‘Empire of Sports’ is the world’s first massively multi-player online role-playing game platform (MMORPG) built entirely around sports. It is designed to allow millions of players around the world to simultaneously exist in a persistent online universe, where their avatars socially interact, train, compete and attend events in various sports disciplines to build a virtual sporting existence.

Building on the unprecedented rise of persistent gaming worlds, Empire of Sports opens up a completely new realm for gamers and online users: the exciting and thrilling world of sports. At the centre of the gamers’ attention is their virtual representation in the sports world, the avatar or player character. The player assumes the role of a single player character throughout the entire game, which will result in an up to now unimagined gaming experience, especially in team sports.

Available to play from the off are five sports, each of which will pit player versus player for the ultimate competition. Tennis, basketball, skiing, bobsleigh, track & field and some training games are all available immediately, with soccer – featuring 11 players on each team – launching shortly. In addition, players will be able to compete in in-game tournaments, customise their avatar and property with in-game items, travel to other sporting cities, meet virtual coaches, and even join virtual societies.

More than just a game, Empire of Sports is a sports platform designed to echo the major real life sports events around the world, and provide all sports fans with an extended space to share and live their passion. Thanks to the valuable input from the ever growing community, Empire of Sports just keeps getting better - especially with the constant addition of new sports, clubs, sportsmen, competitions, events, and sports brands.

Prince’s partnership with Empire of Sports further enhances the games’ credentials. Prince racquets are played at all levels and the racquet choice of such superstars as Maria Sharapova, Gael Monfils, Mike and Bob Bryan and Jelena Jankovic. Likewise, Empire of Sports’ players can choose to use a virtual Prince racquet in order to boost the in-game performance of their avatar.

Empire of Sports is taking this opportunity to launch the permanent events program for players of Empire of Sports to put their skills to the test with both virtual and real prizes up for grabs. Entry to all online tournaments and events can be made at any time - except during the finals which are held every Saturday.

Depending on the type of event, Saturday’s winners will be rewarded with virtual items to boost their avatar’s performances, or real life prizes. Each week the winner of the Prince Tennis Tournament will receive a real Prince “O3 Speedport Blue” tennis racquet! This racquet will give the players additional playing benefits such as more speed and power in order to improve their tennis game in the real world.

Alexis Galley, Empire of Sports’ CEO, declares: “We’re very proud to be partnering with Prince. Their tradition in designing innovative racquet technologies perfectly fits our gameplay. It’s a precious addition to the life of our sporting world.”

Susi Capell, Marketing Manager Prince Sports EMEA, declares: “We’re very excited to be part of such an ambitious project as Empire of Sports. The game provides a unique experience for sports fans and helps us to communicate to various target groups - the gaming- and tennis community who will be equally attracted to this outstanding online gaming experience.”

True to life, players must train their avatars in order to grow their skill sets and become the best in this world of sport. Players can also purchase in-game items which will facilitate strength and stamina and improve all-round performance.

The developers are keen to make further improvements in order to perfect the world’s first platform-dedicated sports MMO. The Prologue will mean gamers can now download Empire of Sports online free of charge and join over 150 nationalities already playing online and communicate their in-game experiences to help fine tune the gameplay and the business model during the final stages of development.

Features :

• The first true multi-sport MMORPG
• A journey that will take you from being an ambitious and talented rookie to the heights of sports stardom
• Create your own individual character and develop its skills and capabilities in various sports
• Participate in multi-player sports action in football, basketball, tennis, skiing, bobsleigh, athletics and gym games
• Interact with thousands of other players in virtual city centers
• Compete in matches and competitions for all levels and reach the top of your sports league

Among the high quality multiplayer sports games available at the launch of Empire of Sports will be Basketball, Tennis, Skiing, and a series of fitness and training games. Other major sports will be announced as the platform develops.

Full details on the game will be unveiled just before the game is launched fully in early 2009, but a limited number of European gamers can gain access now by heading over to the game’s official website.

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