Harmonix and MTV Games Launch New Music Based Game for the iPod

Harmonix and MTV Games Launch New Music Based Game for the iPod

Phase Brings Fans' Music Library to Life and Turns It Into Interactive Experience

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a division of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) today announced the release of a new interactive music title, Phase, on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com) for fans to purchase and download for play exclusively on the new iPod nano with video, iPod classic and the fifth generation iPod for $4.99. Phase provides compelling rhythm-action gameplay for iPod owners so they can play with their existing music collections in a fun, arcade-like way utilizing the easy and intuitive interface of the iPod click wheel.

"Our goal with Phase was to create a fundamentally accessible, casual music experience for iPod users where we implemented our years of work with rhythmic gameplay elements and present them in ways that any music fan can easily understand and have fun with," says Kasson Crooker, Lead Producer on Phase for Harmonix. "We wanted to create something that took users beyond the standard game format, tap into the unique design of the iPod, and give players a fresh, new way to deepen their relationship with their own music -- the music they love."

Users only need iTunes, their iPod and Phase to enjoy this dynamic and multi-dimensional game. Phase players choose between 2 gameplay modes -- QuickSpin and Marathon. Quickspin gameplay consists of choosing a single song at a time and utilizing the iPod click wheel to tap and glide using their iPod click wheel for moment-to-moment fun. Marathon lets users choose and engage in mini 5 song marathons that challenge players to get through a set of increasingly difficult songs. Phase is set against a hip animated backdrop of stylized journeys taking players to places like Neon Nights, Sonic City and Deep Sea, all created by up-and-coming artist Aaron Stewart. High scores for individual songs and marathons will be stored and viewable on players' iPods.

More information for Phase can be found at www.phasegame.com or www.yourmusicisthegame.com.

Phase continues Harmonix's tradition of creating critically acclaimed rhythm games and is the company's eighth music based game since its launch in 1995. Harmonix was founded with the premise of finding unique ways for music lovers to interact with and experience music, with gaming being the major vehicle to do this. Harmonix is set to release the upcoming and eagerly anticipated game, Rock Band, a new platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before, challenging users to master the lead/bass guitar, drums, and vocals as solo artists or cooperatively as part of their own band. Rock Band is slated for release on Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft(R) and PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system on November 20, 2007, and on PLAYSTATION(R)2 computer entertainment system December 18, 2007 in North America.

For further information on Phase and other Harmonix titles, visit www.harmonixmusic.com

About MTV Games:

MTV Games is dedicated to creating, marketing and publishing high-quality, innovative interactive products that are relevant to the MTV audience and complement the core values of the MTV Networks brands.

About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc:

Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and established in 1995, is the leading developer of groundbreaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix was founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more information please visit: http://www.harmonixmusic.com/

Harmonix, Phase, Rock Band and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., an MTV Networks company. Phase developed by Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. MTV: Music Television, MTV Games and all related titles and logos are trademarks of MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iTunes and iPod are trademarks of Apple. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Harmonix

CONTACT: MTV Games Media Contact, Jeff Castaneda of MTV Communications,
+1-212-846-6774, jeff.castaneda@mtvstaff.com; or Harmonix Media Contact:
Spencer Saltonstall of Harmonix Music Systems, +1-617-491-6144 ext 168,
Spencer.Saltonstall@harmonixmusic.com; or Apple Media Contact, Tom Neumayr of
Apple Communications, +1-408-974-1972, tneumayr@apple.com

Web site: http://www.mtv.com/
http://www.itunes.com/
http://www.harmonixmusic.com/
http://www.phasegame.com/
http://www.yourmusicisthegame.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment