And here we go:
LUCASARTS CONFIRMS APRIL 15, 2003 RELEASE FOR<:MORENEWS:>
STAR WARS GALAXIES?: AN EMPIRE DIVIDED?
Star Wars Galaxies Internet Community Has Swelled to Nearly 400,000 Registered Members in Anticipation of Massively Multiplayer Online Game's Release
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. and SAN DIEGO -- December 20, 2002 -- LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC and Sony Online Entertainment Inc. today announced April 15, 2003 as the confirmed release date for the massively multiplayer online game Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided. This highly awaited first installment, which combines Star Wars?, one of the world's most popular brands, with the proven game development expertise of Sony Online Entertainment, is expected to revolutionize online gaming by broadening its appeal to a mass audience.
So great is anticipation for Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided, the game's Internet community has presently grown to nearly 400,000 registered members on its official web site, www.starwarsgalaxies.com, since the site was launched in November, 2000. This represents one of the largest-ever fan communities amassed for any game prior to retail availability.
"Through the launch of Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided this spring, which we liken to that of a blockbuster movie opening, LucasArts will deliver on its promise to transform online gaming into mainstream entertainment," says Simon Jeffery, president of LucasArts. "We are extremely confident about the long term strength of the Star Wars Galaxies brand and its potential to redefine online gaming."
"As the leader in the exploding online gaming industry, we are applying our expertise in massively multiplayer online product development and technology to ensure the long term success for Star Wars Galaxies and give Star Wars fans the experience they are looking for," says John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment.
Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided for Windows PC will simultaneously immerse thousands of players into a persistent online recreation of the Star Wars universe, as portrayed in the classic Star Wars film trilogy. The series will feature dynamic adventures throughout the galaxy during the classic Star Wars timeframe. Game play will offer a unique combination of combat, exploration, social interaction, specialized missions, and daring quests. Beyond this April's release of Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided, LucasArts and Sony Online are planning to expand the gaming experience to encompass space combat and galactic exploration.
Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided recently entered the second phase of beta testing and is nearly system and feature complete. The third phase of beta is expected to begin in early 2003.
About LucasArts
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC is a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software worldwide. Based in San Rafael, Calif., as well as on the Internet at www.lucasarts.com, LucasArts is one of five companies in the Lucas group which include Lucasfilm Ltd., Lucas Digital Ltd. LLC, Lucas Licensing Ltd., and Lucas Online. Lucasfilm is one of the leading film and entertainment companies in the world. Lucasfilm's businesses include George Lucas' film and television production and distribution activities. Lucas Digital, which consists of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Skywalker Sound, provides visual effects and audio post-production services to the entertainment industry. Lucas Licensing is responsible for the merchandising of all Lucasfilm's film and television properties. Lucas Online is a digital destination for entertainment, education, reference and e-commerce for Lucasfilm's intellectual properties and business units.
About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), the online gaming division of Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment, is a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online gaming that creates, develops and provides online entertainment for the personal computer, console, wireless, and online markets. With more than 13 million registered users, SOE's award-winning website, The Station? (www.station.com) hosts a variety of entertaining games and player communities spanning numerous genres. In addition to blockbuster hits EverQuest? and Jeopardy! Online, SOE has an array of cutting-edge online games in development such as PlanetSide?, Star Wars? Galaxies?, EverQuest? II, and the world's premier online-only console game for the PlayStation?2, EverQuest? Online Adventures?.
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