Electronic Arts To Release Ea Sports Rugby 2004

Electronic Arts To Release Ea Sports Rugby 2004 Exclusively On Playstation 2 & Pccd

28 November, 2002 - Electronic Arts New Zealand (EA) and Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand has jointly announced the next installment in the hugely successful EA SPORTS Rugby franchise. EA SPORTS Rugby 2004 will be exclusive to PlayStation2 (PS2) and PC formats. Now in addition to catching the Rugby World Cup action next year, gamers will be able to experience the big hitting and fast paced action of international rugby in their own living room.

"EA SPORTS Rugby 2004 reinforces our commitment to developing local sporting titles that cater specifically to the New Zealand audience, says Mike Wynands, General Manager of EA New Zealand. "Investing in local sports also adds depth and variety to what is already a spectacular EA SPORTS lineup."

EA SPORTS Rugby 2004 will be launched in July 2003, in time for the international rugby season. As with the first title, EA Sports Rugby 2004 will feature licences from the New Zealand Rugby Union, the Australian Rugby Union, South African Rugby Football Union, Rugby Football Union, Scottish Rugby Union and the Federation Francaise de Rugby. It will also include a selection of famous All Black players as well as legendary sports personalities from international rugby teams.

"The NZRU is thrilled to be involved in a game that will help familiarise casual sports fans as well as provide rugby fanatics with New Zealand's most beloved game on PlayStation2. With the World Cup being held in Australia next year, we're going to be closer to the action than ever before so there's no better time to introduce the game of rugby to local audiences. We are always looking for new ways to promote the growth of our sport, particularly through new and exciting mediums such as interactive entertainment," says Trevor McKewen, NZRU General Manager, Commercial.

EA SPORTS Rugby 2004 will feature over 1500 players, 20 international teams including the All Blacks and the Super 12. Gamers can compete in their favourite competitions, selecting to play in over 75 stadiums from across the globe. Expert play-by-play commentary by world-renowned commentators, John Inverdale and Australian Network 7's, Gordon Bray will help bring the game calls alive. Combine this with stunning graphics, sophisticated physics models and artificial intelligence (AI), and you have a recipe for one of the richest, most dramatic rugby gaming experiences ever.

"We are extremely excited that EA has chosen PS2 as the exclusive console format for EA SPORTS Rugby 2004. This is further evidence that PS2 is the console of choice among the world's leading development studios. When you combine the sport of rugby, prestigious international rugby tournaments, EA development expertise and the dominant market share held by PS2, I am confident this game will be a real winner. Many New Zealanders will not get the chance to attend an international rugby game but with EA SPORTS Rugby, gamers all over the world have the chance to feel the excitement in their own home," says Steve Dykes, Managing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand.

EA SPORTS Rugby 2004 is the culmination of many years of research and development. Using motion capture technology, EA were able to capture real rugby player movements, adding greater realism to the game play. Running, passing, tackling, jumping for the ball and packing into scrums all show fantastic level of detail, movement and animation. Casual gamers and rugby fanatics will appreciate the level of detail captured from the subtle animations right through to the in-humane tackles!

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