Пресс-релизы

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В данной статье собраны официальные пресс-релизы Blizzard.

1994

Davidson & Associates Inc. Acquires Chaos Studios, and Signs Letter of Intent to Acquire Learningways Inc.

Leading Entertainment And Educational Software Developers Will Expand Davidson Development Capabilities

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Davidson & Associates Inc. (NASDAQ: DAVD) today announced it has acquired Chaos Studios, a leading entertainment software developer best known for titles such as "The Lost Vikings" and "Rock and Roll Racing", and the recently announced "The Death and Return of Superman".

Davidson has also reached an agreement in principle to acquire Learningways Inc., an educational software developer headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. Learningways is the developer of Josten's "Tapestry" and Scholastic's "Point-of-View" software.

Says Bob Davidson, chairman and chief executive officer of Davidson & Associates Inc., "These two premier development companies represent an important addition to our growing research and development capabilities. By 1995, they will contribute significant new product revenues."

Chaos Studios

Commenting on the merger, Allen Adham, president of Chaos Studios said, "We're delighted to be part of Davidson & Associates. This relationship provides us with the resources and synergy to create a whole new line of next-generation entertainment products. The tremendous creativity we've put to work in developing award-winning software for other companies can now be turned into significant product revenues for Chaos and Davidson."

Adds Jan Davidson, president and founder of Davidson & Associates, "We welcome Chaos as a new development center and are pleased to have access to so much talent and creativity. In addition to development expertise, our merger with Chaos provides us with a new, separate label for entertainment software."

The purchase of Chaos by Davidson was recorded as a stock exchange in a pooling of interests, valued at $6.75 million. Chaos will continue to operate independently, retaining its current staff and expanding operations. The company's first products as part of Davidson will be a series of multimedia entertainment titles, the first of which will be available by Christmas 1994.

Chaos Studios (formerly known as Silicon & Synapse Inc.) was founded in 1991 by Adham and Michael Morhaime, and is headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif. The company is a leading third-party developer of over 30 entertainment products and has consistently won awards for innovative products, including four "Best of Show" awards at the Consumer Electronics Shows in 1992 and 1993. Most recently, Chaos was named "Best Software Developer of 1993" by VideoGames magazine.

Learningways Inc.

Learningways and Davidson have signed a letter of intent to merge; final documents and state approval should be completed within the next two months. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Learningways will continue to operate independently, retaining its current staff.

Learningways has been a developer of educational software and multimedia materials for more than 14 years. The company is best known for The Learningways Content Development System, a specialized programming system that has enabled the company to quickly and cost- effectively create award-winning, content-rich multimedia software for the school market.

Currently, Learningways is developing an advanced multimedia product that will deliver curriculum to schools over the Information Superhighway; early versions will be available in 1995. The company is also working on interactive extensions to textbooks, called "Hotpages," for several textbook publishers.

Anticipating the final merger, Art Bardige, president of Learningways Inc., commented, "This merger represents the fulfillment of a dream for us. We are thrilled to join Davidson to further our joint visions for improving American education through innovative technology."

Adds Jan Davidson, "The merger with Learningways offers Davidson an even more significant strength in the school marketplace, and an important advantage to become a leader in delivering up-to-date curriculum over the Information Superhighway. The merging of our talents will result in leading-edge products that will revolutionize classroom learning."

Davidson & Associates Inc. is the leading independent publisher of multimedia educational software for the home and school markets. Founded in 1982 by educator Jan Davidson, the company has won national acclaim for teacher-designed, student-tested software such as the "Math Blaster" series, "Kid Works 2" and "Kid CAD" in the home market, and "English Express" and "Story Club" in schools.

-0- 2/28/94

/CONTACT: Linda Duttenhaver of Davidson & Associates Inc., 310-793-0600, ext. 230/

(DAVD)

CO: Davidson & Associates ST: California IN: CPR SU: TNM

JP-JM -- LA005 -- 6175 02/28/94 09:01 EST

1995

Blizzard Entertainment Announces 'Diablo' at E3

Maker of Award-Winning Warcraft Series Introduces New RPG
in Which Supernatural Forces and Demonic Creatures Await Players
as They Descend Into an Evil Underworld

LOS ANGELES, May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Electronic Entertainment Expo starting today, Blizzard Entertainment announced "Diablo," a new role-playing game in which players descend into a sinister underworld filled with supernatural forces and demonic creatures. The game is expected to be available by spring 1996.

"Diablo" transports players to a medieval village plagued with evil and darkness. In a quest for vengeance, the central character descends into a crypt and expansive labyrinth hidden beneath the village. Game play focuses on exploration, conflict and character development as players travel deeper into the underworld's demonic halls.

Says Allen Adham, president and founder of Blizzard Entertainment, "`Diablo' will integrate intense game play with state-of-the-art graphics. We want players to really feel as though they are part of the game, so we are creating artwork and three dimensional rendered scenes that truly convey the game's dark and eerie theme."

Key features in "Diablo" will include:

• A fully rendered three-dimensional, role-playing game of demonic horror.
• A level-generation system that randomly places rooms, corridors, traps, treasures, monsters and stairways to maximize game play.
• Multiplayer option supported via modem, network and direct link.
• SVGA enhanced graphics with rich three-dimensional rendered scenes.
• Unique "spawning" technology that allows two players to compete head-to-head using just one copy of the program.

"Diablo" is expected to be available by spring 1996 in Windows CD- ROM format at most computer and software retail chains nationwide for approximately $50. The game will also be available directly through Blizzard at 800-953-SNOW.

Blizzard Entertainment is a premiere publisher of next-generation entertainment software. The company previously served as the third- party developer for more than 30 entertainment titles. Blizzard's first game under its own label, "Warcraft: Orcs and Humans," won industry acclaim as one of 1994's best strategy games. Blizzard is an independent division of Davidson & Associates Inc. (Nasdaq: DAVD), a leading multimedia studio for educational and entertainment software.

-0- 5/11/95

/CONTACT: Susan Wooley, 310-793-0600 ext. 245, or Linda Duttenhaver, 310-793-0600 ext. 230, of Blizzard Entertainment, or at E3: Booth #3324 West Hall/

(DAVD)

CO: Blizzard Entertainment; Davidson & Associates Inc. ST: California IN: CPR ENT SU: PDT

BB-KL -- LA005 -- 5520 05/11/95 09:20 EDT

Davidson & Associates Inc. Announces 2-for-1 Stock Split; Appoints Two New Members to Board of Directors

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Davidson & Associates Inc.'s (Nasdaq: DAVD) board of directors today declared a 2-for-1 stock split of the outstanding and authorized shares of Davidson. The split shares will be issued on Sept. 6, 1995 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Aug. 23, 1995.

Additionally, the company announced the election of Charles Miller, chairman and CEO of Avery Dennison, and Allen Adham, president of Blizzard Entertainment, to the company's board of directors, effective immediately. These new directors replace Forest R. Barbieri and Steven A. Denning effective Aug. 7, 1995.

Said Bob Davidson, chairman and CEO of Davidson and Associates Inc., "The stock split adds to market liquidity and also reflects our confidence in the future. We are pleased with our new board of directors, and are confident that their combined experience and knowledge will be an asset to Davidson's growth and success."

New Members on Davidson's Board of Directors

Charles Miller, Chairman and CEO of Avery Dennison. Since 1983, Charles Miller has served as chairman and chief executive officer of Avery Dennison. During his more than 30 years at Avery Dennison, he has also served as president, chief operating officer, group vice president - Materials Group, and vice president and managing director of the company's Fasson International Operations.

Miller's background also includes ten years in sales and marketing management positions at Yale & Towne Manufacturing Co., and five years in consulting positions with Booz, Allen & Hamilton.

Miller is a member of the board of trustees of Johns Hopkins University, and Occidental College, and a member of the California Business Roundtable. He is also past chairman of the board of directors of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md.

Allen Adham, President and Founder of Blizzard Entertainment. As president of Blizzard Entertainment, Allen Adham oversees corporate direction and the development, design and programming of the company's entertainment software titles, including the best-selling title "Warcraft." In February 1994, Blizzard became an independent division of Davidson & Associates Inc. Since the acquisition, Adham has directed Blizzard's corporate transition from a third-party developer to an independent publisher of entertainment software.

Prior to founding Blizzard Entertainment, Adham was president and founder of Imagination Development Systems (later known as Silicon & Synapse), an entertainment software company. Adham earned a computer science and engineering degree from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Davidson & Associates, Inc. is a leading publisher and distributor of multimedia educational and entertainment software for both the home and school markets. The company is internationally renowned for its award-winning, best-selling titles such as the Blaster series, which has sold over three million copies, as well as products in the Kid Tools, Cool Tools, FUNdamentals, and adult self-improvement lines. Based in Torrance, Davidson & Associates was founded in 1982 by educator Dr. Jan Davidson. The company was recently ranked #15 on the Forbes list of best small companies in America.

-0- 8/7/95

/CONTACT: Jack Allewaert of Davidson & Associates, 310-793-0600 ext. 240/

(DAVD)

CO: Davidson & Associates Inc. ST: California IN: CPR SU: PER

EQ-BB -- LA059 -- 2314 08/07/95 20:05 EDT

1997

Blizzard's Battle.net Heats Up Internet Gaming

Blizzard’s Internet strategy scores big with customers as Battle.net’s on-line popularity soars

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 29, 1997 - Blizzard Entertainment's new on-line gaming service Battle.net reached 117,000 users during its first three weeks of operation. With more than 1.6 million games played on-line, Battle.net’s seamless access to multiplayer games over the Internet is helping drive retail sales of Diablo, Blizzard’s latest game. Diablo, the first Blizzard title to include Battle.net support, is the number-one selling game at leading software retailers nationwide.

Battle.net provides an arena for Blizzard customers to chat, challenge opponents and initiate multiplayer games. About 40,000 different people log on each day, and spend an average of 3 hours online playing Diablo and chatting. Battle.net is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Our customers’ response to Battle.net has completely surpassed all of our expectations," said Allen Adham, Blizzard president and founder. "As gamers, we saw a need for direct, easy on-line access to multiplayer games. With Battle.net, we not only provide one-click connection to Internet gaming, but do so at no charge to our customers."

Said Bob McKenzie, Divisional Merchandise Manager, Babbages Etc., "Internet gaming options are becoming increasingly important in the overall success of a title. Diablo is our hottest selling game, and Battle.net is definitely contributing to the game's popularity. "

Blizzard charges no hourly or monthly fees to connect to Battle.net. In order to play via Battle.net, access to the Internet is required, and players are responsible for applicable on-line access fees.

In addition to Battle.net, Blizzard’s on-line strategy includes strategic partnerships with the three major commercial on-line services: Mplayer, Total Entertainment Network and Engage.

Says Adham, "Internet gaming is hugely popular, and we are committed to offering our customers as many on-line options as possible. By teaming with Mplayer, TEN and Engage, we allow our customers to select the method they prefer to play our games over the Internet."

Adds Kristin Asleson, General Manager of Mplayer, "Diablo multiplayer gameplay over the Internet has proven to be hugely popular. Players enjoy being able to cooperate and communicate with one another while combating the many challenges in Diablo. Mplayer believes multiplayer cooperative gameplay is key to increased revenues for publishers, retailers, and Internet game services. "

About Blizzard Entertainment

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft ® series, Starcraft™ and Diablo™, Blizzard Entertainment® (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes three consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo Remains Number-One Selling Game

Diablo's sales continue to strengthen as the game's on-line popularity soars
with more than seven million games played over the Internet

IRVINE, Calif., April 8, 1997 -- Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo remains the hottest selling game in the U.S. according to the latest sales figures from PC Data. After debuting at number one in January, Diablo earned the top spot again in February. Worldwide, the game has sold more than half a million copies based on sales information from PC Data and key retail accounts.

"We are thrilled with Diablo's tremendous success," said Allen Adham, president and founder of Blizzard Entertainment. "As gamers, we saw an opportunity to bring real-time excitement, extensive replayability and free on-line gaming to the role-playing genre. By including these elements, Diablo offers players the right mix of exploration, action and character development set in a rich gaming environment."

A key selling point for Diablo is the ability to play the game over the Internet for free using Battle.net, Blizzard Entertainment's new on-line gaming service. Since launching in January, Battle.net has signed up more than 400,000 different users, making it the world's largest on-line game service. With seven million games played on-line, Battle.net is helping drive retail sales of Diablo.

Said Bob McKenzie, Divisional Merchandise Manager, Babbages Etc., "Diablo is our hottest selling game, and Battle.net is definitely contributing to the game's popularity. Internet gaming options are becoming increasingly important in the overall success of a title."

Diablo transports players to a medieval village plagued with evil and darkness. As the central character in Diablo, players explore a dungeon hidden beneath a desecrated church in their village. As players encounter 16 levels filled with corridors, traps, weapons, magical items and demonic creatures, the truth about the evil force that decimated the village begins to unravel.

Diablo is available immediately in Windows 95 CD-ROM format at most computer and software retail chains nationwide for approximately $50. This game, as well as other Blizzard titles, is distributed by CUC Software. Diablo is also offered directly from Blizzard at (800) 953-SNOW.

About Blizzard Entertainment

Best known for the number-one selling Warcraft series and the blockbuster hit Diablo, Blizzard Entertainment is a premier publisher of entertainment software, and a division of CUC Software, an operating unit of CUC International Inc. (NYSE: CU).

PC Data is the Reston, VA-based market research company that reports actual sell-through statistics for software in a wide range of categories.

Blizzard Prepares To Expand Battle.net features and Global Network

As Battle.net’s on-line popularity continues to soar,
Blizzard readies new multiplayer options and partners
with international Internet service providers

ATLANTA, June 18, 1997 - Following the hugely successful launch of Battle.net earlier this year, Blizzard Entertainment today announced plans to expand the online gaming service by including additional on-line capabilities and by building a global network of Internet service providers.

Major enhancements to Battle.net expected later this year will include support for unique player IDs. The ability for users to register screen names will allow for a moderated worldwide ranking system, challenge ladders and tournaments. Battle.net will also include the option to create player profiles with information about rank, group affiliation, game statistics and other player data. The profiles will be available to all other players in the Battle.net community.

Additionally, to provide optimal connection for Blizzard’s international customers, the company is partnering with local Internet service providers in major markets around the world such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Japan. This month, MultiPlay launched the first local Battle.net server in Australia, and Blizzard expects to collocate with other international ISPs durng the next few months.

Said Allen Adham, Blizzard president and founder, "Blizzard’s goal is to create a gaming service that encompasses the globe. To do so, we must provide a high quality, fast-paced gaming experience for all Battle.net users. By partnering with local Internet service providers worldwide, we will not only achieve unsurpassed performance, but also be able to customize service based on each country’s needs."

Blizzard will also localize the Battle.net interface for the native languages in major international markets. The move represents Blizzard’s commitment to making Battle.net a global community for Internet gaming.

Battle.net Overview
Since launching in January, 13 million games have been played over Battle.net , and with more than 650,000 registered users, Battle.net is the largest on-line gaming service in the world.

Battle.net provides an arena for Blizzard customers to chat, challenge opponents and initiate multiplayer games. Battle.net is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Blizzard charges no hourly or monthly fees to connect to Battle.net. In order to play via Battle.net, access to the Internet is required, and players are responsible for applicable on-line access fees.

About Blizzard Entertainment

Best known for the number-one selling Warcraft series and the blockbuster hit Diablo, Blizzard Entertainment is a premier publisher of entertainment software, and a division of CUC Software, an operating unit of CUC International Inc. (NYSE: CU).

Diablo Hits 13 Million Games Played Over Battle.Net

Diablo community on Battle.net grows to 700,000 gamers,
making Battle.net the world’s largest on-line gaming service

IRVINE, Calif., June 25, 1997 -- Blizzard Entertainment announced today that 13 million games of Diablo have been played over Battle.net since the game’s release in January. More than 700,000 registered users have played Diablo on Battle.net, making it the largest on-line gaming service in the world.

Additionally, according to PC Data’s latest figures, Diablo remains the number-one selling game for the fourth consecutive month and is the best selling game year-to-date. Worldwide, the game has sold-through more than 750,000 copies.

"We are thrilled with Diablo’s tremendous success, and the popularity of Battle.net has surpassed all our expectations," said Allen Adham, president and founder of Blizzard Entertainment. "By creating an online community for Diablo, we have really struck a chord with gamers. Diablo fans log on to Battle.net not only to play the game, but also to meet and share gaming experiences with others players online."

Diablo transports players to a medieval village plagued with evil and darkness. As the central character in Diablo, players explore a dungeon hidden beneath a desecrated church in their village. As players encounter 16 levels filled with corridors, traps, weapons, magical items and demonic creatures, the truth about the evil force that decimated the village begins to unravel.

Diablo is available immediately in Windows 95 CD-ROM format at most computer and software retail chains nationwide for approximately $50. This game, as well as other Blizzard titles, is distributed by CUC Software. Diablo is also offered directly from Blizzard at (800) 953-SNOW.

About Blizzard Entertainment

Best known for the number-one selling Warcraft series and the blockbuster hit Diablo, Blizzard Entertainment is a premier publisher of entertainment software, and a division of CUC Software, an operating unit of CUC International Inc. (NYSE: CU).

PC Data is the Reston, VA-based market research company that reports actual sell-through statistics for software in a wide range of categories.

Blizzard Entertainment Announces Diablo II

Sequel to 1997’s best-selling game in the works

LONDON, Sept. 7, 1997 -- At the European Computer Trade Show, Blizzard Entertainment announced Diablo II, the sequel to this year’s number-one selling Diablo. The title is currently slated for a late 1998 release.

In Diablo II, players return to a dark world plagued by evil forces. As one of five heroes, players must undertake a new series of quests to rid the world of Diablo and his vile brethren forever. New features in the game will include:

• Five all-new character classes with unique attributes and abilities.
• Four different, fully populated towns complete with wilderness areas.
• Multiple dungeons, caverns and crypts in every town for players to explore.
• Expanded world filled with all-new quests, weapons, spells, armor, monsters and non-playing characters.
• Advanced combat system which incorporates class-specific fighting techniques and spells.
• New Battle.net options including increased multiplayer support, an on-line trading post and worldwide rankings.

Diablo, a real-time role-playing game, was an instant hit among gamers and debuted as the number-one selling game its first month in stores. Since releasing in January, the game has sold nearly one million copies worldwide and remains the best-selling game this year.

"The decision to develop a sequel was easy for us, because we want to create Diablo II as much as our customers want to play it," said Allen Adham, president and founder of Blizzard Entertainment. "With the sequel, we will push the game’s concept and design in new directions, while maintaining the same level of excitement and addiction that made the original a favorite among gamers."

About Blizzard Entertainment

Best known for the number-one selling Warcraft series and the blockbuster hit Diablo, Blizzard Entertainment is a premier publisher of entertainment software, and a division of CUC Software, subsidiary of CUC International Inc. (NYSE: CU).

1998

Blizzard Entertainment Unveils Diablo II

Sequel to 1997's best-selling game in the works

ATLANTA, May 28 1998 -- At the Electronic Entertainment Expo starting today, Blizzard Entertainment previewed for the first time Diablo II, the sequel to last year's runaway hit Diablo. The real-time game is currently slated for release next year.

In Diablo II, players return to a dark world plagued by evil forces. After possessing the body of the hero who defeated him, Diablo resumes his nefarious scheme to shackle humanity into unholy slavery by summoning the powers of the other Prime Evils, Mesphisto and Baal. As one of five heroes, players face a new series of quests to rid the world of Diablo and his vile brethren forever.

New features in the game will include

• Five all-new character classes with unique attributes and abilities, including the Amazon, Paladin, Sorceress, Barbarian and Necromancer.
• Four different, fully populated towns complete with wilderness areas.
• Multiple dungeons, caverns and crypts in every town for players to explore.
• Expanded world filled with all-new quests, weapons, spells, armor, monsters and non-playing characters.
• Composite character animation system enables dynamic display of differences in weapons, armor and items.
• Ability to play as monsters in multiplayer games.
• Advanced combat system which incorporates class-specific fighting techniques and spells.
• Free multiplayer competition over the Internet via Battle.net for up to eight players. Access to the Internet is required.
• New Battle.net options including multiplayer quests, an on-line trading post, guild support and worldwide rankings.

Diablo was an instant hit among gamers and debuted last year as the number-one selling game its first month in stores. Since releasing, the game has sold nearly 1.5 million copies worldwide.

Best known for the number-one selling Warcraft series and the blockbuster hits Starcraft and Diablo, Blizzard Entertainment is a premier publisher of entertainment software, and a division of Cendant Software, subsidiary of Cendant Corporation.

Blizzard Entertainment's President Assumes Chairman Role; Co-Founder Promoted to President

IRVINE, Calif., April 21st, 1998 - Blizzard Entertainment announced today that company president Allen Adham has accepted the new role of chairman, and Mike Morhaime, executive vice president, has been promoted to president. The management changes allow Adham to focus entirely on development, while Morhaime assumes the day-to-day responsibility for the success of Blizzard.

Since co-founding Blizzard in 1991, Adham and Morhaime have successfully transitioned the company from an unknown third-party developer to one of the industry's most well respected and successful game developers. Both have been instrumental in not only laying the foundation for Blizzard's unrelenting passion for creating only the highest quality games, but also building the development teams responsible for the Warcraft series, Diablo and Starcraft.

"My first love has always been making games. After we completed Starcraft, I realized I wanted to devote more of my time to game design. By relinquishing control of day-to-day operations, I can focus all my efforts on development," said Adham. "Mike was the natural choice to take over the reins as president. He has been a driving force in the company since day one. Mike is the right person to build on our successes and shape our future direction."

About Blizzard Entertainment

Best known for the number-one selling Warcraft series and the blockbuster hits Diablo and Starcraft, Blizzard Entertainment is a premier publisher of entertainment software, and a division of Cendant Software, subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE: CD).

Diablo II, Sequel To The Number-One Selling Role-Playing Game, Debuts With 3Dfx Support

LONDON, ECTS Convention, Sept. 8 -- Blizzard Entertainment® and 3Dfx Interactive®, Inc. (Nasdaq: TDFX - news) today announced that Diablo II™, sequel to Blizzard's top selling role-playing game of 1997, will include native support for 3Dfx hardware. Blizzard is one of the first to develop on the newly announced Glide™ 3 software from 3Dfx. "We want our players to be able to take advantage of the best hardware with 3Dfx support -- making the Diablo II world more realistic and alive," said Mike Morhaime, president and co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment. "Additionally, the 3Dfx Glide 3 offers optimal flexibility for our game developers who want access to the innermost regions of the architecture.""

Diablo II is the most significant game to combine 2D elements such as sprite-based characters with 3D elements such as colored lighting and atmospheric effects. Tailored to be a value-added feature for computers with 3Dfx hardware, Diablo II's 3Dfx support improves the game's frame rate, as well as the general quality of lighting and other visual effects

"Blizzard's support of our native hardware acceleration for Diablo II further demonstrates that the best titles consistently support 3Dfx hardware," said Scott Sellers, senior vice president of product development for 3Dfx Interactive. "3Dfx continues to provide consumers with the best combination of software titles and 3D acceleration for the entertainment market."

In Diablo II, players return to a dark world plagued by evil forces. After possessing the body of the hero who defeated him, Diablo resumes his nefarious scheme to shackle humanity into unholy slavery by summoning the powers of the other Prime Evils, Mephisto and Baal. As one of five heroes, players face a new series of quests to rid the world of Diablo and his vile brethren forever.

Diablo was an instant hit among gamers and debuted last year as the number-one selling game its first month in stores. Since releasing, the game has sold nearly 2 million copies worldwide and was the number one selling role-playing game in 1997.

Diablo II is being developed by the Blizzard North design team and is expected to release next year in Windows(R)95/98/NT CD-ROM format. The game will be available at most computer and software retail chains worldwide. The game will also be offered directly from Blizzard at (800) 953-SNOW and www.blizzard.com.

About Blizzard Entertainment

Best known for the number-one selling Warcraft ® series and the blockbuster hits Diablo™ and Starcraft™, Blizzard Entertainment is a premier publisher of entertainment software, and a division of Cendant Software, subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE: CD).

About 3Dfx Interactive

3Dfx Interactive develops high-performance, cost-effective 3D media processors, software and related technology that are designed to enable a highly immersive, interactive and realistic 3D experience across interactive electronic entertainment platforms - personal computers, coin-operated arcade systems and location-based entertainment. Current 3Dfx Interactive products include the Voodoo™ family of accelerator chip sets, Voodoo2™, Voodoo Graphics® and Voodoo Banshee™. Visit the company on the Web at http://www.3dfx.com.

3Dfx Interactive and Voodoo Graphics are registered trademarks and Voodoo, Voodoo2, Voodoo Banshee and Glide are trademarks of 3Dfx Interactive. All other names may be trademarks of their respective holders.

Cendant Corporation to Sell Software Division

Purchase Price Is Up to Approximately $1 Billion

Parsippany, NJ, November 20, 1998 - Cendant Corporation (NYSE: CD) today announced a definitive agreement to sell the Company's consumer software division, Cendant Software and its subsidiaries, to Paris-based Havas SA, a subsidiary of Vivendi SA for $800 million in cash plus future cash contingent payments of up to approximately $200 million through 1999. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 1999.

As previously announced, the sale of Cendant Software, which includes Knowledge Adventure, Blizzard Entertainment, Davidson & Associates and Sierra On-Line, is part of an ongoing program by management to undertake various strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value by continuing to focus on the Company's core business model. The Company also previously announced the sale of its Hebdo Mag International subsidiary, which is expected to be completed in December. On October 13, the Company announced a $1 billion share repurchase program.

Cendant Chairman, President and CEO, Henry R. Silverman, stated: "We will continue to execute our program of selling non-core businesses while maximizing the growth of Cendant's core business units. Other than completing the RAC transaction if regulatory approval is granted, for the foreseeable future we are no longer a buyer of companies financed through the issuance of debt and stock, but rather a seller of companies, utilizing the proceeds of those sales to retire debt and equity. The sale of our software business will be accretive to 1999 earnings per share and will result in an after- tax gain of approximately $450 million."

Statements about future results made in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. The Company cautions that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Important assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-look statements are specified in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1997.

Cendant is one of the world's foremost providers of consumer and business services. The Company operates in three principal segments: Travel Services, Real Estate Services and Alliance Marketing. In Travel Services, Cendant is the leading franchisor of hotels and rental car agencies worldwide; the largest provider of vacation exchange services; a leading fleet management company; the UK's largest private car park operator; and a leading motorist assistance group in the UK. In Real Estate Services, Cendant is the world's largest franchisor of residential real estate brokerage offices, a major provider of mortgage services to consumers and a global leader in corporate employee relocation. In Alliance Marketing, Cendant provides access to insurance, travel, shopping, auto, and other services, primarily through direct marketing to customers of its affinity partners. Headquartered in Parsippany, NJ, the Company has more than 40,000 employees and operates in over 100 countries.

1999

Blizzard's Battle.net Remains Largest Online Game Service in the World

Battle.net dominates on-line gaming industry with 2.1 million active users; Korea becomes world's No. 1 market

IRVINE, Feb. 4, 1999 - Blizzard Entertainment®'s online game service, Battle.net™, continues to gain momentum as the world's largest Internet playing venue. Since the beginning of the year, the number of active users has surged to more than 2.1 million and usage has increased by 50 percent.

The worldwide dominance of Battle.net was recently highlighted by a weekend of record-breaking activity during which more than 675,000 games of StarCraft™: Brood War, the company's StarCraft expansion set, were logged. Over that weekend, nearly 500,000 gamers spent more than 2 million hours playing online. Since StarCraft: Brood War shipped in December, more than 4.7 million games have been played over Battle.net with peak hours topping more than 50,000 players competing simultaneously.

The success of Starcraft™ in 1998 added to Battle.net's rising usage numbers. StarCraft was 1998's biggest selling PC game, according to PC Data figures released last month. Since the release of StarCraft, Battle.net has grown 800 percent, both domestically and internationally.

Internationally, much of Battle.net's global popularity can be attributed to the influx of Korean gamers. With approximately 400,000 games of StarCraft played per day, Korea has become the fastest growing market on Battle.net and has overtaken the United States as the No. 1 market in the world. In all, Battle.net in Korea has grown by approximately 2,000 percent in the last six months, from 15,000 game hours per day to 300,000. Battle.net provides an arena for Blizzard customers to chat, challenge opponents and initiate multiplayer games. Battle.net is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Blizzard charges no hourly or monthly fees to connect to Battle.net. Users do need an Internet connection at their own cost to access Battle.net.

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft ® series, Starcraft™ and Diablo™, Blizzard Entertainment® (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes three consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

Blizzard's Diablo II Act III, Barbarian Finalized

Blizzard to show Act III and Barbarian Character at E3

IRVINE, April 14, 1999 - Blizzard Entertainment®'s unveiled today some new details about the status of Diablo II™, the much-anticipated sequel to 1997's highly acclaimed role-playing game, Diablo.

Blizzard has finished developing Diablo II's five new character classes: the Amazon, the Paladin, the Necromancer, the Sorceress and the Barbarian. Each character can develop 30 unique, class-specific skills and spells throughout the game. In all, Diablo II offers 150 special abilities.

Most recently, Blizzard completed design and animation for the final character, the Barbarian. Armed with supernormal strengths and combat abilities, the Barbarian's skills include Crushing Blow, Stun and Howl. With Crushing Blow, players will be able to "charge up" attack power by holding down the mouse button before battle. Stun temporarily renders the target inactive. Howl allows the Barbarian to ward off attacks by forcing weaker monsters to retreat.

Additionally, Act III is now finished, making the game nearly 70 percent complete. In Act III, characters will explore an ancient civilization long overgrown by the surrounding tropical jungle. The city of Kurast, capitol of the Eastern Empire, is built on a river delta area. Zakarum, the Religion of Light, was born here, but an evil darkness has since settled upon the land.

In all, Diablo II will encompass three Acts and a finale. Act I takes place in and around the Monastery of the Sisters of the Sightless Eye, and Act II is set in and around the town of Lut Gholein. While the setting for the finale remains unannounced, Blizzard will be displaying the game, including the Barbarian and Act III, at the Entertainment and Electronic Expo in Los Angeles (May 13-15, Los Angeles Convention Center, South Hall, Booth 600).

In Diablo II, players return to a dark world plagued by evil forces. After possessing the body of the hero who defeated him, Diablo resumes his nefarious scheme to shackle humanity into unholy slavery by joining forces with the other Prime Evils, Mephisto and Baal. Players face a new series of quests to rid the world of Diablo and his vile brethren forever.

When Diablo released in 1997, it was an instant hit among gamers and debuted as the number-one selling game its first month in stores. The game has sold nearly 2 million copies worldwide and was the number-one selling role-playing game in 1997.

Diablo II is being developed by the Blizzard North design team and is expected to release later this year in Windows®95/98/NT format. The game will be available at most computer and software retail chains worldwide. The game will also be offered directly from Blizzard at (800) 953-SNOW and www.blizzard.com.

About Blizzard Entertainment

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft ® series, Starcraft™ and Diablo™, Blizzard Entertainment® (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes three consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

Diablo II to burn up the track at the Grand Prix of Long Beach

IRVINE, April 14, 1999 - Gaming fans around the world will be racing to the stores to purchase a copy of Blizzard Entertainment®'s upcoming role-playing game, Diablo II™. But this weekend, it'll be Blizzard that will be doing the racing.

A Blizzard sponsored car, decked out with the Diablo II colors and logos, will be cruising throughout the streets of Long Beach, Calif. in the KOOL/Toyota Atlantic Championships race, Saturday, April 17, at 4:00 p.m. The race will be rebroadcast on ESPN2 at an undetermined date and time.

Qualifying times for the KOOL/Toyota Atlantic Championships are Friday, April 16, at 4:45 to 5:15 p.m. and Saturday, April 17, at 12:00 to 12:30 p.m.

The KOOL/Toyota Atlantic Championships race is one of four support events of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. and is making its 16th appearance on the streets of Long Beach for the open-wheel/Toyota-powered race cars.

General Admission tickets are $26 and are good for both Friday and Saturday.

Diablo II is being developed by the Blizzard North design team and is expected to release later this year in Windows®95/98/NT format. The game will be available at most computer and software retail chains worldwide. The game will also be offered directly from Blizzard at (800) 953-SNOW and www.blizzard.com.

About Blizzard Entertainment

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft ® series, Starcraft™ and Diablo™, Blizzard Entertainment® (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes three consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

Blizzard Entertainment Announces Diablo II for the Macintosh

Los Angeles, May 13, 1999 - At the Electronic Entertainment Expo starting today, Blizzard Entertainment® announced plans to develop Diablo™ II, the sequel to the critically acclaimed and number-one selling PC game Diablo, for the Macintosh.

In Diablo II, players return to a dark world plagued by evil forces. After possessing the body of the hero who defeated him, Diablo resumes his nefarious scheme to shackle humanity into unholy slavery by summoning the powers of the other Prime Evils, Mephisto and Baal. As one of five heroes, players face a new series of quests to rid the world of Diablo and his vile brethren forever. Diablo II will encompass three Acts and a finale. Act I takes place in the countryside of Khanduras and within the Monastery of the Sisters of the Sightless Eye. Act II is set in the desert town of Lut Gholien and the mysterious tombs that mark the barren wastes by which it is surrounded. In Act III, characters will explore the remains of an ancient civilization, known as Kurast, long overgrown by the surrounding tropical jungle. The setting for the finale is unannounced.

"The decision to develop Diablo II for the Macintosh was easy for us, because we're excited about what Apple is doing to make gaming easy and enjoyable for their users, " said Mike Morhaime, president and co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment. "We are committed to creating the best games around and we want as many gamers as possible to be able to enjoy them."

New features in the game will include:

• Five all-new character classes -- the Amazon, Paladin, Barbarian, Sorceress and Necromancer -- each with unique skills and abilities. In all, Diablo II offers 150 special abilities as each character can develop 30 unique, class specific skills and spells throughout the game.
• Four different, fully populated towns complete with wilderness areas.
• Multiple dungeons, monastaries, tombs, caverns and crypts for players to explore in every act.
• Perspective Scaling and Parallax, which is a new inovation within Diablo II's suite of 3D-accelerator features that adds near-perfect perspective, including scaling and parallax effects, to the game play experience.
• Expanded world filled with all-new quests, weapons, spells, armor, monsters, unique items, mercenaries for hire and non-playing characters.
• Advanced combat system that incorporates class-specific fighting techniques and spells.
• New Battle.net™ options including increased multiplayer support, an online trading post, player-controlled clan halls and worldwide rankings.

Diablo II for the Macintosh will be available in CD-ROM format during the first half of 2000 at most computer and software retail chains worldwide. The game is also available directly from Blizzard at (800) 953-SNOW and www.blizzard.com.

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft ® series, Starcraft™ and Diablo™, Blizzard Entertainment® (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes three consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

Blizzard Entertainment Previews Diablo II's Realistic 3D Support

Blizzard Combines 2D and 3D to Provide Enhanced Lighting, Atmospheric and Perspective Features

Los Angeles – May 13, 1999 – At the Electronic Entertainment Expo starting today, Blizzard Entertainment® previewed Diablo™ II, the sequel to its top selling role-playing game of 1997, featuring 3D accelerator support via Glide 3 and OpenGL .

Blizzard for the first time showed Diablo II’s perspective scaling and parallax, a new display option within the game’s suite of 3D-accelerator support features. Scaling and parallax effects add a near-perfect perspective to the 3D-accelerated isometric view. Most striking when running through terrain populated with trees or around buildings, this feature provides a more realistic and immersive visual experience for players with supported 3D accelerators.

Diablo II is the most significant game to combine 2D elements such as sprite-based characters with 3D elements such as colored lighting and atmospheric effects. Tailored to be a value-added feature for computers with 3D hardware, Diablo II's 3D support improves the game's frame rate, as well as the general quality of lighting and other visual effects.

In Diablo II, players return to a dark world plagued by evil forces. After possessing the body of the hero who defeated him, Diablo resumes his nefarious scheme to shackle humanity into unholy slavery by joining forces with the other Prime Evils, Mephisto and Baal. Players face a new series of quests to rid the world of Diablo and his vile brethren forever.

When Diablo released in 1997, it was an instant hit among gamers and debuted as the number-one selling game its first month in stores. The game has sold nearly 2 million copies worldwide and was the number-one selling computer role-playing game in 1997.

Diablo II is being developed by the Blizzard North design team and is expected to release later this year in Windows®95/98/NT format. A Macintosh version of the game is slated for completion during the first half of 2000. The game will be available at most computer and software retail chains worldwide. The game will also be offered directly from Blizzard at (800) 953-SNOW and www.blizzard.com.

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft ® series, Starcraft™ and Diablo™, Blizzard Entertainment® (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes three consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net™ reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

Blizzard Entertainment Expands Number One Selling Franchises Through Licensing Deals

Novels, action figures, paper-based games and strategy guides in the works

Los Angeles, May 15, 1999 - At the Electronic Entertainment Expo starting today, Blizzard Entertainment® announced a series of strategic licensing partnerships for its three number-one selling game properties, Diablo™, StarCraft™ and Warcraft®. Line extensions include novels, paper-based games, strategy guides and action figures.

Blizzard is in final negotiations with a major book publisher to license novelization rights for its Diablo, StarCraft and Warcraft universes. Under a nine-book deal, three novels will be published for each game. The first in each series will begin appearing during the spring and summer of 2000.

Additionally, Wizards of the Coast subsidiary TSR Inc. is designing traditional role-playing adventures set in the Diablo and StarCraft worlds. TSR Inc. is creating a variety of products including fast-play games, boxed sets and adventure module. The Diablo games will be based on the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons rule book, while the StarCraft products will follow the Alternity® science fiction role-playing rules system. The first games are scheduled for release later this year.

BradyGAMES is the official and exclusive strategy guide publisher for Diablo II. The official guide will contain complete coverage for all weapons, shrines, armor, spells, and abilities needed to defeat the bosses. Scheduled to coincide with the release of the game, the 200-page guide will also include information on all five character classes, their abilities, strengths and weaknesses.

Following last year's successful launch of StarCraft and Warcraft action figures, Blizzard also announced plans to self-publish a line of Diablo II figures. The first series will include Diablo and three other heroes and monsters from the game. The action figures will be available when Diablo II launches later this year. "As a company, we take a very conservative approach to extending our brand through licensing. Our first priority is protecting the integrity of our games and offering new products that make sense for our target market of gamers," said Paul Sams, vice president of business development. "By partnering with companies such as TSR Inc. and BradyGAMES, we are able to grow our properties without diluting the value of our franchises."

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft ® series, Starcraft™ and Diablo™, Blizzard Entertainment® (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes three consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

Wizards of the Coast is a leading developer and publisher of entertainment products, including the world's best-selling Magic: The Gathering® trading card game. Wizards of the Coast® subsidiaries include TSR Inc. and Five Rings Publishing Group Inc. For more information on Wizards of the Coast, visit the company's website at www.wizards.com.

As a division of Macmillan Computer Publishing, BradyGAMES is a leader in the electronic entertainment publishing industry with value-priced strategy guides for video and PC-based games. Macmillan Computer Publishing is one of the industry's leading information and reference innovators in both print and digital formats. For more information on BradyGAMES, visit the company's website at www.bradygames.com.

Blizzard Entertainment's Short Animated Film "Diablo: The Calling" Debuts on the Big Screen

Irvine, Nov. 12, 1999 - Blizzard Entertainment® has gone Hollywood. Known for building high-quality cinematic movies into its popular video games, the company announced today that it has produced a short portion of its Diablo™ II cinematic film for the silver screen. The film, which runs approximately eight minutes, is entitled Diablo: The Calling, and is the introduction cinematic that will be highlighted in Blizzard's upcoming title, Diablo II.

Diablo: The Calling can be seen at the Laemmle Sunset 5 Theatre in Los Angeles, November 16-18 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. each day. The Sunset 5 Theatre is located at 8000 Sunset Blvd. between Crescent Heights Blvd. and Laurel Ave. Tickets are $5.

Diablo: The Calling tells the story of Marius, a one-time follower of the ancient religious sect of the Horadrim. He is held in a medieval insane asylum, where he is visited by a mysterious, cloaked figure. Believing the visitor to be the arch-angel Tyreal, a mixture of delusions and hazed memories unfold as the troubled Marius recounts how an unbridled terror is unleashed upon the whole of mankind.

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft ® series, Starcraft™ and Diablo™, Blizzard Entertainment® (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes three consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

2000

Diablo II Beta Sign-Ups Slated For Next Week

1,000 North American Diablo II beta slots up for grabs.

IRVINE, Calif. - Mar. 15, 2000 - The countdown has begun to Blizzard Entertainment's most anticipated beta sign-up ever. Starting Monday night, hardcore gamers in North America will have the opportunity to register for their chance to be one of 1,000 players to have the first public look at the Diablo II.

The beta signup is scheduled for a 24-hour period on www.blizzard.com beginning on Monday, Mar. 20 at 12:01a.mPST and ending Monday, Mar. 20 at 11:59 p.m PST. Following the registration period, Blizzard will randomly select 1,000 testers based on a variety of system configurations and locations. Only one submission per person will be accepted. Selected testers will be notified within a week of registration, and a complete list of testers will be posted on www.battle.net.

This initial phase of beta testing is being limited to the United States and Canada. During a second phase of beta testing, gamers from around the world will be able to play Diablo II on their region's local servers.

The beta, which will only be playable over Battle.netÒ, will include all five character classes - Amazon, Barbarian, Necromancer, Paladin and Sorceress - and will include Act I of the game. The purpose of the beta test is to ensure Battle.net stability, check system compatibility and balance game play.

In Diablo II, players return to a dark world plagued by evil forces. After possessing the body of the hero who defeated him, Diablo resumes his nefarious scheme to shackle humanity into unholy slavery by joining forces with the other Prime Evils, Mephisto and Baal. Players face a new series of quests to rid the world of Diablo and his vile brethren forever.

When Diablo released in 1997, it was an instant hit among gamers and debuted as the number-one selling game its first month in stores. The game has sold about 2 million copies worldwide and was the number-one selling computer role-playing game in 1997.

Diablo II is being developed by the Blizzard North design team and is expected to release during the first half of this year in Windows®95/98/2000/NT. A Mac version will follow shortly thereafter. The game will be available at most computer and software retail chains worldwide. The game will also be offered directly from Blizzard at (800) 953-SNOW and www.blizzard.com.

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft series, StarCraft and Diablo, Blizzard Entertainment (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes three consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

Diablo II Nears Completion as Blizzard Prepares For Final Phase Of Beta Testing

ZDNet's GameSpot to serve as exclusive sign-up and download site for final Battle.net stress test beta

IRVINE, Calif. - April 28, 2000 - Blizzard today announced plans for Diablo™ II's Battle.net® stress test -- the final phase of Diablo II beta testing and the company's largest public beta test to date. Starting Monday morning, hardcore gamers around the world will have the opportunity to register for their chance to be one of up to 100,000 players to be chosen to help stress test Battle.net servers prior to the launch of Diablo II. The beta signup is scheduled for a seven-day period exclusively on ZDNet's (NYSE:ZDZ) GameSpot (www.gamespot.com) beginning on Monday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m. PT and ending Sunday, May 7 at 9:00 p.m PT. Applications from around the world will be accepted. Following the registration period, Blizzard will randomly select up to 100,000 testers. Only one submission per person will be accepted, and selected testers will be notified via email within a few days of the sign-up period ending.

Selected testers will receive an access code and a ZDNet GameSpot download location via an additional email when testing begins. Users must have an access code to log onto Battle.net and play the beta. These emails will be sent over a period of days so as to ramp up the number of users participating in the test over Battle.net. The 100MB beta is being exclusively offered for download through ZDNet GameSpot in alliance with Mirror Image, a leading provider of online content distribution and streaming solutions.

The beta, which will only be playable over Battle.net, will include the Barbarian character class and portions of the game's first act. The purpose of the beta test is to ensure the stability of Battle.net servers worldwide. In preparation for this final phase of beta testing, Blizzard will end the current on-going closed beta test a few days prior to the start of the Battle.net stress test. Participants in the closed beta will automatically be included in the group that is selected to participate in the stress test.

In Diablo II, players return to a dark world plagued by evil forces. After possessing the body of the hero who defeated him, Diablo resumes his nefarious scheme to shackle humanity into unholy slavery by joining forces with the other Prime Evils, Mephisto and Baal. Players face a new series of quests to rid the world of Diablo and his vile brethren forever. When Diablo released in 1997, it was an instant hit among gamers and debuted as the number-one selling game its first month in stores. The game has sold about 2 million copies worldwide and was the number-one selling computer role-playing game in 1997.

Diablo II is being developed by the Blizzard North design team and is expected to release during the first half of this year in Windows® 95/98/2000/NT format. A Macintosh version of the game will be available during the third quarter 2000. The game will be available at most computer and software retail chains worldwide. The game will also be offered directly from Blizzard at (800) 953-SNOW and www.blizzard.com.

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft ® series, StarCraft™ and Diablo™, Blizzard Entertainment® (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes three consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

GameSpot is part of ZDNet (NYSE: ZDZ), which operates the leading Web destination (www.zdnet.com) for people who want to buy, use, and learn about technology, part of a worldwide network of technology-focused sites produced through local operations in 22 countries, on 6 continents, in 14 languages. ZDNet Sites consistently ranks among the top 20 Web properties in unique visitors, and the top 15 among the Media Metrix "At Work" audience. Its technology-interested audience - ranging from consumers to IT professionals - comes more often and spends more time on ZDNet Sites than on any other technology content property, a testament to its enormous depth and breadth of original, fresh content and services. ZDNet's headquarters are in San Francisco.

Diablo II Nears Completion as Blizzard Prepares For Final Phase Of Beta Testing

IRVINE, Calif. - May 10, 2000 - Blizzard today announced that it is preparing to enter the final phase of Diablo™ II beta testing with a Battle.net® stress test. The company has selected 100,000 players to participate in the company's largest public beta test to date to help stress test Battle.net servers prior to the launch of Diablo II.

Selected testers will be receiving an access code and a ZDNet GameSpot download location via an additional email when testing begins. Users must have an access code to log onto Battle.net and play the beta. These emails will be sent over a period of days so as to ramp up the number of users participating in the test over Battle.net. The 100MB beta is being exclusively offered for download through ZDNet GameSpot in alliance with Mirror Image, a leading provider of online content distribution and streaming solutions.

The beta, which will only be playable over Battle.net, will include the Barbarian character class and portions of the game's first act. The purpose of the beta test is to ensure the stability of Battle.net servers worldwide. In preparation for this final phase of beta testing, Blizzard will end the current on-going closed beta test a few days prior to the start of the Battle.net stress test. Participants in the closed beta will automatically be included in the group that is selected to participate in the stress test.

Key features in the full version of the game will include:

• Five all-new character classes -- the Amazon, Paladin, Barbarian, Sorceress and Necromancer -- each with unique skills and abilities. In all, Diablo II offers 150 special abilities as each character can develop 30 unique, class specific skills and spells throughout the game.
• Four different, fully populated towns complete with wilderness areas.
• Multiple dungeons, monasteries, tombs, caverns and crypts for players to explore in every act.
• Perspective Scaling and Parallax, which is a new innovation within Diablo II's suite of 3D-accelerator features that adds near-perfect perspective, including scaling and parallax effects, to the game play experience.
• Expanded world filled with all-new quests, weapons, spells, armor, monsters, unique items, mercenaries for hire and non-playing characters.
• Advanced combat system that incorporates class-specific fighting techniques and spells.

In Diablo II, players return to a dark world plagued by evil forces. After possessing the body of the hero who defeated him, Diablo resumes his nefarious scheme to shackle humanity into unholy slavery by joining forces with the other Prime Evils, Mephisto and Baal. Players face a new series of quests to rid the world of Diablo and his vile brethren forever.

When Diablo released in 1997, it was an instant hit among gamers and debuted as the number-one selling game its first month in stores. The game has sold about 2 million copies worldwide and was the number-one selling computer role-playing game in 1997.

Diablo II is being developed by the Blizzard North design team and is expected to release during the first half of this year in Windows®95/98/2000/NT format. A Macintosh version of the game will be available during the third quarter 2000. The game will be available at most computer and software retail chains worldwide. The game will also be offered directly from Blizzard at (800) 953-SNOW and www.blizzard.com.

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft ® series, StarCraft™ and Diablo™, Blizzard Entertainment® (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes three consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

Diablo II Goes Gold

Blizzard prepares for its biggest worldwide launch ever

IRVINE, Calif. - June 7, 2000 - Gamers should start clearing their calendars and stocking up on caffeinated beverages now. Blizzard Entertainment® announced today that Diablo™ II, its highly anticipated real-time action role-playing game, has gone gold. The game, which has initial orders of 2 million copies worldwide, will start shipping to retailers worldwide as early as the end of June.

In Diablo II, players return to a dark world plagued by evil forces. After possessing the body of the hero who defeated him, Diablo resumes his nefarious scheme to shackle humanity into unholy slavery by joining forces with the other Prime Evils, Mephisto and Baal. Players face a new series of quests to rid the world of Diablo and his vile brethren forever.

"Diablo II is our most ambitious undertaking to date," said Mike Morhaime, Blizzard Entertainment president and co-founder, "From the depth of each character class and the size of each act to the expansion of Battle.net®'s new worldwide architecture and the number of languages for which we localized the game, the scope of Diablo II is much larger than any of our past projects. With development complete, we are now focused on shipping this game to retail worldwide by the end of the month."

Key features in the game include:

• Five all new character classes -- the Amazon, Paladin, Barbarian, Sorceress and Necromancer -- each with unique skills and abilities. In all, Diablo II offers 150 special abilities as each character can develop 30 unique, class specific skills and spells throughout the game.
• Four expansive towns to explore complete with wilderness areas, dungeons, monasteries, tombs, caverns and crypts.
• A randomly generated world filled with all-new weapons, armor, monsters, unique items, non-playing characters and more than 20 quests.
• Nearly 25 minutes of motion picture quality cinematics and a 70-minute original score of ambient music.
• Full multiplayer support for up to eight players and expanded Battle.net support with servers on land in North America, Europe and Asia.
• Optional 3Dfx and Direct3D support that offers near-perfect perspective, including scaling and parallax effects, to the game play experience.

When Diablo released in 1997, it was an instant hit among gamers and debuted as the number-one selling game its first month in stores. The game has sold in excess of 2 million copies worldwide and was the number-one selling computer role-playing game in 1997.

Availability
Diablo II is being developed by the Blizzard North design team and is expected to release on three CD-ROMs by the end of June in Windows®95/98/2000/NT format. A Macintosh version of the game will be available during the third quarter 2000. Though Diablo II's rating is currently pending, Blizzard anticipates that the game will receive a Mature rating from the ESRB. The game will be available at most computer and software retail chains worldwide. The game will also be offered directly from Blizzard at (800) 953-SNOW and www.blizzard.com.

System Requirements
Diablo II's single-player minimum system requirements are Windows® 2000/95/98/NT, Pentium® 233 or equivalent, 32 MB RAM, 650 MB available hard drive space, 4X CD-ROM drive and DirectX™ compatible video card. Additional multiplayer system requirements include 64 MB RAM, 950 MB available hard drive space and 28.8 Kbps or faster modem. The game also offers optional 3D acceleration by supporting Glide™ and Direct 3D™ compatible video cards with at least 8MB of video RAM. Direct 3D™ requires 64 MB of system RAM.

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft ® series, StarCraft™ and the Diablo™ series, Blizzard Entertainment® (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes four consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

Blizzard Entertainment is a division of Havas Interactive, itself a division of French media company Havas, S.A, a subsidiary of Vivendi, a world leader in utilities and communications and one of the largest publicly owned companies in Europe.

Diablo II Action Figures Storm Retail Shelves

IRVINE, Calif. - June 19, 2000 - Kicking off the highly anticipated launch of Diablo™ II later this month, Blizzard Entertainment® this week shipped Diablo II action figures to retailers throughout North America. The figures depict three popular characters from the game: Diablo, the Barbarian and the Unraveler.

These collector-quality figures will stand about 6 inches tall and include multiple articulations. Sculpted from actual 3D models from the game, the action figures are available at software stores nationwide for approximately $10. Shipments to Asia and Europe are planned to coincide with the actual product launch later this month.

In Diablo II, players return to a dark world plagued by evil forces. After possessing the body of the hero who defeated him, Diablo resumes his nefarious scheme to shackle humanity into unholy slavery by joining forces with the other Prime Evils, Mephisto and Baal. Players face a new series of quests to rid the world of Diablo and his vile brethren forever.

Diablo II, which will ship at the end of the month, has initial orders in excess of 1.5 million copies worldwide. When Diablo released in 1997, it was an instant hit among gamers and debuted as the number-one selling game its first month in stores. The game has sold over 2 million copies worldwide and was the number-one selling computer role-playing game in 1997.

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft ® series, StarCraft™ and the Diablo™ series, Blizzard Entertainment® (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes four consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

Diablo II hits the stores 30th June 2000

June 27th, 2000: Havas Interactive, a global leader in interactive content. The second largest publisher of entertainment software for PCs and the second largest publisher of educational software is pleased to announce Diablo II street date of June 30th.

Diablo II returns to a world of dark fantasy. As one of five distinct character types, players explore the world of Diablo II, journey across distant lands, fight new villains, discover new treasures and uncover ancient mysteries.

"Diablo II has known extensive press coverage over the last few years in both the print and on-line media, and this, in turn has fuelled the fires of anticipation for the gaming community", stated Frazer Nash PR Manager for Games at Havas Interactive UK. "Diablo II may have taken a few years to arrive but judging by the response over the last few months from the closed Beta and open Beta testing, fans old and new all agree it is worth waiting for".

PC Gaming World "It may have taken four years to bring Diablo II to fruition, but the thought processes, planning and time put into it appear to have been well spent"

PC Player "Diablo II is looking mighty fine. It is very similar in basic feel and play to the original but much imported"

Gamespot (UK site) "The Diablo II battle.net beta test has proved one thing above all - Blizzard has got the whole concept of gameplay solidly screwed down, eschewing flashy new developments for a cleverly thought out, well scripted game that's accessible and enjoyable for both hard core players and the amateur".

"Diablo, the original game, created a community of on-line gaming fans that has yet to be rivalled ", states Lisa Humphries, Product Manager for Diablo II at Havas Interactive UK. "With the arrival of Diablo II the stakes couldn’t be higher as more and more people are recognising the possibilities and the sheer excitement of on-line gaming and Diablo II will only add to this fever".…

Features

• Five all new characters classes with unique attributes and abilities.
• Four different, fully populated towns complete with wilderness areas.
• Multiple dungeons, caverns and crypts in every town for players to explore.
• Expanded world filled with all-new quests, weapons, spells, armour, monsters and non-player characters.
• Advanced combat system, which incorporates class-specific fighting techniques and spells.
• Full Multiplayer support, including Internet play over Battle.net.

Diablo II Ships Worldwide

The year's most anticipated game en route to stores

IRVINE, Calif. - June 28, 2000 - Blizzard Entertainment® announced today that Diablo™ II, its highly anticipated real-time action role-playing game, has started shipping to stores worldwide. The game, which has initial orders of 2 million copies, will start arriving at retailers by the end of the week.

In Diablo II, players return to a dark world plagued by evil forces. After possessing the body of the hero who defeated him, Diablo resumes his nefarious scheme to shackle humanity into unholy slavery by joining forces with the other Prime Evils, Mephisto and Baal. Players face a new series of quests to rid the world of Diablo and his vile brethren forever.

"Diablo II is our most ambitious undertaking to date," said Mike Morhaime, Blizzard Entertainment president and co-founder, "From the depth of each character class and the size of each act to the expansion of Battle.net®'s new worldwide architecture and the number of languages for which we localized the game, the scope of Diablo II is much larger than any of our past projects."

Key features in the game include:

• Five all new character classes -- the Amazon, Paladin, Barbarian, Sorceress and Necromancer -- each with unique skills and abilities. In all, Diablo II offers 150 special abilities as each character can develop 30 unique, class specific skills and spells throughout the game.
• Four expansive towns to explore complete with wilderness areas, dungeons, monasteries, tombs, caverns and crypts.
• A randomly generated world with filled with more than 20 quests, weapons, armor, monsters, unique items and non-playing characters.
• Nearly 25 minutes of motion picture quality cinematics and a 70-minute original score of ambient music.
• Full multiplayer support for up to eight players and expanded Battle.net support with servers on land in North America, Europe and Asia.
• Optional 3Dfx and Direct3D support that offers near-perfect perspective, including scaling and parallax effects, to the game play experience.

When Diablo released in 1997, it was an instant hit among gamers and debuted as the number-one selling game its first month in stores. The game has sold 2 million copies worldwide and was the number-one selling computer role-playing game in 1997.

Diablo II was developed by the Blizzard North design team and is available on three CD-ROMs in Windows®95/98/2000/NT format. A Macintosh version of the game will be available during the third quarter 2000. The game will be available at most computer and software retail chains worldwide. The game will also be offered directly from Blizzard at (800) 953-SNOW and www.blizzard.com. The game has received a Mature rating from the ESRB.

Diablo II's single-player minimum system requirements are Windows® 2000/95/98/NT, Pentium® 233 or equivalent, 32 MB RAM, 650 MB available hard drive space, 4X CD-ROM drive and DirectX™ compatible video card. Additional multiplayer system requirements include 64 MB RAM, 950 MB available hard drive space and 28.8 Kbps or faster modem. The game also offers optional 3D acceleration by supporting Glide™ and Direct 3D™ compatible video cards with at least 8MB of video RAM. Direct 3D™ requires 64 MB of system RAM.

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft ® series, StarCraft™ and the Diablo™ series, Blizzard Entertainment® (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes four consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

Blizzard Entertainment is a division of Havas Interactive, itself a division of French media company Havas, S.A, a subsidiary of Vivendi, a world leader in utilities and communications and one of the largest publicly owned companies in Europe.

Diablo II for Macintosh Goes Gold

IRVINE, Calif. - July 5, 2000 - Macintosh gamers, get ready. Blizzard Entertainment® announced today that the Macintosh version of the highly anticipated Diablo™ II, has gone gold. Shipping less than one month after the PC version of the game, this marks the fastest conversion of a game in the history of Blizzard Entertainment.

In Diablo II, players return to a dark world plagued by evil forces. After possessing the body of the hero who defeated him, Diablo resumes his nefarious scheme to shackle humanity into unholy slavery by joining forces with the other Prime Evils, Mephisto and Baal. Players face a new series of quests to rid the world of Diablo and his vile brethren forever.

"Not only is Diablo II our most ambitious undertaking to date, it is also the first time in our company's history that we are able to launch the Mac version almost simultaneously with the PC version," said Mike Morhaime, Blizzard Entertainment president and co-founder, "From the depth of each character class and the size of each act to the expansion of Battle.net®'s new worldwide architecture, the scope of Diablo II is much larger than any of our past projects."

Key features in the game include:

• Five all new character classes -- the Amazon, Paladin, Barbarian, Sorceress and Necromancer -- each with unique skills and abilities. In all, Diablo II offers 150 special abilities as each character can develop 30 unique, class specific skills and spells throughout the game.
• Four expansive towns to explore complete with wilderness areas, dungeons, monasteries, tombs, caverns and crypts.
• A randomly generated world filled with all-new weapons, armor, monsters, unique items, non-playing characters and more than 20 quests.
• Nearly 25 minutes of motion picture quality cinematics and a 70-minute original score of ambient music.
• InputSprocket to support multi-button mice.
• Full multiplayer support for up to eight players and expanded Battle.net support with servers on land in North America, Europe and Asia.
• Optional for RAVE, open GL and 3dfx support that offers near-perfect perspective, including scaling and parallax effects, to the game play experience.

When Diablo released in 1997, it was an instant hit among gamers and debuted as the number-one selling game its first month in stores. The game has sold in excess of 2 million copies worldwide and was the number-one selling computer role-playing game in 1997.

Availability
Diablo II is expected to release on three CD-ROMs by the end of July in Macintosh format. Diablo II has an ESRB rating of Mature (17+). The game will be available at most computer and software retail chains worldwide. The game will also be offered directly from Blizzard at (800) 953-SNOW and www.blizzard.com.

System Requirements
Diablo II's single-player minimum system requirements are G3 processor, Mac OS 8.1 or higher, 64 MB RAM plus Virtual Memory 650 MB available hard drive space, 4X CD-ROM drive and Video support for 256 color display at 800X600, Mouse and keyboard.

Additional multiplayer system requirements include 64 MB RAM plus Virtual Memory 950 MB available hard drive, 4X CD-ROM drive, Video support for 256 color display at 800X600, Mouse and keyboard. Battle.net connection requires a low-latency 28.8 Kbps Internet connection. Multiplayer games played over a LAN require a TCP/IP network. The game offers InputSprocket to support multiple mice. Enhanced graphic support includes optional 3D acceleration by supporting Glide™, OpenGL (v.1.1.2 or higher), RAVE or 3dfx.

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft ® series, StarCraft™ and the Diablo™ series, Blizzard Entertainment® (www.blizzard.com) is a premier publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes four consecutive number-one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's free Internet gaming service Battle.net reigns as the largest in the world with millions of unique users.

Blizzard Entertainment is a division of Havas Interactive, itself a division of French media company Havas, S.A, a subsidiary of Vivendi, a world leader in utilities and communications and one of the largest publicly owned companies in Europe.