Ubi Soft & Stardock build The Political Machine

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – June 2, 2004 – Ubisoft, one of the world's leading videogame publishers, today announced that they have signed a deal with Stardock Entertainment to publish The Political Machine, a strategy game where players take on the role of campaign manager for a presidential candidate. Players must raise money, take out advertisements, win endorsements and appear on popular TV news shows to answer tough questions about today's most pressing issues. The Political Machine is scheduled to launch late summer 2004 for the PC.

In development by Stardock Entertainment, The Political Machine gives players a taste of the challenges real candidates face and uses actual demographic information to accurately portray the political landscape of the United States. Players can design their own candidates or use existing political candidates such as George W. Bush, John Kerry and dozens of historical politicians including Ronald Reagan and Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Political Machine is both a single- and multiplayer game - players can either compete against the computer or against others online on www.politicalmachine.com.

"The Political Machine is an innovative game that offers a unique, fun way to encourage interest in current events and involvement in the 2004 Presidential Election," said Tony Kee, Vice President of Marketing for Ubisoft. "Read my lips, The Political Machine will get people motivated about elections while allowing them to gain insight into the behind-the-scenes wheeling and dealing of a modern presidential campaign."

"The Political Machine lets both casual gamers and political junkies get a taste of what US presidential politics is all about," said Brad Wardell, designer of The Political Machine. "Players must deal with real world issues, go on cable TV shows, take out ads and work with political operatives and activists on their road to the White House."

About The Political Machine

See the political process from the inside and take on the role of campaign manager for a U.S. Presidential nominee in this political strategy game. Featuring real-world candidates, The Political Machine requires players to raise money, hit the campaign trail and build support in a bid to win the hearts and minds of American voters.

Game features include:

· Showcases the Hot Political Issues of Today: Conflicts overseas, job outsourcing and the fight against terror are all at the forefront of the election process.

· Run a Campaign with Realistic Detail: Includes all the real-life trials and challenges associated with running a presidential campaign, such as selecting a vice president, working the media, engaging in debates, appealing to swing states and winning state electoral votes.

· Be a Media Darling: Get exposure in the national media circuit and put your credibility to the test by giving interviews in seven cable and network TV shows such as the O'Maley Factor and 60 Seconds.

Screenshot: Screenshot