Sony Online Entertainment announced Thursday that they have partnered with Snowblind Studios Inc. and Rapid Eye Entertainment Inc. to create original content for the PC and console markets. Rapid Eye is currently developing a real-time strategy, PC-based EverQuest game and Snowblind is developing an EverQuest-based product for the PlayStation2... SAN DIEGO, CA - July 18, 2002 - Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online gaming, today announced deals with Snowblind Studios Inc. and Rapid Eye Entertainment Inc. to create original content for the PC and console markets under the SOE label. Rapid Eye Entertainment is currently developing a real-time strategy, PC-based EverQuest® game while Snowblind Studios is developing an EverQuest-based product for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Further product information will be announced at a later date. “We’ve made it a point to work closely with leading developers to create the best possible gaming experience,” said Russell Shanks, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Sony Online Entertainment. “As we expand our product line into new genres, our mission is to deliver compelling content and online capabilities to PC and console systems worldwide.” Combining the experience and the expertise of the SOE development team with other top developers opens the market to new possibilities in gaming. By expanding into new genres of gaming, SOE is well poised to take advantage of the rapidly growing market that recently broke new ground in entertainment by surpassing movie box office receipts. Founded by Mark Caldwell in June 2001, Rapid Eye Entertainment (www.rapideyegames.com) is a game developer dedicated to expanding gameplay and pioneering new game genres. Caldwell was an original member and leader of the team behind the highly acclaimed Might and Magic® series of role-playing games and the Heroes of Might and Magic® series of turn-based strategy games. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., the company’s initial focus is a unique twist in the real-time strategy category. “Rapid Eye is dedicated to working on the cutting edge of gaming,” said Mark Caldwell, founder and president, Rapid Eye Entertainment. “Our partnership with Sony Online Entertainment allows us to work on projects that will change the face of gaming, delivering great new content to a broader group of gamers.” Snowblind Studios, best known for the development of Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance, a widely successful role playing game for the PlayStation®2 system, is an award-winning entertainment software company founded by industry veterans Ryan Geithman and Brian Sostrom in 1997. Based in Bellevue, Washington, Snowblind Studios has developed titles for Nintendo 64 and the PlayStation®2 system. “EverQuest has taken the world by storm,” said Ryan Geithman, president, Snowblind Studios. “We’re excited to be working with Sony Online Entertainment to expand the EverQuest phenomenon to new platforms and new audiences.” Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), the online gaming division of Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment, is a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online gaming that creates, develops and provides online entertainment for the personal computer, console, wireless, and online markets. With more than 13 million registered users, SOE’s award-winning website, The Station ® (www.station.com) hosts a variety of entertaining games and player communities spanning numerous genres. In addition to blockbuster hits EverQuest® and Jeopardy! Online, SOE has an array of cutting-edge online games in development such as PlanetSide™, Star Wars® Galaxies™, EverQuest® II, and the world’s premier online-only console game for the PlayStation®2, EverQuest® Online Adventures™.