and Sega Enterprises. For more information about SNI please visit www.segasoft.com.

SegaSoft, HEAT, HEAT.NET and Degrees are trademarks of SegaSoft Networks, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.