Press release: 1994-11-02: Sega goes on-line with CompuServe & World Wide Web

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: The Free Library

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 2, 1994--Interactive digital entertainment leader, Sega of America, Wednesday announced the launch of an interactive on-line service on CompuServe starting this month.

Sega also announced the opening of a ``Home Page'' on the Internet's World Wide Web (WWW or Web) beginning Nov. 7. The new services will give Sega information surfers multiple options to download text, graphics and audio, participate in chat groups, and will include regular on-line conferences, including the first on Nov. 7 with Sega Chief Executive Officer and President Tom Kalinske (6 - 7 p.m. PST).

Like an electronic superstore, the new Sega Forum on CompuServe will offer selections for all Sega information ``shoppers,'' including real-time conferencing and message boards as well as text, still image and audio/video downloading opportunities on Sega products and other company ventures such as the Sega Channel, Sega's planned mini-theme parks and new products from Sega Toys.

In addition to Sega's Home Page on the Web, an anonymous File Transfer Protocol (FTP) site will allow Sega customers who surf the net to find text, audio or graphic images input by Sega on the Internet.

``We have an unusually strong connection to the people who use our products, in fact, we are known for a rabid loyalty among Sega fans that inspires them to mimic our commercials, collect our games, emulate our style and idolize our game developers.

``What better way to cement that bond than to have Sega fans link with the source itself. As evidence of this we are the only non-apparel company recognized by teens as among the five coolest companies in America -- that's the position in the consumers' minds that the CompuServe and Internet services can only strengthen,'' said Bill White, Sega of America vice president of marketing.

In addition to ``meeting'' with Tom Kalinske on Nov. 7, Sega is producing a stream of regular programming on CompuServe. During its first month of service, Sega surfers will also be able to participate in the following real-time conferences: Nov. 15, Roger Hector, who oversees the Sega Technical Institute (STI), the unit responsible for developing ``Sonic & Knuckles''; on Nov. 18, Joe Miller, vice president of product development will be available to ``talk'' about Sega's new hardware platform Genesis 32X; on Nov. 30, the development team responsible for bringing the hit PC game ``Doom'' to 32X will be live on-line.

``We're very excited about bringing Sega on-line,'' said Kevin Knott, vice president of product marketing at CompuServe. ``We believe our information and interactive services will offer Sega enthusiasts new channels of communication with their favorite company.''

Sega of America is the market leader in home video game systems in the United States with Sega Genesis, Sega CD and Game Gear hardware and more than 500 software titles for the 8-bit, 16-bit and

CD-ROM systems. This fall, Sega will launch Genesis 32X, an add-on for the Genesis and Sega CD systems to increase them to 32-bit machines for new titles, among other new developments.

The Sega forum is expected to keep Sega consumers informed and ready for the latest in interactive digital entertainment.

Sega of America is the arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Sega Enterprises Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega products in the Americas. Sega Enterprises is a nearly $4-billion company recognized as a leader in interactive digital entertainment media, with operations on five continents.

Established in 1979, the CompuServe Information Service provides its worldwide membership of more than 2 million with databases and services to meet both business and personal interests. CompuServe can be accessed by any modem-equipped personal computer utilizing general communications software.

In addition to the CompuServe Information Service, CompuServe Inc. provides frame relay, wide and local area networking services, electronic mail, business information services and software to major corporations and government agencies worldwide. CompuServe is an H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) company.

SEGA FORUM FACT SHEET

The Sega Forum will provide up-to-the-nano-second information. To reach the wide array of Sega audiences, message areas focused on the varied Sega products and services will be created on CompuServe. Featured services initially offered to satisfy Sega enthusiasts will include:

-- Tips and hints from game developers about how to master new

levels on the hottest titles.

-- Regular conferences with Sega executives, video game developers,

producers, artists, musicians and celebrities.

-- Electronic meetings with other game enthusiasts around the

country providing the opportunity to spur fan clubs, strategy

meetings, mutual support groups and review awesome game play.

-- News releases and updates about Sega characters, hot game titles.

-- Endless feedback opportunities for those who want to influence

the development of new titles and new directions for old

favorites.

CONTACT: Sega of America

 Richard Brudvik-Lindner, 415/802-3858
 or
 CompuServe
 Debra Young, 614/538-4553
 or
 Manning, Selvage & Lee
 Greg Chiemingo, 818/509-1840

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