- Wins 'Strategy Game Of the Year' Title at E3
- Sweeps Top Two Awards at CGDC
ATLANTA, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Ensemble Studios epic, real-time strategy
game published by Microsoft Corp., Age of Empires, won "Strategy Game Of the
Year" at the first Interactive Achievement Awards -- the Academy Awards for
the gaming industry -- held on Thursday May 28, 1998 at Electronic
Entertainment Expo (E3). This marks the eighth award presented to Ensemble
Studios for the development of Age of Empires. Since its release in October
1997, Microsoft has shipped more than 1 million copies of Age of Empires
worldwide.
"The Ensemble Studios team dedicated their efforts to place strategy
gaming back on the map," said Bruce Shelley, designer, Ensemble Studios. "Age
of Empires has set a benchmark for quality in strategy games."
"Age of Empires continues to have a tremendous impact on everyone involved
in the gaming industry -- from the team who created it to the loyal gamers,"
said Tony Goodman, president of Ensemble Studios. "This marks a milestone in
our quest to create games that appeal to hard-core gamers but are still
accessible enough for new and casual gamers to enjoy."
"Congratulations to Ensemble Studios for creating a blockbuster game which
appeals to hardcore and casual gamers alike," said Ed Fries, General Manager
of Microsoft's Games Group. "The talent and hard work of the Ensemble team
shows in the quality of Age of Empires."
About E3
One of the largest interactive entertainment shows, E3 attracts crowds
from all genres of the gaming community with innovative ideas in interactive
technology. This year, the first annual Interactive Achievement Awards panel
consisted of qualified members from the interactive community who were given
the opportunity to recognize their peers. Ensemble Studio's shared the first
"Strategy Game Of the Year" title with Blizzard Entertainment's Starcraft.
Ensemble Studios Scoop Top Two Awards at CGDC
Age of Empires recently received "Best of Show" during the 12th Annual
Computer Game Developers Conference (CGDC) Spotlight Awards held in Long
Beach, California earlier this month. Ensemble Studios' Rick Goodman, lead
designer, and Bruce Shelley, designer, also received the "Annual Achievement
Award for Game Design and Development." Shelley previously worked on hit
titles such as Civilization and Railroad Tycoon.
More About Age of Empires
Age of Empires is an epic, real-time strategy game spanning 10,000 years
in which players are the guiding spirit in the evolution of small Stone Age
tribes. Starting with minimal resources, players are challenged to build their
tribes into great civilizations. Gamers can choose from several ways to win,
including conquering enemy civilizations, exploring the known world and
accumulating wealth.
Pricing and Availability
Age of Empires is currently available at computer retailers across the
country with an estimated retail price of $54.95. A free trial version is
available for download at http://www.microsoft.com/games/empires/. It includes
both single-player and multiplayer functionality and a variety of game-play
scenarios. In addition, players can use the trial version to wage battles
against one another, for free (connect-time charges may apply), over the
Internet Gaming Zone at (http://www.zone.com/).
More About Ensemble Studios
Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Ensemble Studios is a
leading entertainment software company committed to creating epic, real-time
games. Ensemble Studios superior game engine technology and vision of design
established the company as an industry powerhouse, poised to deliver the next
generation in multimedia PC strategy and adventure games. Find out more about
Ensemble Studios at http://www.ensemblestudios.com.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products
and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of
making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full
power of personal computing every day.
Age of Empires is a trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States
and/or other countries. Other trademarks and trade names are properties of
their respective owners. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft
Corp.
SOURCE Ensemble Studios
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Related links:
http://www.microsoft.com
http://www.ensemblestudios.com
CONTACT:
Ana Cano, for Ensemble Studios Press Office,
214-665-1324, or canoa@fleishman.com
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