UK’S 20 MILLION GAMERS GET A CHANCE TO SUPPORT CHARITY

Friday 15th July 2005/... The Entertainment Software Charity (ESC), the computer and videogames industry's official charity, has announced details of its latest fundraising initiative, the launch of four ESC Gamers wristbands, giving the UK's gamers a chance to express their passion and raise money for young people's charities.

A must have for all gamers from 8 to eighty, the wristbands are inexpensive, make a statement, are socially responsible and helps to raise funds for a variety of important charities. More than a mere fashion statement; the ESC wristbands can really make a difference.

ESC CEO Mark Strachan commented: "The ESC wristbands will be the must have item of the late summer and autumn. Many major charitable causes have adopted this method of fundraising. The wristbands give people the opportunity to make a statement and show their support and we are sure that gamers will be wearing their bands with pride."

The design on the wristbands is being decided by a huge nationwide campaign through Future Publishing's GamesMaster magazine. In the July issue readers were asked to send in their choice of design and the number of entries was overwhelming. The lucky winner will receive a fantastic prize consisting of a Sony PS2, Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo Gamecube, Sony PSP and Nintendo DS all donated by SEGA.

The wristbands will be available in four colours with blue representing the PS2, green for the Xbox, purple for the Gamecube and red for PC. They will be cover mounted at random on GamesMaster's December issue out 20th October and will also be available for purchase at the same time through Gamestation branches nationwide so gamers can go on to collect the whole set, regardless of which colour they find on their copy of GameMaster.

Managing Director of Gamestation, Mike Logue added: "We're looking forward to seeing the winning wristband design in-store. It's a fabulous cause and bound to be popular with true gamers everywhere, including our store teams and our customers."

Editor of GamesMaster, Robin Alway said: "We're proud to be involved with such a good cause. By wearing the winning band design, gamers will be able to show how much they love games and make a statement about helping other people. We're very excited about kick starting what we're sure will be a hugely successful campaign by the ESC."

About the ESC:

Founded in 2000, the Entertainment Software Charity was created to use the popularity of gaming to help give back to those less fortunate. The not-for-profit charity was established by prominent members of the gaming community to create a dedicated initiative programme to advance young people through play, training and education.

The entertainment software charity works with hardware vendors, developers, software publishers, magazine publishers, retailers, distributors and logistics providers, all of whom give their time, input, resources and intellectual properties to help support charities committed to improving the future of young people. The charity is also committed to providing funding for individual schools across the UK in association with the Government's Specialist Schools and Academies initiatives and has pledged £1.5m to build a new Academy in Paddington, London.

About Gamestation:

Founded in 1993, Gamestation is the fastest growing retailer of video and computer games in the UK with over 230 stores nationwide and more opening all the time. Employing dedicated gamers, each store offers customers unrivalled expertise across all formats including early retro classics and operates a trade-in and pre-owned offering in all stores.

About GamesMaster:

Launched in 1993, GamesMaster is the longest running and best selling multi-format games magazine in Britain. It covers the biggest and best games on every machine - console, PC, handheld and mobile phone - with unbiased reviews, essential tips and the latest news and previews. Aimed at everyone who loves games, its enthusiastic, value-packed approach attracts a loyal community of readers who see it as an essential part of their gaming experience.

For further information please contact:

KATHRYN HUMPHREY

BARRINGTON HARVEY

Tel: 01462 456780

Fax: 01462 456781

Email: Kathryn@bhpr.co.uk

MARK STRACHAN

ESC

Tel: 01458 270204

Email: mark@strachans.org

Issued by: Barrington Harvey, Troopers Yard, Bancroft, Hitchin SG5 1JW