The Race for Supremacy Begins as ArchLord Beta Test Goes Live

Codemasters Online Gaming Challenges Gamers to Raise Their Armies and Battle to Rule the Game World as ArchLord Enters Beta

New York (August 21, 2006) – Codemasters Online Gaming is pleased to announce that ArchLord�, the highly-anticipated fantasy MMORPG where one player will rule the world, has begun the first phase of its public beta test program.

This stage of the beta test gives the first wave of North America and European gamers access to the entire game. Testers will be able to create their own Human, Orc or Moon Elf character before entering the game world of Chantra and embarking on fantastic quests. A series of specific events and competitions will also be featured throughout the course of the beta test.

“It’s a great achievement to have reached this important milestone for ArchLord, a title that brings fresh MMO gaming experiences to the genre, and we’re delighted to welcome the first eager gamers to this incredible world,” said Ed Relf, director of marketing at Codemasters Online Gaming. “Be on the look out, there’s a chance that the mighty ArchLord himself will make an appearance during the beta.”

Players joining the beta test are now being contacted following the beta sign-up program, which began in May. There are a limited number of places remaining for the later stages of the beta and gamers can sign up online at www.archlordgame.com/beta. Gamers who pre-order a copy of ArchLord from retail will receive a guaranteed slot in the beta test. Pre-orders are now available at GameStop and EB Games.

ABOUT ARCHLORD
ArchLord is a fantasy themed MMORPG that holds a unique competitive premise for gamers: the opportunity to rise to become the game world's supreme ruler. Throughout this epic quest-based role-playing title set in the game world’s Middle Ages, every month one player will gain control of the world and with it the opportunity to wreak havoc as they are crowned supreme ArchLord. Boasting eight playable classes to choose from including Human Archers, Knights and Mages, Orc Berserkers, Hunters, and Shaman or the ever so delectable Moon Elf Spiritualist & Elementalist, find out more by visiting the game’s official website online at www.archlordgame.com


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ABOUT CODEMASTERS
Codemasters is a leading developer and publisher of best-selling interactive entertainment products for a global audience on current and future gaming platforms and channels. Established in 1986, the company’s dominant brands include Colin McRae Rally, TOCA Race Driver, LMA Manager, Brian Lara Cricket and Operation Flashpoint. The company is headquartered in Southam, Warwickshire UK and maintains operations in the US, Germany, France, Spain, and Benelux. More information about the company and its products is available online at http://www.codemasters.com