RealNetworks' RealArcade Announces SCRABBLE Man vs. Machine Challenge; Unveils RealArcade Online Version of Classic Board Game

RealNetworks' RealArcade Announces SCRABBLE Man vs. Machine Challenge; Unveils RealArcade Online Version of Classic Board Game

Can the SCRABBLE National Champion Beat the Computer and Take Home the $10,000 Prize?

SEATTLE, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- RealNetworks(R), Inc. (NASDAQ:RNWK), the world's largest publisher of casual games, today announced the North America launch of RealArcade's online version of the classic board game SCRABBLE. The launch coincides with RealNetworks' Man vs. Machine competition in Seattle where the winner of the 2006 SCRABBLE Open will use his talents to try and beat the game developed by RealNetworks' GameHouse studio. SCRABBLE is under license from HPG, the licensing arm of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS).

The RealNetworks Man vs. Machine competition will be held at downtown Seattle's Westlake Center on November 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jim Kramer, the national SCRABBLE Open Champion, will be enclosed in an isolation booth as he tests his SCRABBLE skills against the RealArcade version of the game. Serving as Masters of Ceremonies for the competition will be John Williams, president of the National SCRABBLE Association, and John Curley, Anchor for Seattle's Evening Magazine.

"I've had a chance to demo the digital download version of SCRABBLE, and it's definitely challenging," Kramer said. "I think it is a great way for serious SCRABBLE players and even novices to sharpen their skills and enjoy a fun, but challenging classic game on their computers."

Recently, RealNetworks announced research findings from a Harris Interactive(R) study that state U.S. adults who play computer games play "casual" games for a quick mental break. Sixty four percent of respondents cited game play as a way to unwind and relax, while 53 percent play for stress relief. Additionally, more than 70 percent of people buying casual games from RealNetworks are women age 40 and older.

"SCRABBLE is a classic favorite, enjoyed by families from all walks of life," said Michael Schutzler, senior vice president, Games Division at RealNetworks. "Given the similar broad reach of casual games, and their popularity among kids, parents and grandparents, SCRABBLE is a perfect fit for the RealArcade audience."

Features of the RealArcade version of SCRABBLE include:

-- Hints and Best Play suggestions to accommodate all skill levels
-- Classic, Blitz, Tournament and Custom Tournament modes
-- Play against computer or human opponents
-- Merriam-Webster's The Official SCRABBLE Players Dictionary -- Fourth
Edition

The free demo version of SCRABBLE is now available at RealArcade and GameHouse.com. The full version can be downloaded for a purchase price of $19.99 ($14.99 for RealArcade subscribers).

About HPG

HPG, the licensing arm of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS), translates one of the industry's richest portfolios of brands into a world of fun and excitement for children and adults globally. Through a host of publishing, digital media, lifestyle and entertainment platforms, HPG is able to surround consumers of all ages worldwide with consumer products that expand Hasbro's core brands, such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, MY LITTLE PONY, MONOPOLY, G.I. JOE, TONKA and PLAYSKOOL.

"SCRABBLE is a trademark of Hasbro in the United States and Canada."

About RealNetworks, Inc.

RealNetworks, Inc. is the leading creator of digital media services and software including Rhapsody, RealPlayer(R) 10, and casual PC and mobile games. RealNetworks has more than 2.2 million paid subscribers to its premium digital media http://www.real.com/ . Broadcasters, network operators, media companies and enterprises use RealNetworks' products and services to create and deliver digital media to PCs, mobile phones and consumer electronics devices. RealNetworks' corporate information is located at http://www.realnetworks.com/company .

About RealArcade

RealArcade offers consumers a fun, unique and compelling way to discover, acquire and play PC games -- bringing together a wide array of games and services in a single, easy to use environment. RealArcade provides play- before-you-pay access to the best in downloadable games, free online Web games, broadband games and Palm games. RealArcade is available for free at: http://www.realarcade.com/.

FCMN Contact: meggers@real.com

Source: RealNetworks, Inc.

CONTACT: Carol Rogalski of RealNetworks, Inc., +1-425-890-4747, or
crogalski@real.com; or Ashley Allman, +1-206-344-3133, or ashley@barokas.com,
for RealNetworks, Inc.

Web site: http://www.realnetworks.com/

-------
Profile: intent