FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

John Smedley, President of Sony Online Entertainment, to Deliver First Keynote for Seattle’s 2008 ION Game Conference

SEATTLE, Washington, January 30, 2008 – The 2008 ION Game Conference solidified its credentials as a premier online game industry event with the announcement that John Smedley, President of Sony Online Entertainment (SOE), is scheduled to deliver the Wednesday, May 13th keynote address at the conference. Mr. Smedley intends to focus on the accomplishments – past, present and future – of SOE and the MMO category in general. He will also highlight SOE’s Seattle studio, the driving force behind the development of the highly-anticipated online adventure/shooter currently in development for the PC and PLAYSTATION&® computer entertainment system, The Agency.

As President of Sony Online Entertainment, Mr. Smedley is responsible for the company's overall vision and growth, as well as management of SOE's hundreds of employees. Mr. Smedley has more than a decade's worth of experience in the interactive entertainment industry, including positions with ATG, Knight Technologies and five years with 989 Studios as Director of Development. Mr. Smedley was instrumental in the creation and development of the original EverQuest and was co-founder of Verant Interactive, Inc., which became Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) after it was purchased by Sony Pictures Entertainment in 2000. Under his leadership, Sony Online Entertainment has grown from a small developer with a single online PC game to an industry leader with hundreds of thousands of subscribers and multiple titles published on the PC, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, wireless and handheld platforms.

“John Smedley and SOE have had an indelible impact in the online game industry,” said Peter Freese, Conference Director for the 2008 ION Game Conference. “His insight of the past and vision for the future is a message we are excited to share with our attendees.”

In addition, early registration is now open for the 2008 ION Game Conference on the official website. An attendee pass permits access to all keynotes, the expo floor, all sessions and panels, as well as conference parties. Discounted attendance rates are available for early registrants for a very limited time.

The ION Game Conference is an annual game industry event designed for an international attendee audience, for those who strive to network and learn about new online game development and business trends, at the highest level. Visit the official website http://www.ionconference.com for the latest news and information about the ION Game Conference. To review the global and diversified advisory board supporting the ION Game Conference, visit http://www.ionconference.com/advisors.html. To keep informed about the latest news about ION and the online game industry, sent straight to your e-mail Inbox, sign up for the free ION Connection newsletter at http://www.ionconference.com/signup.html.

About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath&®, Untold Legends™, and PlanetSide®, as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies™, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, and Taiwan, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development. SOE is owned by Sony Pictures Digital and Sony Computer Entertainment A merica Inc.

About Evergreen Events
Evergreen Events, Inc., (http://www.evergreenevents.org/), is a Seattle area-based producer of conferences and events for the interactive entertainment industry. Evergreen Events is dedicated to the enrichment of both established and aspiring professionals through innovative first-class events offering exceptional content that is compelling, educational, and cogent. Our directors and advisors bring over a century of collective successful experience and involvement in the game industry.

###

ION Game Conference logos, media, and art assets:
http://www.ionconference.com/logo_art.html

John Smedley’s Photo:
http://www.soepress.com/pics.asp?i=21

Press Contact:
Paul Philleo
Marketing Communications Advisor
Voice: 408-702-2697
Email: press@ionconference.com

Courtney Simmons
Director Corporate Communications and PR
Sony Online Entertainment
858-577-3334 office csimmons@soe.sony.com