STEELSERIES ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH GUNNAR OPTIKS

Leaders in the Gaming Peripheral and Performance Optics Space Team Up To Co-Brand and Co-Market New Advanced Gaming Eyewear for Gamers

CHICAGO – MAY 6, 2010 – Today SteelSeries, a global leader of gaming peripherals and accessories proudly announced a strategic partnership with GUNNAR Optiks, the leading manufacturer of digital performance eyewear. SteelSeries and the GUNNAR team are working together, along with Carl Zeiss Optics, to co-brand a new line of products for PC and console gamers to be released over the coming months. The new, exclusive co-developed line will provide gamers around the world with the best performing digital eyewear that focus on comfort and improving the gamer’s performance through reduced eye strain. As an immediate result of this partnership, SteelSeries and Gunnar Optiks will team up their on-site marketing efforts at upcoming industry events including the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Sony Fan Faire and PAX West.

“We’re eager and excited to enter into a partnership with GUNNAR Optiks. GUNNAR not only designs market leading digital performance gear, but also maintains an excellent reputation in the entertainment industry from novice players to professional gamers, and believes, like SteelSeries, in the future of competitive gaming,” said SteelSeries CEO, Bruce Hawver.

“Partnering with a peripherals company that’s built its reputation on creating gear that offers a competitive advantage for gamers is a smart and beneficial alignment for both of our brands,” said Rob Aarnes, President, GUNNAR Optiks. “We’ve already begun our collaboration and design process and look forward to introducing this exclusive co-branded line of advanced gaming eyewear very soon.”

As a leading worldwide manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, SteelSeries applies the Winning is Everything philosophy to professional and publisher gaming gear, from product functionality and technology to the aesthetics and feel. Since the company began, SteelSeries collaborates with the most talented and successful professional gamers in the world to produce innovative products that provide a true competitive edge for all gamers.

This collaboration with pro-gamers and the goals to create a better experience and competitive edge for gamers is where GUNNAR and SteelSeries align. GUNNAR Optiks is the first company to develop a total lens and frame solution addressing the needs of the most demanding digital device users.

SteelSeries and GUNNAR Optiks will provide further details and introduce their co-branded gear within the next few months.
About SteelSeries SteelSeries is a leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, including headsets, keyboards, mice, software and gaming surfaces, selling in more than 75 countries. SteelSeries has been on the forefront of professional gaming gear since its inception in 2001, thanks to continued innovation and product development in collaboration with leading professional gamers to ensure optimum performance and durability. SteelSeries supports the growth of competitive gaming and electronic sports through professional team sponsorships and community support all over the world. For more information, please visit www.SteelSeries.com.

About GUNNAR Optiks
GUNNAR Optiks, LLC engineers and produces Digital Performance Eyewear; eyeglasses that enhance and work with the human visual system when viewing computer screens and digital devices. GUNNAR, a privately held company, was founded in 2005 and officially launched Digital Performance Eyewear in the United States in October, 2008.

GUNNAR Optiks is the first company to develop a total lens and frame solution addressing the needs of the most demanding digital device users. GUNNAR's i-AMPTM and i-AMP3DTM lens technologies work with and enhance the properties of the human eye when viewing a digital screen. For more information, please visit www.gunnars.com. GUNNAR is actively seeking international distribution.