3DO Signs Toshiba as Hardware Licensee

19^th April 1994

The 3DO Company today announced that Toshiba, a consumer product, information and communications systems manufacturer, has signed a hardware license agreement to manufacture, market, and distribute 3DO(TM) products. Toshiba plans to develop a portable version of the 3DO system that can also be installed in automobiles.

“Toshiba, with its outstanding reputation as a consumer electronics company, is a welcomed member to the 3DO family,’ said Trip Hawkins, 3DO’s President and CEO.

Several other companies currently have hardware license agreements with 3DO, including Matsushita, AT&T, Sanyo, Samsung and Goldstar. Atari Games, American Laser Games, and Electronic Arts have also been granted licenses to develop coin-op arcade devices using 3DO technology, and Creative Technology recently signed a tentative agreement to develop a PC card based on 3DO technology.

 Launch Plans Set for Europe

 Panasonic U.K. Ltd. today also announced that it is planning to begin 3DO launch activities this spring and that its REAL(TM) 3DO(TM) Interactive Multiplayer (TM) system will be available in the United Kingdom this fall. Introduction of the 3DO system in other European countries will follow the U.K. launch.

Panasonic’s launch plans in the U.K. include an extensive promotion, including advertising, merchandising, and consumer competitions.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd, (MEI), Panasonic’s parent company, also plans to establish a 3DO software office in the United Kingdom to work with software companies to ensure a wide selection of software for the 3DO system.

 “Matsushita put all the pieces in place for a successful launch in Japan, and it is working to put the same pieces in place for its European rollout,” Hawkins said. “The focus and drive that MEI and our software licensees have put behind the 3DO system will enable rapid product delivery in multiple countries. It typically takes other companies about three years to accomplish what we will do in less than one year with launches of the 3DO system in the United States, Japan and Europe.”

 There currently are more than 20 3DO software licensees developing titles in the U.K., some of which specifically target the British market.

In addition to these titles, more than 25 titles currently are available in stores in the United States. 3DO expects most of these titles to be available for the fall launch in the United Kingdom.

MEI’s REAL(TM) 3DO Interactive Multiplayer system was launched in Japan in mid-March under the Panasonic brand name and is available through about 10,000 retail outlets nationwide. The system sells for a suggested retail price of Y54,800, currently equal to about U.S. $500. There are about 11 software titles currently available for the 3DO platform in Japan.

 “Early indicators point to a successful launch in Japan,” said Hiroyuki Tachibana, general manager of MEI’s Interactive Media Division.

 “More than 50,000 3DO systems have been shipped to retailers in less than a month, and consumer response has been strong. We are very pleased with the overwhelming acceptance of the 3DO system throughout Japan.”