CDV Software Announces International ``American Conquest'' Tournament; Transatlantic War Declared on Newly Launched ``American Conquest'' Website as CDV Reignites the Battle for America.

Business Editors/High-Tech & Entertainment Writers

CARY, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2003

CDV Software Entertainment today announced the international "American Conquest" tournament on their newly launched website, www.war-of-independence.com. Expected to draw more than 4,000 fans worldwide, the tournament will recreate the battle for the Americas and the rivalry between the United States and the United Kingdom.

"American Conquest" War of Independence will run on both sides of the Atlantic between February 14th and May 15th of 2003, culminating in a Los Angeles final at Electronic Entertainment Expo.

A never-before-seen demo of "American Conquest" is now available on the website, so aspiring contestants can sharpen their skills before the tournament starts.

About "American Conquest" Tournament

The free-for-all tournament will be conducted via Internet from February 14th to April 6th. The best 24 players from the United States will battle it out in the second round for the regional champion and runner-up positions starting April 7th.

A similar tournament will run concurrently in the United Kingdom. Once the best players from overseas have been declared, the two continents will go head to head in a Los Angeles final taking place between May 12th and May 15th. Non-US and non-UK players will be included in a "Rest of The World" tournament, and an assortment of prizes will be awarded to the winners.

The European and American hopefuls will win a three-day trip to the finals in LA, including passes to E3. In addition to claiming victory for their country, the winner of the final itself will collect an array of prizes.

More information about the tournament is available at www.war-of-independence.com.

About "American Conquest"

In the year 1492, Christopher Columbus travelled to America and sparked 300 years of heated battles for land, riches and freedom. In eight campaigns spanning more than 40 missions, players delve into epic real-time battles with up to 16,000 soldiers. Discover new technologies, improved fighting units and the dangerous world of diplomacy with "American Conquest."

Features for "American Conquest" include:

-- Over 300 years of American history - from the 15th to 18th centuries.

-- 12 playable nations: Britain, Spain, France, Aztec, Inca, Maya, Algonquin, Huron, Delaware, Pueblo, Iroquois, and the future United States.

-- Costumes, architecture, and game balance based on true-to-life historical data.

-- Up to 16,000 units on the map to allow staging of grandiose battles.

-- More than 40 missions in eight thrilling campaigns, including Pizarro's Expedition, the War of Tecumseh, the Seven Years War, the American War of Independence.

-- Up to seven players over LAN or the Internet with multiplayer modes that include Deathmatch, Historical Battles, Battle for America, and automated Internet championships via global rating system.

About CDV Software Entertainment

Founded and headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany with offices in London, U.K., CDV Software Entertainment AG is one of the leading publishers and distributors of PC software. The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, CDV Software Entertainment USA, Inc. has offices in Cary, NC and Los Angeles, CA. In 2000, the Company successfully completed its initial public offering in Germany.

Its first three internationally published titles, "Sudden Strike," "Cossacks: European Wars," and "Sudden Strike Forever," were worldwide blockbusters, selling a combined total of over 1.2 million copies.