Microsoft Adds Prehistoric Creatures to Top-Selling Family PC Game,”Zoo Tycoon”

REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 19, 2002 — The modern zoo has evolved. Microsoft Corp. today announced it will launch “Zoo Tycoon (TM) : Dinosaur Digs,” an expansion pack for use with the “Zoo Tycoon” PC game, in May 2002. “Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs” offers the ultimate in family entertainment, with more than 20 prehistoric beasts, more than 100 new zoo-enhancing objects and six new scenarios to test players’ zoo-building skills. “Zoo Tycoon,” a huge hit of the holiday season, provides hours of family fun while challenging players’ imaginations. According to NPDTechworldSM, “Zoo Tycoon” was one of the top 10 PC games during the holiday period of October to December 2001 based on total U.S. retail sales.

“Zoo Tycoon” players will have more than 60 creatures to choose from, including the T-Rex, Velociraptor and wooly mammoth. “Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs” allows players to super-size their zoos with dinosaur-themed buildings and attractions, new staff members, and habitats for the colossal beasts that include prehistoric foliage, tar pits and electric fences. The “Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs” expansion pack seamlessly integrates with “Zoo Tycoon,” allowing players to immediately add prehistoric creatures to their ultimate zoo. But beware! Unhappy dinosaurs may break free and wreak havoc on the zoo and its guests.

“‘Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs” encourages and enables players to build even more exciting and creative zoos,” said Stuart Moulder, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios. “Mass appeal and innovative gameplay are key benefits that position the ‘Zoo Tycoon’ franchise for continued category leadership.”

“Zoo Tycoon” and “Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs” were developed for Microsoft by Blue Fang Games LLC.

About “Zoo Tycoon”

“Zoo Tycoon” was the top-selling “tycoon” title in dollars for the holiday period of October to December 2001, according to NPDTechworld (based on total U.S. retail sales). Simple to play, yet challenging to master, “Zoo Tycoon” offers engaging gameplay for animal lovers and simulation game fans of all ages. The captivating imagery, clever gameplay and interactive tutorials in the vibrant and appealing “Zoo Tycoon” make it easy to play right out of the box. “Zoo Tycoon” has something for everyone, stimulating creativity and imaginations as players respond to the needs of the animals and guests. Additional information is available at http://www.zootycoon.com/ .

About Microsoft Games

Microsoft’s Games Division is a leading worldwide games company with three core businesses: games development and publishing, the Microsoft®
Xbox (TM) video game system, and Zone.com. Zone.com ( http://www.zone.com/ ) is the Internet’s largest game site.

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 software product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the software 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, Zoo Tycoon and Xbox are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

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