Gala-Net named John Young as corporate vice president of the companys operations and producer of the upcoming free-to-play online multiplayer car combat and racing game, Upshift StrikeRacer.

San Jose, Calif. ¨C June 4, 2007 ¨C Gala-Net, Inc., a subsidiary of global online community company Gala, Inc., today announced that John Young has joined the company as corporate vice president of the companys operations and producer of the upcoming free-to-play online multiplayer car combat and racing game, Upshift StrikeRacer.  With more than fifteen years of experience in business and product development, most of which in the interactive space, Young will oversee the localization, culturalization and launch of Upshift StrikeRacer in North America.  He will also play a key role in ensuring that Gala-Net expands its position as a premier company in online games.

"John Young has the perfect background, expertise and passion for interactive media and online games to bring our next series of free-to-play services to market in North America," said Satoru Kikugawa, CEO, Gala-Net, Inc.  "His deep knowledge of both the Asian and North American interactive entertainment markets is a huge asset to Gala-Net as the company continues to drive the growth of Galas global network."

"I couldnt be more excited about joining a forward thinking, community-focused organization like Gala-Net as the company looks toward the future of free-to-play online gaming in North America, Europe and throughout the world," said John Young, vice president and producer, Gala-Net, Inc.  "The value proposition of free-to-play services, diverse product line up and incredibly fervent community that Gala-Net offers its players are truly second to none.  We are committed to extending that offering with the launch of Upshift StrikeRacer later this summer."

Prior to joining Gala-Net, Young was a senior director of business development with Massive Incorporated.  He oversaw business development in North America and Asia for the venture capital-backed advertising-in-videogames company, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2006.  As a key member of the companys team, he signed nearly a dozen critical contracts with major publishers and led Massives expansion into Asia.  In addition, Young ran the companys product development group.

Previously, Young was a senior associate with Easton Hunt Capital Partners, ranked among the top venture capital firms in the country.  Before that he founded and ran J. Walter Thompsons interactive business in Asia and created interactive marketing programs for clients including Citibank, Kodak, Hong Kong Telecom, the MTR and San Miguel Beer.