Press release: 1996-08-26: Sega Entertainment kicks off fall line-up with free PC games promotions

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

Sega Entertainment kicks off fall line-up with free PC games promotions; "Virtua Fighter" arcade is grand prize in sweepstakes.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 28, 1996--Free - Fall. It's not just an exhilarating jump from an airplane.

These words refer to the free product promotions Sega, Entertainment is offering to kick off its fall PC games line starting Sept. 5 with "Virtua Fighter PC," "BUG!," and "Baku Baku."

"Virtua Fighter PC," which has already received the Computer Player "CP Recommended" seal and acclaim by the PC gaming media, ships Sept. 5 accompanied by a trade-in and sweepstakes program.

Through Oct. 31, consumers can trade in any other PC CD-ROM fighting game along with a "Virtua Fighter PC" proof of purchase to receive an $8 rebate. This automatically enters consumers into a sweepstakes with the chance to win a "Virtua Fighter" arcade unit as the grand prize. Others can enter the sweepstakes by sending in the coupon packed in with the game, signing up on-line, or sending in a postcard to Sega Entertainment by Dec. 31, 1996.

Ten second place prizes ("Virtua Fighter PC" T-shirts plus six Sega Entertainment games) and 25 third prizes ("Virtua Fighter PC" T-shirts) also will be awarded.

For the family-fun gamer, Sega Entertainment will offer a buy-two-get-one-free coupon as a special launch promotion this fall. Consumers simply send in two proofs of purchase from the company's "Proven Family Fun" line, along with $4.95 for shipping and handling, and they will receive a third game in the family fun line free.

Games offered include "BUG!" and "Baku Baku" shipping Sept. 5 and "Sonic CD" available on Sept. 15. The promotion starts Sept. 5 and runs through Jan. 31, 1997.

"We're entering the market with aggressive marketing and promotional campaigns to capture the leadership position in arcade-style and family fun PC gaming," said Shinobu Toyoda, president and CEO of Sega Entertainment. "Our line-up of action and character-based games, combined with free product offers, discounts and sweepstakes, will make Sega Entertainment a clear winner this fall."

Sega Entertainment PC games will be available in PC software retail outlets across the United States. In addition to these promotions and sweepstakes, the games will be supported with marketing campaigns including print advertising, on-line advertising, in-store POP, merchandising materials, on-line promotions and comprehensive public relations efforts.

A free demo of "BUG!," as well as screen shots, wallpaper and product information, are available on the Sega Entertainment Web site at http://www.sega.com/segapc.

Sega Entertainment Inc. is a joint venture between Sega of America, the arm of Tokyo-based Sega Enterprises Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega video game systems and video games in the Americas, and SOFTBANK Holdings Inc., one of the world's largest distributors of computer software, peripherals and systems, as well as Japan's largest publisher of computer-related magazines and books.

Sega Entertainment is responsible for creating, marketing and distributing PC-based entertainment which utilizes Sega's arcade and console-based games and characters. The company has headquarters in Redwood City. -0- NOTE TO EDITORS: For Sega's past news releases, go to http://www.businesswire.com/emk.

CONTACT: Sega Entertainment Inc., Redwood City

Dan Stevens, 415/802-3996

or

Manning, Selvage & Lee

Leasa Vignale, 213/782-6600, ext. 228
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