SegaNet Beta Testers Selected

Sega.com has selected 100 players from all over the country to participate in its beta-testing program for the upcoming SegaNet network gaming service and ISP. These lucky few, chosen from a pool of 5000 applicants, will be asked to test Dreamcast software by playing games with players from all parts of the country over SegaNet. The testers will report back to Sega.com on their SegaNet experience and will also be eligible to win prizes for their effort.

"How cool is it to be able to try out SegaNet before the rest of my friends," said a 19-year-old beta tester from Winter Park, Florida. "I can't wait to play Dreamcast console games online against people in other parts of the country. This is by far the best summer job I've ever had."

In other Sega.com news, the Asian branch of the company is continuing talks with Taiwanese broadband Internet firm Gigamedia. The two companies plan to create a cobranded online gaming service in Taiwan. Sega.com Asia expects the joint venture to generate US$35 million in online gaming revenue in its first year of operation. The two companies expect to make the service available to over 3.8 million households in Taiwan.