Ubi Soft Brings Its Legendary Chess Franchise Chessmaster® to the Game Boy® Advance!

15 January 2002 - Ubi Soft Entertainment®, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, today announced that it is developing a version of its world-renowned Chessmaster franchise for the Game Boy Advance. Shipping worldwide during the first half of 2002, Chessmaster for the Game Boy Advance will appeal to beginners and advanced players alike, offering compelling and challenging game play for all levels of skill.

Faithful to the Chessmaster spirit, this new version will introduce beginners to the rules of chess, as well as help experienced players improve their game. New chess players will have the opportunity to learn strategy and tactics through a complete tutorial mode and detailed advice tool. At the same time, chess masters will be able to challenge 26 various opponents, play famous recorded games, or challenge a friend via Game Boy Advance Game Link® Cable. With its friendly interface and enhanced graphics, Chessmaster for the Game Boy Advance will appeal to a large audience.

"With Chessmaster on Game Boy Advance, Ubi Soft offers to a wider audience THE chess simulation – sophisticated, yet accessible and totally portable," stated Nicolas Metro, international marketing director, Ubi Soft Entertainment. “This reflects our overall brand strategy of high quality and continuous innovation, while appealing to all types of chess players from beginners to professionals.”

About the Chessmaster Family of Products

With the acquisition of the entertainment division of The Learning Company in March 2001, the Chessmaster brand became the property of Ubi Soft, and now plays a key role in its overall brand strategy. Since the first version appeared for the PC in 1986, Chessmaster has been the dominant chess franchise in the world, selling more than 5 million units and winning numerous awards. As a result, Chessmaster® has become the standard against which all chess video games are judged.