Entropia Universe Reaches Membership Milestone With Over 500,000 Registered Users

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 17, 2006 -- Entropia Universe, the fastest growing virtual world utilizing a real cash economy, today announces that it has reached over 500,000 registered users from over 220 countries. Since its launch in early 2003, Entropia has rapidly expanded its reach to thousands of participants, internationally. The virtual world is expected to see exceptional growth over the next three years.

"The growth of Entropia Universe is an enormous achievement for us and the members," says Jan Welter, CEO of MindArk, developer of Entropia Universe. "As the world of video games evolves to become more than just a means of two-dimensional entertainment, we are seeing a demand for the integration of real-world features in virtual environments. Individuals are joining the Entropia Universe (EU) community to interact, meet new people, learn new ideas, reach entrepreneurial aspirations, create societies and even foster new relationships in everyday reality."

Entropia offers a variety of entertainment and social interaction for its citizens. Users can create their own persona (avatar) via a character generation system, then have the option of choosing a suitable life and virtual existence for their avatar. Entropia Universe offers opportunities in numerous professions which are unique and completely different from that of the members' real-life occupation. Entropia uses a system based on Skills and Experience which allows for occupational proficiency in areas ranging from event promotions and store ownership to hunting and mining. Entropians have the chance to buy and sell property, become financially successful, and even find a mate in their virtual world.

Entropia Universe is the only virtual gaming community that actively supports sales of virtual products with actual cash value within its real economy system. The economy offers the user a secure and safe way to make purchases, sales and exchange real-life currency into PED (Project Entropia Dollars) and back again into real money, at a fixed exchange rate to the US Dollar. PED allows members to invest in personal development and growth through the acquisition of goods, buildings, and land in the virtual universe.

In December 2004, Entropia Universe set a world record, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, when it sold a virtual Treasure Island for $26,500 USD (the largest virtual dollar amount spent) to 22-year-old Australian David Storey, a.k.a. "Deathifier." The recent sale of the Space Resort for $100,000 USD to famed gamer, Jon "NEVERDIE" Jacobs, sets a new record for the most valuable virtual item. In 2005, the Entropia Universe GNP was an estimated $165 million US dollars and is expected to double in 2006.

About Entropia Universe and MindArk

Entropia Universe is a registered trademark of MindArk PE AB. MindArk supports and monitors the services and maintenance of the Entropia Universe site. MindArk began in April of 2003 in Sweden, and has expanded to have partners throughout the world. Entropia Universe was launched in 2003 and has reached over 500,000 registered accounts. MindArk offers the Entropia Universe software to users free of charge with no monthly costs or associated subscription fees. For more information or to download the free Entropia Universe software please visit www.entropia-universe.com. For more information on EU developer, MindArk, please visit www.mindark.com.

Contact Information: Contact: Kathleen Schneider TERPIN COMMUNICATIONS (310) 821-6100 x111 kathleen@terpin.com