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Prototype of Computer Game Based on Science-Fiction TV Series demoed at Jet Propulsion Laboratory Workshop 28/09/98

SIERRA PRESS RELEASE
Prototype of Computer Game Based on Science-Fiction TV Series demoed at Jet Propulsion Laboratory Workshop
Babylon 5 Television Show Producer Addresses Special Seminar on Space-based Entertainment Products, Attendees to See Space Combat Simulator Game in Action.

Sep.28.98
At the upcoming "Playing Among the Planets 98" seminar hosted by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Friday October 2, one of the keynote addresses will be delivered by producer John Copeland from the hit science-fiction TV series Babylon 5. Complementing his presentation will be a hands-on demonstration of a prototype of a space combat simulation game for the PC. The game is based on the Babylon 5 series and is being developed by a division of computer gaming pioneer Sierra On-Line. Seminar attendees will be able to play the game demo on an informal basis at the conclusion of Copeland's remarks.

The seminar is JPL's fourth annual Toys, Games and Multimedia Workshop. Copeland will give the afternoon keynote, "Adding Science to Science Fiction."

The space combat simulation game is being developed in close coordination with Copeland and his colleagues at Babylonian Productions (producers of the series) by Yosemite Entertainment, Sierra's original design studio. Yosemite Entertainment announced last year that it had entered into a major multi-faceted partnership with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to create interactive entertainment products based on series creator J. Michael Straczynski's Babylon 5. That groundbreaking science fiction television series debuted its fifth and final season this year on Turner Network Television (TNT), and a subsequent Babylon 5 series "Crusade" is currently under production in preparation for its January 1999 premier on TNT.

Slated for release in late 1999 under the Sierra Studios brand name, the space combat simulator uses actual digital models, effects and music from the show, faithfully recreating the look and feel of the TV series, both in graphic detail and flight technology. Working directly with Straczynski, the game designers are striving to satisfy hard-core space combat gamers, Babylon 5 fans and those interested in real-time gaming strategy.

"We are pleased at how diligently Sierra is working to mirror what we have created in the series," Copeland said.

Copeland's Babylonian Productions recently became JPL Technology Affiliate partners, allowing its staff to work with JPL scientists and engineers on the authenticity of scripts and sets for "Crusade."

Toy manufacturers, entertainment industry executives and others interested in space programming licensing opportunities are those expected to attend the fourth annual Toys, Games and Multimedia Workshop, Friday, October 2, to learn more about JPL's missions and partnership programs. (Information is available by calling +1 (818) 354 9511.)

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, which includes the Licensing, Studio Stores, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, WB Sport and WB Toys Divisions, is a division of Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P.

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PRESS CONTACT
Genevieve Ostergard
Senior Public Relations Manager
Sierra Studios
gostergard@sierra.com
+1 (949) 362 2643

© 1998 Sierra Studios, a division of Sierra On-Line, Inc.
Babylon 5™ is a tradmark of Warner Bros.

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