Biggest expansion pack for “Zoo Tycoon 2” to date brings new challenges and a slew of new creatures that are guaranteed to satisfy all animal lovers

Microsoft Game Studios today announced that “Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals,” the biggest expansion pack for the award winning “Zoo Tycoon 2, ” will begin hitting retailers throughout North America on Oct. 16th.

Developed by Blue Fang Games LLC, “Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals” enhances the “Zoo Tycoon 2” experience by introducing new challenges, more than 30 new animals, new exciting ways to play and a new look through extinct-themed objects and buildings. “Zoo Tycoon 2” players can experience all of these new features with ease, as the expansion pack seamlessly integrates with the core game so that gamers can play immediately.

“Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals” will be available for the estimated retail price of $29.99 for Windows. “Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals” is rated “E10+” for everyone 10 and older. “Zoo Tycoon 2” is required to play “Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals.”

For more information and free downloadable content, including new animals, scenery and demos, please visit the official Zoo Tycoon Web site at http://www.zootycoon.com.

About Blue Fang Games LLC

Blue Fang Games is an independent game developer dedicated to creating compelling, emotionally engaging games focused on the animal kingdom that set the benchmark for broad-based family entertainment. Blue Fang’s “Zoo Tycoon” franchise, published by Microsoft Game Studios, has established itself as one of the most popular PC gaming franchises and has sold over 5 million units worldwide. Founded in 1998, Blue Fang Games is located in Waltham, MA. For more information visit Blue Fang Games on the Web at www.bluefang.com.

About Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox® and Xbox 360 video game systems, the Windows® operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as “Age of Empires®,” “Flight Simulator” and “Zoo Tycoon®”; Xbox and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as “Gears of War” and franchises such as “Halo,” “Fable®,” “Project Gotham Racing®” and “Forza Motorsport®”; and MSN® Games (http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as “Bejeweled” and “Hexic®.”