MINNEAPOLIS -- Providing a realistic simulation of the American farmer, Bold Games, a unit of Destineer, and Gabriel Entertainment today announced John Deere American Farmer, a PC CD-ROM game in which players create, build and manage a successful farm. John Deere American Farmer is the first computer game licensed by Deere & Company, the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment, whose iconic deer logo is synonymous with quality and the American farming community. The game is now available at most mass merchant retailers nationwide, and will be available through participating John Deere dealers.

"John Deere American Farmer allows players to build and establish their own successful farm utilizing their planning skills and John Deere equipment, the most recognizable brand of equipment in the farming community," said Paul Rinde, Chief Executive Officer of Destineer. "It's the most authentic farming experience available besides working the fields yourself."

John Deere American Farmer offers players an overhead view of the game environment, so they can effectively build upon their land from the ground up. Players decide what crops to plant, livestock to raise, employees to hire, equipment to purchase and structures to build. As in real life, plagues, weather, market trends, employee skill level and more all play a role in determining the success of the farm.

"We wanted to create a game that was both fun for the players and realistic in terms of the decisions they make and the equipment they use," said Mike Root, President of Gabriel Entertainment. "Deere & Company was enthusiastic right from the start. Gamers will really enjoy the challenge of creating and running a working farm, as well as the authenticity provided by the incorporation of the respected John Deere equipment."

Jeff Gredvig, Director, Brand Management for Deere & Company said the company is excited about the educational aspects of the game because it provides a unique way to learn more about the importance of agriculture in the U.S. economy. "It is an opportunity to understand the significant role farmers play in the production of food and in feeding the world, and do so in a fun and engaging manner."

More information about John Deere American Farmer is available at www.boldgames.com

About Destineer

Bold Games is owned by Destineer Publishing Corp. Destineer(R) was created in 2001 by former Bungie Software Corp. executive vice-president Peter Tamte and is managed today by Mr. Tamte and CEO Paul Rinde, formerly a senior vice-president of Atari. Destineer develops and publishes electronic entertainment for personal computers and video game consoles. The company's Destineer Studios builds games using Destineer's proprietary 3D engine. The company's Destineer Publishing Corp. publishes products created by Destineer Studios as well as third parties. The company's MacSoft(R) is a leading developer and publisher of entertainment, education and productivity software for Macintosh(R) computers.

About Gabriel Entertainment

Gabriel Entertainment, part of Gabriel Group, is an Indianapolis, Indiana-based developer of computer and console games, and gaming software for the consumer market. The company has developed a number of best-selling computer games, including Robot Arena I, Robot Arena II, and Construction/Destruction. Gabriel is also a leader in gaming technology. The company has developed its own technology for use in the creation of computer games and interactive programs, including its own MAX plug-ins and proprietary 3D engine. Gabriel also works with such leading technologies as RenderWare and Havok Physics. In addition, Gabriel is the only licensed developer in the State of Indiana for the popular Xbox video game console from Microsoft.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Business Wire
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group