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Nurien to Transform 3D Social Networking with UE3

Nurien Software, a leading developer and operator of social networking and online game services, revealed today at the 2008 Game Developers Conference its revolutionary 3D social networking platform utilizing Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 3, the number one game engine for cross-platform game development.  Included in Nurien’s integrated, next-generation social networking offering are: “MStar,” a rhythm dance game that blends user-created content, customizable characters and virtual dancing in a fun, open environment; “Runway,” an innovative fashion show application that enables players to perform as both apparel designers and runway models; and “QuizStar,” a casual online trivia game. 

Nurien will contribute to Epic’s press briefings in West Hall ES 144, on February 20 and February 21, at 2:00 p.m. PST each day. Nurien’s revolutionary online 3D social networking experience is scheduled for release in Korea during mid-2008, in China during Q4 2008 and in North America next year.

“What makes Nurien’s platform so exciting is the fact that it pulls Unreal Engine 3 into an entirely new arena,” said Jay Wilbur, vice president of Epic Games. “Nurien has created a gorgeous social dance game, along with other online social network applications, that look nothing like anything that has ever been created with our technology before.  ‘MStar,’ ‘Runway’ and ‘QuizStar’ will deliver completely new gameplay experiences, and we are thrilled to give everyone a sneak peak at these games at this year’s Game Developers Conference.”

Nurien’s social networking service integrates a variety of casual online games, the first of which is “MStar,” a dance game in which players can buy clothing and props using microtransactions, and even create music videos that can be shared with other players. “MStar” differentiates itself further from other music-driven games by using 3D rhythm notes that appear around avatars based on characters’ dance movements, rather than simply scrolling notes across the screen. Nurien’s pioneering 3D social networking platform and “MStar” are the result of in-depth analyses of Asian gamers with special focus on Korea and China, where social virtual worlds and online dance games are in high demand.

“We wanted to create a social virtual world – sort of like a 3D MySpace – where users can create, collect, combine and share legacy media such as music, photos, video as well as 3D objects such as clothing, furniture, pets, cars and more, all in a beautiful 3D environment,” said Taehoon Kim, co-founder of Nurien Software. “We wanted to give users a powerful new vehicle for self-expression that breaks down real

world limitations. We at Nurien believe that if people created homepages in the ‘90s to express themselves, and if they have migrated to blogging and using social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace today, then the next natural step will be to inhabit fun, virtual worlds with user-created avatars.” 

Nurien’s next-gen social networking platform puts creative authority into players’ hands by enabling users to personalize 3D avatars that interact, network and play games with each other online. All social games and applications are built into the platform’s software client, which utilizes a highly advanced avatar system complete with content creation tools to offer unparalleled customization features. Superior shading technologies allow users to choose from over 3,000 materials and textures to invent an incredible range of clothing and accessories for 3D avatars. Virtual designers can incorporate materials such as leather, jeans and velvet onto a single item, and even apply decals to create truly unique wearable pieces of art.

Thanks to Unreal Engine 3, characters in the avatar system move realistically due to the assignment of unique physics values to body parts, hair and accessories like earrings, necklaces, bracelets, ties, gloves and skirts. Each component moves independently within the avatar environment, enabling characters to simulate realistic physical movements and take on lifelike personas.

The closed beta service for Nurien’s next-generation social network platform, which has been in development for three years, will begin in March 2008. The service is expected to officially launch in Korea in the latter half of the year, followed by China toward the end of this year.

About Nurien Software
Founded in 2005, Nurien Software is a leading developer and operator of next-generation social networking services and online game service platforms. Nurien Software enables users to truly express their individual identities by offering powerful user-created 3D objects and avatars that interact and network amongst each other via virtual worlds and the web.  Additional information about Nurien Software can be obtained at www.nurien.com.  

About Unreal Engine 3
The award-winning Unreal Engine is known for cutting-edge graphics and best-of-breed toolset. Unreal Engine 3 maintains those features while adding massive world support, multi-processor support, next-generation console optimizations, and one of the most mature tool pipelines in the industry. Unreal Engine 3's advanced toolset is designed specifically to accelerate developers' productivity for ultra-complex, next- generation content. Additional information on Unreal Engine can be obtained through the Unreal Technology Web site at www.unrealtechnology.com.

About Epic Games
Epic Games, Inc., based in Cary, NC and established in 1991, develops cutting-edge games and cross-platform game engine technology. The company has created multiple million-selling, award-winning titles in its Unreal series, recently shipping Unreal Tournament 3 for PC and PlayStation 3.  Epic’s breakthrough game, Gears of War, sold over 4.5 million copies and was awarded overall Game of the Year for 2006 by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Game Developers Choice Awards, GameSpot, GamePro and many others. Epic is also responsible for the Unreal Engine, which is the underlying technology for a wide range of games including the Game Critics Awards’ Best Console Game and Spike TV’s 2007 RPG of the Year Mass Effect by BioWare and the 2007 BAFTA Best Game and Spike TV Game of the Year BioShock by 2K Games.

Epic's Unreal Engine 3 is the current holder, and three-time consecutive winner, of Game Developer magazine's Front Line award for Best Game Engine. Epic was also recognized as 2006 Studio of the Year by Spike TV, 2006 Developer of the Year by Official Xbox Magazine and 2007 Large Company of the Year by the North Carolina Technology Association. Additional information about Epic can be obtained through the Epic Games Web site at www.epicgames.com.