Espn To Unveil Espn-Branded Sports Games For The Digital Set-Top Box

ESPN announced today an agreement with Zodiac Gaming , and its subsidiary Zodiac Branded Gaming ("ZBG") , for the development and distribution of ESPN-branded sports games for the digital set-top box. Under the agreement, Zodiac will design and develop a wide range of sports-themed games playable via the television, integrating ESPN personalities, programming, and other properties.

ESPN will be responsible for marketing and licensing the ESPN-branded games to affiliates. All major sports will be covered including football, baseball, basketball, boxing, auto racing, and others.

"We are looking forward to expanding the ESPN brand by offering videogames via the set top box and allowing affiliates to diversify the products and services they offer sports fans," said Matt Murphy, senior vice president, interactive sales. "This is yet another way we are using our brand to support our affiliates and help them grow their businesses."

"We are excited to partner with ESPN in bringing sports games to the digital set-top box," said Alex Libkind, president and CEO of Zodiac Gaming. "As the preeminent name in sports, ESPN will bring instant visibility to these games. This deal also marks a major milestone for Zodiac's branded-games subsidiary, ZBG, in expanding the breadth and appeal of set-top box games."

About Zodiac Gaming
Zodiac Gaming is a leading developer, publisher and distributor of interactive games delivered through digital set-top boxes, allowing consumers to play a wide range of single and multiple player games on their televisions using a simple remote. Zodiac Gaming provides cable and satellite operators and their customers a large suite of highly interactive games in all major genres for their digital set-top boxes. Through its subsidiary Zodiac Branded Gaming, Zodiac brings branded game content to the digital set-top box. http://www.zodiacgaming.com.

About ESPN
ESPN, Inc. is the world's leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring a portfolio of over 50 multimedia sports assets. The company is comprised of seven domestic television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPNU, ESPN Today), ESPN and ESPN2 HD simulcast services, ESPN Regional Television, ESPN International (networks, syndication, radio, web sites), ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, SportsTicker, ESPN Enterprises, ESPN Zones (sports-themed restaurants), and other growing new businesses including ESPN360 (Broadband), Mobile ESPN, ESPN on Demand, ESPN Interactive and ESPN PPV. Based in Bristol, Ct., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.

Media Contacts:

ESPN
Catherine Sloane Brett
860.766.4235
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Zodiac Gaming
John Totaro
Totaro Communications
212-213-4148