# What is Wireplay?

Wireplay is a new BT service which connects Personal Computers over the phone network in such a way that two or more people can participate simultaneously in many of the most popular multi-player computer games. But that's not all: ultimately, any authorised user will be able to set up and play in a variety of leagues and competitions so they can take on whole groups of friends or other players and battle their way to the top.

Some of these features will take a little time to introduce, mainly because all the computer games available today need certain additions to their software before they can use the full range of Wireplay facilities. That's why we've decided to run a pre-launch trial, so we can introduce the different features of the service in a controlled way, working with games manufacturers and volunteers like you to iron out any teething problems. That way, when we offer Wireplay to the general public, we'll be sure we've got it right.

During the trial period, we expect the Wireplay service to develop in roughly the following stages:

## Stage 1

In the early days of the trial, there will be very few (if any) games available whih are designed specifically to work with Wireplay. This means that you won't be able to use the competition features, or play with more than two players at a time - but you will be able to play one-to-one 'friendlies'with Doom, Descent and many other of your favourite multi-player games, using the so-called 'null modem' mode.

(Instructions on how to set up many of these 'null modem' games are included as part of your Welcome pack, and others will be added regularly, either by post or via the Wireplay NEWS service.)

## Stage 2

We are already working on an update to the Wireplay software which will enable some existing games to be played by more than two players simultaneously. We're also hoping to offer competition modes for some games at this stage. We will release the update as it becomes available, together with the appropriate instructions for setting up the games.

## Stage 3

By the end of the trial, we are confident that a number of manufacturers will have brought out fully 'Wireplay-compliant' versions of their games. As soon as these new versions appear, you will be able to use them to set up your own local and national competitions, complete with sophisticated scoring and ranking systems. Again, keep an eye on the Wireplay NEWS service for the latest developments.

By agreeing to participate in the trial, you will be helping us through each of these stages, spotting any problems and highlighting anything which needs change or improvement. This means that you may opccasionally come across bugs in the system, and that you may notice some small differences between the instructions given in the on-screen Help (or the user guide) and the way things actually work. But if you could make a note of these issues as they occur and enter them on your triallist's questionnaire, we will take the necessary steps to put them right in future versions of the software.

If you get stuck, help is always available on screen and in the 'Troubleshooting' section of the User Guide. For help on individual games, you should consult the data sheets included in your Wireplay pack. If you're still stuck, you can also contact the Wireplay Helpdesk on Locall 0345 577577 (opening hours Monday-Saturday 8 am to 10 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm). During the trial, the Helpdesk has only limited capacity, so please try the other alternatives first.

## Thanks for participating in the trial, and enjoy yourself!