REDMOND, Wash., March 8, 2002 — Microsoft Corp. today announced an agreement with PGA golf star Jesper Parnevik to lend his expertise and digital self to
“Links® 2003,”
the newest version of Microsofts best-selling PC golf franchise. Set to hit stores this holiday season,
“Links 2003”
is filled with new features including new courses from around the world, improved graphics, and faster and easier online play.
Since turning pro in 1986, Jesper Parnevik has 14 career victories including the 2001 Honda Classic and has eclipsed the $1 million mark in earnings for five consecutive years. Known for his retro dress and unique mannerisms on the course, Parnevik will be joining his Ryder Cup teammate Sergio Garcia, as well as other tour pros set to be announced later this year, in
“Links 2003.”
This agreement with Microsoft allows the
“Links”
development team to use Jesper Parneviks name and likeness to create a 3-D version of the Swedish golfer for all to play in
“Links 2003.”
“It is truly an honor to be selected as a member of the Links team,”
Parnevik said.
“I am truly amazed at how detailed and realistic the game is. Links 2003 is the next best thing to actually being out on the course. My kids are already looking forward to playing with me this holiday season.”
To accurately and realistically duplicate Parneviks distinct swing and style, the
“Links”
development team coordinated a motion-capture session with Parnevik, capturing his signature moves from multiple camera angles. From driving to pitching to putting, Jespers unique championship-winning form is captured for all PC golfers in
“Links 2003.”
“Jespers addition to Links 2003 brings a new and colorful international twist to the worlds most realistic and enjoyable golf simulation,”
said Scott Lee, Microsoft product manager for
“Links 2003.” “One of the worlds best golfers, Parnevik is not only a popular player on the Tour, but fans all over the world recognize and appreciate his shot-making abilities. The Links franchise is honored to welcome Jesper Parnevik to our family.”
Featuring improved photorealistic graphics, six all-new championship courses, several high-resolution 3-D characters and expanded online capability,
“Links 2003”
offers golfers the most realistic golf simulation ever created. PC golfers can expect to see shadows and hear birds chirping in stunning 3-D audio while playing on the most detailed grass, sand and water textures around. With its superior ball physics and unparalleled attention to detail,
“Links 2003”
is the perfect complement to playing a real round of golf.
More information on the historic
“Links”
series, including information on the Links Tour, can be found at http://www.linkscountryclub.com/ .
About the Microsoft PC Games Group
The Microsoft PC Games group, part of Microsoft Game Studios, comprises many of the industrys top development studios. Committed to publishing a diverse PC games portfolio, Microsoft Game Studios develops, publishes and distributes such award-winning franchises as
“Flight Simulator,” “Age of Empires® ,” “Links,” “MechWarrior® ”
and
“Zoo Tycoon™ ,”
as well as original titles across all genres. More information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/games/ .
About Microsoft
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 a prerelease product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the product when first commercially released. The press release is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the press release or the information contained in it.
Microsoft, Links, Age of Empires, MechWarrior and Zoo Tycoon 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 Microsofts corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. Journalists and analysts may contact Microsofts Rapid Response Team for additional assistance.
