CHICAGO - June 3, 1993 - Microsoft Corporation today announced the future availability of four new simulation products from the entertainment product unit: the much-anticipated Microsoft* Flight Simulator* version 5.0 for the IBM* PC and compatible computers; two scenery enhancement products, Microsoft New York and Microsoft Paris, for use with Microsoft Flight Simulator 5.0; and Microsoft Space Simulator, the ultimate in spaceflight and exploration. With the new version of Flight Simulator, the best- selling flight simulation software of all time, users can experience a new standard of graphically realistic flight adventure from their desktops Microsoft New York and Microsoft Paris offer users the chance to experience graphically vivid and geographically correct simulations of these famous cities from above. Microsoft Space Simulator provides users an entertaining and educational means for exploring the universe with their personal computers. Enhanced Flight Experience "Our product announcements today illustrate Microsoft's long-term commitment to the entertainment category," said Susan Boeschen, vice president of the consumer division at Microsoft. "Microsoft Flight Simulator is a proven success, and version 5.0 enhances this timeless classic and carries on the heritage of unmatched realism in PC flight simulation, offering users countless hours of fun and providing expert pilots challenging situations as well as great scenery and engaging entertainment value for all skill levels." Microsoft Flight Simulator 5.0 offers an all-around high-quality flight experience, from the richness of the realistic graphic scenery to the authentic look and sound of the cockpit and dials on the control panel. The flight environment and wide range of choices for flying activities have been expanded to include worldwide travel capabilities, with appropriate scenery and time-of-day changes as users wing their way over continents and oceans. Other new features include the following: * New latitude and longitude system that helps users locate destinations and current location in flight * "Land Me" feature, which helps inexperienced pilots complete flights successfully (without crashing) while observing the basics of landing an aircraft * Realistic sound effects for instrument use, approaching objects and crashes * Scenery that expands in detail as the aircraft approaches specific areas of interest * New weather system feature that gives users control over the weather they will encounter in flight Users may choose to encounter other air traffic while in flight and be visited by the airport fuel truck upon landing after a long flight. Night approaches are also realistic with runway lighting, building lights and stars illuminating the night sky. Flight Simulation Users Excited About New Version Users of Microsoft Flight Simulator are anticipating version 5.0 as a completely new generation of flight experiences. "Microwings members saw a technology demonstration of Microsoft Flight Simulator 5.0 several months ago but did not know it was the actual product. The audience was transfixed by the vastly superior graphics and capabilities of the product on the screen," said Robert MacKay, president of Microwings, Inc., an international association for aerospace simulation enthusiasts. "Microsoft Flight Simulator has always been respected as a great game, but version 5.0 goes beyond existing gaming standards and we believe it looks as good or better than the graphics you see in a $250,000 flight simulation machine. Flight Simulator 5.0 will make pilots take a second look at PC flight simulation; `stunning' is the only word to describe this product." New Scenery Packs Available Microsoft also announced today two new companion scenery packs for use with Microsoft Flight Simulator 5.0. Available later this summer, Microsoft Paris and Microsoft New York offer vivid graphic realism to further enhance the flight experience. Pilots will be able to fly by the Eiffel tower while visiting Paris and take an aerial tour of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor on the opposite side of the Atlantic. Used in conjunction with Microsoft Flight Simulator 5.0, the scenery packs offer aviation enthusiasts truly realistic geographic adventure using the personal computer. Space Simulator Previewed Today Rounding out today's announcements was a sneak preview of Microsoft's newest simulation product, Microsoft Space Simulator. Users will be able to satisfy their desire to fly to other worlds and explore our galaxy with this true-to-life tool for space exploration. In order to achieve authentic space simulation, Microsoft consulted a variety of sources in the development of Microsoft Space Simulator. Making use of published geological and astronomical documents and data gathered from the Voyager, Magellan, Viking and Mariner space flights, Microsoft also sought input from NASA. The end result is an entertaining and educational product with outstanding photo-realistic graphics, different ways to navigate and experience space and a vast array of planets and other heavenly objects