STORY:
Y2K Crisis Turns Into Family Game

Computer bug villains take over in online cartoon game

Side stepping the dire predictions for the turn of the millennium, NJ corporation Masterminds of Fun is injecting fantasy and adventure with heroes and villains plus an educational theme into the whole Y2K situation. A suite of cartoon characters, based on the Y2K bug, has been released via cyberspace (see www.hideNzeek.com) according to a company press release.

Evil-eyed Y-Rus, the Official Y2K Villain, is scheming to wreak havoc and amass huge fortunes when Y2K non-compliant computer systems fail at the turn of the millennium, while friendly Zeek, the Official Y2K Hero,is out to capture the culprit and restore order in society. Zeek and his Millennium Force - a team of young followers, is engaging real children throughout the world to help him in his mission to subdue the villain, while having fun and encouraging Y2K awareness and preparedness in the process.

Masterminds of Fun's creation is a novel and promising entry into the $140 billion children's market. It's a unique, entertaining and educational perspective on a unique time in history. No one else has developed a combination of characters, personalities and storylines around the Y2K phenomenon. These irresistible cartoon characters are capturing children's hearts while conveying an important message about being prepared for the new millennium.

Zeek and his entourage are being promoted via several venues. The hideNzeek Website offers entertaining activities and hosts a comic series through which the continuing saga unfolds. Masterminds of Fun is beginning negotiations to produce video games and a series of animated cartoon episodes. The suite of characters is available through licensing for merchandise and advertising. Zeek himself is touring in major cities, further endearing the Official Y2K Hero to the public.

While Y2K is the launching pad for Zeek and his Millennium Force, planned story episodes extend well beyond Y2K itself. The ultimate purpose is to educate youngsters by playing on a variety of problems in society which, like the Y2K crisis, mankind brought upon themselves. In the future Zeek and his Millennium Force will address environmental, health or other issues, and pursue new cartoon villains representing the darker sides. Thus the ongoing market potential for the concept is unlimited.

Source: Business Wire

DATE: 08/03/99

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