Press release: 1997-06-19: SEGA SATURN NET LINK DELIVERS INDUSTRY'S FIRST NETWORKED ARCADE GAMES ON A CONSOLE

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: Sega.com (archived)

SEGA SATURN NET LINK DELIVERS INDUSTRY'S FIRST NETWORKED ARCADE GAMES ON A CONSOLE
Upgraded Browser Makes Net Link's Internet Access a Scream

ATLANTA -- (June 19, 1997) E3 Booth #1546 --
Online gaming for next-generation videogame consoles is now a reality -- and only on Sega SaturnTM. Sega® of America challenges gamers everywhere to get ready for battle with the release of five games for the Sega Saturn Net Link. The games, based on popular arcade games and industry classics, will arrive starting in July, along with an updated web browser.

Sega Saturn Net Link-enabled games guarantee hard-nosed on-line confrontations with the following action-packed titles -- "Sega Rally ChampionshipTM," "Virtual OnTM," "Duke NukemTM 3D," "Saturn BombermanTM" and "Daytona® USA CCETM."

Whether Net Link players want driving thrills, robot warrior excitement, action mania or horrific 3D shooting -- they will find each revered title is suited to immerse them in head-to-head gaming with friends around the corner or around the world.

Net Link offers customized Internet-based web-based game lobbies with Guest Book, Quick Link, IRC chat rooms and e-mail to facilitate player matches. Sega*s Guest Book serves as the official registry of Net Link -- this is the place for gamers to enter their code name, city, state and area code along with which games they like to play and their skill levels. Once gamers register, other Net Link comrades can hook-up with them to play any game. Quick Link, a separate communication tool from Guest Book and the IRC chat room, allows online gaming gurus the capability to reach people they already met on Net Link via a direct dial-up feature.

Sega's newly unveiled downloadable web update to its Net Link Web Browser adds support for frames and real-time IRC chat for users. The Net Link browser also offers improved keyboard functionality, including cursor key movement control and simplified keystroke interface.

"Sega of America's Net Link is the first product to bring Internet gaming into households on a console," said Bernard Stolar, chief operating officer, Sega of America. "With the release of our much anticipated Net Link-enabled games we are taking in-home arcade gaming to the next level." Sega Saturn Net Link, launched in November 1996 as the only next-generation videogame peripheral to allow Internet access, now adds network gaming. Net Link boasts a 28.8 kbps modem with a newly-upgraded, custom-designed Internet browser optimized for television play. Today, there are more than 15,000 Net Link units in use across the country.

Sega of America is the arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega videogame systems and videogames in the Americas. Sega Enterprises, Ltd. is a nearly $3.6 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, and is the only company that offers interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at (http://www.sega.com).