XBOX GETS EXCLUSIVES
September 1, 2000

Microsoft today announced that it has signed top game development talent to create exclusive content for the Xbox under the Microsoft label. Microsoft unveiled a list of 18 development studios, including United Kingdom-based Lionhead Satellites, prior to the opening of the annual European Computer Trade Show (ECTS) in London.

"By providing the industry's best game developers with Xbox's future-generation technology and familiar tools today, Microsoft is ensuring intense, action-packed Xbox experiences for gamers at launch," said Ed Fries, vice president of games publishing at Microsoft. "As always, we will work closely with our development partners to provide them with the resources and support they need to create a broad portfolio of great Xbox games for Microsoft."

With the first wave of developer tools just released, Xbox is rapidly gaining popularity among leading game designers. The system is slated for a worldwide release in fall 2001.

"Lionhead is committed to creating games that push the boundaries of creativity and technology," said Peter Molyneux, president and founder of Lionhead Satellites. "As a game developer, the PC has always been the platform of choice due to its ability to provide the best tools and technology to work with. We have elected to develop content for Xbox for two key reasons: its revolutionary technology is the best to come to market, and Xbox is the only game console based on an architecture we are already familiar with, which allows us to focus on what we do best - bring our creative visions to life."

In addition to Lionhead Satellites, Microsoft has enlisted the expertise of several U.S. and European development studios to create Xbox titles. These include Stormfront Studios, creator of the popular NASCAR series and Madden Football games published by Electronic Arts; Kodiak Interactive Software Studios, best known for the WCW Mayhem series published by EA; Totally Games, founded by industry veteran Lawrence Holland (creator of the X-Wing series for LucasArts Entertainment); Rainbow Studios, known for the Motocross Madness titles; and Universal Interactive Studios, which has had success on the console to date with character-based games such as Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon.

The list of development studios creating Xbox content under the Microsoft label include the following:

1. Artificial Mind and Movement
2. Boss Game Studios
3. Climax Group
4. Digital Illusions
5. High Voltage Software
6. KnowWonder Digital MediaWorks
7. Kodiak Interactive Software Studios
8. Lionhead Satellites
9. Meyer/Glass Interactive
10. Pipeworks Software
11. Pseudo Interactive
12. Rainbow Studios
13. Stormfront Studios
14. Totally Games
15. Tremor Entertainment
16. Universal Interactive Studios
17. VR×1 Entertainment

In addition to allying with independent development studios, Microsoft also intends to continue to expand its internal pool of development talent across all game genres. The recent acquisition of Bungie Software increased Microsoft's internal games group to more than 700 designers, programmers, testers, and producers. Over the next few months, Microsoft expects to announce additional details on its Xbox titles currently in development as well as other developer alliances.