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Who wants to be a millionaire: 2nd Edition

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 2nd Edition' Challenges Players to Take The 'Hot Seat' on the Playstation(R) Game Console Popular Television Game Show Offers PlayStation Gamers Interactive Family Fun

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the release of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 2nd Edition" for the PlayStation(R) game console. Following the style of ABC's most popular television phenomenon, "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 2nd Edition" incorporates all the drama and immersive fun of the TV game show, with hundreds of mind-bending questions and all three Lifelines

-- Phone-A-Friend, Ask the Audience and 50/50

-- all hosted by a virtual Regis Philbin.

"Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 2nd Edition" utilizes audio and video of Regis Philbin, including instructions on how to play the game; questions; right/wrong answers; phone-in banter; and of course, "...is that your FINAL answer?" Through a winning combination of clever writing, design and high-production values, a virtual Regis Philbin comes to life, complete with his charming wit and attitude, to host the game right in players' homes.

"We are thrilled to bring 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 2nd Edition' to the PlayStation game console," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. "With the popularity of the television game show and Regis Philbin as the host, 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 2nd Edition' is sure to become a huge hit among PlayStation gamers."

"Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 2nd Edition" captures the drama of the game show, beginning with the two-player Fastest Finger round. Four items are displayed out of sequence on the screen, and the first contestant to put these items in the right order in the shortest time advances to the Hot Seat.

Just like the television program, participants must answer 15 progressively challenging questions correctly.

Also as on TV, players can rely on three different Lifelines for assistance: Ask the Audience, Phone-A-Friend and 50/50. Instead of polling a live studio audience for Ask the Audience, "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 2nd Edition" uses an Internet poll conducted prior to the release of the game.

When Phone-A-Friend is selected, the game "calls" one of Regis' virtual friends. Sometimes the answers they give will be correct, sometimes incorrect. Players must use clues in the answers to figure out whether to rely on the advice or disregard it. The third Lifeline is 50/50, which narrows down the correct answers to two choices.

Unlike the television version, should players lose the game, they can always try again. With hundreds of questions available, the game provides hours of nail-biting fun. The TV-like timing, tense music and right dose of unique banter from Regis build non-stop excitement for the chance to become a virtual millionaire.

Two consumer promotions will support the release of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 2nd Edition" for the PlayStation game console. The first promotion, "Win A '$1,000,000' Sweepstakes," sponsored by Sony Computer Entertainment America, gives consumers the opportunity to win one million dollars. Consumers may participate by purchasing a specially marked copy of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 2nd Edition" for PlayStation or by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to: "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 2nd Edition" Sweepstakes, Game Piece/Rule Request, 1407 Airport Road, Suite 2034, Monroe, NC 28110.

Participating contestants will receive a game piece with a number printed inside, attached to the front panel of the "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 2nd Edition" packaging. To determine if they are the winner, consumers must visit www.playstation.com, go to the "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 2nd Edition" game page, follow the instructions to enter their game piece number and see if it matches the winning number. One grand prize winner will receive one million dollars.

The second promotion is a retail promotion, sponsored by Kmart stores nationwide. Kmart customers who purchase "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: 2nd Edition" for PlayStation will receive a calling card with ten minutes of access to an additional Lifeline to be utilized while playing the game.

This Lifeline would be a direct connection to the PlayStation call center, whose agents have answers to the questions available upon request. This promotion will take place beginning July 10 through August 7, 2000. Kmart calling cards are good while supplies last. This Second Edition title of the "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" interactive game follows the original PC-CDROM, which launched in November 1999 and became the fastest selling PC game of all time.