Empire Interactive Revs It Up With Ford Racing 2

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 11 -- Empire Interactive

(LONDON: EMP) today announced the development of Ford Racing 2 on the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and PC. The game is being developed by Razorworks and will hit store shelves in the fourth quarter of this year. The agreement was arranged through The Beanstalk Group, the exclusive licensing agency for Ford Motor Company and will be distributed through an agreement with Gotham Games, a wholly owned subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. .

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020215/EMPIRELOGO )

Ford Racing 2 promises to build upon the franchise started by Ford Racing, launched on the PS one(TM) game console 2001 and PC in 2000. The original title sold over 500,000 units on the PS one(TM). Ford Racing 2 will appeal to an even wider audience with its arcade-feel racing, but will incorporate a deeper and active game design. Empire will launch Ford Racing 2 with a competitive, mid-range price point.

The game combines a wide range of Ford vehicles with Razorworks' advanced rendering, physics and AI technology. Gamers will race in more than 20 cars, which include Ford Concept Cars as well as many present and historical Ford vehicles. Through a diverse range of themed tracks and off-road terrain in jungles and deserts, Ford Racing 2 will feature Two-Player Mode, Standard Race, Mirror Race, Staggered Start, Time Trials and Elimination modes as well as a special driving skills section.

"Ford Racing was a bestseller in the United States, selling over 600,000 copies. Empire will build on the experience gained in developing that title to make Ford Racing 2 an even bigger success," said Ian Higgins, CEO of Empire Interactive. "We are delighted to work again with Ford on this game, and the innovative technology from Razorworks will showcase the power of Ford automobiles. Take-Two is the natural partner for a game such as this, with their experience in the US market. We have worked closely with them on previous occasions and we have every confidence that Ford Racing 2 will be a success."

"This dynamic game puts Ford Racing enthusiasts in the driver's seat, allowing them to experience the excitement and exhilaration of these vehicles," said Seth M. Siegel, Chairman, Licensing of The Beanstalk Group. "We are pleased to have brought Ford and Empire Interactive together to create a sequel Ford Racing title that exclusively features Ford vehicles."

About Empire Interactive

Founded in 1987, Empire Interactive is a leading publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company is publicly traded on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. Headquartered in the UK, Empire Interactive also has offices in Germany, Italy, and Spain. The company's U.S. headquarters are located in San Francisco, California. The company develops and publishes a varied range of titles for the PlayStation(R) game console, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, and other next generation console systems, handheld systems, and multimedia PC markets in the US, Europe and Asia. Further information about Empire Interactive and its products can be found at: http://us.empireinteractive.com/ .

Ford Racing 2:

Ford Racing 2 interactive game (C) 2003 Empire Interactive Europe Ltd. Interactive game developed by Razorworks, a studio of Empire Interactive Europe Ltd. Ford trademarks are used under license from Ford Motor Company. Empire and "(E logo outline artwork)" are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Empire Interactive Europe Ltd. in the UK/US and/or other countries. All rights reserved.

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is an integrated global developer, marketer, distributor, and publisher of interactive entertainment software games and accessories for the PC, PlayStation(R) game console, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(TM) and Nintendo Game Boy Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned subsidiary labels: Rockstar Games, Gotham Games, Gathering, Joytech and Global Star. The Company maintains sales and marketing offices in Cincinnati, New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Munich, Vienna, Copenhagen, Milan, Sydney, Amsterdam and Auckland. Take-Two's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is the world's second largest automaker with approximately 350,000 employees and operating in more than 200 markets on six continents. Its automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Hertz and Quality Care. The company's world headquarters are in Dearborn, Michigan. Ford Motor Company will officially observe its 100th anniversary June 16, 2003. Additional information can be found on the company's Web site at www.ford.com.

About The Beanstalk Group

The Beanstalk Group, with approximately 400 employees, is the world's leading trademark licensing and promotional merchandise agency and consultancy. With offices and/or fulfillment centers in the U.S. (New York, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Orlando), Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Winnipeg), and Europe (London), Beanstalk offers clients a complete solution to their brand licensing and promotional merchandise needs. Current Beanstalk clients include AT&T, The Coca-Cola Company, Harley-Davidson, Ford Motor Company, The Stanley Works, and Mary-Kate and Ashley. For more information, please visit www.beanstalk.com.

NOTE: Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.