Makena Technologies Helps Create New Virtual Skatepark in MTV Networks' Virtual Worlds

Makena Technologies Helps Create New Virtual Skatepark in MTV Networks' Virtual Worlds

Makena/MTVN Partnership Continues to Drive Fans to Eight Online Properties Based on Popular TV Shows

SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Makena Technologies, creator of the popular social virtual world There.com, and MTV Networks today announced the unveiling of a new Virtual Skatepark inside MTV Networks' virtual worlds tied to MTV's two popular on-air shows, "Rob and Big" and "Life of Ryan." Makena provides the exclusive technology platform for MTV's franchise-related virtual worlds, including the Emmy-winning Virtual Laguna Beach, Virtual Hills, Virtual Real World and Virtual VMAs, among others.

Tied to the hit shows "Rob and Big" and "Life of Ryan," the new virtual outpost for the popular skate-themed shows features different ramps, halfpipes, jumps and rails. Virtual skateboarders can hang out, attend events, join teams and enter competitions. In addition, users can meet fellow fans of the shows, watch videos of the on-air episodes and talk via text or voice chat. Ongoing special events will bring users in direct contact with the skateboarding lifestyle featured on the two hit shows, as well as special appearances by cast members.

"We are very excited that our partnership with MTV Networks continues to expand and flourish," said Michael Wilson, CEO of Makena Technologies. "Coupling our technology with the exclusive content that MTV provides allows their fan base to experience their favorite shows in an engaging way that has proven to be very successful."

Makena continues to be the preferred social-networking technology platform for MTV Networks' franchise-related virtual properties. The advanced technology originally developed for their popular social virtual world, There.com, provides highly expressive and lifelike 3D avatars for MTV fans to customize.

"Building on the success of our current virtual offerings, our work with Makena continues to allow us to create immersive environments to deeply engage viewers with our television programming," said Matt Bostwick, senior vice president of business development for MTV Networks' Music and Logo Group.

The virtual skate park shared by" Rob and Big" and "Life of Ryan" is currently live at http://www.vmtv.com/virtualskatepark.html.

About Makena Technologies, Inc.

Makena Technologies is the parent company of There.com, a fully interactive, 3D online virtual world where members can customize and create their own 3D character, meet and hang out with friends in real-time using voice and text chat, build their own virtual homes, participate in events ranging from car races to paintball to fashion shows and even create and sell their own virtual items. There.com is a safe and exciting "PG-13" environment for ages 13 and up that has something to offer nearly anyone. Makena Technologies has offices in San Mateo, CA and Laguna Beach, CA. For more information, visit http://www.there.com/.

About MTV Networks

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B), is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 145 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 300 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Makena Technologies, Inc.

CONTACT: Aimee Yoon of Dotted Line Communications, +1-646-678-4980,
aimee@dottedlinecomm.com, for There.com

Web site:

http://www.vmtv.com/virtualskatepark.html
http://www.there.com/

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