Xiphias Debuts Techno-Thriller - SOFT KILL - on CD-ROM

Xiphias takes an ambitious step forward, announcing the August release of
an interactive story on CD-ROM. SOFT KILL, to be introduced by Xiphias at
the Chicago Consumer Electronics Show, retails for $39.95 and will ship in
August for the PC and the Mac on one disc.

Featuring over 190 minutes of audio, video and graphics, SOFT KILL explores
a new development of far-reaching consequence in world military affairs,
Non Lethal Warfare. Xiphias' original scenario explores the possibility
that a rogue element of a major world power's military might use this
technology to forge a quiet, but effective attack on the United States.
The story begins with a terrorist attack on the Alaska Pipeline, and has
caused discomfort in high places. Xiphias has received letters from both
the Alyeska Pipeline Company and Arco, requesting that the very issue of
attacks on the Pipeline not be publicly explored.

The concept of 'soft warfare' has received a lot of attention, beginning
with the use of Non-Lethal Weapons during the Gulf War, including a viral
attack on the Iraqi air defense system computers. Subsequent articles in
the Wall Street Journal and Aviation Week have indicated the US Military's
high degree of interest in such tactics. Peter Black, President of
Xiphias, authors an article on Soft Warfare in the June issue of WIRED
(Soft Kill: Fighting Infrastructure Wars in the 21st Century, P.49,
Available at WIRED booth McCormick East Booth 1938).

Xiphias expects SOFT KILL will find distribution in video channels, as well
as more traditional software channels. Xiphias will introduce the title as
one of four new products, each of which will feature Xiphias' new Matrix
interface. The Matrix interface, specifically designed to reduce
complexity in the operation of high video content CD-ROMs, was introduced
at the TED4 conference in Kobe, Japan, in early May.

Xiphias President Peter Black indicates that the SOFT KILL announcement
should put Hollywood on notice. "We believe CD-ROM's future lies in using
the interactive properties of CD-ROM for storytelling. Not stories with
multiple endings, or Tamara-like virtual realities, but traditional
stories with a beginning a middle and one good ending."

"This is not a programmers business," Black continues, "this business
belongs to creative people - the film and TV people. We've worked with
some fine Hollywood talent on this product, and expect closer ties to the
film and TV businesses in the future. This new storytelling interface
we're using - we call it the Matrix - sends the message that we are
serious about selling to the mass consumer, not the computer
marketplace."

The Matrix interface is an extraordinarily simple design for the electronic
packaging of linear material, ranging from special interest titles like
Xiphias' new Kathy Smith title, to movies and television shows. In Black's
words, the Matrix is designed to let a consumer 'get to the good parts
quick, or just sit back and hit the play button'.

Xiphias is located at 8758 Venice Boulevard, LA, CA 90034. Phone (310) 841
2790. Fax (310) 841 2559.

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