OCTOBER 4, 2001 

PREPARE TO STEP INTO A NEW PORTAL! ASHERON'S CALL DARK MAJESTY GOES GOLD

Microsoft today announced that Asheron's Call Dark Majesty, the expansion for the popular massively multiplayer role-playing game Asheron's Call, has gone gold and is expected to hit store shelves in late October. Asheron's Call has become a leader in the MMRPG genre by providing on-going updates. These updates propel its unique storyline and provide new content and features on a monthly basis. Asheron's Call Dark Majesty will be available for only $20.00 (U.S.) and will include one free month of play. For more information on Asheron's Call Dark Majesty, visit:

 http://www.microsoft.com/games/acdm
 
Asheron's Call Dark Majesty includes the full version of Asheron's Call as well as new additions such as housing and storage, two of the most frequently requested features. Players will be able to purchase their own homes on pre-designated locations, as well as use their residence for secure storage purposes. Technically, the expansion improves upon the original by introducing all new models and textures which will now require a 3D graphics accelerator. Regular players of Asheron's Call know that the story-line has continued to unfold monthly for almost two years. The Expansion Pack kicks off the next chapter in the ongoing Asheron's Call storyline by introducing the island of Marae Lassel. Marae Lassel is a sprawling new landmass which will contain new quests, dungeons, and treasures. The island will be accessible to all levels of players who purchase the Asheron's Call Expansion Pack.  
  
Asheron's Call is a massively multiplayer role-playing game playable exclusively on Zone.com (http://www.zone.com/) that draws together thousands of players within a dynamic, 3-D online world. Players can create truly unique characters by choosing between extensive combinations of visual appearance, attributes and skill sets. Asheron's Call immerses players in an intense role-playing environment where they must compete or cooperate with thousands of other online players. An extensive system of allegiance and influence greatly enhances social interaction. The online nature of the game facilitates an evolving and dynamic adventure inside a consistent universe. The game will never be solved because there will always be more areas to explore and quests to complete.