Thursday, Sega of Europe confirmed the launch date and online status of Sonic Team's Chu Chu Rocket, as part of the company's announcement of Dreamarena, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary created to develop SOE's online activities. The game is now scheduled for a June 9th European release and will be available free for current, and future, Dreamarena subscribers. The game will also become the first online multiplayer title for the European Dreamcast, as it was in the US.

　　"Yet again SEGA Europe has produced an industry first for gamers with the introduction of Europe's first multi-player on-line game. On-line gaming has arrived, but we won't stop here," said JF Cecillon, Chief Executive Officer, Sega of Europe, & Chairman, Dreamarena Ltd. "This Europe-wide marketing program reconfirms SEGA Europe's commitment to providing our customers with the ultimate gaming experience. Together with the exciting software line up and development of more peripherals, SEGA Europe looks forward to providing further enhancements for the console, as Dreamcast continues to evolve. There is plenty for Dreamcasters to look forward to."

　　The Dreamarena online service has an established user-base of over 25,000 subscribers, even without the implementation of online play. Dreamarena Ltd. predicts that the number will double in time for Dreamcast's first European anniversary on October 14th 2000.