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Crackdown 2

Mini-series to answer some of the questions leading into the new game.

LONDON – 21 May 2010 - The harsh days and volatile nights in Pacific City come to life in a riveting five-part animated mini-series chronicling the events that have transpired between the Xbox 360 smash hit “Crackdown” and the highly anticipated sequel, “Crackdown 2”. Starting today, fans can tune into Youtube.com/machinima for a look down the back alleys and behind the locked doors of Pacific City with an exclusive premiere of the series with episode 1, titled “Home Truths.”

The first “Crackdown” took place in the fictional metropolis of Pacific City, where the Agency – an organisation using genetically enhanced soldiers known as Agents – was contracted to rid the city of three powerful crime syndicates. The saga continues 10 years later in “Crackdown 2,” with new enemies (the Cell and the Freaks) that stand in the way of the Agency’s goal to bring Pacific City back under control. After the events in the first “Crackdown,” a dangerous virus was released and those who were infected – the Freaks – began ravaging the city. A civilian resistance, called the Cell, also formed to take the fight into their own hands by mounting offences against the Agency. Players return as Agents in “Crackdown 2” to once again bring peace to Pacific City – by any means possible.

Written by Ruffian Games Senior Designer Ed Campbell, the events that lead into “Crackdown 2” unfold to answer your most pressing questions: Why is Pacific City in turmoil? What happened to the Agency? Who is the Cell? Where did the Freaks come from? And, most importantly, who is Catalina Thorne?

Animated by seasoned comic artist and illustrator Alex Ronald, you’ll see the vibrant world of “Crackdown 2” like never before, as the Agency, Cell and Freaks bring Pacific City to the brink of destruction. With the Voice of the Agency returning to narrate the way, you’ll go deep behind enemy lines, scour the underground and experience more of the explosive action leading up to the Xbox 360 exclusive launch in July.

The miniseries will be viewable in five parts, with the conclusion of the series airing on June 21, 2010. Stay tuned for each episode of the “Crackdown 2” mini-series at Youtube.com/machinima:

Episode Airing Date

Episode 1 May 21, 2010

Episode 2 May 28, 2010

Episode 3 June 4, 2010

Episode 4 June 11, 2010

Episode 5 June 21, 2010

“Crackdown 2” is available exclusively on Xbox 360 this July, but fans can prepare for the action early by pre-ordering now. At participating retailers, fans who pre-order will receive exclusive, in-game bonus armour in four new shades: Gold, Gun Metal, Black and Green.

-Ends-

“Crackdown 2” is rated BBFC 15. “Crackdown 2” will be available in Europe on July 9. Episode 1 of the animated miniseries will be accessible for download on May 24, 2010 at: http://edelmanadmin.psni.com/public/Crackdown 2/Videos/. Reminder that all video content rated BBFC 15 must be under an appropriate age gate.

For consumer media enquiries, please contact:

Baz Singh / 020 3047 4024 / balraj_singh@jcpr.com

Nik Thakkar / 020 3047 4087 / nik_thakkar@jcpr.com

For specialist media enquiries, please contact:

Dominic Carey / 01189 095334 / v-docare@microsoft.com

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a superior video game and entertainment system delivering the best games, unique entertainment features and a unified online gaming network that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a portfolio of more than 300 games in nearly 40 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/.

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE connects more than 23 million members across 26 countries to each other and the entertainment they love. Home of more entertainment from one remote than can be found from any device connected to the television, Xbox LIVE is also a unified online social network bringing friends together, no matter where they are — in the living room or across the world. More information and Xbox LIVE membership can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/live/bestoflive/connectnow.htm.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.

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