The World’s Most Exotic Animals Join the “Zoo Tycoon 2” Family in 2006
Microsoft Game Studios launches first of three new franchise additions this May.
London - 7th March, 2006 - Africa aficionados, Jurassic fanatics and aquatic admirers alike have cause for celebration as Microsoft Game Studios today confirmed the upcoming releases of "Zoo Tycoon® 2: African Adventure" and "Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania®" 3+ rated expansion packs, and downloadable "Zoo Tycoon 2: Dino Danger Pack" for Windows®, also 3+ rated, developed by Blue Fang Games LLC.
"With more than 5 million franchise units sold since the launch of 'Zoo Tycoon' in 2001, we are looking forward to shaking up the animal simulation space with these exciting new additions," said Neil Thompson, Director of UK Home & Entertainment Division. "These expansion packs provide a fun and enlightening opportunity for families to game together, while also providing fresh and innovative content for current 'Zoo Tycoon 2' enthusiasts."
"Zoo Tycoon 2: African Adventure," available in June 2006, will allow virtual zookeepers to adopt and care for 20 new African animals from eight biomes, such as the adorable Meerkat or the endangered Ethiopian wolf. Gamers of all ages can customise their dream zoo with dozens of new buildings, objects and gift items, including the full desert theme pack.
The new "African Adventure" expansion pack will also enable a safari-like adventure for the entire family as they view the animals in their exotic habitats in Zookeeper, Zoo Guest and Photo Safari modes, first introduced in "Zoo Tycoon 2." Gamers can further extend the safari experience by venturing into their zoo in the new Jeep® Liberty vehicle with outrageous, optional animal-skin paint jobs. As always, children and parents can broaden their knowledge of the animal kingdom with the Zoopedia feature, which provides entertaining and interesting animal facts.
"Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania" expansion pack and downloadable "Zoo Tycoon 2: Dino Danger Pack" will further expand the "Zoo Tycoon 2" experience later this year by introducing entirely new scenarios and themes. With a single click of a mouse, players will soon be able to transport the world's most unique animal species into their homes.
"Zoo Tycoon 2," the sequel to the wildly popular, award-winning "Zoo Tycoon," continues to provide the ultimate zoo experience, challenging gamers to design and build the most vibrant zoo possible while working to ensure animal happiness, customer satisfaction and profitability. Allowing players to step directly into their zoo where they'll be face-to-face with animals and guests, the sequel introduced a new zoom feature and immersive 3-D graphics.
About "Zoo Tycoon"
"Zoo Tycoon" has been one of the top-selling "Tycoon" game titles in dollars since its launch in 2001. 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 imagination as players respond to the needs of the animals and guests. Additional information is available at http://www.zootycoon.com.
About Blue Fang Games
Blue Fang Games is an independent game developer dedicated to creating compelling, emotionally engaging games focused on the animal kingdom that set the benchmark for broad-based family entertainment. Blue Fang's "Zoo Tycoon" franchise, published by Microsoft Game Studios, has established itself as one of the most popular PC gaming franchises and has sold over 5 million units worldwide. Founded in 1998, Blue Fang Games is located in Waltham, MA. For more information visit Blue Fang Games on the Web at www.bluefang.com.
About Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox® and Xbox 360TM 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 MotorsportTM"; 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 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.
Microsoft, Zoo Tycoon, Marine Mania, Windows, Xbox, Xbox 360, Age of Empires, Halo, 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.
Jeep® is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler Corp.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
For more information, press only:
Marie-Claire Suter
UK PR Manager - Xbox & Games For Windows
Tel: +44 (0) 118 909 4599
Email: i-maries@microsoft.com
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