Press release: 2000-05-11: Acclaim and Sega Enterprises, Ltd. Reach Distribution Agreement

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

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 2000

Global Rights and a September Release Date for "F355 Challenge" On Sega Dreamcast(TM) are Confirmed by Sega and Acclaim

Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKLM), and Sega(R)Enterprises, Ltd. today announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo that the companies have entered into an agreement to distribute the Sega Dreamcast(TM)version of the highly-praised arcade game F355 Challenge.

The agreement provides Acclaim with distribution rights in North America and Europe for a Sega Dreamcast version of Yu Suzuki's arcade racing simulation. His legacy includes some of the industry's greatest games such as "Out Run(TM)," the "Virtua Fighter(TM)" series and "Virtua Racing(TM)." F355 Challenge is a highly realistic racing simulation featuring the F355 Challenge racing car and it boasts extraordinarily smooth graphics, ultra realistic circuit visuals and unprecedented realistic car control. The game features six circuits, all of which are accurately modeled, including stadiums with detailed graphics. After the race is complete, drivers are given the data on their racing line, time, RPM, speed and gear selection. F355 Challenge also incorporates a training mode with AI to assist drivers with voice and visual guidance.

"Sega is pleased to be partnering with Acclaim, who has a long-standing relationship with Ferrari, to bring this arcade hit to Sega Dreamcast," said Peter Moore, president and COO, Sega of America. "With F355 Challenge, Yu Suzuki has set an all new standard in realistic racing games and we expect that this will be a top-seller on Sega Dreamcast."

Commenting on the publishing agreement, Rod Cousens, President and Chief Operating Officer, Acclaim International, said, "We are simply thrilled to have reached this agreement with Sega. This is the most impressive racing simulation in its genre. Gamers that want to experience the real thrill of driving Ferrari can expect zero compromise in F355 Challenge."

The partnership between Sega and Ferrari made it possible to realize this racing simulation based on extensive research and cooperative testing by both parties. The developer also visited Ferrari's Italian headquarters to gather and research all relevant data on the car. This results in an on-screen depiction and in-game handling of the 355 Challenge which is accurate down to the most intricate details. The result is a game which attempts to bring gamers closer than ever before to experiencing the real thrill of Ferrari 355 Challenge racing. Acclaim International will release F355 Challenge for Sega Dreamcast in late 2000.

Acclaim Entertainment Background Information

Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and mass marketer of software for use with interactive entertainment platforms including Nintendo, Sony Computer Entertainment and Sega hardware systems, and PCs. Acclaim owns and operates studios located in the United States and the United Kingdom, and publishes and distributes its software directly in North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain and Australia. Acclaim also distributes entertainment software for other publishers worldwide, and publishes comic books and software strategy guides. Acclaim's headquarters are in Glen Cove, New York and Acclaim's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol AKLM. For more information please visit our web site at http://www.acclaim.com.

About Sega

Sega of America Dreamcast, Inc. 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 $2.5 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, offering interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at www.sega.com.

Note to Editors - Earlier this month Acclaim announced that, as part of a 5 year agreement with Ferrari, Ferrari 360 Challenge and Ferrari Grand Prix games were due for release as part of their PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system line-up.
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