GameWorks Represents Portfolio's First Entity

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    GLENDALE, Calif., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Sega Entertainment U.S.A., Inc.
 (SEUI), has announced completion of its recent asset purchase of GameWorks
 L.L.C., a location-based Entertainment company headquartered in Glendale,
 Calif.  SEUI has already launched a transformation strategy, which includes
 deploying new video game product and expanding its signature Arena Sports Bar
 & Grill concept across numerous locations.
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     The formation of SEUI is part of SEGA Corporation's strategic plan to
 expand its business in the United States.  Prior to the formation of SEUI,
 SEGA primarily focused on consumer business, manufacturing and sales of video
 game product.  The asset purchase of GameWorks, a premiere location-based
 entertainment destination, provides a platform for SEGA to lead the
 amusement and facilities market domestically.
     To lead the new venture, SEUI appointed former Coca-Cola veteran and food
 and beverage executive, Ben Kitay to be its president and COO.  Kitay will
 manage operations and expansion, as well as identify other strategic growth
 opportunities for SEGA's new "total entertainment" company, which now
 includes GameWorks.  In his role, Kitay will also leverage SEGA's renowned
 product manufacturing businesses to install and showcase innovative products
 across the location-based entertainment properties.
     "Blending Japanese culture with American creativity has resulted in some
 of the most compelling, innovative, and popular products in the world.  SEUI
 also has the added advantage of tapping SEGA's manufacturing expertise
 -- all to deliver consumers an unparalleled entertainment experience," said
 Kitay.  "Using GameWorks as our first platform, we look forward to harnessing
 SEGA's power and vision to launch and support several successful
 entertainment properties throughout the US."
     Building on SEGA's vision and industry knowledge and extending its
 industry leadership in Japan, several proven location-based entertainment
 executives have joined Kitay's management team.  The company has appointed
 Akitoshi Ogawa as executive vice president, operations and marketing to
 coordinate SEUI's expansion internationally.  Ogawa's career spans 18 years in
 the Japanese amusement industry, where he was a general manager for several of
 SEGA's most successful businesses including Joypolis, Tokyo, one of SEGA's
 premier flagship indoor amusement theme parks.  Ogawa also served as director
 of SEGA's Japanese 0theme parks division and was also charged with directing
 sales, marketing and promotional entertainment for over 460 arcades across
 Japan.
     Takashi Uchijima has been named senior vice president, strategic planning,
 SEUI, and was most recently general manager of Joypolis, Tokyo.
 Additionally, GameWorks' veteran Clint Manny, has been named senior vice
 president, sales and marketing, and is working with Kitay and Ogawa to
 identify brand extensions and revenue opportunities throughout the US.
     Both Chaz Dunham, senior vice president, operations and Pat Hart, vice
 president, food and beverage will also continue to serve GameWorks.  SEUI has
 retained the majority of GameWorks' regional staff.
     To support the initial platform, SEUI has reinvigorated the GameWorks
 business with capital and management resources to develop significant
 operating and product enhancements.  GameWorks plans to invest in the
 highest-impact, state-of-the-art game product throughout its 18 locations
 over the next year, and since taking ownership, SEUI has recently expanded
 its successful "Arena Sports Bar and Grill" food & beverage concept to the
 Chicago; Columbus, Ohio; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Miami; and Tempe, Ariz.
 locations.
     Tapping SEGA's development and manufacturing capabilities and knowledge,
 SEUI has also begun deploying and refreshing the globally recognized video
 game product in several locations.  In just four months, SEUI has installed
 more than 15 new game titles, totaling over 300 units in its properties
 nationwide.
 
     The U.S. GameWorks' locations attract more than 15 million guests
 annually.  Since its first location premiered in 1997, GameWorks has opened
 and SEUI continues to operate 14 venues in the United States, including sites
 in Ontario, Calif.; Long Beach, Calif.; Las Vegas; Grapevine, Texas (near
 Dallas); Auburn Hills, Mich. (near Detroit); Ybor City, Fla. (in Tampa);
 Sunrise, Fla. (near Ft. Lauderdale); Miami; Minneapolis; Seattle ; Columbus,
 Ohio; Tempe, Ariz.; Newport, Ky. (near Cincinnati); and Chicago.  There are
 also three international GameWorks, with locations in Guam, Mexico, and
 Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic.
 
     About Sega Entertainment U.S.A., Inc.
     Sega Entertainment U.S.A., Inc. is the North American Amusement Facilities
 Operation arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, a worldwide leader of
 amusement facilities, software and arcade machines for consumers both inside
 and outside the home. SEUI specializes in delivering premium entertainment
 experiences via its location-based entertainment destinations, which provide
 consumers with both signature food and beverage offerings and the world's
 most popular arcade game products. Through its stable of GameWorks
 properties, SEUI operates amusement facilities throughout North America. The
 web site is located at www.gameworks.com.
 
 

SOURCE  GameWorks L.L.C.