The Dawn of a New Age: “Age of Mythology” Available Now

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 31, 2002 — For a moment, time stood still, the sky opened and a mighty lightning bolt shot from the heavens, heralding the delivery of this year’s most anticipated PC game. Today Microsoft Corp. announced the retail availability of “Age of Mythology,” an extension of the blockbuster “Age of Empires” series that has sold more than 10.5 million licensed units worldwide and garnered countless industry awards.

As a top entertainment release this holiday, “Age of Mythology” is backed by a multimillion-dollar global marketing campaign including a movie-style trailer being showcased in Loews Cineplex Entertainment Corp. theaters nationwide before blockbuster films including “Red Dragon,” “Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” and “Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets.” “Age of Mythology” has garnered more than 30 magazine covers worldwide and will be one of the hottest entertainment premieres this season, featuring state-of-the-art technology, groundbreaking visual effects, and an epic storyline through Greek, Egyptian and Norse mythologies.

“The global excitement for ‘Age of Mythology’ has been phenomenal since the game’s inception,” said Stuart Moulder, general manager for PC Games at Microsoft Game Studios. “From Tokyo to Los Angeles, the ‘Age of Empires’ series has incited broad fervor among a wide array of international audiences. The excitement has inspired widespread anticipation and Hollywood-style launch parties in all major markets across the globe.”

“With the ‘Age of Empires’ series, Ensemble Studios proved it was one of the best game developers on the planet, making a much-loved strategy series that captured the imaginations of millions of gamers,” said Jeff Green, editor in chief of Computer Gaming World. “Now, it’s finally back with ‘Age of Mythology,’ and it was the worth the wait, as this is easily one of the top games of the year.”

About “Age of Mythology”

“Age of Mythology” envelops players in a world where heroes battle mythological creatures and gods meddle in the lives of mortal men. Survival is ensured by harnessing the powers of Greek, Norse and Egyptian gods and more than 40 mythological creatures, such as Cyclopes and Minotaurs. Lush cinematic scenes take “Age of Mythology” players on an epic journey of heroism, action and excitement as they delve into an immense 3-D world that features realistic sunlight shimmering across beautiful oceans and verdant forests. Varied game modes and settings suit fans of all ages and experience levels.

Translated into eight languages, the “Age of Empires” franchise includes “Age of Empires,” “Age of Empires Expansion Pack: The Rise of Rome,” “Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings,” and “Age of Empires II: The Conquerors Expansion.”

Availability

“Age of Mythology” will be available at leading retailers nationwide including Best Buy, Electronics Boutique and Circuit City Stores Inc. beginning Oct. 31, 2002, for an estimated retail price of $54.95 (U.S.) and is rated “Teen.”

About Ensemble Studios

Ensemble Studios ( http://www.ensemblestudios.com ) is one of the world’s premier entertainment software developers. Ensemble Studios is best known for its blockbuster “Age of Empires” game series, which has sold more than 10.5 million licensed copies worldwide. The “Age of Empires” franchise has received wide recognition for excellence, including multiple Best Game of the Year awards. Ensemble’s titles are distinguished by the highest-quality art and gameplay dynamics applied in familiar historical settings and appeal to hard-core gamers and mass audiences. Ensemble Studios is based in Dallas, Texas.

About Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the PC, Xbox 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 the PC, including such franchises as “Age of Empires,” “Flight Simulator” and “Zoo Tycoon”; Xbox, including such franchises as “Halo,” “Project Gotham Racing” and “NFL Fever”; and Zone.com, the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as “Bejeweled” and “OutSmart.”

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, Age of Mythology, Age of Empires, The Age of Kings, Zoo Tycoon, Xbox, 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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