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New Wizard101 Pet Rocks!

The announcement of the new Pet Rock in Wizard101 serves as one of many examples where an online game company has intentionally gone with a "less is more" approach when creating virtual companions. In fact, the primary demographic served with the new Pet Rock consists of those players who are looking for pets that are less "useful" or "interesting" and more "predictable" and "low-energy."

"In a meeting I sarcastically threw out the idea that we should have a Pet Rock in the game," said Karl Holbert, art lead and creative force behind the new pet. "It was a joke! I can't believe they actually took the suggestion seriously. I'm going to have to be much more careful about what I suggest in the future."

"What an amazing idea for a pet," said Marketing VP Fred Howard. "We are, of course, always looking for ways to add less interesting items into the game, so this is a no-brainer."

KingsIsle Entertainment anticipates that Wizards of all ages will enjoy a variety of special activities with their new sturdy stone companions, including:

    --  Taking naps
    --  Playing freeze-tag
    --  Holding things down
    --  Keeping secrets
    --  Rolling
    --  Break dancing

Anyone interested in more detailed instructions for Pet Rock care and training should visit www.wizard101.com/game/promotions/petrock.

Note to Editors:

While this press release is written in a tongue-in-cheek manner in the spirit of the April Fools holiday, it is true that for a very limited time KingsIsle is adding a Pet Rock to its in-game Crown shop. In fact, the Pet Rock should serve as a useful, and pretty darn powerful, Wizard companion.

About KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc.

KingsIsle Entertainment is a developer and publisher that specializes in creating high-quality massively multiplayer online games which provide entertainment for the entire family. Wizard101, KingsIsle's flagship property, has received the Parent Tested Parent Approved Media Seal of Approval in 2009 and has been recognized by the National Parenting Publications Awards. Wizard101 was named Best MMO of 2010 by Beckett Massive Online Gamer Magazine, Best Family MMO of the Decade by Massively.com and the #1 Best Family Game of 2009 by MMORPG.com. The company's experienced and creative team is raising the bar in online entertainment by offering products with rich storylines, friendly navigation, top-quality art and fully-voiced characters. KingsIsle is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and has a development studio in Austin, Texas. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.

KingsIsle and Wizard101 are trademarks or registered trademarks of KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc.

SOURCE KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc.