NCsoft announced they will install  a public service program called PlaySmart into  all NCsoft retail products that will contain tips to help to improve both personal and data safety.

NCsoft launches ¡®PlaySmart¡¯ information program to advance online gaming safety, security

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 5, 2006 -- NCsoft®, the world¡¯s leading developer and publisher of online games, has announced the creation of PlaySmart tm, a public service program promoting common-sense guidelines that will be delivered directly to customers to help enhance personal safety and data security.

Drawing from industry standards, NCsoft has developed a set of simple guidelines for its customers that focus on two areas: personal safety and data security. Personal safety includes tips for families who play online games and data security covers issues such as data loss or online scams. The set of guidelines will be placed on a card in all of NCsoft¡¯s retail game packs as well as being available on NCsoft¡¯s game portal, PlayNC®.com.

NCsoft has chosen to proactively develop a program, which if followed, may help to make playing online games a more positive experience for individuals and families by helping to reduce risk factors.

¡°We recognize that there is an inherent risk to any social interaction over the Internet. Whether it is over chat rooms or social networks, the Internet is rife with scams and individuals who would take advantage of others,¡± said Robert Garriott, CEO of NCsoft North America. ¡°PlaySmart is an effort to educate our customers about these issues and offer simple guidelines to help mitigate problems inherent in interacting online. Our games are known for their positive social climates and as a place to find exciting online entertainment and by following the few simple guidelines in PlaySmart, players and their families should find online gaming a source of fun, stress-free entertainment.¡±

The guidelines are being developed by NCsoft in accordance with industry standards made available at such sources as the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Following is a sample of a few of the ¡°smart tips¡± that will be delivered directly to NCsoft customers as part of the PlaySmart program:

For personal safety: