Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar revisits Stardock’s best-selling sci-fi universe, adding a multitude of new features and options to further enhance the strategic depth of the game. Featuring a gripping new single-player campaign that sees the elimination of two of the game’s alien races and the introduction of several others, Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar also allows players to create their own custom opponents, tweaking their behaviour, what they look like, what their ships look like and play style to develop truly unique enemies.

The expansion also introduces resource-rich asteroid belts, unique planets requiring advanced technology to colonize, spies to assist or prevent destabilization and sabotage, an Epic Generator that creates a unique story from each game played, advanced diplomatic treaties, new ship components, improved AI options and much more. Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar will be released digitally — without the hassles of copy protection — via TotalGaming.net in Fall 2006. For more information about Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar visit GalCiv2.com.

Stardock also revealed its new worldwide publishing division, operating as Stardock Entertainment, which will focus on marketing and distribution of top-quality independently-developed games. With a progressive revenue-sharing model, leading advertising, marketing and public relations services, as well as worldwide online and retail distribution, Stardock Entertainment aims to be a reliable partner for game developers.

Galactic Civilizations II has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide in its first 90 days of availability. It is also the highest-rated strategy game of 2006 based on average review scores. Stardock sees the expansion pack as a way to continue to extend the Galactic Civilizations universe and provide additional replayability and value.