July 10, 2008 08:30 AM Eastern Time 

Challenge Games Launches Baseball Boss - First Online Game to Combine Virtual Baseball Card Collecting and Fantasy Sports

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Challenge Online Games™, Inc. (Challenge Games) today announced the release of Baseball Boss, the first free online game to bring together the nostalgia of baseball card collecting with the excitement of fantasy sports. The browser-based game allows virtual baseball cards to be used to create fantasy teams for head-to-head play against other teams, including historical ones. The new multi-player online game holds a licensing agreement with MLB Advanced Media LP (MLBAM), the interactive media and Internet company of Major League Baseball, and the game’s virtual baseball cards include player statistics and photos. Baseball Boss can be played for free at www.baseballboss.com.

Baseball Boss allows gamers to collect and trade virtual baseball cards and assemble them into fantasy teams that can then be used to challenge other player-created or historical teams to games. Winners earn points, which can be used to purchase additional packs of player cards. Online baseball cards are currently available for the 1907 and 2007 baseball seasons with new season card packs to be released in the coming months.

“Today we’ve brought together the time-honored tradition and enjoyment of baseball card collecting and the excitement of online fantasy sports in a game that’s both challenging and entertaining to play,” said Andrew Busey, founder and CEO of Challenge Online Games. “The millions of fantasy sports and card collecting fans can now test their knowledge and passion for baseball to build their own teams and collect and trade virtual baseball cards online.”

Baseball Boss is unique in that its short-form design allows it to be played in 5-15 minute increments rather than in long marathon sessions. The format is ideal for both casual and hardcore gamers, who are looking for new and challenging options for play in between longer gaming sessions and during free time. Because Baseball Boss is asynchronous in nature, it can be played whenever a user wants. Players can challenge other teams and results can be accessed at the players’ convenience. Gamers may also create their own private leagues to play with their friends, join one of many public ones, or play in a variety of fee-based premium leagues, which have additional features. Teams can be altered by trading cards with other players, purchasing cards from other players in online auctions using points earned, and by purchasing new card packs as they are released. Baseball Boss can be played for free. Players also have the options to purchase additional card packs with money and to join as VIP members for a nominal fee.

Baseball Boss is the second free short-form multiplayer online game from Challenge Games. Its debut game, Duels™, was the first massively multi-player role-playing game (MMORPG) to be integrated directly with Facebook. It currently has nearly 250,000 players worldwide.

To play Baseball Boss, visit www.baseballboss.com. To play Duels, visit www.duels.com or http://apps.facebook.com/duelsfb. For more information on Challenge Games, visit www.challengegames.com.

About Challenge Online Games, Inc.

Challenge Online Games (Challenge Games) creates online games that are fun and easy to play whether you’re a serious or casual gamer. The company was founded by veteran entrepreneur and gamer, Andrew Busey, author of Secrets of the MUD Wizards and creator of one of the first instant messaging applications. Challenge Games currently offers Duels and Baseball Boss – multiplayer web-based games that combine the best of the collectible card games (CCGs) and traditional role-playing games with the convenience of the short-form gaming experience. The company also holds a multi-year licensing agreement with MLB Advanced Media, LP (MLBAM), the interactive media and Internet company of Major League Baseball. Challenge Games is based in Austin, Texas and is privately held with funding from Sequoia Capital. For more information on Challenge Games, visit www.challengegames.com.

Challenge Games, Duels and Baseball Boss are trademarks of Challenge Online Games, Inc. All other names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.