We received the following press release.--RL

Austin, TX - - October 2, 1998-Blue Byte Software today announced the unveiling of an official new website, established for THE SETTLERS III.

The site will be updated daily with news, press releases, interviews, photos, fan sites information, and tips & tricks in both an English language: http://www.settlers3.com, and German version: http://www.siedler3.de.

A forum has also been incorporated into the site, which will allow Settler fans from around the world, to contact each other, plus receive and exchange information from Blue Byte, providing a unique and unprecedented innovation in the area of customer service. Blue Byte recently held a trial run for this forum, within the framework of the SETTLER III beta testing, which is currently running with the assistance of 15,000 (fifteen thousand) online testers.

Andreas Kaehmer, Marketing Manager at Blue Byte HQ., commented, "this is yet another step in the direction of enhanced customer service. Blue Byte has been constantly placed highly in the rankings of past customer-service comparison tests. And by creating this platform for a constant and immediate dialogue between Settlers fans and Blue Byte, we have made another substantial advance in this area."

Sven Liebich, an enthusiastic Settlers fan and experienced home page editor, had recently been commissioned by Blue Byte to co-produce the web pages. Kaehmer continues " Sven is exactly the right person for strengthening this contact."

Liebich, who has been running one of the most significant German Settler fan sites on the web, also created an English translation of his pages so that International fans could keep track of the series.

The Settlers III with newer higher resolution graphics, new units, new buildings and most of all massive multiplayer features playable over the Internet and LAN, is scheduled to hit stores November. RRP: $39.99.

Blue Byte is offering customers a pre-order special for those wishing to buy The Settlers III direct. Not only do they get an advanced copy of the game, but save $5.00 in the process. Terms: Pre-order The Settlers III between October 1-31st (via Order Hotline at 1-800-933-BYTE (2983), fax ( 512) 343-1886 or online http://www.bluebyte.com/us/store/index.htm and receive The Settlers III at a discount price of $35.00 plus FREE shipping. (Offer is open to residents in the US & Canada only)

Founded in 1988, Blue Byte 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, Extreme Assault, Incubation and Game, Net & Match!

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