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

REDMOND, Wash., March 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Africa aficionados,
Jurassic fanatics and aquatic admirers alike have cause for
celebration as Microsoft Game Studios today confirmed the upcoming
releases of "Zoo Tycoon(R) 2: African Adventure" and "Zoo Tycoon 2:
Marine Mania(R)" E10+ rated expansion packs, and downloadable "Zoo
Tycoon 2: Dino Danger Pack" for Windows(R), also E10+ rated, developed
by Blue Fang Games LLC.

(Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )

"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 Mike
Fischer, general manager for global marketing at Microsoft Game
Studios. "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 May 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 customize 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(R)
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. Since its launch in November 2004,
"Zoo Tycoon 2" has continued the award-winning legacy of its
predecessors and has been recognized by the Academy of Interactive
Arts & Sciences, Children's Software & New Media Revue, and Scholastic
Parent & Child.

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(R) and Xbox 360(TM) 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(R)," "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(R)," "Fable," "Project Gotham
Racing(R)" and "Forza Motorsport(TM)"; and MSN(R) Games
(http://www.games.msn.com ), the official games channel for the MSN
network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "Hexic(R)."

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.

NOTE: 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(R) is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler Corp.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the
trademarks of their respective owners. SOURCE Microsoft Corp.