Activision and GameSpy Team to Offer Multiplayer Matching Support

Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) has partnered with GameSpy Industries to provide multiplayer matching services for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater(TM) 3, the first online multiplayer game for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. Utilizing GameSpy's proprietary matchmaking technology, players will be able to seek out up to three other virtual skaters with comparable skills, and then compete throughout eight massive environments. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 is slated to launch in North America on October 30, 2001 and will support the Network Adaptor (Ethernet/Modem)(for PlayStation(R)2) as well as a number of third-party peripherals including USB Ethernet Adapters and USB Modems. "The power of the PlayStation 2, combined with GameSpy's leading matchmaking technology, will ensure that players have a fantastic online gaming experience," said Larry Goldberg, executive vice president, Activision Worldwide Studios. "By introducing an online component to the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater franchise, we are not only upping the ante in the action sports category but in console gaming on the whole."

GameSpy's multiplayer matching services allows virtual skaters to skate with up to four players on the Internet. Gamers can host or join games, choosing from the eight single player maps featured in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3. Additionally, the title has built-in software that allows players to gauge the skill level of other gamers before they enter a new game.

"GameSpy is thrilled to provide the flexible, cross-platform GameSpy.Net technology for Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3," said Mark Surfas, CEO / Founder of GameSpy Industries. "GameSpy.Net tools and backend services remove the burden of developing and maintaining matchmaking systems and back-end services from the game developer or publisher's shoulders. Ultimately, developers and publishers save time and money with GameSpy.Net tools."

Developed by Neversoft Entertainment, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 is the revolutionary sequel to the best-selling sports game of 2000. Offering eight massive levels filled with people, traffic, and other interactive elements, the environments are brought to life with richer graphics and advanced special effects. Smoother life-like animations and significantly improved tricks capture the style of 13 of the world's best skateboarding pros. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 has been rated "T" (Teen -- with blood, mild lyrics and suggestive themes) and carries a suggested retail price of $49.99.

About GameSpy Industries
Founded in 1995, GameSpy Industries, Inc., is the leading online consumer and business services company focused on the expanding games market. GameSpy's Consumer Division creates superior game and editorial experiences for the enjoyment of more than five million gamers located in more than 100 countries worldwide. GameSpy's Business Services Division operates under the GameSpy.net brand and is the premiere provider of online gaming infrastructure and technologies to the PC, Mac and console games industry. It is the official online infrastructure provider for leading game publishers such as Activision, Eidos, WizardWorks and Interplay. GameSpy's technologies have become the industry standard in multiplayer gaming, back-end systems/infrastructure and cross-platform developer tools for the $8 billion interactive entertainment industry. GameSpy Industries is the manager of the gaming world's data -- tracking over 20,000 servers and millions of gamers and game installations. GameSpy Industries is headquartered in Irvine, California.

About Activision, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted revenues of $620 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and the Netherlands. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is located at http://www.activision.com.

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SOURCE Activision, Inc.