EA Games to Relase MySims

SEGA SHIPS SONIC AND THE SECRET RINGS FOR WII

 

All-New Adventure Created Specifically for the Wii System

 

SAN FRANCISCO (February 20, 2007) - SEGA® of America Inc. today announced that Sonic and the Secret Rings™ has shipped for the popular Wii™ system. Built specifically to take full advantage of the revolutionary Wii Remote™, Sonic and the Secret Rings delivers one of the most intuitive and engaging Sonic adventures to date. Rated “E” for Everyone, Sonic and the Secret Rings, delivers an innovative and interactive gameplay experience for Sonic fans of all ages.

The game opens as Sonic is mysteriously transported to the world of The Arabian Nights where he encounters a mystical genie, Shahra. Shahra pleads with Sonic to save her world from the powerful evil genie, Erazor Djinn. As the story unfolds, Erazor confronts Sonic and pulls him into his evil plans. Sonic has a limited time to deliver Erazor the seven World Rings and save the storybook world.

Navigating a world full of obstacles and enemies, from Erazor’s genie minions to dinosaurs, players will use a bevy of core moves to keep up the pace. Holding the Wii Remote horizontally, players tilt the controller left and right to control Sonic’s signature speed. They will jump, perform sliding stops, pull off wicked homing attacks with a snap of the controller, and even walk backwards with a tilt of the Wii Remote. Players will also hop aboard winged pots and fly with a vigorous shake of the controller. They will also launch themselves from catapults with a whip of the Wii Remote, surf through rapids on tree trunks and even pilot flying carpets in the race to restore this storybook world before all is lost.

With exciting new depth and strategy, players will navigate 100 missions within eight wildly varied worlds, gaining new moves and abilities along the way. As players progress through the game, Sonic’s abilities can be strategically equipped based on the demands of the mission ahead. From a boost called Speed Break to an ability called Time Break that slows the world around him to a near stop, Sonic will need every trick in the book to make sure Erazor Djinn stays in the storybook world.

            In addition to the engaging single player adventure, Sonic and the Secret Rings offers 40 mini-games that support up to four players. Showcasing the abilities of the Wii Remote, players will use the controller as a violin bow, an ax, a canoe paddle and dozens of other motions to compete in these hilarious and easy to pick-up-and-play games.

Developed by the Sonic Team, Sonic and the Secret Rings for the Wii has a MSRP of $49.95. For screenshots and art, please visit the SEGA FTP site at http://segapr.segaamerica.com. For more detailed information about the game, please visit the official product website at www.sega.com/sonicrings.

 

About SEGA® of America, Inc.
SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American Publishing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The SEGA® of America Web Site is located at www.SEGA.com.

FIFA Street 2 Goes Gold, Shipping in 1 Week 

New Assets Now Available

Electronic Arts is pleased to announce that FIFA Street 2 has officially gone gold for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PSP and NDS. The game will ship to retailers under the EA SPORTS BIG brand on Tuesday, February 28.

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is the new face and spokesperson for FIFA Street 2 and his image adorns the packaging on all platforms world wide. Ronaldo has fast earned himself the reputation for being one of the world’s most exciting and electrifying wingers since joining the English Premier League in August 2003. Nominated for FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004, Ronaldo will showcase his skills on the largest international stage when he makes his World Cup debut for the Portuguese national side at the FIFA World Cup in Germany in June.

FIFA Street 2 builds upon the arcade game experience of the original that was launched last year with a greater emphasis on skills battles, a larger selection of tricks, including for the first-time ever in-game juggling, and a new way to win with Gamebreaker. With advancements in gameplay, including new Trick-Stick control, all-new signature moves for the world’s most skillful professional players, and 10 new venues, FIFA Street 2 takes the game back to the streets in the ultimate display of skills. Using the superstars of the game, legendary street masters, or a created character, players can rule the streets and make names for themselves by mastering an arsenal of tricks in FIFA Street 2. 

Developed in Vancouver, B.C., by EA Canada, the studio which is also home to the popular NBA STREET and best-selling FIFA Soccer franchises, FIFA Street 2 will be available on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, and Nintendo GameCube™.  The game also will be available for the first time on the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system and Nintendo DS™. FIFA Street 2 is rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB.

The game’s official website is www.fifastreet2.com.

JUMP INTO THE NEXT GENERATION WWII FPS EXPERIENCE WITH EA’S MEDAL OF HONOR AIRBORNE

 

As a Member of the 82nd Airborne Division the First Step is Everything

 

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., January 17, 2006 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced Medal of Honor Airborne™, the newest installment from EA’s critically-acclaimed Medal of Honor™ franchise which was credited with pioneering the First-Person Shooter (FPS) WWII genre when it debuted in 1999.  While building on the key tenets of the franchise including historical accuracy and authenticity, Medal of Honor Airborne is set to redefine the series by introducing players to an entirely new way of experiencing a WWII FPS – namely the fully interactive Airborne experience. As the first game in the Medal of Honor series to be released on next generation platforms, Medal of Honor Airborne will ship to stores in Winter 2006 under the EA™ brand for the PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, Xbox™ 360, Xbox® videogame system from Microsoft, and Windows PC.

 

Step into the boots of Boyd Travers, Private First Class of the 82nd Airborne Division and engage in battles throughout Europe. From rocky beginnings in Sicily to war-winning triumphs in Germany, each mission begins behind enemy lines, with an intense and fully interactive airdrop.  Your ability to determine your own starting point dramatically changes the way each mission plays out.  View the entire operation from the air, and then control your parachute to choose your landing spot.  On the ground, gather your senses and assess the terrain. A wide variety of authentic, customizable weapons are at your disposal, each with distinct characteristics.  Choose your path in this free roaming FPS environment.  Medal of Honor Airborne will also feature exceptionally photo-realistic characters, adding to the intensity of the cinematic, story-driven game.

 

“Medal of Honor Airborne is a step in a new direction for the franchise.  While integrating our state-of-the-art, next-gen technology into every aspect of the game, we are introducing innovations that will redefine the series and impact the genre as a whole," explained Patrick Gilmore, VP and Executive Producer at EALA. “By fully controlling the airdrop from your very first step through landing, Medal of Honor Airborne adds a new dimension of player choice by letting you decide where every mission begins and how it plays out.”

 

The Medal of Honor Airborne development team continues to ensure that the ideals and integrity of the prestigious congressional Medal of Honor are accurately reflected in the game. The producers sought counsel from numerous expert sources to make certain the game is historically accurate and as true to the WWII Airborne experience as possible.   Serving as a military spokesperson for Medal of Honor Airborne, Capt. Dale Dye, who has worked as the Military Technical Advisor for the last 7 Medal of Honor games, will help to create a truly authentic experience.

EA ANNOUNCES DEF JAM FIGHT FOR NY: THE TAKEOVER

 

 The Officially Licensed Hip-Hop Fighting Videogame to Make its First Appearance on the PSP™  

 

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – January 10, 2006 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), the world’s leading independent videogame publisher, and Def Jam Enterprises, LLC, a media and marketing affiliate of Rush Communications, announced today that Def Jam® Fight For NY™: The Takeover will ship to retail outlets nationwide this spring on the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system. Def Jam Fight for NY: The Takeover, the prequel to the award-winning Def Jam Vendetta, let’s you experience the ultimate hip hop fighting game anywhere you go.

Playing as the hottest artists and celebrities in Hip Hop including Busta Rhymes, Carmen Electra, Lil’ Kim, Ludacris, Method Man, Redman, Snoop Dogg, and Xzibit, you’ll be able to unravel the events that lead to Def Jam Vendetta and find out how D-Mob got to rule NYC. Featuring new fighting moves and new venues, where players can gain respect by winning fights and rising among the ranks of the crew.  Players can create their own fighter with gear from Def Jam University, Phat Farm, Brand Jordan, Ecko Unlimited, Enyce, Rocawear, Sean John, State Property, Reebok, and more. For the first time ever players can battle in 1-on-1 death matches using PSP’s wireless functionality.

“We are excited to continue our strong relationship with Def Jam and bring this critically acclaimed franchise to the PSP for the first time ever,” said Craig Rechenmacher, Senior Director of Marketing for EA. “The exclusive new fighting moves, new gameplay content and original story mode bring a completely fresh Def Jam experience to the handheld.”

“Def Jam Interactive’s first PSP title has proven to be an exciting and entertaining product. Again, EA has developed an unparalleled title and we are confident that Def Jam Fight For NY: The Takeover will go far beyond everyone’s expectations.” said Lauren Wirtzer, VP of Marketing for Def Jam Enterprises. 

The game is being developed by EA Canada in conjunction with Japan-based AKI Corporation for a scheduled ship in spring 2006 under the EA brand. This game has not yet been rated by the ESRB. Screenshots of the game can be found at http://info.ea.com.

EA NAMES COLORADO CRUSH QUARTERBACK, JOHN DUTTON, COVER ATHLETE FOR NEW ARENA FOOTBALL VIDEO GAME

 

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – December 15, 2005 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that John Dutton, quarterback for the 2005 Arena Football League™ Champion Colorado Crush, will serve as cover athlete and spokesman for Arena Football™, available in stores on February 7, 2006 under the EA SPORTS™ brand.

In a 51-48 win over the Georgia Force in ArenaBowl XIX this past June, Dutton led the Colorado Crush to its first-ever Arena Football League championship in just their third year in the league, throwing for 347 yards and three touchdowns.  Dutton, a seven year Arena Football League veteran, previously led the San Jose SaberCats to an ArenaBowl title in 2002 where he was named MVP of ArenaBowl XVI.  As the quarterback at the University of Nevada, Dutton helped Nevada earn its first bowl win with an 18-15 defeat over Ball State in the 1996 Las Vegas Bowl.

“I’m honored to be the first cover athlete for this new franchise and very excited about working with EA on Arena Football,” said John Dutton.  “I think it’s great that fans can now experience the true action of Arena Football from the leader in sports video games.”

Arena Football brings all the big hits and non-stop passing plays to life as gamers are put in the middle of the action from the season’s kickoff all the way to the ArenaBowl.  Staying authentic to AFL® rules, Arena Football will feature 8-on-8 play, including six players who play both sides of the ball, and the ability to send players into and over the walls with each exciting play.  Arena Football will be available on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Xbox® video game system from Microsoft.  Screenshots for Arena Football can be found at http://info.ea.com.  The game’s official website is www.easportsarena.com.

ESPN AND EA SPORTS TO AIR MADDEN NATION: FIRST REALITY SERIES IN WHICH MADDEN NFL FOOTBALL GAMERS COMPETE FOR $100,000

NFL STARS SHAUN ALEXANDER, DWIGHT FREENEY, BEN ROETHLISBERGER AND OTHERS FEATURED

 

ESPN has teamed up with Electronic Arts and its EA SPORTS™ brand to take viewers inside the world of Madden NFL 06—the nation’s top-selling sports video game—and its best players for the first video game reality series Madden Nation. Starting Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 11 and 11:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, the eight-episode series (Tuesdays at 11 and 11:30 p.m.) will pit the nation’s 13 best Madden NFL 06 gamers—along with their real-life NFL player sponsors—against each other in elimination-style tournaments on a 17-day national bus tour. NFL players Shaun Alexander, Ben Roethlisberger, Dwight Freeney and others will be featured with their corresponding player representatives during each stop of the tour. The finale, which will be aired Tuesday, Dec. 27, was shot in New York’s Times Square on the ABC Super Sign. The winner claimed a $100,000 prize.

 

“Madden Nation will give ESPN viewers the best of both worlds: exciting, top-level competition and some of football’s best known players in the biggest game on the market,” said John Skipper, ESPN executive vice president, content.

 

With scenarios designed to test the players’ skills, each tournament will make the gamers compete against each other and “free agents” they meet along the way. Tour stops include: Los Angeles; San Diego; Phoenix; Albuquerque, N.M.; Denver; Kansas City, Mo.; Minneapolis; Green Bay, Wis.; Chicago; Indianapolis; Canton, Ohio; Baltimore; Washington; Philadelphia and New York, and will take place, in part, in the NFL players’ homes. In all, the tour bus logged 4,646 miles.

 

“Madden Nation showcases the EA SPORTS lifestyle, giving viewers an inside look into the daily life of the biggest Madden NFL football gamers and NFL players,” said Todd Sitrin, vice president of marketing, EA-Tiburon and EA SPORTS. “ESPN is the perfect outlet to show this unique pairing of the top Madden NFL football players.”

 

Each gamer is matched with an NFL player and meets him along the tour.

 

Gamers/Hometowns                                                    NFL Sponsors/Teams

Dan “PackWolf” Bertholomey (Portland, Ore.)                   Ashley Lelie (Denver Broncos)

Justin “Chow” Chow (Great Falls, Va.)                              Tony Gonzalez (Kansas City Chiefs)

Raymond “Shopmaster” Goode (Waldorf, Md.)                  Shaun Alexander (Seattle Seahawks)

David “Dred” Grant (St. Petersburg, Fla.)              Michael Vick (Atlanta Falcons)

Daniel “Clark Kent” Grundei (Cincinnati)                           Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Kyle “The Gift” Hustek (Detroit)                                        Roy Williams (Detroit Lions)

Christopher “Action” Jackson (Atlanta)                             Byron Leftwich (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Sherman “Sherman Sticky” Jameson (Midland, Texas)      Chad Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals)

Rodney “NJMaddenBaller” Lane   (Dover, N.J.)                 Jevon Kearse (Philadelphia Eagles)

Charles “Solution” Smith (San Diego)                               Donnie Edwards (San Diego Chargers)

Rob “Duka” Taylor (Youngstown, Ohio)                             Ed Reed (Baltimore Ravens)

Antoin “Pretty Boy” Williams (San Antonio)                      Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals)

Rod “Reality” Wynn (Inglewood, Calif.)                             Dwight Freeney (Indianapolis Colts)

 

JUST IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING!  EA SHIPS THE SIMS 2 FOR PSP TO STORE SHELVES TODAY

 

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – December 7, 2005 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), the world’s leading interactive entertainment software company, today shipped The Sims™ 2 for the PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) handheld entertainment system to retailer shelves.

A Great Gift for Anyone on Your List!

Gift-givers can find The Sims 2 for the PSP on store shelves by December 9th 2005, as well as discover The Sims 2 on other handheld, console and PC platforms. The ground-breaking gameplay and laugh-out-loud scenarios in The Sims 2 have spawned record sales for the franchise with more than 58 million units sold worldwide. The Sims is recognized as one of the few game brands to achieve popularity across all ages and genders. Such widespread appeal confirms that The Sims 2 is a great gift for anyone on your list, from Cousin Ralph and Grandpa Bob to Aunt Sarah and Niece Nancy!

“The Sims franchise has become a pop culture phenomenon! One of the top-five game brands in history, The Sims is unique in drawing an audience of men and women of all ages, from all over the world,” said Sinjin Bain, Vice President and Executive Producer. “To meet the diverse needs of our community, we have delivered The Sims 2 on a variety of platforms. The PSP version of The Sims 2 was inspired by the best-selling PC game, but built from the ground up to capitalize on the unique capabilities of the PSP system.”

Based on the PC version of The Sims 2, the PSP version leverages the unique capabilities of the next generation handheld platform such as wireless, streamlined gameplay and beautiful graphics, while maintaining the core components of creativity and customization that are integral to The Sims experience. PSP players will be able to delve deep into the mysteries of Strangetown and discover the secrets hidden in five brand new neighborhoods and 20 unique locations custom-built for the PSP. In addition to fulfilling their Sims’ aspirations, PSP gamers can collect and trade secrets, perks, potions and inventions, available only on the PSP!

The unique appeal of The Sims 2 is that the game is whatever you make it! The gameplay experience lets you live out the day-to-day life of the Sims characters that you create and control. Players enjoy participating in all the ups and downs of their Sims' lives!

This holiday, casual gamers and Sims aficionados alike can find The Sims 2 on the following platforms: PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCube™, the Game Boy® Advance, the Nintendo DS™, the PC and now the PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable).

Fans of the PC game can extend the experience of the game by purchasing The Sims 2 Holiday Edition, a special holiday-themed version of The Sims 2 featuring exclusive bonus content!  Additionally, for players on-the-go, mobile versions will be available across all major cell phone carriers this winter including Sprint, Verizon Wireless and Cingular. It is official… The Sims 2 is everywhere this holiday season!

Rated “T” for teen by the ESRB, The Sims 2 for the PSP was developed by the award winning EA-Maxis studio, under the EA™ brand.

For more information, or to find out how the game will play on your favorite platform, please visit www.thesims2.com

December 7, 2005

And the winner is… Krome Studios! Australia’s leading game development company continues its streak of success and accolades as Krome Studios has secured two key awards at this year’s Australian Game Developers Conference (AGDC). The company received Best Original Character Design for TY the Tasmanian Tiger 3: Night of the Quinkan and the Career Achievement Award was given to Creative Director / Co-founder Steve Stamatiadis.

In an unprecedented way, all of the (three) TY the Tasmanian Tiger games have won the award for the Best Original Character Design. Never has there been a game series that has received consecutive awards. This award is presented to the creator(s) of the character (individual or company), and it recognizes excellence in original character design for a specific game developed in Australia or New Zealand. The first TY the Tasmanian Tiger game is Australia’s best selling game made by an Australian company and the series has sold more than two million units worldwide.

The Career Achievement Award is one of the most coveted awards given to any industry professional as only one is given per year.  This award is presented to an individual developer in recognition of exceptional accomplishments attained in a career in any area of the Australian or New Zealand computer game development industry. Mr. Stamatiadis, a seasoned veteran and who is also credited with helping to pioneer the Australian gaming community, is the creative visionary behind the TY series as well as all of the Krome projects.  

“It is a great honor to be selected to receive this award given the crop of talented and successful gaming professionals that our area of the world has amassed,” says Steve Stamatiadis. “I really love my job. Helping to manage and work with such a dynamic team at Krome Studios on projects like the TY the Tasmanian Tiger series continues to be a very rewarding experience for me.”

“I am very excited that we received both of these awards, but I am especially excited that Steve was recognized with the Career Achievement Award,” says CEO Robert Walsh. “He is undeniably one of the most creative and talented individuals I’ve had the privilege to work with, and it is fantastic to see him being honored in this way.”  Mr. Walsh is no stranger to the Career Achievement Award as he was given it in 2003 by the AGDC.

Krome Studios just wrapped up TY the Tasmanian Tiger 3: Night of the Quinkan for the PS 2, Xbox, GC and GBA which is co-published with Activision. No rest for the weary, the Krome team are already working hard on their next set of yet to be announced projects.

EA AND DIGITAL ILLUSIONS ASSAULT STORE SHELVES WITH

BATTLEFIELD 2: MODERN COMBAT FOR THE PLAYSTATION 2 AND XBOX

 

All-new Title from the Award-winning Battlefield Franchise Comes to the Console

 

Redwood City, Calif. – October 25, 2005 – Hotswap your way to victory! It’s time to prepare for all-out war on the modern battlefields of the world. Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that Battlefield 2: Modern CombatÔ is available now on the PlayStation^®2 computer entertainment system and Xbox^® video game system from Microsoft^®.

 

The first-ever Battlefield 2™ console installment drops players into the heat of battle on the high tech frontlines, entering a new modern era of combat with more firepower and new expansive environments. The single player game highlights the innovative “Hotswapping” feature, allowing players to instantly take control of any soldier in their squad to stay in the middle of the action at all times. Players will fight on both sides of a vicious conflict, and in the end must choose which army they will lead to victory.

 

In addition to the single-player campaign, Battlefield 2: Modern Combat can be enjoyed within an online multiplayer environment that supports up to 24 players. Players can choose to fight for one of four military superpowers: the United States, the Chinese, the European Union, or the newly formed Middle East Coalition. Players can also increase their rank and garner promotions that are tracked globally.

Armed with the latest modern weaponry, players can choose from more than 30 vehicles including helicopters, and more than 50 weapons, and communicate with one another in real time via a USB headset. 

EA’s NCAA MARCH MADNESS 06 NOW AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE

Defense Creates Offense With All-New EA SPORTS Lockdown Stick

 

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – Wednesday, October 12, 2005 – Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS) announced today that NCAA® March Madness® 06, the strategic college hoops simulation featuring the all-new EA SPORTS™ Lockdown Stick, has shipped to retailers nationwide and is now available in stores under the EA SPORTS brand.

 

NCAA March Madness 06, which features Duke as the top-ranked team in the country as part of the EA SPORTS Top 25 in-game ranking system, delivers the ultimate strategic basketball experience with an even deeper playbook that covers both ends of the court. Players can now dominate rivals with an authentic brand of defense and push the ball on offense with an enhanced Floor General Playcalling system that features more sets than ever before. With the all-new EA SPORTS Lockdown Stick, defense creates offense by allowing players to pressure the ball, force turnovers and harass opponents on the court.

 

With former North Carolina Tar Heels star Raymond Felton on all packaging, NCAA March Madness 06 celebrates everything that makes college hoops unique, including cheerleaders, mascots, authentic fight songs, raucous fans and ESPN’s Dick Vitale and Brad Nessler calling all the action. Featuring an enhanced EA SPORTS Dynasty Mode™ and 10 new dream historical matchups in the popular College Classics mode, the Road to the Final Four® begins with NCAA March Madness 06.

 

Developed in Vancouver, B.C., by EA Canada, the studio which is also home to the popular NBA LIVE and NBA STREET franchises, NCAA March Madness 06 is available on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft and is rated “E” for Everyone by the ESRB. The game’s official website is http://www.marchmadness06.com.

 

EA SPORTS is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world. Its top-selling titles and franchises include Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer, NHL^® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, MVP Baseball™, NCAA^® Football, NASCAR® racing and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® golf. The EA SPORTS home page is www.easports.com.

 

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company.  Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for videogame systems, personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA SPORTS BIG™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2005, EA posted revenues of $3.1 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies.  EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

 

About the NCAA
The NCAA is a membership-led nonprofit association of colleges and universities committed to supporting academic and athletic opportunities for more than 360,000 student-athletes at more than 1,000 member colleges and universities. Each year, more than 49,000 student-athletes compete in NCAA Championships in Division I, II and III sports. For more information, go to www.ncaa.org.

EA Announces The Sims 2 Holiday Edition for PC

 

“Deck the Halls” of Your Virtual Homes in a Holiday-Themed Special Edition From One of the Most Popular PC Game Brands in History

 

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 11, 2005 – Get into the holiday spirit with The Sims™ 2 Holiday Edition!  Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced The Sims 2 Holiday Edition, a special-edition holiday-themed version of the world’s best-selling PC game of 2004, The Sims 2.  Look for The Sims 2 Holiday Edition, rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB, to hit store shelves across North America on November 17—just in time for holiday shopping!

 

Available for a limited time only and listed at the same manufacturers suggested retail price as the original version, The Sims 2 Holiday Edition contains the original game, The Sims 2, in its entirety, plus 40 new holiday-themed items that allow your Sims to celebrate their holidays in style.  With this bonus content, your Sims can decorate their house, serve a festive holiday dinner, engineer a visit from Santa himself, even host a rollicking New Year’s party!   

 

A Stocking Stuffer with Wide Appeal

The Sims games are known for being among the few games to achieve popularity across all ages and genders, making The Sims 2 Holiday Edition a great gift for anyone from your nephew, to your grandfather to your favorite aunt, best friend, or kid sister.  “The appeal of playing The Sims 2 is that the game is what you make it,” explained Senior Producer Tim LeTourneau. The gameplay experience follows the day-to-day life of the Sims characters that you create and control, over an entire lifetime. According to LeTourneau, “Players enjoy participating in all the ups and downs of their Sims’ lives, from the big things like falling in love or building and decorating their house to the memorable things like putting up their family’s first Christmas tree and hosting a holiday dinner—even mundane details like ordering a pizza or fixing the toilet are humorous and fun.  The Sims 2 is designed to make even the ordinary extraordinarily entertaining!”

 

The Create-a-Sim feature allows you to combine your choices from a vast selection of facial features, hairstyles and outfits, to create the Sims you most want to play, make your own family and friends or invent someone on the fly—you can even create your own celebrity look-alikes!  Help your Sims fulfill their lifelong aspirations, they can seek popularity, fortune, romance, family, or knowledge—their choices are in your hands. Mix their genes, fulfill their dreams, and push them to extremes. Your Sims aren’t the only thing you can create and customize!  You won’t need a degree in architecture to build dream homes and design neighborhoods with the easy to use building, design, and home furnishing options.  And now, with holiday-themed bonus content from The Sims 2 Holiday Edition, you can even hang a stocking over the fireplace!

 

For Owners of The Sims 2 (PC)

The Sims™ fans who already own The Sims 2 for PC won’t be left out in the cold!  The Sims™ 2 Holiday Party Pack offers only the bonus content--from merry to scary—and not the full game.  For information on how to purchase The Sims 2 Holiday Party Pack, Sims fans who already own The Sims 2 for PC can visit http://www.thesims2.com.

 

For more information on The Sims 2 and The Sims 2 Holiday Edition, as well as expansion packs such as The Sims™ 2 University and The Sims™ 2 Nightlife, which provide additional experiences for the original game, please visit http://www.thesims2.com.

 

About The Sims™

The Sims franchise celebrated its fifth anniversary in February. The game skyrocketed to the top of the charts when it began shipping to stores in February 2000 and quickly become a universal gaming and cultural phenomenon. The Sims PC based product and expansion packs were the best selling PC games of 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. Translated into 17 different languages, The Sims has inspired seven top selling expansion packs. They include: The Sims™ Livin' Large, The Sims™ House Party, The Sims™ Hot Date, The Sims™ Vacation, The Sims™ Unleashed, The Sims™ Superstar, and The Sims™ Makin' Magic. The Sims 2 shipped in September 2004 with sales already topping 5M units worldwide, it was the best selling PC game of 2004.  The Sims™ 2 University shipped in March 2005 andThe Sims 2 Nightlife shipped in September 2005.  Combined sales for the franchise have topped 50M units life-to-date. For more information on The Sims 2, visit http://www.thesims2.com and for more information on The Sims franchise titles, visit http://www.thesims.com.

 

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company.  Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for videogame systems, personal computers and the Internet.  Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA ™, EA SPORTS BIG™ and POGO™.  In fiscal 2005, EA posted revenues of $3.1 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies.  EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

 

Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG, POGO and The Sims are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.    PlayStation is a registered trademark and PSP is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.  Xbox is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.  Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS and Game Boy are trademark of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.  EA ™ is an Electronic Arts™ brand.  

EA’s FIFA Street 2 NOW IN DEVELOPMENT

The Street Franchise Continues under the EA SPORTS BIG Brand

 

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – October 10, 2005 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), the world’s leading interactive software company, has announced FIFA Street 2 is in development under the EA SPORTS BIG™ brand and will be in stores next spring.

 

Prove you have what it takes in four on four gameplay action which captures the passion and flair of real street soccer in this fresh arcade experience.  Humiliate your opponents with the new trick stick beat system, over the top juggling moves and all-new gamebreakers that allow you to win a game like never before. Beat the best in the world by traveling to new International locations ranging from the famous Westway Leisure Centre in London to the beautiful beachside of Brazil. Featuring all new authentic tricks, FIFA Street 2 provides new gameplay experiences by making over the top moves and skills even bigger in this fast paced sequel. Take to the streets, unleash your tricks, and humble your rivals with or without the ball.

 

“FIFA Street is a game franchise with its own unique flair that celebrates soccer culture and styles from around the globe,” said executive producer Wil Mozell. “We’re very excited to be developing FIFA Street 2, a sequel with more depth, more killer moves from the street, and more than 300 top players and 20 national teams, which is going to deliver a truly immersive street soccer experience.”

 

FIFA Street 2, developed by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C., is scheduled to ship on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube™, PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system and PC. Screenshots can be found at www.fifastreet2.com.

 

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for videogame systems, personal computers, and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA SPORTS BIG™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2005, EA posted revenues of $3.1 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

 

EA’s MADDEN NFL 06 HITS STORE SHELVES TODAY

 

Best selling North American sports franchise from EA SPORTS introduces all new QB Vision and Precision as well as NFL Superstar mode

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – August 9, 2005 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that Madden NFL 06,  the newest iteration of the EA SPORTS™ best-selling football franchise with the exclusive videogame license of the NFL and PLAYERS INC, is on store shelves today.  Reflecting the focus on the passing game in the NFL, Madden NFL 06 has changed passing for the first time in ten years with the all-new QB Vision Control and QB Precision Placement and introduces the all new NFL Superstar mode, where you can live the life of an NFL Superstar.  

Madden NFL 06 continues to be at the forefront of innovation and gameplay with all new features this year. Madden NFL 2005¸ since the launch has sold over six million copies, and was the #1 selling sports videogame of 2005 in North America. Madden NFL 06 has already started a fan frenzy with pre-sell reservations outpacing last year’s and numerous midnight store openings around the country to ensure all fans receive their copy as early as possible. Adding to early demand is the fourth annual EA SPORTS™ Madden Challenge, played exclusively this year on the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, kicks off August 27th in Las Vegas with a $100,000 grand prize check for the Finals winner.  Void where prohibited.  Eligibility Restrictions Apply.  Tournament runs on published dates in each city.  For additional details and Tournament Official Rules see www.maddenchallenge.com.

For the first time in 10 years, the Madden NFL Football franchise has revolutionized its passing game—giving Madden NFL 06 the most groundbreaking and innovative offensive arsenal ever created. The new QB Vision Control lets you scan the field, look off defenders, and make perfect throws within your quarterback’s unique field of vision. QB Precision Placement lets you put the ball exactly where you want it. Plus, all new Truck Stick Control delivers the big hits on offense to break tackles, pancake defenders, and clear your path to the end zone.

NFL Superstar is an entirely new single-player mode allowing you to experience the life of an NFL player by earning one of more than 60 Personas ranging from MVP to Movie Star. Features include choosing your parents, hiring an agent, getting drafted into the NFL, visiting tattoo parlors, choosing different movie roles, and even getting the chance to play in the coveted EA SPORTS™ Madden Bowl™.

Madden NFL 06 is the only video game to offer fantasy capabilities featuring EA SPORTS Fantasy Football integration for the first time. You are now able to check your fantasy scores, get trade notifications and earn trophies in Madden NFL 06.  This year’s game continues to have unprecedented depth and upgrades with more robust online features including sharing files via your EA Locker, allowing more online players to these files with friends or backup those crucial files you don't want erased. It is essentially an online memory card that that you can make accessible to friends. Madden NFL 06 comes to the PSP on September 20 with a unique version of the game, allowing consumers to take the biggest sports franchise ever on the go with the  PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) entertainment system.

In its 16th year and with more than 43 million copies sold, Madden NFL Football continues to stand out as the most popular football videogame franchise of all time with a combination of innovative new features and the most authentic football gameplay. Developed in Orlando, FL by EA Tiburon Madden NFL 06 is now on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™, and Game Boy® Advance. PC will be available August 17 and PSP launches on September 20. Madden NFL 06 is rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $49.99 for the PlayStation 2 console , Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and PSP, $39.99 for PC and Nintendo DS, $29.99 for  Game Boy Advance. For more information check out www.madden06.com.

Electronic Arts and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment invite you to watch an exclusive clip from the upcoming Batman Begins ™ film from Warner Bros. Pictures.

The film clip is available at the official Web site for the Batman Begins videogame, co-published by Electronic Arts and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment: http://batmanbegins.ea.com

For more information about the Batman Begins video game, please visit the official site, or our press Web site at http://info.ea.com

EA TAKES EA SPORTS Rugby 2005 TO THE PITCH

EA SPORTS SHOWCASES HUGE Hits True to the AUTHENTIC sport of Rugby

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., March 11, 2005 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that EA SPORTS™ Rugby 2005, the latest title under the EA SPORTS brand, is available in stores worldwide. The game was published in Vancouver, B.C., by EA Canada, the studio that is also home to such top-selling titles as FIFA Soccer and NBA LIVE.

EA SPORTS™ Rugby 2005 brings exceptional visual quality and the standards of all EA SPORTS franchises, including new player models with star heads for the top players worldwide. The game also features real-to-life animations of player movements, their intense emotions, and tackles that make you cringe.

Training modes have been enhanced to teach rugby skills with challenge-based training drills using advanced controls to become the best. The all-new create a player feature enables you to create players based on your own likeness or classic players of the game.  Listen to the songs and chants from the major stadiums from around the world and feel the spirit and excitement of rugby.

EA SPORTS™ Rugby is developed by HB studies in Novia Scotia, Canada. It is available on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft. EA SPORTS™ Rugby is rated E for everyone by the MSRP and is priced at $39.99.

Halo(R) 2 and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Win Top Honors: GameFly Unveils 2nd Annual Q Awards(TM) at Game Developers Conference

Halo 2 Takes 'Favorite Game of the Year' Honor in the GameFly Q Awards; Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Leads the Awards with Four Wins

SAN FRANCISCO, March 9, 2005 (PRNewswire) -- At the 2005 Game Developers Conference, GameFly, the smartest way to rent, play and buy video games, today announced the winners of the 2nd Annual GameFly Q Awards(TM). The Q Awards are gamers' annual opportunity to vote for their favorite games of the past year. The GameFly Q Awards are named for the GameQ(TM), a GameFly subscriber's video game wish list that manages which games the subscriber wants to rent and in what order.

"Response to the GameFly Q Awards more than tripled this year," said Jung Suh, co-founder and VP of content/strategic alliances, GameFly. "Our subscribers called 2004 'the year of the sequel' with Halo(R) 2, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and even classic franchises like Mario Party(R) taking top awards."

Halo 2, a smash hit with video gamers this year, won awards in three categories -- 'Favorite Game of the Year,' 'Favorite Xbox(TM) Game' and 'Favorite Shooter Game.' Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was also a big winner in this year's Q Awards, winning four awards for 'Favorite PlayStation(R) 2 Game,' 'Favorite Action Game,' 'Best Story in a Game' and 'Best New Character in a Game.'

"We're thrilled that the Ratchet & Clank(R) series has now won 'Favorite 3D Platform Game' for two straight years," said Ted Price, president and chief executive officer, Insomniac Games. "GameFly subscribers are an outspoken group of active gamers. When they choose to recognize a game, you know it's not based on hype, but on hours spent with the controller in hand. That's why it's such a great honor."

This year's Q Awards celebrate video games in four console categories and 14 genre categories, as well as favorite game of the year. The winners of the 2nd Annual GameFly Q Awards are:

CATEGORY WINNING GAME PUBLISHER
Favorite Game of the Year Halo 2 Microsoft

Favorite Game by Console
Grand Theft Auto: Take-Two
Playstation2 San Andreas Interactive Software
Xbox Halo 2 Microsoft
GameCube Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Nintendo
GameBoy Advance Metroid: Zero Mission Nintendo

Favorite Game by Genre
Sports Madden NFL 2005 Electronic Arts
Fighting Mortal Kombat Deception Midway
Racing Burnout 3: Takedown Electronic Arts
RPG Fable Microsoft
Shooter Halo 2 Microsoft
Ratchet & Clank:
3D Platform Up Your Arsenal Sony Computer

Entertainment
Metal Gear Solid 3:
Stealth Snake Eater Konami
Grand Theft Auto: Take-Two
Action San Andreas Interactive Software
Kids & Family Mario Party 6 Nintendo
Dance Dance
Puzzle & Rhythm Revolution Extreme Konami
Grand Theft Auto: Take-Two
Best Story San Andreas Interactive Software
Best Game Based The Chronicles of Riddick:
on a Movie or TV Escape from Butcher Bay Vivendi Universal
The Chronicles of Riddick:
Biggest Surprise Hit Escape from Butcher Bay Vivendi Universal
The Truth - Grand Take-Two
Best New Character Theft Auto: San Andreas Interactive Software

GameFly is the leading online video game rental service, offering more than 2,000 games for the PlayStation(R) 2, Xbox(TM), GameCube(TM), Game Boy(TM) Advance, Nintendo DS(TM) and the soon-to-be-launched PSP(TM) consoles. Winners of GameFly's 2nd Annual Q Awards were voted on by GameFly subscribers. The voting ran from January 11 - February 9, 2005.

About GameFly

GameFly, an online video game rental service, is the smartest way to rent, play and buy video games. With more than 2,000 titles, GameFly delivers the widest selection and availability of games for the PlayStation(R) 2, Xbox(TM), GameCube(TM), Game Boy(TM) Advance and Nintendo DS(TM) without the hassle of due dates or late fees. For $21.95 a month, GameFly subscribers can rent two games at a time and keep them for as long as they like. Subscribers manage their GameQ(TM) online and receive games directly from the U.S. Postal Service via first class mail. GameFly is also a great source for high quality, used video games at exceptional prices. For more information and a free trial, please visit www.gamefly.com.

EA Executive John Batter to Keynote Mobile Summit at 2005 Game Developers Conference

Expert Leader to Share Publisher's Philosophy and Strategy for Rapidly Growing Mobile Sector

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 10, 2005 /PRNewswire/ -- John Batter, vice president and general manager, Electronic Arts Mobile, will deliver a keynote address at the 2005 GDC Mobile Summit, held at the 19th annual Game Developers Conference (GDC). The summit will focus two days of lectures and panels at the 2005 conference, March 7-11, San Francisco, on the mobile gaming industry.

In his keynote address, Batter will discuss EA's reasons for establishing a new group focused on the mobile platform, the company's strategy for growing the market, and his views on emerging trends in the mobile landscape. He will also demonstrate product currently in development at EA to illustrate the company's approach to mobile entertainment.

"GDC Mobile is the only major forum that engages game makers, hardware players, and carriers to address issues and opportunities in the mobile market," said Jamil Moledina, director, Game Developers Conference. "We are honored to have and influential leader like John share his vision of the mobile gaming industry's future at GDC."

Batter brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the conference. Prior to his current position, Batter oversaw all aspects of the EA Los Angeles studio.

Before joining EA, Batter held an executive position at the DreamWorks computer animation division.

GDC Mobile 2005 will bring together more than 500 leaders from the game development community with representatives from mobile game developers, publishers, traditional platform game developers, handset manufacturers, aggregators and operators to discuss opportunities, challenges and viability in the space.

A complete list of GDC 2005 event information is available at www.gdconf.com.

id Software Confirms Next DOOM 3 Invasion Set for Week of April 4

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Make a date with death. id Software(TM) and Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI) today confirmed the week of April 4 as the worldwide release of never-ending evil, with the arrivals of both DOOM 3(TM) for the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft and DOOM 3: Resurrection of Evil(TM), the official PC expansion pack to what critics and gamers have raved is one of the scariest games ever created: DOOM 3(TM).

"Brace yourself for a new breed of fear and excitement," said Todd Hollenshead, CEO, id Software. "DOOM 3 for the Xbox brings gripping action, unparalleled graphics and sound, and a truly terrifying experience to the home theater. This is DOOM 3 built for the Xbox, including 480p and wide-screen support, full Xbox Live multiplayer, and the Xbox exclusive 2-player co-op campaign. For fans of DOOM 3 on the PC, Resurrection of Evil takes you to the undiscovered depths of the UAC's Mars base and back to Hell itself for a vicious new battle with the forces of evil and the most ferocious demons imaginable."

Rated 10 out of 10 by XBN magazine, DOOM 3 for the Xbox brings the sci-fi horror masterpiece to console gamers everywhere. In addition to the most frightening and immersive single player game ever created, the heart-pounding title features a new co-operative campaign and exciting Xbox Live multiplayer action. The exclusive Limited Collector's Edition also includes full versions of the original Ultimate DOOM(TM) and DOOM II(R) playable in single player, or split-screen co-op or deathmatch with 2-4 players on one Xbox. DOOM 3 for the Xbox is developed by Vicarious Visions and id Software.

Co-developed by Nerve Software and id Software, DOOM 3: Resurrection of Evil continues the terrifying and intense action of the top selling, critically acclaimed and instant classic DOOM 3 -- awarded 94% from PC Gamer and five out of five stars from Computer Gaming World -- in an all-new assault on humanity. Resurrection of Evil picks up two years following the events of the original in a once forgotten and remote UAC research facility on Mars. Players wage a brutal war against an army of new demons and zombies including Hell's own Hunters, while utilizing incredible new weapons like the physics defying "grabber" and the return of the classic double-barreled shotgun. Featuring new locations, puzzles and mysterious powers like the ability to slow time, Resurrection of Evil will have players reloading for the bloodiest battle yet.

Both titles are rated "M" for Mature (Blood and Gore, Intense Violence) by the ESRB.

About id Software

id -- Freud's primal part of the human psyche and one of the hottest game shops on Earth -- has been rocking the gaming world from Mesquite, Texas since 1991. As a renowned leader in the industry, id Software forged such frenetic titles as Wolfenstein 3D(R), DOOM(R), DOOM II(R), QUAKE(R) QUAKE II(R), and QUAKE III Arena(R). With intense graphics and mind-blowing action, id's games have helped redefine the modern video game, continually setting industry standards for technology and gameplay. And, in keeping with tradition, id Software has amplified the world of adrenaline pumping 3-D gaming with the release of their latest action titles, Return to Castle Wolfenstein(R), and DOOM 3(TM). id Software's advanced DOOM 3 engine is leading the next revolution in 3-D interactive games. Check out more about id Software at www.idsoftware.com.

About Activision, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $948 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia, Spain and the Netherlands. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is located at www.activision.com.

About Xbox

Xbox (www.xbox.com) is the video game system from Microsoft that brings people together for the most exhilarating game and entertainment experiences. Xbox delivers an expansive collection of breakthrough games, powerful hardware and the unified Xbox Live online service. The new tagline, "it's good to play together," captures the spirit of Xbox as the social hub of the new digital entertainment lifestyle. Xbox is now available in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.

The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Activision's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, retail acceptance of our products, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions, integration of recently acquired subsidiaries and identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities. These important factors and other factors that potentially could affect the Company's financial results are described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recent Annual report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Readers of this press release are referred to such filings. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

DOOM 3 (C) 2004 Id Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Activision Publishing, Inc. under license. DOOM and ID are registered trademarks of Id Software, Inc. in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and/or some other countries.

Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Source: Activision, Inc.

CONTACT: Mike Mantarro, Manager, Corp. Communications of Activision,
Inc., +1-310-255-2731, mmantarro@activision.com; or Susan Yin, Account
Manager, +1-310-854-8145, syin@rogersandcowan.com, or Wendy Zaas, Vice
President, +1-310-854-8148, wzaas@rogersandcowan.com, both of Rogers & Cowan,
for id Software

'Zoo Tycoon 2' is Announced 'Computer Family Game of the Year' by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences

WALTHAM, Mass., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Fang Games(TM), developer of the leading Games for Windows(R) franchise "Zoo Tycoon(TM)," is pleased to announce it recently received the "Computer Family Game of the Year Award" for its "Zoo Tycoon 2" product from The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS).

The AIAS is a non-profit member organization of over 5500 members, solely dedicated to serving the entertainment software industry. The Interactive Achievement Awards are peer based awards that recognize outstanding products, talented development teams and individuals. Finalists are chosen for their level of creative and technical abilities, as well as for high standards of excellence. Recipients are then determined by a secret vote of the Academy members.

"We are honored to be recognized by our peers and the AIAS," said Hank Howie, president of Blue Fang. "We are proud of the work done on "Zoo Tycoon 2" by our development team and our publisher, Microsoft(R) Game Studios. Our goal at the outset was to bring the "Zoo Tycoon" franchise to the next level while still delivering a game that could be enjoyed by all. This award further confirms that we are doing our job successfully, and it is encouraging that our peers think so, too."

About "Zoo Tycoon"

"Zoo Tycoon" has been a top-selling "Tycoon" game franchise since its launch in 2001. Simple to play yet challenging to master, "Zoo Tycoon" offers engaging gameplay for animal lovers and simulation game fans of all ages. The captivating imagery, clever gameplay and interactive tutorials in the vibrant and appealing "Zoo Tycoon" make it easy to play right out of the box. "Zoo Tycoon" has something for everyone, stimulating creativity and imagination as players respond to the needs of the animals and guests. Additional information is available at http://www.zootycoon.com/.

About Blue Fang Games

Blue Fang Games develops high quality, award winning PC games. Founded in 1998 by veterans of Papyrus Design Group, Blue Fang is dedicated to delivering high quality, interactive computer game titles to consumers around the world. Blue Fang's "Zoo Tycoon" franchise, published by Microsoft Game Studios, has consistently been in the top 10 sales for PC games in the United States and sold over 5 million units worldwide. Blue Fang's experienced team of game developers and designers prides itself on its proprietary project management system that delivers high quality games that are on time and on budget.

About Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox(R) video game system, the Windows(R) operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as Age of Empires(R), Flight Simulator and Zoo Tycoon(R); Xbox (http://www.xbox.com/), including such games as Fable(TM) and franchises as Halo(R), Project Gotham Racing(R) and MechAssault(R); and MSN(R) Games (http://www.games.msn.com/), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "Hexic(TM)."

Atari Announces Tycoon City: New York

Rise to Riches as a Famous Entrepreneur in New PC Game

BEVERLY, Mass., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Atari, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATAR) announced today that Tycoon City(TM): New York, a PC game that challenges players to "make it big" in Manhattan, is in development and scheduled to ship during the Holiday 2005 season. In Tycoon City: New York, players become moguls by constructing and customizing hundreds of businesses and famous landmarks anywhere and anyway they want in a bustling simulation of New York City. Players must create and improve their businesses to outclass the competition, and become rich and famous in New York City.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050209/NYW061 )

"Tycoon City: New York is a high quality, visually rich Tycoon title that truly brings the city that never sleeps to life by allowing players to create their very own versions of Manhattan and fulfill their fantasies of building a business empire in The Big Apple," said John Billington, Senior Brand Manager for Atari, Inc. "Tycoon City: New York is a game that is easy to play, yet difficult to master, providing a multitude of strategic challenges and the fun of customizing New York City without requiring a degree in city planning."

In Tycoon City: New York players start from humble beginnings as a budding entrepreneur, and build a Manhattan empire by creating, upgrading, and customizing more than 100 types of major businesses. Some challenges include running a nightclub, owning a hot new restaurant, staging a concert in Central Park, and opening a Broadway theater.

With world-renowned landmarks, true-to-life neighborhoods, and spectacular New York events, Tycoon City: New York puts players in the thick of the action, becoming major moguls in America's most exciting city. High-profile industries, real-world brands, and a bustling round-the-clock lifestyle give every player the chance to make it.

Tycoon City: New York is being developed by Deep Red Games and will be launched on the PC for the Holiday 2005 season. Additional information about the franchise is available at http://www.atari.com/tycooncity.

Web site: http://www.atari.com/
http://www.atari.com/tycooncity

The Sims Franchise Celebrates its Fifth Anniversary and Continues to Break Records

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., February 7, 2005 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that the award winning computer game franchise, The Sims™, will celebrate its fifth anniversary this month. The very first The Sims™ videogame for the PC began shipping to stores this week in February 2000 and took the nation by storm by becoming the #1 selling PC game in four out of the last five years. Since 2000, the franchise has spawned 7 expansion packs, been translated into over 17 languages and has sold more than 54 million units worldwide. In September 2004, the next-generation sequel The Sims 2 quickly became the fastest-selling PC game. In just five months, sales have already reached over 4.5 million units worldwide. The first expansion pack for this award-winning game, The Sims™ 2 University, will be in stores March 1, 2005 and will allow players to send their Sims to college and experience the ultimate on-campus fantasy.

"The Sims changed the way people play videogames and also changed the kinds of people who play videogames," said Bing Gordon, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Electronic Arts. "The Sims 2 and its expansion packs will continue to deliver what Sims fans everywhere want - new content, fun and innovation, because The Sims franchise is still just beginning," Gordon added.

The Sims Five Year Highlights:

· The Sims franchise has shipped over 52 million units worldwide, including more than 16 million units of the original product, The Sims. Since the launch in 2000, The Sims franchise shipped 7 expansion packs and a deluxe, console, and online version. The Sims has been translated into more than 17 languages and is sold worldwide.

· The next generation of The Sims launched in September 2004 with The Sims 2 and has sales already topping 4.5 million units worldwide. The Sims 2 will ship its first expansion pack, The Sims 2 University, in May 2008.

· The Urbz: Sims in the City, a spin-off to The Sims, brought Sims to the city for the first time. It shipped for console and handheld game systems in the fall of 2004 and continues to sell well worldwide.

· According to The NPD Group, The Sims original product is the number one selling PC game in North America and The Sims 2 is the number one selling PC game of 2004 in North America.

· The Sims 2 received over 20 editors’ choice awards, perfect review scores and over 35 magazine covers worldwide. Most recently, The Sims 2 received the award for the Best Simulation Game at the 2005 D.I.C.E. Awards in Las Vegas by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.

· The Sims 2 players have created over 125,000 Sims & Houses for their Sims, and uploaded these to www.thesims2.com to share with other players. The player-made Sims & Houses have been downloaded by over 5 million unique visitors from around the globe. In addition, players have used The Sims 2 moviemaking feature to film their Sims’ lives and create their own movies. Over 4,000 movies have been created since the launch of the game in September 2004.

The creator of The Sims, Will Wright, has been honored with many accolades for his outstanding achievement in his trade and was inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame in February 2002, joining such industry legends as Sid Meier and Shigeru Miyamoto. Wright has also been included in Entertainment Weekly’s “It List” of “the 100 most creative people in entertainment,” Time Digital’s “Digital 50”, a listing of “the most important people shaping technology today.” In 2002, he was listed as number 35 on Entertainment Weekly’s Power List and in 2003 was features in Game Informer’s ‘Top 10 Developer List of 2003’.

For more information about The Sims 2 and The Sims 2 University, visit http://www.thesims2.com

About The Sims

The Sims computer game allows players to create a neighborhood of simulated people (Sims) and control their lives. The game skyrocketed to the top of the charts when it began shipping to stores in February 2000 and quickly became a universal gaming and cultural phenomenon. The Sims PC product and expansion packs were the best selling PC games of 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. Translated into 17 different languages, The Sims has inspired seven top selling expansion packs. They include: The Sims™ Livin’ Large, The Sims™ House Party, The Sims™ Hot Date, The Sims™ Vacation, The Sims™ Unleashed, The Sims™ Superstar, and The Sims™ Makin’ Magic. Combined sales for the franchise have topped 54 million units life-to-date. The first expansion pack for The Sims 2, The Sims 2 University, will be available in stores on Tuesday, March 1, 2005.

EA UNLEASHES the highly anticipated

ODDWORLD STRANGER’S WRATH on THE XBOX

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – January 25, 2005 – Rustle up some “live” ammo and head out to Dead Hen’s Pass for some serious bounty hunting!…Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), the world's leading interactive entertainment software company today announced that Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath™, the latest chapter in the critically acclaimed Oddworld series, has begun to ship to retail outlets for the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft.

One of the most anticipated titles of 2005, Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath takes the series in a new direction, combining first and third person gameplay with signature Oddworld humor and storytelling. Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath challenges players to step into the role of the Stranger, a mysterious bounty hunter who tracks down outlaws for moolah. Using an innovative weapons system that gives a whole new meaning to “live” ammo, players will use creatures from the surrounding environments as ammunition to bag the ultimate bounty. With massive environments, devious opponents and hostile challenges along the way, Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath brings players a game experience that can only be found in the Oddworld Universe.

Developed by Oddworld Inhabitants, Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath for the Xbox is rated “T” (Teen) by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $49.99. More information can be found on the game’s web site at www.oddworld.ea.com.

ATARI'S ROLLERCOASTER TYCOON 3 TOPS THE SALES CHARTS

Highly Anticipated Sequel to #1 Tycoon Franchise Off to Strong Start

BEVERLY, MA - November 23, 2004 - RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3 has taken the #1 spot on the "Top-Selling PC Software" list for the week ended November 6th (according to data from The NPD Group) and sales continue to climb, Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR) announced today. One of the few mass-appeal PC games to hit retail stores this holiday season, this highly-anticipated sequel to the best-selling RollerCoaster Tycoon® franchise stands out from the pack with all new features that build upon the fun and addictive nature of the original games. RollerCoaster Tycoon is the #1 Tycoon franchise, having sold more than eight million units life-to-date worldwide.

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 includes stunning 3D graphics, the ability to ride more than 220 rides with the CoasterCam(tm), enhanced park guests and characters, a Fireworks MixMaster(tm), a Sandbox Mode and many other new features.

Developed by Frontier Developments, Ltd. of Cambridge, England, RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 is rated 'E' for Everyone and is currently available at retail stores nationwide for a suggested price of $39.99. Additional information about the franchise can be found on the official site, www.atari.com/rollercoastertycoon.

ATARI'S SID MEIER'S PIRATES! SAILS INTO STORES

Highly-Anticipated Sequel From Firaxis Games Re-Captures

The Magic of One of the Greatest Games of All Time

BEVERLY, MA - November 22, 2004 - Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR) and Firaxis Games announced today that the highly-anticipated sequel to one of the most popular and loved titles in gaming history has shipped to retail stores nationwide. Sid Meier's Pirates!® received unprecedented critical acclaim when it was first released in 1987 and set the industry standard for innovative game design with its unique blend of open-ended role-playing, real-time adventures and thrilling action sequences. The new game uses an entirely new game engine and delivers updated gameplay, spectacular 3D graphics and many new features.

"Pirates! ® is recognized as one of the greatest games ever created and there has been a lot of anticipation for the return of this classic," said Nancy MacIntyre, vice president of marketing, Atari, Inc. "Firaxis has done an amazing job balancing the addition of new features and gameplay while maintaining the spirit and addictiveness of the original."

"Pirates! is among the most popular and loved titles in gaming history and Sid and the team have far surpassed our expectations by delivering a game that has the highest quality graphics, new features, and enhanced gameplay that improve upon the award-winning original," said Jeff Briggs, Firaxis Games founder, president and CEO. "Firaxis Games and Atari are thrilled to offer this incredibly fun, action-adventure game to a new generation of gamers around the world."

The new Pirates! carries on with the great gameplay and design simplicity tradition of the original while adding more challenging and exciting battle options, and a deeper and more varied role-playing experience. In the leading role as a Pirate Captain in the 17th century Caribbean, you explore high seas and exotic ports, overtake enemies in fierce naval battles, engage in duels and try to seize valuable booty in an attempt to become the most revered and feared pirate in history. As your reputation and skills grow, so will the size and quality of your crew, and your ability to take on larger enemy ships, raid and plunder heavily fortified ports, and locate ancient treasure. There's a whole cast of interesting and dangerous characters to meet, mysteries to solve, exotic island destinations to discover, and powerful alliances to forge.

Sid Meier's Pirates! is rated 'E' for Everyone and is currently available at retail stores nationwide for a suggested price of $49.99. A Limited Edition version is also available for the same price and is packed with tons of bonus material including the original Pirates! game, the full behind the scenes making-of video, developer diaries, unique exclusive content and bonus material. Additional information can be found on the official site, www.atari.com/pirates.

EA ANNOUNCES THE SIMS 2 UNIVERSITY EXPANSION PACK

The Sims take over campus in the first expansion pack for the fastest selling PC game of all time

REDWOOD CITY, California – November 22, 2004 –Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that EA’s Maxis™ Studio is developing The Sims™ 2 University, the first expansion pack for the highly-acclaimed The Sims 2 PC game. The Sims 2 University will ship this March and gives players of The Sims 2 the ability to watch their Sims become young adults and put childhood behind them as they settle into an all-new college town to live out their ultimate college fantasy.

Sinjin Bain, Executive Producer and Maxis Vice President, highlights the company’s commitment to its loyal following, “We are thrilled to open up a whole new stage of life for the Sims, allowing players to lead them through all the challenges of college and living the exciting university lifestyle of the dorms, parties and exams. This title is also the first in a line of expansion packs that will address our players’ desires, further develop The Sims 2 franchise and continually expand the world of the Sims creating almost endless gameplay and storytelling possibilities."

In The Sims 2 University players for the first time will play through the new “young adult” life stage as their Sims head off to college and join the campus crowd. Whether they live in the dorms or rush a fraternity or sorority that’s just the beginning…Sims can choose from one of 11 majors and by keeping their grades on track, they’ll secure a final degree and open up 4 new career paths. Players will enjoy all-new college based wants and fears that are tied to their Sims’ social life and academic goals which will lead to new rewards and powers that will help them achieve their goals and aspirations in college and beyond.

Pranks, parties and college social interactions add to the excitement while your Sims explore campus locations such as college lounges, pool halls, gyms and coffee houses. As in real life, if your Sims start running low on funds, they can earn Simoleans by picking up a part time job, like tutoring, or engaging in riskier affairs like printing money as a member of the “secret society.”

Of course, making the right decisions can lead to your Sim to the ultimate goal of becoming “Big Sim on Campus” in The Sims 2 University.

The Sims 2 University will ship under the EA GAMES™ brand. The Sims 2 is required to play The Sims 2 University.