MEDIA ALERT: FEBRUARY 25, 2000

MICROSOFT ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE ALLEGIANCE PRE-ORDER PROGRAMS

In anticipation of the launch of Allegiance in April, Microsoft today announced exclusive pre-order programs with Electronic Boutique (http://www.ebworld.com/) and Babbages & Software Etc. (http://www.gamestop.com/). 

By pre-ordering Allegiance at store locations, or online at EB World or Gamestop, gamers will receive an additional month of free Allegiance Zone membership ($9.95 value), plus either a Limited Edition Strategy Guide (for pre-orders from Electronic Boutique) or 16 Microsoft Allegiance Collector Cards (for pre-orders from Babbages & Software Etc.). Combine this offer with the one month of free Allegiance Zone membership already available with the retail purchase of the game, and players receive two free months of larger-scale games, special events, persistent scoring and rankings, and exclusive new content. Microsoft encourages gamers to place their pre-orders early, as all offers are based on limited quantities.

The game is currently in open beta, and players are welcome to download the game and joins thousands of other combatants in interstellar war. For details visit:

http://www.microsoft.com/games/allegiance/beta.htm

In Allegiance, players can pilot and customize many different classes of ships; from scouts and fighters to battle cruisers. They also have the ability to switch between a variety of combat roles, including pilot, turret gunner or base commander. Hundreds of players can engage each other in death-match style arenas or in cooperative play. Gamers will be able to represent their identity, through recorded accomplishments and medals, giving combatants the chance to become part of an ongoing, dynamic universe. Allegiance also features rich strategic elements such as controllable assets, researchable technology and command features.

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