NEWS - Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance Announced
Black Isle Studios Announces Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance for Xbox Action Adventure Game Will Be Unique Addition to the Xbox Lineup IRVINE, Calif., May 17 -- Black Isle Studios, the award-winning RPG (roleplaying game) division of Interplay Entertainment Corp. (Nasdaq: IPLY - News), and leading console game developer Snowblind Studios announced today their plan to bring the Baldurs Gate(TM): Dark Alliance(TM) franchise to the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft. "We recognize the tremendous demand for a game like Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance on Xbox and dont want Xbox gamers to miss out on this thrilling gaming experience," stated Feargus Urquhart, President of Black Isle Studios. Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance features a distinctive blend of action and adventure set in the most popular Dungeons & Dragons® campaign setting: The FORGOTTEN REALMS® franchise owned by Wizards of the Coast Inc., a subsidiary of Hasbro Inc., and licensed to Infogrames Interactive. Faithful adaptation of the new Dungeons & Dragons rules set, customizable player characters and character development allow for an engrossing gameplay experience new to Xbox gamers. Dramatic spell effects and powerful abilities add to the flavor of this action-packed game and assist the player in combat against many terrifying monsters found in the adventure. "We are extremely excited about bringing Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance to Xbox," stated Ryan Geithman, Director of Snowblind Studios. "So far, we have yet to see this type of action-RPG game on Xbox. We believe Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance will be a unique asset to the system." Played from a third person perspective, Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance immerses players in the port town of Baldurs Gate. Darkness has fallen upon the town and rumors of a Thieves Guild civil war brew beneath the streets of the city. Entering this desperate situation, the player finds himself fresh to the city of Baldurs Gate and new to the world of adventuring. He soon learns that he stands in the way of one of the greatest threats ever to strike the town of Baldurs Gate and the entire region of The Sword Coast. Black Isle Studios, the creators of the Fallout(TM) series, Planescape®: Torment(TM) and the Icewind Dale(TM) saga, is proud to bring Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance to Xbox. More information on Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance for Xbox can be found at http://www.blackisle.com .Source: http://www.blackisle.com/