LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2001 — Today at Electronic Entertainment Expo (E 3 ) 2001, Microsoft Corp. announced it is developing two PC game titles,
“Flight Simulator 2002”
and
“Zoo Tycoon,”
currently slated for release in fall 2001. E 3 marks the first public showcase for these titles, previously shown to select press at Gamestock 2001.
“We are thrilled that ‘Flight Simulator 2002’ and ‘Zoo Tycoon’ will join Microsoft’s lineup of expected blockbusters for the coming year, alongside ‘Dungeon Siege’ from Gas Powered Games, ‘Sigma’ from Relic Entertainment and ‘Freelancer’ from Digital Anvil,”
said Stuart Moulder, general manager of the PC Games Division at Microsoft.
“The impressive tradition of constant improvements reflected in ‘Flight Simulator 2002’ and the unique and engaging perspective on tycoon-style gaming in ‘Zoo Tycoon,’ make each of these titles a ‘must-have’ for the holidays and beyond.”
“Flight Simulator 2002”
marks a comprehensive update in the 18-year history of the product line, offering players the most realistic, in-depth flight experience available on the PC. Developed internally by Microsoft,
“Flight Simulator 2002” features several new planes, including the Cessna® Caravan with amphibious floats, the Boeing 747-400 jumbo jet and the Cessna 172SP Skyhawk.
“Flight Simulator 2002”
continues the heritage of unmatched realism by adding new technology to enhance the flying experience. For the first time,
“Flight Simulator 2002”
includes a comprehensive and interactive Air Traffic Control (ATC) system. Players ask for permission to taxi and take off, request clearances en route and listen to ATC instructions as they approach and land. The game’s auto-generated scenery adds detailed buildings and vegetation appropriate to the terrain.
“Zoo Tycoon”
brings a new and exciting twist to the tycoon style of simulation games, challenging players to construct a healthy and vibrant zoo while managing animal and guest happiness. With over 100 different types of animals, habitats and building materials,
“Zoo Tycoon”
includes intuitive tools to build, manage and maintain a zoo. Players can build an extensive menagerie, from traditional favorites such as elephants, lions and giraffes to more exotic offerings including pandas and white Siberian tigers.
“Zoo Tycoon’s”
easy-to-manage design enables players to oversee the growth of their zoos while the interactive tutorial provides helpful assistance for players looking to enjoy the game right out of the box. Developed by Blue Fang Games LLC,
“Zoo Tycoon”
allows players of all skill levels to construct a zoo or engage in one of 15 challenging scenarios for players of all levels.
About Microsoft Games and Microsoft
Microsoft’s Games Division is recognized as one of the world’s leading games businesses in four key areas: PC and Xbox™ game development and publishing, Zone.com, SideWinder® game devices, and the Xbox video game console. Microsoft games developed and published for the PC and Xbox platforms target hard-core gamers and casual players. Zone.com ( http://www.zone.com/ ) is the Internet’s largest multiplayer gaming site, and SideWinder is the best-selling brand of game devices in the world. Xbox is Microsoft’s future-generation video game system, scheduled to ship in fall 2001.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
The information contained in this press release relates to prerelease products that may be substantially modified before their first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the products when first commercially released. This press release is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to this press release or the information contained in it.
Microsoft, Xbox and SideWinder are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.
