LEADERS OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF GAMES TO CONVERGE ON AUSTIN IN SEPTEMBER

Austin Game Conference to Feature Keynotes by Raph Koster, chief designer of Star Wars Galaxies, and Mark Jacobs, CEO and President of Mythic Entertainment

AUSTIN, Texas, July 31, 2003 - The Austin Game Initiative today announced the Austin Game Conference, to be held September 11-12, 2003, at the Austin Convention Center. The two-day event is designed to inform and educate game industry professionals on next-generation technologies and business strategies for emerging products and platforms, such as online multi-player and mobile games. Austin Game Conference will bring together developers, technologists and business professionals for sessions, workshops, and a technology pavilion, all pushing the boundaries of game development.

The inaugural event will feature industry luminaries including keynote presenters Mark Jacobs, chief executive officer and president of Mythic Entertainment and Raph Koster, chief designer of Star Wars Galaxies at Sony Online Entertainment (SOE). Additionally, the packed schedule will include sessions by Atari, Castle Hill Studios, Electronic Arts, GameSpy, Glass Eye Productions, Metrowerks, Mutable Realms, Mythic Entertainment, Online Alchemy, Sony Online, Ubi Soft, Wolfpack Studios and others. See a full speaker list at http://www.gameconference.com/conference/

Sponsors include Alias, GameSpy, Bigworld, Micro Forte, BroadQ, Criterion Software/RenderWare, RLX Technologies, Nokia, Mary-Margaret.com, Inc., AustinXL Angel Investors Network, Heavy Metal Marketing, BeyondBeyond, and Zona.

"The southwest area has long been a mecca to some of the most innovative game development projects and I am honored to be involved in this inaugural event," said Mark Jacobs, chief executive officer and president of Mythic Entertainment, developer of Dark Age of Camelot.

"The gaming industry has seen tremendous growth, in both popularity and in technological achievement and continues to be the catalyst for driving new technologies," said Raph Koster, chief designer of Star Wars Galaxies. "By bringing together some of the most creative minds in the industry, the Austin Game Conference is leading professionals to the next generation of game development."

The Austin Game Conference will provide attendees with an opportunity to attend special sessions that focus on the latest PC and console tools, hardware and technologies to streamline the design processes. Conference tracks are designed to allow individuals to pursue their specialized interests, learn from industry leaders and scout out the latest technology.

In addition, the Austin Game Conference has teamed up with Criterion Software to produce "LivePitch GameON!," - http://www.LivePitch.com Criterion Software's respected industry matchmaking initiative that provides an opportunity for developers to meet with and pitch PC and console game demos to the world's leading publishers.

Event Highlights include:

* Multiplayer Online Games Tracks - Discussions with visionaries and veterans, providing detailed insight with four tracks: Tech, Design, Service and Production. The definitive conference on multiplayer online games.

* Future of the Development Pipeline - Focuses on streamlining the design process. With the length of today's development cycle don't be left behind. Includes PC and console focuses.

* Mobile Market Design and Profits - Revenues and profits are just now being realized. Understand this fragmented market and the opportunities. Learn how to get product out the door and make a profit.

* LivePitch Developer/Publisher Pitch Sessions - Independent developers vie to pitch with leading publishers at the show. See http://www.LivePitch.com for details.

* Technology Pavilion - Showcasing the latest tools, technologies, products and services. The only place to nationally showcase until next year. Booths and/or private meeting rooms available.

* Machinima Theater - Machinima is the convergence of filmmaking, animation and game development. By combining the techniques of filmmaking, the flexibility of animation production and the technology of real-time 3D game engines, Machinima makes for a very cost- and time-efficient way to produce films.

Registration Information

Early Registration for the two-day event is now open and can be accessed by logging on to www.gameconference.com. Early registration for professionals prior to August 15 is $85. Early registration for students prior to August 15 is $55.