CARLSBAD, Calif., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Upper Deck and Blizzard Entertainment(R) today announced the January 2008 release of a new hardcover book titled World of Warcraft(R): The Art of the Trading Card Game, which will feature artwork created for the highly popular World of Warcraft Trading Card Game (TCG). Published by Chronicle Books, the 288-page, 11"x9" book will include more than 300 full-color iconic pieces of art featured during the first year of release of the World of Warcraft TCG.

World of Warcraft: The Art of the Trading Card Game will feature a collection of sketches, paintings and finished artwork highlighting a selection of World of Warcraft's most valiant heroes, devastating spellcasters and bloodthirsty creatures created by some of today's top fantasy artists. These artists include Todd McFarlane (Spawn), Greg Staples (Judge Dredd), Zoltan Boros and Gabor Szikszai (InQuest Gamer magazine's "Artists of the Year" recipients), Marcelo Vignali (Disney Animation), and Todd Lockwood (Forgotten Realms), among others.

"World of Warcraft is a global phenomenon that boasts a large base of people who not only actively play the online game and TCG, but who also really enjoy the artwork in the games," said Tim Muret, Vice President of Upper Deck Authenticated. "We wanted to release a book for these players as well as celebrate the great work of these artists."

Insightful forewords are given by Blizzard's Senior Art Director, Samwise Didier, and Art Lead Glenn Rane. Jeremy Cranford, Art Acquisitions Manager for Upper Deck Entertainment, provides the book's introduction.

Based on Blizzard Entertainment's hit massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), the TCG allows players to experience the action and adventure of World of Warcraft in a new format. Released in October 2006, the TCG's premiere set quickly became the hottest and most-sought-after trading card game in the industry, prompting UDE to print additional quantities to support the overwhelming demand.

World of Warcraft is the most popular MMORPG in the world, with more than 9 million subscribers playing the game in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Europe, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. In World of Warcraft, players assume the roles of legendary heroes and interact with thousands of other players online as they explore, adventure, and quest across a vast realm. Whether journeying together or fighting against one another in epic battles, players form friendships, forge alliances, and compete against enemies for power and glory.

For more information on World of Warcraft: The Art of the Trading Card Game, log onto http://www.upperdeckentertainment.com/.

About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft and the Warcraft(R), StarCraft(R), and Diablo(R) series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (http://www.blizzard.com/), a division of Vivendi Games, is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard's track record includes ten #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's online-gaming service, Battle.net(R), is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active users.

About Chronicle Books:

One of the most admired and respected publishing companies in the U.S., Chronicle Books was founded in 1967 and over the years has developed a reputation for award-winning, innovative books. Recognized as one of the 50 best small companies to work for in the U.S. (and the only independent publisher to receive this award), the company continues to challenge conventional publishing wisdom, setting trends in both subject and format, maintaining a list that includes much admired illustrated books and gift products in design, art, architecture, photography, food, lifestyle, pop culture, and acclaimed children's titles. Chronicle Books' objective is to create and distribute exceptional publishing that's instantly recognizable for its spirit, creativity, and value. For more information about Chronicle Books, visit http://www.chroniclebooks.com/.

About Upper Deck Company

Founded in 1988, the Upper Deck Company is the leading sports and entertainment publishing company and delivers a portfolio of relevant, innovative and multi-dimensional product experiences to sports collectors and entertainment enthusiasts.

MEDIA CONTACT: Claudine Ricanor, Upper Deck, 760/603-7458 Claudine_Ricanor@UpperDeck.com MEDIA CONTACT: Andrea Burnett, Chronicle Books, (415) 537-4258 andrea_burnett@chroniclebooks.comhttp://www.chroniclebooks.com/

CONTACT: Claudine Ricanor of Upper Deck, +1-760-603-7458,
Claudine_Ricanor@UpperDeck.com; or Andrea Burnett of Chronicle Books,
+1-415-537-4258, andrea_burnett@chroniclebooks.com

Web site: http://www.chroniclebooks.com/
http://www.blizzard.com/
http://www.upperdeckentertainment.com/