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MICROÏDS DISTRIBUTION INC. AND SOFTEK INTERNATIONAL AGREE TO US DISTRIBUTION CONTRACT DEAL EFFECTIVE WITH WARRIOR KINGS

(Montreal, March 19 th 2002) – Microïds Distribution inc. and Softek International, a Hip Interactive company (TSE: HP), are joining forces for the US distribution of Microïds’ upcoming releases, starting with Warrior Kings, the much-anticipated 3D RTS title developed by Black Cactus.

This distribution agreement between the two parties applies only to the United States of America territory and will allow the entire US market to have easy and direct access to Microïds interactive entertainment products.

Under the terms of the agreement, Softek International will distribute Warrior Kings, Master Rallye and Ski Park Manager.

“With the soon-to-be-launched Warrior Kings, we felt we needed to make a commitment to having a strong retail presence across the USA”, commented Marc Robert, Microïds Distribution inc.’s General Manager. “Softek’s expertise seemed best suited for our specific needs and we feel this agreement will accelerate Microids’ expansion across North America.”

The agreement will benefit Microïds and Softek International by:

  • Increasing Softek International’s distribution volume across the North American continent, resulting in better negotiating power with retailers and better in-store positioning;

  • Accelerating Microïds’ brand recognition process in the US;

  • Increasing Microïds presence and sales in the US.

“We are really proud to add Microïds’s name to our list of business partners”, stated Peter Young, President of Softek International. “Warrior Kings is a front line title and, from a business standpoint, was a strategic game for Softek to secure for the US.”

Warrior Kings, slightly delayed

Resulting from this agreement is the delay of Warrior Kings’ North American release. Initially planned for the third week of March, the street date of Warrior Kings will be pushed back to April 15, a three-week delay.

This postponement is necessary for Softek International to proceed adequately and to negotiate proper retail presence of the title in all major US retailers.

“The anticipation and the hype around Warrior Kings are pretty amazing and it is important for us that every single American gamer who wants to buy this title can easily and rapidly have access to it”, explained Marc Robert. “And this deal allows us just that.”

About Softek International
Softek International is a full line distributor of PC and Mac entertainment software focusing primarily on the gaming industry. Softek carries front-line product and close-out product from the leading publishers and vendors in the industry, including 3DO, Activision, Acclaim, Eidos, Electronic Arts, Infogrames, Interplay, Lucas Arts, MacPlay, Microsoft, Sony, Take 2, and UBI Soft. (www.softekinternational.com )

About Hip Interactive Corp.
Hip Interactive ( www.hipinteractive.com)  is one of North America’s largest providers of PC and video games. Hip Interactive trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “HP”.

About Microïds
Founded in 1985 in France, Microids develops, publishes and distributes video game software for PCs and game consoles throughout the world. With R&D studios in Paris and Montreal, and distribution entities in Canada, France, Italy and the United Kingdom, Microids currently employs over 200 people, 95 of which are based in Montreal. ( www.microids.com )



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Warrior Kings (PC)