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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
ESPN and Dwango North America to Develop "Bassmaster Mobile" Game for Wireless Phones
SEATTLE, Wash.--April 13, 2004--ESPN and Dwango(R) North America
(OTCBB:DWGN) today announced a licensing agreement that will bring distinctive BASS-branded mobile entertainment to anglers and outdoor sports enthusiasts worldwide. In working with Dwango -- a leading developer and distributor of entertainment content and applications for next-generation mobile phones -- ESPN aims to enhance BASS, and its "Bassmaster" brand, in the mobile entertainment marketplace.
Initially, the two companies will collaborate to launch a subscription-based, network-aware game under the "Bassmaster Mobile"
moniker. Additional products and services will be added to build a more robust "Bassmaster Mobile" community. Potential future offerings include images, wallpapers, ringtones, video, camera applications, tips from the pros, and Short Messaging Service (SMS)/Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) applications.
"Dwango is delighted to be working with ESPN," said Rick Hennessey, chief executive officer of Dwango North America. "Our team has developed best-of-breed content, and we're looking forward to the launch of the `Bassmaster Mobile' title, as well as to continued collaboration with ESPN in creating compelling mobile entertainment."
Added Manish Jha, senior vice president and general manager, emerging media and data services, ESPN, "ESPN Wireless will serve the BASS member and passionate fishing fans with anytime, anyplace access to exciting entertainment, information, and community under the `Bassmaster' brand. We are pleased to offer outdoor enthusiasts and fishing fans yet another exciting way to use technology to enhance their connection with BASS."
The first "Bassmaster Mobile" game, "Legendary Lunkers," will feature the Cast 'n Wait system, a mobile gameplay breakthrough -- which emulates real fishing by surprising the player with a call back when a fish is biting. Whether competing against the top online scores or fishing in the recreational mode, virtual anglers will be challenged by actual "Bassmaster" tournament locales and real-time weather conditions. "Bassmaster Mobile" offers the definitive fishing experience for mobile games.
The game is expected to be available late in the second quarter, while further community elements for "Bassmaster Mobile" will continue to be developed for later release. The two companies will utilize Dwango's infrastructure, carrier relationships, and media development to effectively extend the BASS and ESPN brands to fishing fans and mobile phone users. Pre-load agreements with carriers and handset manufacturers will begin in the near term.
About Dwango North America
Dwango North America develops and publishes wireless applications and technology for users of next-generation mobile devices. Dwango North America has an exclusive North American license for all of Dwango Co. Ltd. of Japan's current and future wireless intellectual property. Dwango Japan is a leading entertainment content and network technology provider for NTT DoCoMo's i-mode(TM) service, the largest wireless data service in the world. Dwango North America Inc. is capitalizing on Dwango Co. Ltd.'s expertise and experience as a leader in the Japanese ringtone, media, and mobile games market to build similar offerings for the rapidly growing North American market.
Dwango North America corporate information can be found at www.dwango.com or call 206-286-1440.
About BASS
BASS is the world's largest fishing organization, with more than 500,000 members and sanctioning more than 20,000 tournaments worldwide through its Federation. This April, BASS introduces the all-new Bassmaster Elite 50 Series, a four-event, no-entry-fee circuit featuring a $1.6 million prize purse for the world's best anglers. The CITGO Bassmaster Tournament Trail presented by Busch Beer is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass-fishing tournament circuit and continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism, and sportsmanship as it has since 1968. BASS is a wholly owned subsidiary of ESPN.
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Dwango undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events, or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated results.
The risks and uncertainties to which forward-looking statements are subject include, but are not limited to, the need to raise capital; the business of Dwango, including the market for its products and services; the effect of government regulation and competition; and other material risks.
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