Press release: 2000-10-19: SegaNet Tops 100,000 Members in Just One Month; First High Speed Online Console Gaming Network Draws Huge Community With High Speed, Five Star Content

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

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 19, 2000

More than one hundred thousand gamers can't be wrong. Sega.com(TM), an independent online interactive entertainment company for gamers (www.sega.com), announced today that 100,000 plus gaming enthusiasts have signed up for SegaNet(TM) (www.sega.net), the world's first high speed online console gaming network and ISP. Launching with the hit title NFL 2K1, SegaNet members have logged on for an average of two hours per day to play on the premier online network and ISP.

"This incredible response lends credence to what we have always known -- that gamers are ready for the future, and the future is online," said Brad Huang, president and CEO, Sega.com. "Initial numbers such as these prove the potential of the online community. Given this tremendous support, we will continue to provide gamers with the best content available online."

Gameplay

In the month since its launch, SegaNet has met with overwhelmingly positive reviews. Gamers have raved over the awesome graphics and audio capabilities as well as the smooth gameplay. SegaNet utilizes a 56K modem to allow for a quick and efficient connection from virtually all homes, resulting in the highest quality of online gaming and the lowest latency possible. Sega.com has built the SegaNet network from the ground up to ensure consistently high speed gameplay and low latency.

NFL 2K1

In addition to other popular PC and Dreamcast titles, SegaNet showcases the popular Sega Sports(TM) NFL 2K1, elevating the art of sports video gaming and trash talking to a whole new level, pitting thousands of gamers across the country against each other. Reviews for the game have also been stellar. NextGen, a leading gaming publication, gave NFL 2K1 five stars, its highest game ranking. Gamers are eagerly anticipating the release of the hit action adventure Quake III Arena and NBA 2K1 later this month. The company will have dozens of online PC and Dreamcast titles available for online play by the end of the year.

Becoming a SegaNet member is easy. Consumers only need to buy a Dreamcast for $149.95, use the Dreamcast to log-on to the Internet and they will receive 50 free hours of SegaNet. Even better, by signing up for an 18 month agreement for the SegaNet ISP, which offers full Internet browsing capabilities, email and chat, consumers will receive an additional $150 rebate and a Dreamcast keyboard, effectively removing any barriers for the consumer to experience the first dedicated online console gaming network.

About Sega.com and SegaNet

Sega.com, Inc. (www.sega.com) is an online entertainment company that integrates Internet technology and innovation with over 40 years of experience in the video game industry. Sega.com also built SegaNet (www.sega.net), the only high-speed online console gaming network and community destination for gamers that provides Dreamcast users with the ultimate in speed, reliability and content. SegaNet offers both Dreamcast and PC gamers the best in 3D multi-player games, chat, community, cheat codes, tournaments and content. SegaNet is also a full service ISP offering gamers everything they need to know about gaming and other areas of interest including music, TV, community, movies, sports and e-commerce. SegaNet is the one stop destination for online games and gaming related content, offering gamers a community built specifically with them in mind.

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.
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