Final Fantasy XI European Distribution Deal

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UBISOFT AND SQUARE ENIX TEAM UP FOR A EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTION OF FINAL FANTASY XI

Latest Version of FFXI to be Offered Simultaneously in Japan, North America & Europe.

London, UK – July 6 2004 – Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, today is proud to announce the signing of a distribution agreement with digital entertainment publisher, Square Enix. As part of the deal, Ubisoft will distribute the Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) role-playing game FINAL FANTASY® XI for Windows, which will include both the previously released “Rise of ZilartTM” and new “Chains of PromathiaTM” expansion packs, and also Tetra Master®, the wildly popular and addictive mini-game from FINAL FANTASY® XI. The title is slated for a European release (PAL territories) in September 2004.

“We are very honored that once again Square Enix trusts Ubisoft’s strengths in distribution for their new “FINAL FANTASY®” episode and thus capitalizes on our existing partnership,” said Alain Corre, Ubisoft’s managing director for Europe, Middle East and Asia. “This proves our mutual confidence and joint dedication to bringing an ever-greater range of quality titles to the PAL market. FINAL FANTASY® is one of the most famous franchises in the world of video games and with over 500,000 online subscribers, FFXI can rely on a strong brand to smoothly continue the legend online.”

In FINAL FANTASY® XI, players will undertake multiple adventures through vast environments in the world of “Vana’diel” which has more than 100 areas to explore, including mountains, forests, ice plains, deserts, oceans, rivers, castles and dungeons. Players travel through these areas using various modes of transportation including Chocobos, boats and airships. Incorporating time and climate changes, ranging from daytime to evening, blazing sunshine to dense fog and thunderstorms to deep snow, Vana’diel’s persistent world is composed of three unique nations: the Republic of Bastok, The Kingdom of San d’Oria, and the Federation of Windurst. Players must choose one of these nations as their home and carry out quests and missions not only to benefit their nation but also uncover the past, present and future of Vana’diel.

The game allows players to go at their own pace and form parties by utilizing the various communication tools that have been incorporated into FINAL FANTASY® XI, including easy-to-use chat and messaging systems. Players will become immersed in an expansive, original story that not only includes combating for their nation, but also non-battle related skills such as alchemy, leatherworking, jewel crafting and fishing. Communication and interaction with other characters and the environment is key as gamers create a new fate for the world of Vana’diel.

©2004 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft, ubi.com, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries.
©2001-2004 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Title Design by Yoshitaka Amano. FINAL FANTASY, TETRA MASTER and VANA’DIEL are registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. SQUARE ENIX, PLAYONLINE, RISE OF THE ZILART, THE CHAINS OF PROMATHIA and the PLAYONLINE logo are trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. PlayStation and the “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Windows and DirectX are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is an international producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products. A leading company in the multimedia industry, Ubisoft has grown considerably, especially through its strong and diversified lineup In addition to steadfastly continuing to partner with several high-profile companies, Ubisoft has also confirmed its presence on the global market by developing its own exceptional properties. Founded in 1986 in France, Ubisoft is now present on every continent, both through offices in 21 different countries including the United States, Morocco, Germany and China and through sales of products in over 50 countries. The group is dedicated to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge videogame titles to consumers around the world. Ubisoft generated a turnover of € 508 million for the 2003-2004 fiscal year, up 22.5% at a constant exchange rate over the previous fiscal year. To learn more, visit www.ubi.com.

About Square Enix

Headquartered in Tokyo, Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) develops, publishes and distributes entertainment contents including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Square Enix brings two of Japan’s best-selling franchises – FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 60 million units worldwide and DRAGON QUEST (DRAGON WARRIORTM in Europe) which has sold over 35 million units worldwide – under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at www.square-enix-europe.com.