Sega to Stream Video Preview of Games

Retail buyers of Sega video games will be able to get a sneak peak of new releases thanks to a deal between Chalk Network, a new media company, and Sega of America. Chalk Network, a Canadian based company, has developed a password protected Web site which will allow retail buyers to view streaming video overviews of new Sega games before their retail release.

Once the retail buyers have viewed the games, the videos will be moved to Sega ( www.sega.com) and other retailer's consumer Web sites for public viewing in order to generate sales.

"Chalk's technology provides us with a unique, new marketing tool," said John Golden, director of product marketing, Sega of America, in a statement. "The overviews create the pre-release buzz that is crucial to the launch of a new game. We want to get retailers and consumers excited about Sega's new games before they hit store shelves."

The Chalk streaming video player is compatible with Windows Media Player or Real Player software. The technology allows the viewer to watch video of the Sega game being played with voice over narration describing the features. The viewer can also click on more detailed game specifications or link to other game overviews.

Sega is already using the unique Chalk technology to provide retailers with overviews of its Daytona USATM, Sonic AdventureTM 2 and Crazy TaxiTM 2 games, and Chalk is expected to produce overviews for many of Sega's upcoming releases.

Chalk Network is also working with several companies to enhance its e-commerce initiatives with streaming video of the products. In March, Chalk announced companies including Intel, Symantec, Microtek, Sega, Yahoo! Shopping, Radio Shack Canada and Excite Canada were already using or have just signed deals to launch the Chalk Network video shopping player on their Web sites.