SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 27, 2003-- On the heels of the most successful introduction of a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game to date, LucasArts announced today that Star Wars Galaxies(TM): An Empire Divided(TM) has surpassed 275,000 registered users. Released on June 26, 2003, An Empire Divided has quickly become the second largest MMO in the U.S., in terms of registered users, and is the fastest growing MMO role-playing game (RPG) to date.

"Almost immediately we were seeing thousands of players interacting simultaneously, building communities and creating in-game events like player weddings, store openings and many other inventive activities," said Simon Jeffery, president of LucasArts. "We'll soon be introducing new features and content that will enhance the experience for existing players as well as casual gamers or Star Wars fans who might be new to the MMO genre. The best is yet to come!"

"After three years of intense development and high anticipation, we felt that we had an amazing game on our hands, but you're never sure of your success until you get the ultimate validation from the players," said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. "Sony Online and LucasArts have been very successful in communicating with the game's very active fan base and incorporating their feedback, as necessary, to continue improving the experience."

The Star Wars Galaxies development team continues to work on a variety of new content and features such as player-owned ground vehicles, player mounts and player cities, along with substantial new content to be introduced in the coming months.

In Star Wars Galaxies, for the first time thousands of players can live the Star Wars saga and become immersed in the classic Star Wars universe simultaneously. Players can interact with characters from classic Star Wars including Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo and many other favorites on 10 different planets/environments in the largest Star Wars game in history.

About LucasArts

LucasArts, a Lucasfilm Ltd. company, is a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software worldwide for video game console systems and PC. Based in San Rafael, Calif., as well as on the Internet at www.lucasarts.com, LucasArts was created in 1982 by George Lucas to provide an interactive element to his vision of a state-of-the-art, multi-faceted entertainment company.

Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world's leading film and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion-picture and television production operations, the company's global activities include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, serving the digital needs of the entertainment industry for visual-effects and audio post-production, and Lucas Licensing, which manages the global merchandising activities for Lucasfilm's entertainment properties. Additionally, Lucas Online creates Internet-based content for Lucasfilm's entertainment properties and businesses. Lucasfilm's motion-picture productions include five of the 20 biggest box-office hits of all time and have received 19 Oscars and 53 Academy Award nominations. Lucasfilm's television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in San Rafael, Calif.

About Sony Online Entertainment

Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Digital Inc., is a recognized worldwide leading in massively multiplayer online games, with a subscriber base of over 500,000 active players around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises, EverQuest® and PlanetSide(TM) and Star Wars Galaxies(TM): An Empire Divided(TM), SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX and St. Louis, MO, SOE has an array of cutting-edge online games in development such as Lords of EverQuest(TM) and the highly anticipated EverQuest® II.

EverQuest is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. SOE and the SOE logo are registered trademarks and PlanetSide is a trademark of Sony Online Entertainment Inc.

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Contact:

     LucasArts
     Heather Phillips, 415-444-8396
      or
     LPI Communications for LucasArts
     Leasa Ireland/Melody Brue, 310-796-1936
     leasa@lpicommunications.com