TORONTO, ON – July 27, 2007 – Microsoft Game Studios and Ensemble Studios™ today announced that the “Age of Empires III® Gold Edition” is headed to store shelves on September 25, 2007 in North America for an estimated retail price of $49.95 (CDN). “Age of Empires III Gold Edition” combines the exciting “Age of Empires III” and its respective expansion pack, “Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs,” for one compelling gaming experience at a great value.

“Age of Empires III” gives players the opportunity to pick up where Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings left off, placing them in the time period of roughly 1500–1850. As players work to establish their empire, they will take on the role of a European power struggling to explore, colonize and conquer North and South America. In addition, players will also have the chance to engage in epic warfare in the Americas with “Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs,” where they will lead proud, playable native civilizations to expand their empire and fight for control of the Americas.

“Age of Empires III,” which launched in October 2005, quickly became one of the best selling titles in the franchise’s history, and has garnered numerous awards, including GameSpy’s 2005 Top Ten PC Games of the Year and PC Gamer’s RTS Game of the Year. It has sold more than two and a half million copies to date and is currently among the top selling Games for Windows titles. The recently announced “Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties” is the second expansion pack for the popular franchise, which is set for a Fall release date and will give players the chance to control Asian civilizations for the first time.

About Ensemble Studios

Ensemble Studios (http://www.ensemblestudios.com) is one of the world’s premier entertainment software developers. Ensemble Studios is known for its blockbuster “Age of Empires” and “Age of Mythology” game series. Ensemble’s titles are distinguished by the high-quality art and gameplay dynamics applied in familiar historical settings, and appeal to hard-core gamers and mass audiences. Ensemble Studios is based in Dallas, Texas.

About Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox® and Xbox 360™ video game systems, the Windows® 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/canada/games ), including such franchises as “Age of Empires®,” “Flight Simulator” and “Zoo Tycoon®;” Xbox and Xbox 360 ( http://www.xbox.ca ), including such games as the upcoming “Gears of War” and franchises such as “Halo®,” “Fable®,” “Project Gotham Racing®” and “Forza Motorsport®”; and MSN® Games (http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as “Bejeweled” and “Hexic®.”

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