VIVENDI UNIVERSAL GAMES SHIPS THE HOBBIT VIDEO GAME BASED ON J.R.R. TOLKIEN'S LITERARY MASTERPIECE

In the classic prelude to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, gamers lead valiant hero Bilbo Baggins on a remarkable journey

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 11, 2003) - The Hobbit(tm) video game, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's literary masterpiece -- the classic prequel to The Lord of The Rings(tm) series which has been translated into 26 languages and has sold over 75 million copies worldwide -- ships today, announced Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games). Featuring stunning graphics, The Hobbit showcases deep action/combat systems combined with the best elements of stealth, role-playing and puzzle solving. Players will lead the brave Bilbo Baggins on an epic journey throughout the mythical world of Middle-earth(tm) to ultimately confront Smaug the Dragon. The Hobbit is available on PlayStation(r)2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(r) video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCube(tm) (developed by Inevitable Entertainment); Game Boy(r) Advance video game system (developed by Saffire) and PC (developed by Amaze Entertainment).

"Vivendi Universal Games is thrilled to release this third-person action-adventure game that is the only video game based on the best-selling book from the number one fantasy series of all time," said Luc Vanhal, President & COO, North America, Vivendi Universal Games.

In The Hobbit, which brings to life the immortal tale of J.R.R. Tolkien's prelude to The Lord of the Rings, players explore the magical world of Middle-earth, where they will meet enchanting Elves, battle-ready Dwarves, the powerful wizard Gandalf, massive Trolls, bloodthirsty Goblins, the evil Gollum and more, as they traverse from the peaceful lands of the Shire to the harrowing forests of Mirkwood and beyond, ultimately challenging Smaug the Dragon.

Product Features:

• Jump, ledge grab, shimmy, climb ropes and ladders, and journey through expansive 3D action-packed environments in the magnificent world of Middle-earth

• Play in such recognizable locations as Mirkwood, the Shire and the Lonely Mountain

• Battle hordes of Orcs, Goblins, Wargs and more in the fantastic quest to retake the Lonely Mountain

• Use the power of the Ring to become invisible and sneak past enemies

• Engage in perilous combat using weapons like Bilbo's legendary sword, Sting

• Confront Smaug the Dragon in the depths of the Lonely Mountain and take on legions of enemies in the epic Battle of the Five Armies

In an early preview of The Hobbit, Play Magazine said: "On a game play scale, The Hobbit ranks among the best, mixing adventure and platforming as well as it's ever been done." And Nintendo Power declared that The Hobbit "might prove to be one of the wonders of 2003."

Rated E for Everyone, The Hobbit is currently available on the Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox for a suggested retail price of $49.99; on the Game Boy Advance and PC for a suggested retail price of $29.99. For sales and ordering information, customers can visit www.vugames.com.