FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 1998
Press Contacts:
Kellogg Creek
Software, Inc.
Randy Chase
(503) 653-2544
randy@kelloggcreek.com
World Opponent Network
Kathy Gilmore Miller
(425) 837-9930
kgmcom@aol.com
Kellogg Creek
Software Introduces SpiritWars®,
A Dynamic On-line Game of Strategy & Spellcasting
Portland, OR., August 13, 1998 Kellogg Creek Software Inc. previewed its new Internet-based strategy game, SpiritWars, for the media today at a press event in Seattle hosted by the World Opponent Network. The two companies announced that a multi-year relationship would ensure that the free version of SpiritWars will be featured exclusively on WON.
Developed by Kellogg Creek Software, SpiritWars is the result of a two-year design and development effort headed by award-winning designer Randy Chase. "Our goal was to develop an original product," Chase explained, "designed strictly for play and delivery via the Internet. Most on-line activity involves games designed for the retail market with some level of Internet functionality added. We believe that in the long run, success on the Internet is going to require original concepts and creative new designs."
SpiritWars draws freely from a variety of traditional design concepts, but blends them into a unique playing experience that represents a refreshing alternative to the current action-oriented theme of Internet gaming. The games low bandwidth requirements deliver a satisfying experience even for players with slower modems and Internet connections.
The games fundamentals are easy to learn, with players putting pieces into play on a terrain-based game board and moving them into position to destroy the opponents castle. A widely varied population of playing pieces and magical spells, however, create infinitely diverse playing opportunities as each player defines a unique playing style and philosophy. The games expanding population of playing pieces combines familiar features of traditional board games with design elements previously only found in collectable trading card games.
SpiritWars represents a major shift of focus for Kellogg Creek Software and Chase who is best known for his political simulations (The Doonesbury Election Game and Power Politics). Chase explains that the over-all objective really hasnt changed. "As with our political simulations, it was important that SpiritWars would deliver an entertaining and original playing experience, but to do it in way that stimulates thought instead of exercising reflexes."
"In many ways," Chase explained, "developing an Internet game is like stepping back in time to the days before the introduction of the CD-ROM. Then every byte of code and pixel of graphics had to deliver some tangible gaming value. When youre delivering the complete gaming package via the phone lines, you really have to justify every element of information youre asking the user to download. If it doesnt directly contribute to the playing experience, it has to go."
SpiritWars is entering a final round of closed beta testing on servers located at both WON and Kellogg Creek. The public will be invited to join an open beta that will begin on WON shortly after Labor Day.
(SpiritWars is a registered trademark of Kellogg Creek Software, Inc.)