Vivendi Universal Games to Give Away Ground Control for Free

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 25, 2004) - Vivendi Universal Games announced today that it will be distributing the videogame Ground Control for free online via FilePlanet.com. The giveaway is meant to celebrate the June 22 release of Ground Control II: Operation Exodus, the next installment in the venerable Ground Control franchise of PC real-time strategy (RTS) games, now available at retail stores nationwide.

This special version of the original Ground Control will be accessible for online download at FilePlanet.com.

MULTIPLAYER INSTRUCTIONS FOR GROUND CONTROL

To play Ground Control with others on the Internet, you must to enter your CD Key and create a WON.net account.

• Find the unique Multiplayer Key sent to the email address associated with your GameSpy ID.
• After installation, start the game and click on the multiplayer section.
• To play an online game you will click on Internet Standard Game and a prompt to create a WON.net account will appear.
• Click "Create new WON account" and enter a user name and password.
• When you click on "OK" it will ask you to insert your CD Key.
• After typing in your CD Key you will need to go back to WON account creation and hit "OK" (Your account information should pre-populate the fields).
• After you hit OK, you will be able to login to WON net and play online.

ABOUT GROUND CONTROL

Released in 2000, the original Ground Control was one of the first real time strategy games to combine classic strategy elements with incredible 3-D technology previously seen for action games. The focus of its gameplay was on tactics, strategy and the art of battle; the end result produced greater realism, faster-paced action and an unparalleled player experience that was an instant hit among fans and press alike.

ABOUT GROUND CONTROL II: OPERATION EXODUS

Ground Control II: Operation Exodus is the next installment in the Ground Control franchise. In a departure from traditional RTS games, Ground Control II: Operation Exodus focuses on tactical combat with minimal time spent on resource management. Instead of harvesting resources and building bases, the game keeps the action hot and heavy by immediately rewarding players for accomplishing objectives. Additionally, the unique multiplayer drop-in mode allows players to instantly join an ongoing game at any time, for any length of time.

Ground Control II: Operation Exodus chronicles the ongoing conflict between the Northern Star Alliance and the Terran Empire. Having lost the war in space, the NSA retreats to their home world and forces the Terran Empire to engage in a savage war of attrition on the ground. As a commander in the field, players can command a task force consisting of infantry, tanks, artillery and aircraft alone in the single player campaign or with other players via LAN or Internet.

Developed by Massive Entertainment, Ground Control II: Operation Exodus features one of the most compelling 3D graphics engine in the RTS genre allowing for outstanding graphics with incredible levels of detail.

ABOUT MASSIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Massive Entertainment is a leading developer of games and interactive entertainment products for a worldwide market. Its world acclaimed PC game Ground Control, launched in 2000, established Massive Entertainment as one of the most innovative developers in the real time strategy genre. In 2002 the company was acquired by Vivendi Universal Games (VUG) as one of only two development studios outside North-America. Together Massive Entertainment and VUG are now working on the top entertainment titles of the future. The company is located in Malmö, Sweden.

ABOUT VIVENDI UNIVERSAL GAMES

Headquartered in Los Angeles, VU Games is a global developer, publisher and distributor of interactive products for all major platforms including PCs, video game consoles and the Internet. VU Games development studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment, Sierra Entertainment, Coktel, Fox Interactive, Knowledge Adventure and Massive Entertainment. Additionally, VU Games co-publishes and/or distributes titles for a number of strategic partners, including Interplay, inXile entertainment, Majesco and Mythic Entertainment.