February 28, 2003

Freelancer Fan Fiction Contest to Launch Monday

Are you daring enough to track a fugitive and overcome significant odds to bring him to justice? Want to join the Bounty Hunters on a perilous mission? Microsoft Game Studios today announced that Freelancer fans will have the opportunity to enter the Freelancer Fan Fiction Contest at the ever-loyal fan site, The Lancer's Reactor, beginning Monday, March 3 -- just in time for the game's launch. Those interested in entering the contest are challenged to write an engaging and compelling story about the Bounty Hunters' struggle for peace and order in the Liberty System.

Five finalists will be chosen by The Lancer's Reactor and submitted to Microsoft and Digital Anvil for judging. One finalist will be chosen to receive a free autographed copy of Freelancer along with other Freelancer goodies, and will have their story posted on the official Freelancer site. All five finalists will receive a free Freelancer T-shirt for their participation in the contest. Submissions must be received by The Lancer's Reactor by Friday March 14, 2003. For complete contest information, details on prizes and official rules, head over to the official Freelancer site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/freelancer/  or to The Lancer's Reactor.

Set in the outer reaches of the planetary system, Freelancer combines the action of 3-D space combat, the exploration of a dynamic, living universe and trading in a rich galactic economy, where players' decisions drive the adventure. Developed by Digital Anvil, the epic adventure challenges players to determine their own reputations and choose their own distinctive styles of play. Players can choose to act like police officers, traders, pirates or explorers for different gameplay experiences. The open-ended style of gameplay gives gamers a choice between following a linear storyline or determining how the story will unfold. The multiplayer component enables players around the globe with their own servers to fly missions or explore space together. An enhanced mouse and keyboard interface simulates the realistic feel of flying a spaceship while making the game accessible to a wide range of gamers. Freelancer will ship to retailers in North America on March 4, 2003 with an estimated retail price of $54.95 (U.S.). For more information about Freelancer, visit the official site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/freelancer/. 

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the PC, Xbox 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, Project Gotham Racing and NFL Fever; and Zone.com (http://www.zone.com/), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as Bejeweled and OutSmart.

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