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NBC
Introduces Deal or No Deal Online Game 9/18/06
Endemol USA and NBC Expand "Deal or No Deal" Experience to
Include King.com Game
Introduction of Skill Game Coincides With Week-Long "Deal or No
Deal" Event Starting Tonight During a Special 2-Hour Season Premiere
on NBC
LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 09/18/06 -- At-home viewers of
Endemol USA's hit show "Deal or No Deal" on NBC often find
themselves shouting encouragement at the contestant facing the "Deal
or No Deal" decision out of excitement and an eagerness to play the
game themselves. Now viewers can control their own destinies and get in on
the excitement any time they want by playing the skill game version of
King.com's "Deal or No Deal" at NBC.com. The new game offering
is part of a week-long "Deal or No Deal" event kicking off today
at NBC and NBC.com. Tonight's season premiere features the chance for
contestants to win $6M. Viewers have a chance to win $1M by playing the
"Deal or No Deal Lucky Case Game."
With this expansion of "Deal or No Deal," Endemol USA's
Digital Media Group continues to innovate one of today's hottest trends --
evolving popular TV shows into additional mobile and Internet properties.
Television fans are eager to go beyond a normal television experience and
actively participate in such extensions as shown with the success of
"Deal or No Deal's Lucky Case Game."
"Lucky Case" at NBC.com doubled the network's Web site
traffic and propelled NBC to the number one network site in May according
to Hitwise, which monitors Internet usage.(1) The game, which is only
available online when the show is airing, gives at-home viewers the chance
to compete for $10,000 by sending a text message with the winning case
number. Now, NBC.com will offer fans another fun game to play anytime with
King.com's "Deal or No Deal" skill game. Players have the option
to play at www.nbc.com for free or can register at www.king.com to compete
against others for cash prizes.
Endemol USA's Jon Vlassopulos, vice president, Digital Media, Business
Development and Strategic Planning, commented, "We're always looking
for new, groundbreaking ways for fans to access their favorite Endemol USA
shows. Adding King.com's skill game to NBC.com makes the site the clear
destination of choice for enthusiastic fans who enjoy interacting with the
show above and beyond watching it on TV. By offering 'Deal or No Deal' on
multiple platforms fans can enjoy the game anytime, anywhere."
Game Features
The expansion of King.com's "Deal or No Deal" to NBC.com
includes features such as a new user interface and enhanced graphics to
make the game even more realistic for at-home players.
The skill game tests a player's agility and memory. Similar to the
television show, the "Deal or No Deal" skill game features 26
briefcases with each translating to cash amounts ranging from $.01 to
$1,000,000. After receiving a briefcase, players must continue to open
additional briefcases in an attempt to clear away the low value prizes so
they end up with a single high value prize.
However, only very skillful players will be able to walk away with a
high score: Briefcases often contain fake values, or remain open for only
a few seconds and then the chance to clear a low value prize is gone.
After each round, players can either continue to clear prizes and raise
their score, or they can accept the banker's deal to retain their current
score and end the game there. If a player walks away with the highest
value in a given tournament, that player will win the jackpot.
About King.com
Launched in 2004, King.com is the world's largest skill-gaming site,
boasting more than 40 different games and more than 1.3 million games
played every day. King.com's tournament-style games, unique content, and
promotions allow players of all skill levels to compete for entertainment
and possible monetary gain. Exclusive King.com partners include Yahoo! (US
and Europe), AOL (Europe), Lycos (Europe), MSN UK, T-Online and RTL.de.
King.com has licensed television properties including "Big
Brother" (UK), "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" (Germany),
and "Deal or No Deal" (US, UK and Germany).
About Endemol USA
Endemol USA has established itself as one of the leading suppliers of
non-scripted programming in the U.S. The company's current hits include
"Deal or No Deal," "Big Brother," and "Extreme
Makeover: Home Edition." Today, Endemol USA draws on a library of
more than 500 formats, 400 program series and 25,000 hours of broadcast
television in 26 nations worldwide. In addition, the company develops
original formats for the U.S. and international markets. Endemol USA also
produces extensive content and editorial services to support online and
wireless platforms.
About "Deal or No Deal"
Hosted by comedian Howie Mandel, "Deal or No Deal" is an
exciting game of taking risks and playing the odds. Based on the
successful format from Endemol that has aired in over 35 countries,
"Deal or No Deal" debuted in Holland in 2002 and became an
international television sensation. The show is produced by Endemol USA, a
division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol
USA. The series is executive-produced by Scott St. John.
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