October 22^nd, 2003 (12:00am) - Real-time strategy meets history’s most exciting eras in Activision’s Empires: Dawn of the Modern World, the latest creation from renowned game designer Rick Goodman and Stainless Steel Studios. The game challenges players to take full control over military, economic and strategic developments in a quest to build the ultimate empire with one of seven totally unique and historically accurate civilizations. Empires: Dawn of the Modern World is available now at retail outlets in North America for a suggested price of $49.99 and has been rated "T" ("Teen" - Blood, Violence - content suitable for persons ages 13 and older) by the ESRB.

"Empires: Dawn of the Modern World puts the world’s greatest battles in gamers’ hands using traditional real-time strategy mechanics and state of the art technology," said Larry Goldberg, executive vice president of Activision Worldwide Studios. "Both novice and hard core fans will have the chance to lead some of history’s mightiest nations in a quest for global dominance."

A real-time strategy game of epic scope and breadth, Empires: Dawn of the Modern World spans five eras including the Medieval Age, the Gunpowder Age, the Imperial Age, World War I and World War II across seven civilizations from England/UK, China, Korea and The Franks/France, to Germany, Russia and the U.S. Players lead their nation in battles on land, sea and air utilizing the weapons and strategies from each timeframe, from longbows and charging knights in early incursions to deploying Tiger Tanks and stealthy submarines in the modern era.

Gamers can command some of history’s greatest heroes in three story-based single-player campaigns including Richard the Lionheart in his quest to unite England during the Medieval Age; Admiral Yi as he attempts to defeat Japan during the 16th Century; and General Patton in his triumphs from North Africa to Berlin during WWII. Additionally players can battle up to seven AI or human opponents on randomly generated maps. As players progress from age to age, they can build more powerful land, sea and air units, as well as opt to further alter the course of history by researching civilization specific technologies which can produce dramatic military and economic effects.

Empires: Dawn of the Modern World also features two modes of play, an Action mode, which offers the ultimate in fast and furious multiplayer thrills and an Empire Builder mode that delivers larger battles of conquest and resource management.