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Player One secure first ever license for ‘Grand National’ mobile phone game

Introducing the first ever licensed interactive ‘Grand National’ game

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Featuring a realistic portrayal of Aintree, home to the world's greatest steeplechase

Racing over famous obstacles such as The Chair, the Canal Turn and Becher's Brook

(London, March 22nd 2005) - Player One Limited, leading developer and publisher of games for mobile phones, has backed a real favourite after being awarded the license to publish the 'The Grand National' mobile phone game. Developed by Distinctive Developments, 'The Grand National' is the first ever licensed 'Grand National' game and is the quintessential virtual horse racing title for all.

From the stables to the racetrack, players have to train their horses to learn the art of Jump Racing. After customising their jockey colours and choosing their horse carefully, the player is taken through a series of competitive races. Novice jockeys need to hold their nerve as they control their speed, line and approach to negotiate the fences accurately to ensure qualification for the world's greatest steeplechase.

Once qualified, the real challenge begins, as players pit their racing skills against the top jockeys in the greatest race of all. Players test their mettle as they conquer the legendary and challenging fences of Becher's Brook, the Canal Turn and The Chair and to win the ultimate accolade of the Grand National champion!

Pete Russell, Managing Director for Player One, commented, 'The Grand National' is one of the most recognised events in the sporting calendar, watched by an audience of over 600million people in over 120 countries. Player One is delighted to be the first publisher to bring this incredible license to market and to give people the opportunity to experience the thrill of the chase first hand!'

Dickon White, Marketing and PR Manager at Aintree commented, 'The Grand National' is the race which truly encapsulates the excitement of the nation and is enjoyed by both non-racing and racing enthusiasts alike. 'The 'Grand National' game is a fun and innovative representation of the world's greatest steeplechase and is a great way for both novice and seasoned mobile phone gamers to experience the true essence of The Grand National wherever they are!'

'The Grand National' is just one of a successful range of high quality sports branded content from Player One Ltd. Boasting a range of content featuring some of the strongest brands in sport, Player One continually strive to add to their critically acclaimed library. Recent successes include "Steve Davis Snooker", "Pat Cash Pro Tennis" and "Michael Vaughan's International Cricket" in addition to the recent launch of the fully endorsed 'Manchester United 6-a-side soccer.'

"The Grand National" will be available across all networks from April 1st, to coincide with The John Smith's Grand National meeting on the 7th - 9th April and will be compatible with most Java enabled handsets.

About Player One Limited.

Player One is a leading mobile content provider and publisher, leveraging World renowned sports and entertainment IP. Formed in 1999, the company has grown its stable of properties across a range of applications. For the console market, Player One took Mat Hoffman into the marketplace via Activision and took Manchester United 's licensed rights into interactive games through the Codemasters Club Football franchise. Following on from the success of "Steve Davis Snooker" and 'Michael Vaughan's International Cricket', 'The Grand National' is just one of a number of high profile IP's that Player One will exclusively establish within the mobile entertainment arena over the coming months.

About Distinctive Developments Limited.

Distinctive Developments Ltd was founded in 1994 as a traditional PC and console games development company and enjoyed many successful years developing games for Atari, Acclaim and Psygnosis. In 2001 the company restructured to focus their efforts entirely on mobile games.

Since then, Distinctive have produced mobile versions of some of the biggest brands around including 'Space Invaders' and 'FIFA Football 2003 Mobile International Edition' for EA Sports*. Their most recent releases have been 'Supreme Snowboarding' for iFone/Atari and the Bafta award nominated 'FIFA Football 2004 Mobile International Edition'*.

  • All brands are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Nigel Little, Managing Director, nigel@distdevs.co.uk

If you would like to review 'The Grand National' or for more information on Player One please contact Clare Turner at Player One on 0207 5917747 or clare.turner@player-1.net

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