M7 Networks News: Game Lobby from Sprint Reaches Milestones in Mobile Game Community Building

May 16, 2005

Media Contacts:
Laura J. Tigges, 913-794-3604
laura.j.tigges@mail.sprint.com   

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., and LOS ANGELES (E3 2005) — 05/16/2005

Sprint (NYSE: FON) today announced several milestones for the Game Lobby from Sprint, a virtual mobile community for gamers to meet, recommend games and challenge each other, which is available nationwide on the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. Launched in March 2004 with M7 Networks as the world's first carrier-based mobile games community, the Game Lobby from Sprint boasts:

  • More than 500,000 members
  • 67 games from 12 leading mobile game publishers
  • Nearly six million game scores posted by members to leaderboards
  • More than 40,000 game reviews uploaded by members, which help other customers buy the best games
  • The just-launched status points program where customers earn points for their activities to enhance the fun, competitive nature of the virtual games community

"As the first carrier to recognize the consumer demand for a virtual gaming community, Sprint created the Game Lobby to provide a ubiquitous mobile experience for both hardcore and casual gamers," said Jason Ford, general manager - Games, Sprint. "We are enhancing this community experience by adding a status points program to the Game Lobby so members can accrue points for community-related activities, such as posting scores, updating profiles and recommending games to buddies."

Powered by M7 Networks' Application Community Platform, the Game Lobby is a free service to Sprint customers who purchase a Game Lobby-enabled game.

"A key to the success of the Game Lobby from Sprint is the compelling game content provided by the world's leading mobile game publishers. The fact that the games are community-based is appealing to the end user because it allows them to be connected to other gamers," said William Erickson, CEO of M7 Networks.

"Additionally, our vision for the Game Lobby, and for all of our technologies, is to build a strong community that benefits not only the carrier and publisher but also provides value for the consumer as well. Community loyalty benefits the carrier financially, and with the information gained from the Application Community Platform subscribers are able to leverage their feedback into improved deck placements for popular games and influence new games that are offered."

The Game Lobby from Sprint, which is accessible from the fixed Internet, the mobile web and within the game, includes features such as:

  • Single-gamer username across games and publishers
  • Centralized listing of high-score postings
  • Ability for users to manage their identity and determine what information is stored in their profile, such as pictures
  • Opportunity to rate and review games
  • Ability for users to create a buddy list of other members for challenging and instant messaging
  • Option to opt-in to receive new game alerts
  • Interoperability with other carriers' mobile games community to enable cross-carrier buddy communication, game ratings and leaderboards
  • The hottest, new games as well as mobile classics including: Block Breaker Deluxe from Gameloft, Golden Tee® Advanced by IN-FUSIO, Tony Hawk's Underground 2 by JAMDAT Mobile, and Ms. PAC-MAN by Namco

About Sprint
Sprint offers an extensive range of innovative communication products and solutions, including global IP, wireless, local and multiproduct bundles. A Fortune 100 company with more than $27 billion in annual revenues in 2004, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state-of-the-art network technologies, including the United States' first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network; an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone; and one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide wireless networks in the United States. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/mr.

About M7 Networks
M7 Networks is a neutral, trusted partner providing solutions and services for the creation and management of intelligent mobile communities. M7 connects wireless carriers, content providers and end users around a wide variety of data-related content such as games and music. M7's services provide a CRM foundation for increased brand awareness and loyalty, an enhanced end user experience, and incremental revenue streams. Based in La Jolla, California, M7 Networks was founded in 2000 with funding from QUALCOMM, Enterprise Partners, and Sienna Ventures. For more information, visit www.m7networks.com or email info@m7networks.com.

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