Microsoft and Mayfair will cross-promote their respective versions of the Settlers of Catan.  Microsoft is planning a November release for its online version of Catan (see ''The Settlers of Catan' Goes Digital'), a four-player game in which up to three slots can be filled by artificial intelligence entities, and which Mayfair promises will be 'exactly like the board game.'  Graphics will be taken from the Mayfair board games.  For Now, only the base game will be adapted to an online version.  Subscriptions will be sold for $5 per month or $30 per year.

 

In the most direct cross-promotion elements, Microsoft will feature a link to Mayfair's retailer locator from its Catan page(s), and Mayfair will promote the Microsoft online game with inpacks in all of its Catan products 

 

Microsoft will promote the online game on MSN.com and in magazines that reach current Settlers of Catan players.  With over 3 million Catan games sold worldwide, Microsoft is anticipating a substantial audience for its online game. 

 

Both the direct promotion (of Mayfair's retailer link on the Microsoft site) and the indirect benefits of brand exposure for Catan in Microsoft's online and print marketing will raise the profile of the Catan games for brick and mortar retailers.