World Cyber Games kicks off today
by Kit

Thursday, October 7 2004

Games head to S.F for first U.S appearance.

The World Cyber Games (WCG), which kicks off its 2004 Grand Finals at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium October 6-10, 2004, is offering sponsor Samsung Electronics a unique global marketing opportunity that keeps growing in scope. When Samsung, a leading manufacturer of digital consumer electronics, IT and telecommunications equipment, first sponsored the inaugural WCG in 2000, 17 countries participated in the Grand Final. This year, 63 countries will be represented at the Grand Final in San Francisco making it the world's largest international video game competition.

Gaming offers a common global language. By sponsoring the WCG, Samsung Electronics offers an arena where young people can meet and compete harmoniously beyond cultural and geographical boundaries. In addition, Samsung is building a rapport with youth around the world.

"Gaming is becoming entrenched as the premium method of entertainment -- holding the attention of the world's early adopters. Samsung recognizes the power of this demographic and is harnessing its potential through WCG to shape the future," said Peter Weedfald, Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Samsung Electronics North America.

WCG 2004 is highly recognized as the largest international game event and is actively sponsored by twenty-two governments such as Korea, China, Russia, Singapore, and Malaysia. For the first time, the Grand Finals are being held in the United States. Therefore, Samsung is reaching out to the American public to promote WCG.

"Research shows that the games culture has assisted in achieving advanced IT technologies in Asia. Samsung supports this type of development in the rest of the world," said Weedfald.

To promote the WCG, Samsung is utilizing the power of the Internet to run an unprecedented online promotion. More than one billion impressions a month will be generated through advertising space on over 350 top consumer and business publication web sites. To help get the word out as quickly as possible, prominently placed banner space, that Samsung owns full-time, will be dedicated this week to Samsung's sponsorship of the WCG2004.

In addition, Samsung has blanketed the San Francisco area with billboards including the regional airports and downtown locations. Advertising for the WCG will run in national newspapers local publications.

Sponsorship of the WCG reflects Samsung Electronics' philosophy on sports. Samsung believes that international sporting events draw the international community together, building world peace and global harmony. Samsung has been a sponsor of the Olympic Games since 1988.

Senior Vice President Il-Hyung Chang, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications for Samsung Electronics said "Samsung Electronics recognized the unlimited potential of game markets long ago as games emerged as a new cultural code among young generations, and the company will conduct successful marketing strategies by continuing to sponsor this international gaming event, the WCG."

--- Kit