Fable II’s mysterious Knothole Island

Microsoft and Lionhead bring you Fable II’s mysterious Knothole Island

Free content update and all new Knothole Island Premium Theme also available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace

AUCKLAND — January 14, 2009 — Since the local launch of “Fable II” on October 23, more than two million gamers worldwide have embarked on a quest to reshape the world of Albion in the image of their hero, whilst the creators of Albion have been hard at work to bring Knothole Island to heroes worldwide. This new world is available today over the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 800 Microsoft points and includes new quests, weapons, and specialty shops available on this mysterious isle off the coast of Albion, as well as new quirky characters that inhabit it.

In addition to the Knothole Island premium download, players everywhere are able to enhance their “Fable II” experience with a separate free content update* exclusively available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The update will grant players access to some gifts from the fine people of Knothole Island and will enable them to continue the co-op action with their friends. Gifts include Knight’s Boots, Assassins Gloves, a special Weight Loss Potion, a collectable silver book and more.

As an additional post-holiday treat for “Fable II” fans, Lionhead Studios and Microsoft Game Studios have created an all-new Knothole Island Premium Theme for the New Xbox Experience, available for 250 Microsoft points. Voyage over to Xbox LIVE Marketplace or Marketplace on the Web at http://www.xbox.com/en-nz/ to download the theme.

And, if all of that isn’t enough you can check out the latest installment of the Lionhead Studio’s Video Diary Series, Video Diary Episode 8 on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, where the developers offer a sneak preview of Knothole Island and reveal some of the challenges faced in the final days of making “Fable II”. You can also check out Episode 8 at www.lionhead.com.

* The free content update must be manually downloaded from Xbox LIVE. This update is included in the Knothole Island premium downloadable content pack, so players that purchase the Knothole Island do not need to separately download the content update. Internet charges apply.

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ENDS

About Epic Games
Epic Games, Inc., based in Cary, NC and established in 1991, develops cutting-edge games and cross-platform game engine technology. The company has created multiple million-selling, award-winning titles in its Unreal series, most recently shipping “Unreal Tournament 3” for PC, PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360. Epic’s breakthrough game, “Gears of War,” sold five million copies and won over 30 Game of the Year awards. The highly anticipated sequel, “Gears of War 2,” releases November 7, 2008. Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 is the current holder and three-time consecutive winner of Game Developer magazine’s Best Engine Front Line Award. Additional information about Epic can be obtained through the Epic Games Web site at www.epicgames.com.
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/games), including such franchises as “Age of Empires,” “Flight Simulator” and “Zoo Tycoon”; Xbox and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as “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.”
About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a premier video game and entertainment system. It is home to the best and broadest games. The digital center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content, including personal pictures and music, with a unified online social network to create an entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
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*Prices here are recommended retail prices. Actual retail prices may vary.

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