Microsoft Game Studios Teams Up With Sigil Games Online

REDMOND, Wash., May 16, 2002 — Microsoft Game Studios today announced that it is in the final stages of an exclusive publishing deal with Sigil Games Online Inc. Sigil Games Online was formed by two of the game industry’s most renowned designers, Brad McQuaid, co-creator of the revolutionary, massively multiplayer online role-playing game “EverQuest(,” and Jeff Butler, former producer of the EverQuest Live and Expansion teams.

“This relationship will further strengthen Microsoft’s position in the industry as a premier publisher and incubator of high-quality games and innovative content,” said Stuart Moulder, general manager at Microsoft Game Studios. “Brad and Jeff’s skill in creating compelling and immersive gaming worlds, combined with our commitment to supporting our development partners, will create a rich opportunity to develop exciting new game environments and experiences.”

“This is a match made in heaven,” said McQuaid, CEO of Sigil Games Online. “We couldn’t have found a better publisher. Microsoft understands our ideas and goals, is committed to creating a superior gaming experience, and has the industry expertise to make it happen.”

Specific details regarding content and timing will be announced later.

About Sigil Games Online

Sigil Online Games is led by Brad McQuaid and Jeff Butler, two of the key figures in the production of the runaway hit “EverQuest,” the most popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Based in San Diego, the company is dedicated to the production of massively multiplayer games that provide the best community gaming experience technologically possible. More information about Sigil Games, including job postings, is available at http://www.sigilgames.com/.

About Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the PC, Xbox (TM) video game system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse game portfolios for PC ( http://www.microsoft.com/games/), including such franchises as “Age of Empires®
,” “Flight Simulator” and “Zoo Tycoon (TM) “; Xbox ( http://www.xbox.com/), including such franchises as “Halo (TM) ,” “Project Gotham Racing (TM) ” and “NFL Fever”; and Zone.com ( http://zone.msn.com/), the official games channel for the MSN®
network and home to such hits as “Bejeweled” and “Outsmart (TM) .”

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.

Microsoft, Xbox, Age of Empires, Zoo Tycoon, Halo, Project Gotham Racing, MSN and Outsmart 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.

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