ScanSoft Technology Selected by Vivendi Universal Games

PEABODY, MA - ScanSoft Inc. announced that Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games), a publisher of multi-platform interactive entertainment, has incorporated ScanSoft's speech recognition software into its newest PlayStation® 2 release, SWAT: Global Strike Team (GST). With this agreement, VU Games has licensed ScanSoft's Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) 1600 speech recognition software to provide speech-enabled command and control for a variety of pivotal game actions and events in SWAT: GST, available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. SWAT: GST allows multiple players to interact with characters within the game using ScanSoft's speech recognition software. SWAT: GST is the latest in a new generation of games and applications that use the power of speech recognition to provide advanced command and control of the gaming environment, as well as real-life interaction for gaming enthusiasts. Players have the ability to issue squad commands to in-game teammates and speak compliance orders to both in-game hostages and suspects. "SWAT: Global Strike Team's unique use of speech recognition sets a new standard for interactive play in home video games," said Nicholas Longano, group vice-president of marketing for Vivendi Universal Games. "Partnering with ScanSoft has enabled Vivendi Universal Games to provide a new accent on tactical combat game play, and we're excited to push the limits of the gaming experience with this new offering." SWAT: GST gives players the option to use speech recognition technology to issue commands, in place of using the handheld game pad, as they lead a team of military specialists in the fight against worldwide terrorist organizations. Within the game, there are a variety of verbal commands associated with each action. "Speech technology continues to be at the forefront of changing trends for all types of industries," said Alan Schwartz, senior vice president and general manager of Embedded Speech Solutions at ScanSoft. "Working with Vivendi Universal Games further expands ScanSoft's reach into the home entertainment marketplace. We see this market as an important growth opportunity for ScanSoft and we'll continue to work with Vivendi Universal and our other home gaming partners to develop more advanced systems for the gaming environment."