Champions Online

(New York, NY) September 1, 2009 – Atari Inc., one of the world’s most recognized videogame publishers, and Cryptic Studios, creators of the acclaimed City of Heroes and City of Villains are proud to unleash the ultimate superhero universe: Champions Online™ is now available for Windows PC online and at stores across North America and will be available in Europe on September 4, 2009. Based on the award winning pen and paper role-playing game, Champions, from HERO Games and powered by the groundbreaking Cryptic Engine, Champions Online taps into a rich universe of heroes and villains with unparalleled intrigue and adventure.

Cryptic Studios, already a leading developer and publisher of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), has taken the genre to new heights with Champions Online’s fast paced, “real time” action combat and the power of total customization. Through Champions’ unique character customization tool the player can create and individualize every component of their hero: name, back story, costume, powers and abilities can all be modified in countless ways. In addition to allowing players to transform into the ultimate hero, gamers can craft an enemy of the extreme opposite, concoct a villainous history for their ultimate foe and guarantee themselves a truly unique experience.

“Champions Online is a great addition to Atari’s line-up,” said John Needham, CEO of Cryptic Studios. “After considerable anticipation and excitement, we are thrilled to present Champions to fans and gamers worldwide, and look forward to seeing what players create with the game’s limitless customization options. We are already hard at work developing new content and updates that will expand the Champions Online world even further.”

Champions Online brings epic heroism back to the MMORPG genre with depth that will certainly challenge the most experienced online gamers, while its fast paced action promises to engage new entrants to the online superhero universe. Enter a world where the diabolical genius Dr. Destroyer has returned to wreak havoc. After he single-handedly destroyed the city of Detroit, many thought he had perished in the colossal explosion, but he is back to inflict his evil plans on the unsuspecting world. Join with Defender and the legendary Champions to stop Dr. Destroyer and his minions in an ultimate showdown of good versus evil.

About Atari:

The Atari group, mainly comprised of the Atari brand, Atari catalogue of IPs, Cryptic Studios Inc., Eden Games and its newly created London studio, is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for all market segments and all interactive game platforms including consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, advanced smartphones, Personal Computers, web and online. Its games are sold in more than 50 countries through an international distribution network; Atari also distributes video games notably in North America, through its US subsidiary Atari Inc. and direct to consumers via www.atari.com.

Atari benefits from an extensive catalogue of popular games based on original franchises (Test Drive, Alone in the Dark, My Horse & Me, Backyard Sports franchise, Total Annihilation, etc.), Cryptic Studios titles (Star Trek Online, Champions Online), publishing properties (Ghostbusters, The Chronicles of Riddick, Race Pro etc.), international licenses (Dungeons & Dragons, Jamie Oliver etc.) and classic games covering the entire history of the video game industry (Pong, Missile Command, Asteroids etc).

© 2009 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.

Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

About Cryptic Studios

Based in Los Gatos, CA, Cryptic Studios is a leading developer of massively multiplayer online games committed to delivering the next level of MMO gameplay. Cryptic develops AAA titles for PC and consoles, including Star Trek Online and Champions Online. For more information on Cryptic Studios, please visit the official website at: www.crypticstudios.com. Cryptic word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Cryptic Studios, Inc.