MSFT: Thousands Look to the Sky for a Chance to Fly to Space

To celebrate the upcoming consumer release of Windows Vista™, Microsoft Corp. and AMD have launched “Vanishing Point,” the largest online and offline puzzle game in the world. To launch the puzzle in the real world, a clue-filled video water projection took over the fountains of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas earlier this week. Following the spectacular event, tens of thousands of people rushed to the puzzle’s Web site to find out more, with hopes of winning the grand prize: a trip to space. Now, word is out that more clues will be delivered today through cryptic skywriting messages in cities around the world including; Los Angeles; Phoenix; Miami; and Sydney, Australia.

“Vanishing Point” raises the stakes in online games with tougher challenges, bigger rewards and events scheduled around the globe. Players worldwide are competing for nearly a half-million dollars in prizes, and the eventual winner will secure a ride into space courtesy of Rocketplane Limited Inc.

“Vanishing Point” challenges players to work together to solve an international game, drawing clues from spectacular events at various locations to decipher online puzzles. The action hinges on the mysterious Microsoft® Puzzle Master, Loki. While the Puzzle Master is keeping many details highly confidential, Microsoft has hinted that more offline events could happen later this month. Players and representatives from both companies will be available to discuss the game, the grand prize, and the role Windows Vista and AMD play in the game.

More information, official rules and coverage of the offline events are available at http://vanishingpointgame.com