Press Release

eScape Technology Enables Mass Interaction Through Browser

ROCKVILLE, Md.& ST. CHARLES, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 2, 2001-- Simutronics, the pioneer in massively multi-player online games, today announced the release of its breakthrough eScape(TM) technology, allowing players worldwide to interact with each other in real-time using the Internet Explorer web browser.

Prior to the release of eScape, browser games were very limited in their ability to allow players to interact with each other, and highly interactive games required complex software to be installed.

Also, the company today launches its all-new upgraded web site (http://www.play.net). In this massive site, players will find a virtual encyclopedia of information relating to Simutronics games, including details on hundreds of monsters, weapons, and maps of its online worlds. The new web site makes it easier than ever for players and newcomers to enjoy the company's games.

eScape supports the Simutronics lineup of massively multi-player role-playing games, including the company's leading titles, GemStone IV (R) and DragonRealms (R) available through the company's Play Dot Net (R) web service. Under eScape, players utilize an advanced user interface including multiple windows and point-and-click items to play the games. Graphics and text are integrated into game play.

According to company founder and CEO David Whatley, "The Simutronics eScape technology opens the doors to millions of people who want to play interactive games without having to become technology experts. This huge advance makes advanced games easy to install and easy to play."

Simutronics games are unique in their use of text as the primary means of interaction. Players type commands to their characters within the game world using the English language. By focusing on text, the games provide a very rich, textured experience where the players take their time and think, not just reacting with a joystick.

Simutronics games using eScape focus on building virtual worlds online, where thousands of players interact with each other and with the game worlds. GemStone IV and DragonRealms are fantasy role-playing games, where players take the role of characters in the game worlds.

The games are social, not competitive, relying on player cooperation to defeat monsters, explore massive online worlds, and find treasures and magical items. Players are typically adults (median age 30) and, very unusual for this type of game, 25% of the audience is female.

Says company Executive Vice President Neil Harris, "Simutronics games have always been about social interaction more than killing things. Our growing and diverse audience shows that this is what players are really looking for. With eScape, more people than ever before can get into the games and enjoy the best experience available anywhere."

eScape is the first new technology launched by Simutronics in its initiative to bring its games to an ever wider audience. In the near future the company will announce additional projects relating to new platforms for its online games including wireless and handheld platforms.

About Simutronics

Simutronics Corp. (http://play.net), the pioneer in online games, is a fast-growing, Internet game company that designs, develops, and operates games created from the ground up for collaborative play over the Internet. Simutronics(R)games generate about 60 million minutes of game play per month from tens of thousands of paying subscribers.

Founded in 1987, Simutronics Corp. is a profitable, privately held corporation with offices in St. Charles, Missouri, and Rockville, Maryland.

Simutronics, GemStone IV, DragonRealms, and Play Dot Net are registered trademarks of Simutronics Corp. All other products or company names belong to their respective owners.