Hasbro Interactive - Press News - Coming Soon Magazine

Scrabble CD-ROM and the Internet Gaming Zone Make Online Gaming Fun For Every Member of The Family

Hasbro Interactive and Microsoft Pave the Way for Family Fun on the Internet

Beverly, MA, September 2, 1997 -- Families across the United States and Canada now have a new place and reason to gather online -- Hasbro Interactive's award-winning Scrabble CD-ROM game is now playable on Microsoft's Internet Gaming Zone . Now, it's easier than ever to begin playing the best word game of all time online. The game that has spanned generations is now bridging generations on the Internet!

Recently ranked among the top-20 CD-ROM games by PC Data (July 1997) and awarded high honors from Computer Gaming World, Scrabble CD-ROM is expected to quickly become one of the Zone's biggest draws. "Few games can come close to Scrabble's broad appeal to a truly all family audience," commented Hasbro Interactive President Tom Dusenberry. "Scrabble CD-ROM is the kind of game that can interest even the most hesitant computer owner in playing on the computer and, at the same time, enthrall Scrabble enthusiasts with spectacular multimedia features. The combination of Scrabble and the Zone makes online gaming relevant and easily accessible to the average family who owns a computer and is looking to their home computer as a source for entertainment."

Microsoft's Internet Gaming Zone's clear and friendly interface makes it easy to connect. And, because it's Scrabble, everyone knows the rules. Within a few minutes of turning on the computer and pointing the browser to https://www.zone.com, players are face-to-face with their opponents in one of the Zone's game rooms laying tiles and racking up double-word scores!

"Scrabble is a well-known family pastime and Microsoft is thrilled to feature the interactive version on the Zone," said Mike Matey, marketing manager for the Internet Gaming Zone. "The Zone makes it free and easy for families and friends to share in the fun of playing Scrabble CD-ROM together over the Internet -- after you are at the Zone, three mouse clicks is all it takes to play."

How it works

Once at the Zone, Scrabble players go through a one-time Zone membership set-up screen and download the Scrabble Zone multiplayer patch to enable their Scrabble CD-ROM game for Zone play. (Newly purchased Scrabble CD-ROM games this fall will be Zone enabled and will not require the patch.) Players then have their choice of several rooms with players at a range of Scrabble skill levels, from "Intermediate (Social)" to "Advanced (Competitive)." Meet family members and friends in the Scrabble room at the Zone, or play with a new opponent. With games taking place 'round the clock, there's no waiting to play. It's Scrabble on demand!

Other cool features

The Zone allows as few as two and as many as four Scrabble players to connect at any time. A Zone message feature and Scrabble's text chat, designed in the CD-ROM game, let players exchange verbal volleys across the Internet before and during games, so you can get to know and taunt opponents no matter how near or far away they are in between Zone matches, Scrabble players can build their skills by taking on the CD-ROM game's computer opponent, aptly named "Maven," which can be set on five different levels from "beginner" to the most challenging "champion" level. The rich 3D marble- looking board and wood-like tiles are a dazzlingly tribute to the classic, word game. An "auto pick" feature instantly replenishes the player's tile tray at the end of a turn, while "auto shuffle" lets you move tiles around your tray so you can see all the possibilities. A 90,000-word dictionary is at your fingertips to aid in challenging an opponent's play at any time. The game even provides hints on how to improve your play.

Scrabble CD-ROM is available in the United States and Canada only, for Windows 3.1 and higher and Macintosh platforms for an approximate retail price of $29.99. Zone play requires a Windows 95 or higher operating system. For more information on Scrabble, including the CD-ROM version, visit https://www.scrabble.com in North America.

# # #

Hasbro Interactive is a leading all-family interactive games publisher, formed in 1995 to bring to life on the computer the deep library of toy and board games of parent company, Hasbro, Inc., (Amex: HAS). Hasbro Interactive has expanded its charter to include original and licensed games for the PC, the Sony PlayStation and for multi-player gaming over the Internet. Headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts, Hasbro Interactive has offices in the U.K., France, Germany, Japan and Canada.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

[Main] [Back issues] [Feedback]