Hoyle(r) Majestic Chess(tm) Now Available Innovative PC Chess Simulation at Retailers Nationwide Los Angeles, CA - September 8, 2003 - Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) today announced that Hoyle(r) Majestic Chess(tm), a unique and visually stunning PC chess simulation, is now available at retailers nationwide. Developed for Windows PC by Fluent Entertainment, Hoyle Majestic Chess offers a suite of innovative and compelling features designed to appeal to beginners and experienced players alike. Hoyle Majestic Chess features "Chess Adventure," a completely original learning component that provides a unique form of chess-inspired entertainment, while also introducing the rules and strategies of chess to the novice and intermediate player. Against a backdrop of a fantasy-themed strategic adventure, players, in the guise of a lone King, will face a series of chess-based puzzles, quests and tutorials as their quest unfolds through eight scenarios, each including dozens of chess challenges. As they learn and progress through Chess Adventure, players will "build" their own chess set, receiving pieces for successfully completing challenges and unlocking additional, increasingly difficult scenarios. "Chess Adventure is a revolutionary feature that puts Hoyle Majestic Chess head and shoulders above other PC chess simulations," said Philip O'Neil, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. "It provides the experienced player with a tool to sharpen their skills, while at the same time providing a unique invitation to the newbie to participate in a classic strategy game." For the hardcore chess player, Hoyle Majestic Chess features a world-class chess "engine," designed one of the top chess engine writers in the world. Players can also expect a variety of play modes including robust Internet play, as well as 24 challenging artificial-intelligence personalities and a diverse selection of 2D and 3D themed chess sets to help provide an enjoyable experience for even the most seasoned chess player. Hoyle Majestic Chess, ships to retailers at a suggested price of $29.99 and an ESRB rating of "E" for Everyone. Further information about the game can be found at www.vugames.com. About Vivendi Universal Games Headquartered in New York, Vivendi Universal Games (www.vugames.com) is a global leader in multi-platform interactive entertainment. A leading publisher of PC, console and online-based interactive content, Vivendi Universal Games' portfolio of development studios includes Black Label Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Coktel, Fox Interactive, Knowledge Adventure, NDA Productions, Sierra Entertainment and Universal Interactive. Through its Partner Publishing Group, Vivendi Universal Games also co-publishes and/or distributes interactive products for a number of strategic partners, including Crave Entertainment, Interplay, Majesco, Mythic Entertainment and Simon & Schuster, among others. About Fluent Entertainment Fluent Entertainment is a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. Headquartered in Novato, California with offices in US, Europe and New Zealand, the company's games are focused on the PC, console and wireless markets. For more information about Fluent or its products please visit www.fluententertainment.com. About the United States Playing Card Company The United States Playing Card Company is the leader in the production and distribution of premier brands of playing cards, including BEE(r), BICYCLE(r) and HOYLE(r) playing cards. BICYCLE has been the best selling playing card brand in the world for more than 100 years. The privately held company, based in Cincinnati, Ohio since its founding on 1867, manufactures, markets and distributes playing cards, children's card games, collectible tins, puzzles and card accessories. BEE, BICYCLE, AVIATOR and HOYLE are registered trademarks of The United States Playing Card Company. Note: All other copyrights and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.