RNS Number:5095U
Empire Interactive PLC
22 January 2004


Embargoed until 0700 22 January 2004



                             EMPIRE INTERACTIVE PLC

Empire wins publishing rights to Space Invaders for PlayStation 2 and PC

Empire, the leading AIM listed computer game developer and publisher, today
announced that it has signed the rights to publish a special anniversary edition
of Space Invaders for PlayStation 2 in Europe and North America, for its early
2004 line up. In addition to this, Empire has also signed worldwide rights to
publish Space Invaders '95 for PC CD-ROM later in the year.

Space Invaders Anniversary, will include nine different versions of the original
arcade classic from the 'Tabletop' version to the original 'Upright' game. The
anniversary edition release coincides with the 25th anniversary of the launch of
the original Space Invaders arcade machine and also the 50th anniversary of
Taito Corporation, the games' original developer and publisher. The Taito
Corporation has already announced that it is planning to re-release Space
Invaders back into the arcades in Spring 2004.

Game Modes Included for PlayStation 2 release:

   *Space Invaders Tabletop: Cellophane version
   *Space Invaders Tabletop: Monochrome version
   *Space Invaders Tabletop: Colour version
   *Space Invaders: Upright version
   *Space Invaders Part II: Upright version
   *Space Invaders Part II Tabletop: Colour version
   *Space Invaders 3D Mode
   *Space Invaders Versus Mode
   *Space Invaders Doubles Mode

Ian Higgins, CEO Empire Interactive, commented, "The Space Invaders franchise is
a recognised global brand with proven mass market appeal. The original game was
at the forefront of the development of the video gaming industry and an
anniversary edition has already proved a hit in Japan since it was re-launched
before Christmas. We believe that Space Invaders Anniversary has the potential
to be a big hit with gamers once again and we look forward to working with Taito
to achieve this."

Mr Hironori Ishii, General Manager of Overseas Releases for Taito, commented, "
Space Invaders has always been a franchise that has done us proud, and once
again, it has not disappointed us. We look forward to a highly positive reaction
from the re-launch of this classical game, and hope that today's kids and
teenagers will realize where their favourite crop of hi-tech games originated
from...for what now seems like ages ago."

For further information, please contact:

Empire Interactive plc                           020 8343 7337
Ian Higgins, CEO (ian.higgins@empire.co.uk)

Weber Shandwick Square Mile                      020 7067 0745
Christian Taylor-Wilkinson

Note to Editors:

About Empire
Empire is a leading publisher of interactive entertainment software that has
been established for 14 years. The company floated on the Alternative Investment
Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange in July 2000. Headquartered in the UK,
Empire also has offices in the US, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. The company
develops and publishes a varied range of titles for current and next-generation
platforms in the US, Europe and Asia. Further information about Empire and its
products can be found at: http://www.empireinteractive.com

About Taito
Since its inception in 1953, TAITO has led the way for interactive computer
entertainment. With the release of "Space Invaders" in 1978, a new form of
entertainment was born - computer games. Leading the way for what is now a
multi-billion dollar industry that has on occasion surpassed the film industry
in popularity, TAITO enters its 51st year hoping to further expand its array of
product and continue creating and distributing games that will open the eyes,
excite the mind (and fingers), and of course live up to the company motto,
"Catch the Heart". Further information about the TAITO Corporation and its
products can be found at: www.taito.co.jp/eng/.







                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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