"Gears of War" Is Set To Emerge

UK - November 16th, 2006 - Hailed as the most-anticipated video game launch of 2006 and punctuated by incredible demand from gamers, 'Gears of War' hits European retail outlets from Friday 17th November. Microsoft Corp. forecasts that 'Gears of War,' an exclusive title for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, is expected to sell more than 1 million copies worldwide this Christmas, setting a new mark for the fastest-selling original game for Xbox 360. Starting from tomorrow, gamers can run for cover and crush the enemy on their own, or take the season's hottest action title online via Xbox Live®, the world's largest online gaming and entertainment network, which boasts 4 million members.

'Gears of War,' developed by Epic Games Inc. and published by Microsoft Game Studios, made its debut to great fanfare at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in 2005 and has captured the imagination of industry watchers and fans ever since. The intense, genre-defining game thrusts players into humankind's epic battle for survival against a nightmarish race of creatures known as the Locust Horde. With its combination of cinematic, visceral gameplay, dramatic storytelling and intense action, and with single-player and multiplayer online play via Xbox Live, 'Gears of War' is a seminal title for Xbox 360, providing one of the best next-generation interactive entertainment experiences.

"'Gears of War' is a title we know will deliver on all of its promise, and we expect the game to reach 1 million copies faster than any new titles for Xbox," said Chris Lewis, Regional VP Entertainment & Devices Division (E&D) EMEA. "This Christmas is an extremely important one for the entire industry, and Xbox 360 will offer the world unparalleled experiences available only on this console. We've put an enormous emphasis on bringing new and exciting titles to market, and 'Gears of War' is a key example of Microsoft's commitment to developing original and immersive titles for gamers everywhere."

'Gears of War' has received several highly coveted awards, including the Game Critics Awards' Best Console Game and Best Action Game of E3 2006, and has already garnered praise in early reviews, earning a 9 out of 10 score from Official Xbox Magazine in the UK.

"The reception that 'Gears of War' has received has been tremendous," said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer for 'Gears of War' at Epic Games. "Designing 'Gears of War' has been a labour of love, and we've poured everything we have into the title. We expect this game to be huge, and it's exhilarating to see that people are as excited about 'Gears of War' as we are."

'Gears of War' from Epic Games and Microsoft Game Studios is a third-person tactical action/horror game available exclusively on Xbox 360. Available from Friday 17th November for an estimated retail price of £49.99 for a special Limited Collector's Edition, which will include a collectible embossed metal box, the 'Destroyed Beauty' hardbound art book, and a bonus DVD that features the making of 'Gears of War,' the 'Art of Gears of War' trailer, and the MTV programme 'Gears of War: The Race to E3.'

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About Epic Games

Epic Games Inc., based in Raleigh, NC and established in 1991, is a developer of cutting-edge computer and video games. The company is best known as the creator of hit PC 3D action games Unreal and Unreal Tournament, both award-winning blockbuster hits having each sold more than one million copies. Epic is also responsible for the Unreal Engine, which is the underlying technology for a wide range of games including, 2002 Console Game of the Year winner, "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell" by Ubi Soft; PC Gamer's 2000 Game of the Year, "Deus Ex" from Ion Storm/Eidos; "America's Army: Special Forces," by the United States Army, and "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (PC) by Electronic Arts. Additional information can be obtained through Epic's Web site at http://www.epicgames.com/

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®."

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 37 countries by the end of this year. 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 24 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.

Prices herein are estimated retail prices. Actual retail prices may vary.

Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox, Xbox Live, Halo, Windows, Age of Empires, Zoo Tycoon, Fable, Project Gotham Racing, Forza Motorsport, MSN and Hexic are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

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