"Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs" Strikes Gold

UK - Tuesday 19th September 2006 - "Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs,"* the expansion pack to the best-selling "Age of Empires III," has gone gold, introducing three playable Native American civilizations in a struggle for control of the Americas. The next installment of the "Age of Empires" franchise for Windows from Microsoft Game Studios and Ensemble Studios will hit store shelves on 20th October.

The new expansion pack will build off of the exciting real-time-strategy (RTS) gameplay of "Age of Empires III," providing players with the ability to lead one of three proud Native American civilizations including the Iroquois Confederation, the Sioux Nation and the Aztec Empire. "Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs" will include enhanced gameplay features with the addition of the WarChief unit, Tribal Council and Fire Pit.

Players will also enjoy new ways to play and win with the introduction of new gameplay elements and content including new civilizations, a new gripping single player campaign, Home City enhancements and additional maps and units. Additional content will be added to all existing European civilizations along with extended gameplay elements with new gaming strategies such as Trade Monopoly and Revolution.

"Age of Empires III," which launched in November 2005, quickly became the fastest selling title in the franchise's history, placing gamers in the position of a European power struggling to explore, colonise and conquer North and South America, roughly during the time period of 1500 to 1850. The game has garnered numerous awards, including GameStar's (Germany) gold award for "graphical grandeur" in Germany. It has sold more than one and a half million copies to date and is currently among the top selling games for Windows titles.

For images, videos and more information about "Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs," please visit www.ageofempires3.com and www.agecommunity.com.

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About Ensemble

Ensemble Studios ( http://www.ensemblestudios.com) is one of the world's premier entertainment software developers. Ensemble Studios is known for its blockbuster "Age of Empires" and "Age of Mythology" game series. 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 Xbox® and Xbox 360 video game systems, the Windows® operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows ( http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as "Age of Empires®," "Flight Simulator" and "Zoo Tycoon®;" Xbox and Xbox 360 ( http://www.xbox.com), including such games as the upcoming "Gears of War" and franchises such as "Halo®," "Fable®," "Project Gotham Racing®" and "Forza Motorsport"; and MSN® Games ( http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "Hexic®."

*"Age of Empires III" is required to play "Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs"

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For more information, please contact:

Marie-Claire Suter

UK PR Manager - Xbox & Games For Windows

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Email: i-maries@microsoft.com