Reader's Digest and RealNetworks Launch Downloadable Version of 'Super Word Power' - 60-Year-Old Game Favorite Moves Into the Digital Age

Reader's Digest and RealNetworks Launch Downloadable Version of 'Super Word Power' - 60-Year-Old Game Favorite Moves Into the Digital Age

Game of Great Words Now Available to Online Generation Addled by Confounding Vocabulary

SEATTLE and PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Making a virtuoso vocabulary even more accessible for savvy SAT takers, word nerds and eloquent executives alike, RealNetworks(R), Inc., (NASDAQ:RNWK) the leader in downloadable casual games, and The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., (NYSE:RDA) today announced the debut of Super Word Power on both RealNetworks' RealArcade(R) service and RDA's website www.rd.com. This new version of the popular word game will augment RealArcade's leading collection of over 320 casual games, bringing one of the world's most widely played word-games to a new audience of online word-game fans.

"RealArcade's selection of online games provides a fun, easy way to take a break from a stressful work project or unwind at the end of a long day," said Julie Pitt, General Manager, RealArcade. "Super Word Power is a wonderful addition to our RealArcade service; it's a hugely entertaining game and, best of all, you don't have to feel guilty about indulging in a word game -- after all, you're boosting your vocabulary!"

In a 2005 study commissioned by The Reader's Digest National Word Power Challenge, almost half (45 percent) of the respondents felt that children's vocabulary was declining with today's use of instant communication tools such as email and text messaging. Games like Super Word Power are a fun, engaging way for people of all ages to boost their vocabulary.

"Since it's inception in 1945, Reader's Digest magazine's Word Power has been a 'must play' vocabulary game for thousands of children and adults, with fans including such American icons as Lee A. Iacocca, William F. Buckley Jr. and Helen Gurley Brown," said Emily Sachar, Group Site Director for Reader's Digest. "We are now launching this classic favorite on both rd.com and the RealArcade service, allowing us to reach an entirely new generation of word game fans."

With easy-to-follow instructions, fast-paced gameplay and "just one more question" appeal, the new Super Word Power packs a powerfully fun punch. Players may choose from two gameplay options: "Quizzler," which follows Word Power's familiar format of matching definitions or words with similar meanings, or "Twister," in which players must race to unscramble the word that matches the given definition. Both gameplay options pit word fans against the clock to match or unscramble as many words as possible in the least amount of time. The game also tracks words learned and words yet to master so players can see their vocabularies grow every time they play.

Super Word Power, along with hundreds of other downloadable puzzle, card and action games, is available to try before you buy on both rd.com's casual games channel and within the RealArcade service. The game is available for purchase on both sites $19.99. More information about the game can be found at www.realarcade.com or www.rd.com.

About RealArcade

RealArcade offers consumers a fun, unique and compelling way to discover, acquire and play PC games in a single, easy to use environment. RealArcade provides play-before-you-pay access to over 320 of the best in downloadable games (titles such as Feeding Frenzy, Mah Jong Quest and Word Slinger), free online Web games and Palm games. RealArcade also recognizes and manages many retail CD titles and top shareware games, giving users a one-stop destination for any game on their PC. Features such as download and installation management, automatic systems requirements checking and integrated e-commerce make acquiring downloadable games a safe, easy and reliable experience for consumers. RealArcade is available for free at: http://www.realarcade.com/ .

About Reader's Digest Association

The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. is a global publisher and direct marketer of products that inform, enrich, entertain, and inspire people of all ages and cultures. Reader's Digest is the most widely read magazine in the world. The company is located in Pleasantville, New York.

NOTE: RealNetworks and RealArcade are trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. All other companies or products listed herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: RealNetworks, Inc.

CONTACT: Rebecca Holmes of Duo PR, +1-206-216-1626, or rebecca@duopr.com for RealNetworks; or Maureen Farley of RealNetworks, +1-206-892-6653, or mfarley@real.com; or Ellen Morgenstern of Reader's Digest, +1-914-244-7582, or Ellen_Morgenstern@ReadersDigest.com

Web site: http://www.realarcade.com/

Web site: http://www.rd.com/

Web site: http://www.realnetworks.com/

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