Microsoft Game Studios Signs Multiyear GameSpy License Agreement for 24 Titles; Microsoft Licenses GameSpy's Development Tools, Backend Services for Online Games

Business Wire, Nov 19, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 19, 2003

GameSpy, a leading online entertainment and technology company serving the game industry, and Microsoft Game Studios (NASDAQ: MSFT) have signed a multiyear strategic technology and services agreement to facilitate online gaming for Microsoft Games Studios PC-based games, including the just-released "Halo" for Windows.

As part of the agreement, GameSpy will supply Microsoft Game Studios with software development kits (SDK's) that enable online matchmaking, community, administrative and networking functionalities.

"The agreement enables our teams to concentrate on developing games with great gameplay, while GameSpy handles the mechanics of putting and keeping our games online," said Phil Spencer, general manager, Games Publishing, Microsoft. "GameSpy technology is the premier toolset for online gaming matchmaking features; this agreement assures we have full access to the latest developments in online multiplayer gaming."

GameSpy is the industry leader in developing online gameplay tools, including the development of SDK toolkits, honing the high-performance back-end infrastructure, training an expert workforce to oversee all aspects of development, and integrating and running the world's largest online service for publishers, developers and fans. Today, more than 80 percent of PC titles online use GameSpy technology under the Powered by GameSpy brand.

"The Powered by GameSpy program has proven invaluable to top game publishers and developers who have moved away from building, running and maintaining costly online services," said Mark Surfas, founder and chairman of GameSpy. "Our long-term partnership with Microsoft offers a terrific opportunity for GameSpy to work closely with their top-notch teams, enhancing the online gameplay experience across their product line."

For additional information about GameSpy's software development kits and services, and discount programs for multi-title commitments, visit http://www.gamespy.net or send e-mail to devrelations@gamespy.com.

About Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for Windows, Xbox video game 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(R)"; Xbox (http://www.xbox.com/), including such franchises as "Halo," "Project Gotham Racing(R)" and "NFL Fever"; and Zone.com (http://www.zone.com/), the official games channel for the MSN(R) network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "OutSmart(TM)."

About GameSpy

GameSpy is the Web's #1 location for online information, entertainment and communities serving the gamer. GameSpy has 300,000 subscribers, 15 million unique visitors per month and 18 million registered users. GameSpy is also the leading provider of technology for online game play in video games, enabling more than 80 percent of today's titles that can be played online. Founded in 1995, privately held GameSpy is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. www.gamespy.com.

GameSpy and the GameSpy logo are registered trademarks of GameSpy Industries, Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, Microsoft Game Studios, MSN, Microsoft Windows, Age of Empires, Flight Simulator, Halo, Project Gotham Racing, NFL Fever, Zone.com, Bejeweled and OutSmart are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.