“RalliSport Challenge” Races to Store Shelves

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 7, 2002 — Microsoft Game Studios today announced that all the action-packed off-road racing in
“RalliSport Challenge”
for the PC is hitting retail shelves. Delivering the exhilarating experience of its Xbox (TM) predecessor, the PC version goes into overdrive with new features including Internet multiplayer capability, improved graphics due to higher PC screen resolution, and realistic driving action available with a force-feedback wheel.

Microsoft’s first title to be brought from Xbox to PC,
“RalliSport Challenge”
was developed by Digital Illusions CE, the same developer that created the critically acclaimed title for Xbox.

“RalliSport Challenge”
incorporates four types of Rally competition into one game: Hill Climb, Rallycross, Ice Racing and Traditional Rally. With 48 tracks from which to choose, gamers can compete in safari challenges in East Africa, on frozen Nordic roads or on the treacherous hills of the Pacific Northwest, attempting to conquer four classes of racing: Pro, Expert, Classic and Unlimited.

Featuring 29 Rally vehicles from manufacturers such as Audi, Citron, Lancia, Ford Motor Co., Subaru and Mitsubishi, as well as
“unlimited”
vehicles including a modified 850-horsepower Toyota Tacoma and a modified 900-plus-horsepower Suzuki Grand Vitara,
“RalliSport Challenge”
will put players’ driving skills to the ultimate test.
“Microsoft is thrilled to bring the excitement and beauty of ‘RalliSport Challenge’ to PC users,”
said Chuck Frizelle, product manager for
“RalliSport Challenge”
at Microsoft Corp.
“The spectacular graphics really add to the adrenaline rush of this white-knuckle off-road racing game.”

“RalliSport Challenge”
takes advantage of the latest processor and video card technology, resulting in stunning graphics and photorealistic detail. Players are rewarded with a beautiful and highly detailed racing experience including swaying trees, animated crowds, animals avoiding the car’s path and realistic particle effects as players race through mud, dirt, snow and water. More information is available at http://www.rallisportchallenge.com/ .

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 ( 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://www.zone.com/ ), the official games channel for the MSN®
network and home to such hits as
“Bejeweled”
and
“OutSmart(TM).”

About Digital Illusions

Founded in 1992, Digital Illusions is an award-winning developer of interactive entertainment based in Gothenburg, Sweden, with offices in Stockholm, London and Ontario. The company has more than 170 employees and develops both PC and console-based games. Recent titles include
“Battlefield 1942”
for the PC and
“RalliSport Challenge”
for Xbox. Digital Illusions is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. More information can be found at http://www.dice.se/ .

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.

All other trademarks, tradedress and copyrights are the property of the respective owners, and used under license to Microsoft Corp.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft®
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