Microsoft Game Studios today announced that gamers will soon have the opportunity to enter the Freelancer Sneak Preview contest for a chance to win one of 30 coveted Freelancer playable discs. Fans can sign up on Friday, 24th January to win their copy of the Freelancer work-in-progress sneak preview disc at the official site, http://www.microsoft.com/games/freelancer/, or at the ever-loyal Freelancer fan site, Lancer's Reactor, http://www.lancersreactor.com/. The beta discs feature an exclusive look into the entire game more than a month before Freelancer hits store shelves. Winners will be selected via a random drawing from all entries. For complete contest information, official rules and to sign up for the chance to win, head over to the official Freelancer site.

Set in the outer reaches of the planetary system, Freelancer combines the action of 3-D space combat, the exploration of a dynamic, living universe and trading in a rich galactic economy, where players' decisions drive the adventure. Slated for UK release in April 2003 and developed by Digital Anvil, the epic adventure challenges players to determine their own reputations and choose their own distinctive styles of play. Players can choose to act like bounty hunters, traders, pirates or explorers for different gameplay experiences. The open-ended style of gameplay gives gamers a choice between following a linear storyline or determining how the story will unfold. The multiplayer component enables players around the globe with their own servers to fly missions or explore space together. An enhanced mouse and keyboard interface simulates the realistic feel of flying a spaceship while making the game accessible to a wide range of gamers. For more information about Freelancer, visit the official site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/freelancer/.

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the PC, Xbox video game system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse game portfolios for the PC (http://www.microsoft.com/games/), including such franchises as Age of Empires, Flight Simulator and Zoo Tycoon; Xbox (http://www.xbox.com/), including such franchises as Halo, Project Gotham Racing and NFL Fever; and Zone.com (http://www.zone.com/), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as Bejeweled and OutSmart.

Released: 1/21/2003