Gathering of Developers and PopTop Software’s Railroad Tycoon II Hits Stores Nationwide Companies Announce Co-Marketing Partnership with Athearn for Exclusive Model Train Set; The Gathering Launches Extensive Programs at Retail Dallas, TX, November 2, 1998 -- Gathering of Developers’ and PopTop Software’s Railroad Tycoon II pulls into stores around the nation today. Developed by PopTop, Railroad Tycoon II, a strategy simulation game for the PC, is the long-awaited sequel to the original Sid Meier classic, Railroad Tycoon. Featuring 30 scenarios, a realistic stock market and economy system, and maps from around the world, the game allows players to build railroad, industry and financial empires. Railroad Tycoon II is available in software stores, mass-merchandisers and hobby stores for .95. Software publisher Gathering of Developers launched the game this past weekend at the National Model and Hobby Show in Illinois, the nation's largest hobby show. The company is also announcing a co-marketing partnership with Athearn, Inc., America's premier model train manufacturer. Athearn is producing the official Railroad Tycoon II Collectible Train Set. Working with Athearn, The Gathering is distributing the Railroad Tycoon II game into the country's largest hobby shops. The companies will take advantage of the partnership through various marketing activities including promotional materials in product boxes. “PopTop has created a phenomenal game,” said Harry Miller, president of The Gathering. “We expect this title to be a blockbuster given the huge enthusiasm from retailers, press and gamers and given the title's brand recognition. The Railroad Tycoon II demo has been one of the most popular on the Web and retail pre-orders have been very strong." The Gathering is supporting Railroad Tycoon II through a comprehensive online and print advertising campaign aimed at train enthusiasts, as well as hardcore and casual gamers. In addition, the title is being supported with a variety of marketing promotions including merchandise and coupon incentive programs, and a motion-sensitive in-store display (CompUSA) that captures consumers' attention with train sound effects. Premium items and give-a-ways for the title include a blues music compilations CD (CompUSA) and logoed totebags (Best Buy). According to Jim Bloom, The Gathering's director of marketing, "Railroad Tycoon II appeals to a variety of audiences and our customized marketing programs reflect that diversity. By working closely with Athearn on the exclusive models and cross-marketing ventures, we are directly hitting train enthusiasts. In addition, our substantial advertising, PR and retail outreaches are aimed at gamers who enjoy the simulation, strategy and adventure gaming genres." Gathering of Developers and PopTop Software celebrated the launch by donating two truckloads (more than 60,000 pounds) of food to Feed The Children. The food drop took place in Chicago on October 31st and helped supplement 90,000 meals for needy individuals in the area. Gathering of Developers has pledged to donate a truckload of food to Feed The Children for each product that ships. “I am so proud of what our team has done with this legendary license and think we have created another legend in its own right. This game should captivate, challenge and affect players as much as its predecessor,” said Phil Steinmeyer, CEO of PopTop Software and lead designer of Railroad Tycoon II. Game features include: 59 train engines from around the world and 34 types of cargo to build empires and dominate more than 30 different industries. An 18 scenario campaign, including scenarios such as Whistle Stops and Promises (Northwest US circa 1902), When the Walls Come Down (Eastern Europe and Russia circa 1990), and Excess on the Orient Express (Paris to Istanbul circa 1850). A sophisticated economic system and a simulated stock market where players can issue bonds, sell stocks or purchase other companies stock for a corporate takeover. The ability to play through historic events such as the Franco-Prussian War, the eruption of Mt. Krakatoa, and the American Civil War as tycoons span the ages from 1829 to the millennium. 12 stand alone scenarios that can be played solo or multiplayer, and a scenario editor that allows gamers to import maps from satellite photos or create their own. Train robberies starring the infamous Jesse James, and locomotive mishaps ranging from traffic jams to blow-ups. A character library with more than 35 famous capitalists, expansionists and leaders from the accomplished German leader Otto Von Bismark to the shrewd American capitalist Cornelius Vanderbilt. Railroad Tycoon II is based upon PopTop’s proprietary S3D engine, which allows for highly detailed 3D graphics and rendering. The title is the first game developed exclusively for 1024 x 768 resolution in either 16-bit or 8-bit color. The engine, powering 300,000 polygons displayed on the screen at once, generates real-world environments, terrain and a competitive arena. The game will support multiplayer play over LANs, modem, and the Internet.