According to a nationwide TeleNation survey conducted by the independent firm Market Facts, the T-Rex seized nearly 50 percent of the votes cast as the unusual beast Americans would most like to add to their local zoos. The wooly mammoth also was near the top of the list of popular prehistoric creatures. Players can now try their hands at keeping both beasts happy as they create the ultimate zoo in "Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs."

"Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs" lets animal fans of all ages adopt and care for dinosaur eggs. Players can now enhance their zoo experience with more than 20 prehistoric creatures, themed dinosaur buildings and attractions, prehistoric foliage, volcanoes and tar pits, and special staff members including research scientists and a Dinosaur Recovery Team. Six new dinosaur- specific scenarios provide players with challenges as they strive to keep beasts and guests happy. An interactive tutorial and habitat-building tips teach players to build appropriate habitats and care for the prehistoric creatures.

"'Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs' entertains and challenges players of all ages to build the ultimate zoo, featuring an array of unique animals and prehistoric beasts," said Chuck Frizelle, product manager at Microsoft Game Studios. "The family-friendly PC game is a great way for parents and kids to play together, stretch their imaginations and learn about animals in a fun way."

"Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs" continues the tradition of family fun started by "Zoo Tycoon," the top-selling "tycoon" game title by dollars for the past two quarters.* Developed by Blue Fang Games LLC, "Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs" seamlessly integrates with the existing "Zoo Tycoon" game.

Fans of "Zoo Tycoon: Dinosaur Digs" can visit http://www.zootycoon.com/ for a new interactive dinosaur experience. Players who dig dinos can discover what dinosaur they are most similar to by answering a few personality questions. Visitors can transform their names into imaginative dinosaur names using the "Name-a-saurus Converter Rex" tool. Additional animals and buildings are also available for download from the "Zoo Tycoon" Web site.

About "Zoo Tycoon"

"Zoo Tycoon" was a Top 10 PC Games title by units for the past two quarters.* Simple to play yet challenging to master, "Zoo Tycoon" offers engaging gameplay for animal lovers and simulation game fans of all ages. The captivating imagery, clever gameplay and interactive tutorials in the vibrant and appealing "Zoo Tycoon" make it easy to play right out of the box. "Zoo Tycoon" has something for everyone, stimulating creativity and imagination as players respond to the needs of the animals and guests. Additional information is available at http://www.zootycoon.com/ .

About Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the PC, Xbox(TM) video game system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse game portfolios for the PC ( http://www.microsoft.com/games/ ), including such franchises as "Age of Empires®," "Flight Simulator" and "Zoo Tycoon"; Xbox ( http://www.xbox.com/ ), including such franchises as "Halo(TM)," "Project Gotham Racing(TM)" and "NFL Fever"; and Zone.com ( http://zone.msn.com/ ), the official games channel for the MSN® network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "Outsmart(TM)."

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.

About Blue Fang Games LLC

Blue Fang Games LLC is a computer game development company located in Boston. The company was founded by two former Papyrus Design Group/Sierra Online veterans, Adam Levesque and John Wheeler, who led the development of the best-selling and critically acclaimed NASCAR Racing series of products. They formed the company in July 1998. Today, Blue Fang Games is a thriving game company, committed to making high-quality games. Blue Fang Games can be located on the Internet at http://www.bluefanggames.com/ .


* NPDTechworld(SM), October 2001-March 2002. Based on total U.S. retail
sales.


NOTE: Microsoft, Zoo Tycoon, Xbox, Age of Empires, Halo, Project Gotham Racing, MSN and Outsmart are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.