Insider's View of Gamestock '99

What editors get to see behind closed doors will become more of a reality to some gamers this year, thanks to Microsoft. Each year, the Redmond gaming crew invites GameSpot editors to Gamestock to show off what titles it's working on. Only deal is you have to be invited.

This year at Gamestock ‘99, held in on Microsoft's Redmond, Washington campus, the company is giving a virtual press pass to curious gamers, allowing them to take an early look at a lineup on the Web. Games that will show up on the site during Gamestock (Feb. 23 and 24) include: Age of Empires II, "Zulu", Starlancer, Conquest: Frontier Wars, Asheron's Call, and other titles.

One of the areas open to the public, Gamestock Cup, is already live. The area lets gamers test their game and arcade knowledge and win prizes, like Sidewinder Force Feedback Joysticks, Microsoft Games, and entry into several Microsoft Games beta programs, including Age of Empires II beta program.

MSN Gaming Zone will host a superchat, on Feb. 24 at 5pm PST, where gamers can talk to Bruce Shelley of Ensemble Studios (Age of Empires), Erin Roberts of Digital Anvil (Conquest and Starlancer), Toby Ragaini of Turbine Studios (Asheron's Call) and Clint Keith of Angel Studios (Midtown Madness).