Calling All Agents: "Crackdown" Now Available In Europe

UK, 23rd February, 2007 - Microsoft® Game Studios today announced that the highly anticipated action title "Crackdown" is available in Europe from today. From developer Realtime Worlds and the mind of acclaimed creator Dave Jones, "Crackdown" hits store shelves with an estimated retail price of (insert local pricing).

Gamers have already made the "Crackdown" demo on Xbox Live® Marketplace the most downloaded demo within the first 24 hours as well as setting a record for total downloads during its first week of release. Since then, the demo has garnered nearly 1 million downloads in less than a month as gamers everywhere have been eagerly waiting the day that they can fully experience this nail-biting, action-packed title.

"Crackdown" is also the main route to entry into the highly sought "Halo® 3" multiplayer beta programme. All copies of "Crackdown" available at launch will be specially marked with the "Halo 3" multiplayer beta sticker. Gamers will be able to use their retail copy of "Crackdown" to gain access to the beta when it becomes available later this year.*

From Realtime Worlds, "Crackdown" pushes the action-driving hybrid genre into the next generation with the first-ever truly 3-D playground. Gamers will level up their Agent's strength, agility, firearms, explosives and driving skills while scaling the fully vertical world of "Crackdown." Creating a volatile cocktail of judicial oppression, players will clean up the streets of a truly interactive world when "Crackdown" hits Europe.

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*"Halo 3" multiplayer beta requires Xbox Live Gold and a hard drive.

About Realtime Worlds

Realtime Worlds' key staff has a tremendous history of creating some of the world's most innovative and best-selling video games. The development team was hand-picked by Dave Jones, founder of DMA Design Ltd. and the designer and creator of more than 15 hit titles.

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 "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®."

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming network and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 is expected to have a catalog of 160 high-definition games by the end of 2006 and to be available in nearly 40 countries by the end of 2007. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Xbox Live

Xbox Live is the first and only unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox Live connects millions of members across nearly 25 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox Live Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos and movie trailers, as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favorite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

For more information, please contact: Sinead Purcell on 020 7025 6505 or sinead.purcell@redconsultancy.com

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