Galactic War Declared!

Humanity goes to war against alien invaders in Earth & Beyond

REDWOOD CITY, CA (May 29, 2003) – Mysterious alien ships roam the online galaxy of Earth & Beyond (www.enb.com), their intent unknown, their language encoded. In the last three months, they’ve dramatically increased their numbers, establishing a presence in the majority of explored space.

In response to this threat, Kahn, the leader of the Progen Centuriata warriors, declares war on the aliens. Some say the war is premature, that Kahn has no right to start a fight with an enemy who hasn’t demonstrated any aggressive behavior, and who seems to be trying to communicate with humanity.

Kahn’s believes that a pre-emptive strike is better than fighting a war after the enemy has already built massive forces throughout the galaxy.

“The time for talk is over” Kahn proclaims. “It’s clear they are establishing an invasion force. There’s going to be a war. Now it’s a question of who fires the first shot. For humanity to survive, humanity must strike first, before it’s too late.”

With Kahn’s declaration of war in the May 28 Earth & Beyond update, the first online role-playing galaxy will be thrust into a conflict that will affect every player in the universe.

“The story will be told in many ways, and with many updates, through this year and well into the next,” says Creative Director Chris Klug. “Players will see events happen in real time, with massive battles, sector invasions, and the destruction of key starbases. Also, the in-game characters will have many views on the war and what needs to be done about it. Dozens of new story-based missions will become available, each one revealing a new side to the conflict. Players will be asked time and time again to choose sides. Our goal is to have the player truly feel as if he’s in the middle of a vast galactic war and has an important role to play, a role he’ll choose.”

Other content in the May 28 update includes:

• Enemy combat enhancements, making your foes more clever and unpredictable.

• Improved guild amenities, including customizable guild ranks, guild leadership management tools and more.

If you’re not playing Earth & Beyond, you can get a trial version via download or by having a 2-disc set mailed to you for free. Get details at www.enbdemo.com.

Earth & Beyond is an online role-playing game published by Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) under the EA GAMES™ brand.   Find out more about Earth & Beyond at www.enb.com.

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