Press release: 2000-08-07: Sega.com Announces Beta Test Program

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.com Announces Beta Test Program; More than 100 Lucky Dreamcast Gamers Will be Chosen to Test-Drive New Sega.Net Online Gaming Service.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2000

Sega.com, Inc. (www.sega.com), a leading online interactive entertainment company for gamers, today announced that the company is looking for more than 100 hardcore Sega Dreamcast(TM) gamers to beta test its new high-speed online gaming service, SegaNet, which is scheduled for launch in September.

The chosen few will have the coolest jobs in town. Between August 21 and 29, they will be asked to play Dreamcast games across SegaNet against fellow gamers nationwide. In addition to test-driving the first console-based Internet multiplayer gaming service and reporting their findings back to Sega.com, beta testers will be eligible to win numerous prizes to be awarded throughout the test period.

"We are looking hardcore gamers, people who can put SegaNet through its paces and tell us how we can make the experience even better," said Lynn MacConnell, chief technology officer of Sega.com. "Our beta testers will help us revolutionize the gaming industry and will play an essential part in SegaNet's mission to take gaming into the 21st century, which is fully-immersive online console gameplay."

Dreamcast gamers are invited to sign up for the beta test program on Wednesday, August 9, 2000. Applications will be available online at www.sega.com. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old and willing to sign (and abide by) a nondisclosure agreement. The 100 lucky beta testers will be selected at random and asked to play various titles for several hours between August 21 and 29. The beta program is not available to members of the media or professionals in the gaming industry.

About Sega Dreamcast

The 128-bit Internet ready Sega Dreamcast is available in the US with a built-in 56K modem, allowing for full Internet functionality via SegaNet(TM), the only high-speed online console gaming network and ISP service for Sega Dreamcast and PC users. Sega Dreamcast currently has more than 80 titles available. The total Sega Dreamcast game library count will be more than 200 in the year 2000.

About Sega.com and SegaNet

Sega.com, Inc. is a new online entertainment company whose goal is to become the online destination for gamers. Sega.com integrates SegaNet, the only high-speed online console gaming network providing Dreamcast users with the ultimate in speed, reliability and content. SegaNet offers gamers the best in 3D multi-player games, chat, community, cheat codes, tournaments and content. SegaNet is also an ISP for Sega Dreamcast and PC users, offering gamers everything they need to know about gaming and other areas of interest that tie in with gaming including music, TV, community, movies, sports and e-commerce.
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