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 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.

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.

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 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.

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."

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.