Racing Sims: 4x4 Off-Road Race Game Becomes Component of Marketing Effort

    HACKENSACK, N.J.--Dec. 20, 2002--Skyworks(R), the market leader in developing sponsored digital entertainment, has created an all new off-road racing game for Toyota Motor Sales and its interactive agency, Dimension Data, as part of the automobile giant's aggressive marketing campaign to introduce the new 2003 4Runner.
    4Runner Challenge, which recently launched on www.toyota.com/4runner/minisite/game.html, puts the player in control of the best selling SUV in an off-road adventure over desert, mountain and back country terrain. The objective of the game is to complete four levels of challenge, played in sequence, in the shortest amount of time possible.
    Prior to beginning the race, 4Runner Challenge allows the player to choose the exterior color of the 4Runner they wish to drive. In addition, the game highlights unique features of the 2003 model, including the X-Reas Sport Enhancement Suspension and the Torsen(R) Limited-Slip Center Differential. During gameplay, the player experiences enhanced controls based on activation of these features.
    "We are delighted to be part of Dimension Data's integrated online marketing campaign for Toyota's best selling SUV," says Garry Kitchen, CEO of Skyworks. "By incorporating specific elements of the look and feel of the vehicle into the game, we are able to provide players with an experience that fuses the fantasy of a game environment with the reality of some of the features and capabilities of a 2003 Toyota 4Runner."
    The inclusion of the Skyworks-designed 4x4 advergame into the launch campaign of the new Toyota 4Runner is another example of the company's leadership in the creation of sponsored digital entertainment. Skyworks has developed over 150 advergames for other Fortune 1000 companies like Ford, Microsoft, Mattel, and Kraft Foods.
    "This new game for Toyota is another example of an advergame being used in the launch campaign of a major consumer product," explains Kitchen. "As the marketing campaigns for new product launches become more sophisticated, we believe advergaming will become as critical as any other element in the marketing mix, regardless of the product or the target audience."

    About Skyworks

    Skyworks Technologies, Inc. is the market leader in developing sponsored digital entertainment for Fortune 1000 companies. With an unparalleled history in the gaming industry, Skyworks develops interactive content for many of America's top companies, including ESPN, Ford, Fox Sports, GlaxoSmithKline, Kraft Foods, Mattel, Microsoft, MTV, Nabisco, Pepsi, Post Cereal, Toyota, and many others. Over 20 million Skyworks' games are downloaded from clients' websites each month, generating outstanding online brand awareness in a cost-effective manner. http://www.skyworks.com