Fandom Inc. Launches 3D Virtual Worlds On Web Site @ [9/11/2000 2:18:29 PM] by: Activeworlds Press

Worlds of Mars, Atlantis, Freakdom and Citadel Open for Visitors Monday, Sept. 11, 2000

Ever wanted to colonize the planet Mars, or visit the underwater paradise of Atlantis?

Now you can, when you surf to www.fandom.com. Fandom Inc., the number one choice for genre entertainment, today announced the launch (at 5 p.m. PST) of Fandom Worlds -- online communities that permit users to enter, move about and interact with others in real time within computer-generated, three-dimensional virtual environments.

"Fandom Worlds users can totally immerse themselves in a rich, compelling 3D virtual environment where they can interact with others, explore endless landscapes, shop for real merchandise, play games and build their own virtual homes, all in real-time," said Fandom's Jason Heimberg, who spearheaded development of the virtual worlds.

Fandom Worlds consist of four unique virtual realms -- Mars, Atlantis, Freakdom and Citadel -- in which guests, choosing from a variety of "avatars" or characters, can visit, chat, exchange files, build dwellings, own property, shop for real merchandise, play a host of interactive games and, in general, "live" a virtual existence. Each world includes its own distinctive background story, creating a compelling and rich environment for visitors to explore. Additionally, the worlds have amendable constitutions, allowing "Citizens" to actively decide how their world should be run.

On Mars, visitors colonize a planet by claiming land and building homes that no one else can alter. The Virtual World of Atlantis is an underwater paradise and forum for artistic expression where "Citizens" can take instructive classes at Atlantis University and display their artwork in the Fine Arts Museum. Literally a carnival-like atmosphere, Freakdom comes complete with a band, freak show and various carnival games, allowing guests to ride a roller coaster, tailgate in the parking lot or play interactive games. A classic, science fiction space station situated in the far reaches of the universe, the Citadel gives users the opportunity to sip their favorite exotic concoction in the cantina, gamble in the casino or trade wares on the black market.

"The market for three-dimensional interactive Internet technologies is growing due to both an increasing demand for interpersonal interaction between Internet users and an expanding interest in Internet-based applications," commented Fandom CEO Mark Young. "We believe that 3D applications provide an enhanced environment that can be utilized for entertainment purposes, e-commerce, Internet-based advertising, instruction and learning, chat, and other on-line activities."

Fandom Inc. teamed up with Activeworlds Inc., a leading provider of Internet software products and services that enable the efficient delivery of three-dimensional content over the Internet, to create Virtual Worlds. Activeworlds is responsible for building and servicing Fandom's 3D environments. The software required to enter these worlds is available at http://www.fandom.com.

About Fandom Inc.
Santa Monica, Calif.-based Fandom Inc. (www.fandom.com), which operates the Internet's number-one choice for sci-fi, fantasy and horror entertainment, is a multi-faceted genre entertainment company. The Web site provides an immersive online environment that combines content, commerce and community with an emphasis on fan participation.

Fandom.com features an online shop specializing in genre merchandise and collectibles, with more than 7,000 items available, including action figures, videos, games, comic books and clothing. The site also features news, in-depth articles, fan-generated content, chats, surveys and polls, sweepstakes and contests. Fandom's popular "Fandomains" include "Batman," "Buffy The Vampire Slayer," "Godzilla," "Harry Potter," "The Lord of the Rings," "Pokemon," "South Park," "Spiderman," "Star Trek," "Superman," "The Simpsons," "X-Files," "X-Men," "James Bond" and "KISS."

Founded in July 1999, the company's investors include Redpoint Ventures and Wasserstein Adelson Ventures.

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