Microsoft Game Studios Supports AGEIA PhysX Processor in 'Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends'; Developer Big Huge Games Raises the Bar on RTS Interactivity with AGEIA PhysX Processor.

MOUNTAIN VIEW & SAN JOSE, Calif. -- AGEIA(TM) Technologies, Inc., the pioneer in hardware-accelerated physics for games, announced today at the Game Developers Conference that Microsoft Game Studios is supporting the AGEIA PhysX(TM) processor in "Rise of Nations(R): Rise of Legends" developed by Big Huge Games.

The sequel to the highly successful "Rise of Nations," "Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends" raises the bar on real-time strategy games with breathtaking visuals, enthralling gameplay and spectacular pyrotechnics. The stunning visuals will become larger-than-life in a post-release patch containing special features that will be accelerated by the AGEIA PhysX processor.

Caught up in the conflict between technology and magic, gamers battle through towering cities, blazing deserts and arctic ice plains, as they attack, capture and destroy enemy territory. The AGEIA PhysX processor enables destruction on an unimaginable scale, with buildings that shatter into millions of pieces, and collateral damage that spares no human, machine or structure in the vicinity.

"The 'Rise of Legends' team was looking to set the standard for special effects and interactive in the real-time strategy genre," said Danan Davis, Group Program Manager at Microsoft Game Studios. "AGEIA PhysX technology enables this for all of our fans, and the addition of AGEIA PhysX processor support will blow people away."

"We take no sides in the conflict between technology and magic, but the AGEIA PhysX processor will make the battle incredibly more intense for both," said Kathy Schoback, vice president of content acquisition at AGEIA. "'Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends' is sure to be a genre-defining masterpiece that sets new standards for physics-based action, pyrotechnics and gameplay."

About Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox(R) and Xbox 360(TM) video game systems, the Windows(R) operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as "Age of Empires(R)," "Flight Simulator" and "Zoo Tycoon(R);" Xbox and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as the upcoming "Gears of War" and franchises such as "Halo(R)," "Fable(R)," "Project Gotham Racing(R)" and "Forza Motorsport(TM)"; and MSN(R) Games (http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "Hexic(R)."

About AGEIA

AGEIA(TM) Technologies, Inc., is the pioneer of hardware-accelerated physics for PC games and has developed the world's first dedicated physics processor, the AGEIA PhysX(TM) processor. The AGEIA PhysX processor powers massive and pervasive real-time interactive worlds that for the first time obey the laws of classical physics. AGEIA provides a world-class cross platform software development kit to simplify advanced physics programming for the PhysX processor, as well next-generation gaming consoles. AGEIA is changing the face of gaming by working with more than sixty leading developers and publishers to deliver the next generation of physically immersive entertainment. The company, headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., is privately-held. For more information visit www.ageia.com.

AGEIA and PhysX are trademarks of AGEIA Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.