May 16, 1996 VIRTUAL MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT DEBUTS VSTIX DRUM CONTROLLER Scheduled for introduction in the First Quarter 1997 sales season, the VStix virtual drum game controller allows players to experience the thrill and excitement of being a real rock drummer. This unique new product is designed as a revolutionary new type of mouse pad that takes up the same amount of space on the desktop. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, May 16, 1996 - Expanding its real-time signal processing technology to a new instrument category, Virtual Music Entertainment Inc. today demonstrated its revolutionary VStix virtual drum game controller at the 1996 E3 trade show in Los Angeles, California. Designed as a radically new kind of pressure-sensitive mouse pad, the VStix game controller connects directly to the back of a multimedia PC and allows gamers to play virtual drums using either their hands or real drum sticks. The Virtual Music VStix game controller will be delivered during the First Quarter of 1997, according to Virtual Music Entertainment Inc. Vice President of Marketing Frank Foster. "The demonstration of the VStix virtual drum controller at this year's E3 show signals the start of the second phase in Virtual Music's product development program," Foster emphasized. "Now firmly established as the industry's only truly interactive real-time music entertainment technology, our goal is to bring the virtual music experience to a wider variety of instruments. Virtual Music technology is currently available with a guitar game controller in the rock adventure "Quest For Fame" and the soon to be released "Rolling Stone Air Guitar Series". Starting early next year, this same interactive technology will be available to anyone who has ever wanted to experience the thrill and excitement of being a real rock drummer!" According to Foster, the VStix virtual drum game controller offers consumers a true benefit in that it also functions as a traditional mouse pad, taking up the same amount of desktop space, while providing them with a totally new interactive experience that makes using the computer fun. "In a way, the VStix virtual drum controller is what every computer enthusiast would love - a total non-productivity tool!" Further, the development of the VStix game controller also signals the start of the next generation in the company's product development strategy - a strategy that will emphasize game play that is both cooperative and competitive. "Eventually, players will be able to connect a variety of Virtual Music instruments to their multimedia PC or game system and share the experience of being in a real rock band. They will be able to play together as a group or in competition with one another in a series of interactive music challenges." Pricing for the new Virtual Music VStix virtual drum game controller is still being finalized. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Virtual Music Entertainment Inc. is a leading developer and marketer of interactive music entertainment software for all major entertainment platforms - multimedia PC, Macintoshr, and next generation video game systems. The company's entire Virtual Music product line is designed to provide non-musicians with the experience of playing along with their favorite artists' music in a live sequence of scenes and events. The company's patented technology uses sophisticated real-time signal processing, high quality video, animation, and studio sounds. Copyright © 1996 Virtual Music Entertainment, Inc.