Press release: 1997-02-12: MTV TEAMS UP WITH GameWorks

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: GameWorks (archived)

MTV Takes Viewers Live to the Opening of the Premier GameWorks Location

NEW YORK, NY/LOS ANGELES, CA (February 12, 1997) - MTV: Music Television and GameWorks, a new entertainment venture inspired by DreamWorks SKG, Sega and Universal Studios, Inc., have teamed up for the opening of the premier GameWorks(TM) location, it was announced today by Andy Schuon, Executive Vice President, Programming, MTV and Michael Montgomery, President and COO, Sega GameWorks.
MTV will take viewers live to the opening of the premier GameWorks location in Seattle, Washington on March 15. Exclusive MTV programming will include a three hour pre-game show taped in and around Seattle, followed by the one hour live telecast of the GameWorks Seattle grand opening and premier party. The GameWorks special will give MTV viewers the first ever look at GameWorks, including an on-site tour, profiles of all major games, celebrity video game competitions, celebrity interviews, and special musical performances.

GameWorks, the newest entertainment location in Seattle, offers a hip nightclub atmosphere featuring classic, as well as the most advanced and never seen before "signature" games. The 30,000 square foot GameWorks in Seattle also features a brewpub, cafe and internet lounge.

"The MTV audience wants to know about everything shaping their future. They are avid and savvy consumers. They embrace outlets for expression, connection, and new experience. And MTV is, as always, their source," commented Mr. Schuon. "We're thrilled to give our audience an exclusive first look at GameWorks. Our GameWorks grand opening special will combine the excitement of a star-studded premiere with great musical performances, and some of the best gameplay action ever. We think it's terrific programming for the MTV audience as well as a tremendous opportunity for advertisers seeking to connect with these important consumers."

"MTV has always been the leader in setting music, entertainment and fashion direction for an entire generation," said Mr. Montgomery. "And we're delighted to have the opportunity to introduce GameWorks as an ideal hangout for MTV viewers." Montgomery added, "The different moods of GameWorks - from the energy of the highly competitive loading dock to the spectator excitement in the arena and the relaxed atmosphere of the loft appeals to people who enjoy a variety of action and entertainment."

The opening of the Seattle GameWorks in March 1997 will be followed by the opening of GameWorks Las Vegas in May 1997 and GameWorks in Ontario, CA in the summer of 1997. GameWorks will have over 40 locations by the year 2000.

GameWorks is the main business of Sega GameWorks L.L.C. Other Sega GameWorks activities include Games Operations, which owns and operates numerous arcade and Sega City(TM) locations and Game Sales, the exclusive distributor of Sega arcade games for North and South America. The shareholders of Sega GameWorks are wholly-owned subsidiaries of each of Sega Enterprises, DreamWorks SKG, and Universal Studios Inc. Universal Studios Inc. is a unit of The Seagram Company Ltd., a global beverage and entertainment company.

MTV NETWORKS, a unit of Viacom Inc., owns and operates basic cable programming services MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, VH1, and NICKELODEON/NICK AT NITE, all of which are registered trademarks of MTV NETWORKS.