For Immediate Release
For further information, contact:
Tracey Halliday, Decipher, 757.664.1102
Monica Jones, Decipher, 757.664.1146
Scott Martins, Worlds Apart Productions, press@worlds-apart.com

DECIPHER ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR ONLINE VERSION OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS™ TRADING CARD GAME

(NORFOLK, Va., September 6, 2002) - One of the most popular trading card games in the world - The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game (TCG) - is about to go digital! Decipher announced today that it has teamed up with Worlds Apart Productions, widely recognized for its critically acclaimed online roleplaying game, "The Eternal City," to develop the online version of the game. The Lord of the Rings Online Trading Card Game will open its virtual doors on the decipher.com web site to 'round-the-clock' Internet play in early 2003.

"The Lord of the Rings TCG is one of the most incredible games Decipher has ever created. We are extremely excited about bringing this game to the expanded audience of players on the Internet," said Decipher's Chairman and CEO Warren Holland.

The Lord of the Rings Online Trading Card Game will allow players to purchase randomly assorted card packs, build decks, make trades, and play against a multitude of opponents just like they do with the popular paper version of the game. However, the Internet version will allow players to find opponents worldwide 24 hours a day.

Worlds Apart Productions, has been developing and managing online games for six years. In a previous announcement Decipher said that Worlds Apart will manage all of Decipher's online game development. The Lord of the Rings Online Trading Card Game will join the already popular Star Trek Online Customizable Card Game, which launched in May 2001.

"The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game is easily the best TCG on the market today. Its accessibility allows you to learn the game quickly and the depth and sheer fun of the gameplay keeps you coming back for more. I can't think of another license-based game that more closely captures the spirit of its source material," said Scott Martins, President, Worlds Apart. "We are quite proud to work with Decipher to bring this game and prestigious property to the Internet."

About Decipher
Founded in 1983 by Warren Holland, Decipher Inc. is a worldwide leader in the collectible card game industry and fan club industry. The company's Trading Card Game Studio produces Star Trek™, Austin Powers™, and The Lord of the Rings™ trading card games. Decipher also offers digital versions of its Star Trek™ and, soon, its The Lord of the Rings™ Trading Card Games. Decipher's Fan Club Studio operates the official fan clubs for Star Trek™ and The Lord of the Rings,™ which includes publishing official fan magazines and managing online stores. Decipher's RPG (roleplaying games) & Miniatures Studio is responsible for the creation of the all-new Star Trek™ roleplaying games and The Lord of the Rings™ roleplaying games. Decipher's Games Studio produces leading party, card and board games such as How To Host A Murder®, How To Host A Teen Mystery™, Scratchees™ and more. Decipher also produces the popular Boy Crazy!™ brand for girls which includes a magazine, web site at boycrazy.com, trading cards, and various publishing and licensing ventures.

Visit decipher.com for additional information.

About Worlds Apart
Based in Denver, Colorado, Worlds Apart is a six-year-old company specializing in the development and operation of multiplayer online games. Its flagship product, THE ETERNAL CITY, was called "the consummate MUD" by Computer Gaming World magazine and has been praised for many of its innovative social gameplay features. Worlds Apart's latest title is GRENDEL'S REVENGE, a hybrid RPG/RTS in which players take on the roles of monsters.

About New Line Cinema
Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry's leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures. New Line licenses its films to ancillary markets, including cable and broadcast television, as well as to international venues. The company, which is a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc., operates several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television, acquisitions, production, licensing and merchandising units. More information about New Line Cinema can be obtained at www.newline.com. For more information about New Line Cinema's licensing and merchandising, contact Stephanie Baumoel or Sheila Feren at FerenComm, 212.983.9898.