We received the following press release.--RL

(AUSTIN, TX)-Blue Byte Software, a leading independent developer and publisher of PC games, today announced that Stephen King's* F13* has gone gold and is scheduled to hit retail shelves January 21. F13* is a diversion from Blue Byte's usual stock of gaming-only titles and is their first product associated with best-selling horror author Stephen King. Stephen King's* F13*, which is designed to "take over" a user's computer, features the previously unpublished (in book format) King novella, Everything's Eventual; numerous interactive "King-esque" games; customizable desktops; screensavers; and more. With only seven days remaining before release, the countdown is on for last minute pre-orders that carry the offer of a collectible "horror-ific" mouse pad. The offer officially ends Midnight, January 20 and the hybrid Macintosh/PC product, which has an MSRP of $29.95, can be ordered directly from http://www.frightware.com. This product has been rated Teen (13+) [Animated Violence] by the ESRB. The official Stephen King's F13 Web site received an overwhelming 700,000 hits during December 1999 and has accumulated more than two million hits since the site launched in September 1999. Mark Hall, vice president of Business Development for Blue Byte Software, commented, "Fans of Steven King have made an amazing showing online. The Web site is receiving a tremendous amount of traffic and we are pleased with the popularity and strength of the Stephen King brand that's already shown itself through pre-order figures."

About Stephen King's* F13

At the very top of the seemingly benign keyboard is a row of function keys. On a standard PC, they number F1 to F12. Key F13 doesn't exist. Even on a MAC, the F13 is an unassuming little key that simply captures a displayed screen. Stephen King's* F13 includes:

• Everything's Eventual-A suspense-filled novella from Stephen King, encompassing the trials, tribulations and technological awareness of an outcast teenager-an absolute must for horror fans. This fully illustrated novella features frighteningly realistic sound effects, taking readers right into the 'disturbed' world of lead character, Dink Earnshaw.
• Users can keep their place in this gripping tale with a digital bookmark.
• Choose from seven different screensavers and three interactive mini-games to keep you entertained.
• Bug Splat-cockroaches scurry across the screen and it's up to players to squash them before they reach infestation levels on the computer. Eggs will be laid and users can see them hatching in yet another quick 'time-wasting' game.
• Frightware(tm) Trivia-users who think they know all there is to know about Stephen King better think again.
• 10 customizable desktops and blood-curdling WAV files bring virtual horror to your computer.

About Blue Byte Software

Established in 1988, Blue Byte is a privately-owned company and has consistently re-affirmed its position as one of the world's leading independent developers and publishers of PC games software with award-winning titles, such as Jimmy Connors Pro Tennis Tour, The Battle Isle Series, The Settlers Series, Extreme Assault, Incubation and Game, Net and Match!

Blue Byte is synchronizing its international operations from offices in the USA and Germany, with a development program that is both advancing the development of online and networks gaming and broadening the audience for computer games. Taking advantage of the United States' more advanced Internet culture, Blue Byte is firmly on target in its goal to pioneer the popularization of computer gaming as a true global entertainment medium. Http://www.bluebyte.com. For more information on Blue Byte Software, contact Samantha Hertzler at (512) 343-0500 ext.19. Email: sam@bluebyte.com .

About Stephen King

The Official Stephen King Web site can be found at . Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine in 1947, the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. He made his first short story sale to a mass market men's magazine shortly after his graduation from the University of Maine. In the Fall of 1971, he began teaching high school English classes at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels. In the Spring of 1973, Doubleday & Co., accepted the novel Carrie for publication, providing him the means to leave teaching and write full time. He has since published more than 40 books and has become one of the world's most successful writers.

Stephen is on the Bangor YMCA Board of Directors. He and his wife, Tabitha, are regular contributors to a number of charities, including many libraries and have been honored locally for their philanthropic activities.

*Stephen King's name is used with permission under license.

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