Blizzard Entertainment Announced Starcraft: Ghost

Blizzard unveils plans to bring the legendary franchise to console gamers

MAKUHARI, Japan – September 20, 2002 – During a press conference today at the Tokyo Game Show, Blizzard Entertainment, a studio of the games division of Vivendi Universal Publishing, unveiled StarCraft: Ghost^™, a tactical-action console game set in Blizzard’s epic StarCraft^® universe. StarCraft: Ghost is currently under development and is scheduled for a worldwide release on multiple console systems. The game will be co-published by Capcom and Blizzard Entertainment in Japan; further announcements regarding platform/country specifics will be announced in the months to come.

            In StarCraft: Ghost, players take the role of Nova, a lethal Ghost operative skillfully trained in the arts of espionage and tactical combat. Twenty years of ruthless physical conditioning and techno-psychological instruction have made Nova a being of terrifying potential. With the help of a determined group of allies, players follow a series of story-driven missions, engaging in a deadly mix of planetary battles and dangerous solo operations. To complete their mission objectives, players must execute intelligent tactical decisions while mastering an advanced arsenal of sophisticated weaponry.

            “We’re very excited about returning to the StarCraft series,” stated Mike Morhaime, Blizzard Entertainment president and co-founder. “Our roots are based in console gaming, and we look forward to developing this universe for the next-generation console systems.”

Key features in StarCraft: Ghost include:

·        Revolutionary new style of gameplay featuring enhanced physical and psionic abilities

·        Hostile Environment Suit designed to magnify strength, agility, and speed

·        Over-the-top special effects offer stunning visuals and unparalleled tactical realism

·        Immersive 3D environments showcase rich textures and highly stylized character models

·        Unique Calldown abilities allow players to target large-scale attacks from the ground

·        A deeply evolving storyline set in Blizzard’s gritty sci-fi StarCraft universe

            As the story unravels, players find themselves traversing uncharted terrain and battling adversaries never before seen by followers of the series. Bold 3D graphics give players a new, in-depth perspective on familiar planets and former battlefields from the legendary universe. A dynamic 3^rd-person camera view displays dramatic lighting, startling detail, and a blend of realistic and fantastical design. Co-developed by Blizzard Entertainment and Nihilistic Software, Inc.™, StarCraft: Ghost is scheduled for release in late 2003.

Since its debut in 1998, the #1-selling StarCraft series* has won industry acclaim and has shattered sales records worldwide with over six million copies shipped. Blizzard continued the series with the critically acclaimed StarCraft: Brood War^™, which won multiple Expansion Pack of the Year awards and is still considered by many critics to be one of the best add-on products to date.

Best known for blockbuster hits including the Warcraft^®, StarCraft, and Diablo series, Blizzard Entertainment (www.blizzard.com), a studio of the games division of Vivendi Universal Publishing, is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating many of the industry’s most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard’s track record includes seven #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company’s free Internet gaming service Battle.net^® reigns as the largest in the world, with millions of active users.

* NPD Intellect/PC Data games category monthly sales April-September 1998