[Image] [Image]

        For Immediate Release

                        Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
                 in the Spotlight as New "Sim" Project for Maxis:
                        Creation of SimCircus Now Underway

        WALNUT CREEK, Calif.May 24, 1996Maxis, Inc., (NASDAQ: MXIS)
        announced today that it is stepping into the three rings with
        Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey to produce SimCircus, a new
        entry in its popular Maxis Kids' line of entertainment software.
        The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

        Scheduled for release in calendar year 1997, SimCircus will offer
        children of all ages the unprecedented opportunity to assume an
        interactive role alongside the ringmaster, clowns, acrobats and
        animal trainers and experience the unique lifestyle of The
        Greatest Show On Earth. A Ringling Bros. creative team will
        provide photographic images, artwork and key game elements from
        its extensive archives.

        "Millions of avid players of software games around the
        worldadults and children alikeare 'Sim' fanatics. To them, we
        represent the best in simulation games. They expect us to be
        cutting-edge and continually bring exciting new products to the
        playing field," says Sam Poole, president of Maxis. "SimCircus
        will be a creative, fun and fascinating new addition to our
        software line. Doesn't everyone dream of running away to join the
        circus?"

        Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Chairman and Chief Executive
        Officer Kenneth Feld explains, "As a company, we are actively
        committed to bringing quality entertainment to families around the
        globe, which is why it makes perfect sense that we move into the
        interactive world with the creation of SimCircus. By expanding
        into cyberspace, The Greatest Show On Earth can be experienced at
        home as well as live in the arena."

        The inspired pairing of the industry leader, Maxis, with the
        beloved 126-year-old American institution of live family
        entertainment was facilitated by Pachyderm Entertainment of New
        York, a diversified entertainment company of which Kenneth Feld is
 [Image]a partner. Dori Berinstein, Pachyderm partner and SimCircus
        Executive Producer on behalf of Ringling Bros. and Barnum &
        Bailey, says, "Maxis' reputation for quality and creativity made
        them the obvious choice to produce another new, interactive
        dimensionthe Fourth Ringof The Greatest Show On Earth."

        SimCircus will also feature a CD-to-online link with another
        Pachyderm Entertainment project, Ringling Online, a new America
        Online site that debuted in February of 1996.

        Maxis' first Sim, SimCity, was released in 1989. There are eight
        other popular Sim products, including SimTown, the first Sim in
        the Maxis Kids' line launched in 1994. Maxis, founded in 1987, has
        international headquarters in Walnut Creek, Calif., where most of
        its 200 employees are located. Additional development offices are
        located in San Mateo, Calif., Austin, Texas and Salt Lake City,
        Utah. Maxis' international offices are in London and Tokyo.
        Information about Maxis is available on the Internet at
        http://www.maxis.com; America Online (keyword "Maxis" or
        "SimCity"); or CompuServe, Go "Gambpub" (for Game Publishers B
        forum).

                                     # # # # #

        See the Corporate Backgrounder for more information about Maxis.

             Media contacts:
             Lois Tilles (Maxis), 510-927-3709
             Media Center (Ringling Bros.), 703-448-4120

        All products and corporate names are trademarks and registered
        trademarks of their respective companies. All rights reserved.

                                        ###

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