



[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource GamesPress.]

ATLANTA. April 12, 2012. Hi-Rez Studios, independent developer of AAA free-to-play online games, today announced the official release of Tribes: Ascend. The fast-paced, sci-fi multiplayer shooter has completed Beta testing and is now a live PC game available for digital download. Tribes: Ascend is the world’s fastest shooter. The game features jetpacks, skiing, vehicles, team-based gameplay, and cutting-edge graphics using Unreal 3 technology. With this official release, the game is available for download directly from the developer at www.tribesascend.com The Tribes: Ascend release build includes 9 playable classes, 5 game-modes, and 16 unique maps. Recent additions include the CTF map Raindance, as well as a new game-mode called Capture and Hold. The Release build also includes a preview of the Custom Server functionality that will soon be available to players. Hi-Rez Studios also released a summary of Beta statistics including: · 575,000+ beta participants · 150 million player kills · Over 3 million Blue Plate Specials · Over 3 million flag captures “For the past 15 months, we’ve had a very passionate dev team working hard toward this goal”, said Todd Harris, Hi-Rez Studios COO. “Along the way some publishers told us modern gamers couldn’t handle an FPS that was fast-paced and skill-based. We believe otherwise. Players seem to agree since we’ve had well over 500,000 join our Beta. We’re excited to now grow the community further with the official release.” For press assets, including art, trailers and screenshots, visit: http://press.hirezstudios.com . For press review kits, please contact [email protected]. About Hi-Rez Studios Hi-Rez Studios was established in 2005 to create exceptional online interactive entertainment. In February 2010 the company released their first title, the squad-based shooter MMO Global Agenda. The team is now developing two other AAA free-to-play online games – Tribes: Ascend, the next installment of the popular Tribes franchise, and the upcoming MOBA game SMITE. For more info visit www.hirezstudios.com