2003 Games At The Electronic Entertainment Expo

EA Debuts Its 2003 Games At The Electronic Entertainment Expo

23 New Titles Span Multiple Game Platforms

Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS), the world’s leading interactive entertainment software company, has announced its lineup of 23 new games that will be showcased at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). EA will present a powerful mix of sports, action, adventure and strategy games.

At E3 2003, EA will raise the bar with new and enhanced games such as Madden NFL™ Football 2004, SSX 3, The Lord of the Rings™, The Return of the King™, and Harry Potter™: Quidditch™ World Cup. EA’s games are based on massively popular EA SPORTS™ and EA SPORTS BIG™ franchises and highly successful EA GAMES™-branded titles with many games drawn straight from Hollywood’s top box office franchises such as James Bond, Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. EA also is presenting new games from its No. 1 PC franchise, The Sims™. The company’s lineup crosses multiple platforms including next generation consoles, PC, online and hand-helds.

“The winners this year are people who love video games,” said Don Mattrick, President of EA Worldwide Studios. “There will be more games to choose from -- spectacular new fiction, features and gameplay from the largest and most innovative studio in interactive entertainment.”

“Innovation, access and intensity: that’s what’s new from EA in 2003,” said John Riccitiello, President and Chief Operating Officer. “We’re introducing global blockbusters with a new look and feel – games that are as exciting for hard core fans as they are for newcomers. This year, all the EA SPORTS titles from Madden NFL Football to FIFA Soccer, will include online features that amp up the action with head-to-head competition, tournaments and ladders. EA GAMES will feature exciting new turns on the world’s most popular interactive franchises including Medal of Honor, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and SSX. Finally there will be more fun from the world’s most popular game franchise, with all new editions of The Sims and SimCity.”

THE NEW EA SPORTS STARTING LINEUP

EA SPORTS and EA SPORTS BIG will unveil ten titles at E3, all of which feature online gameplay for the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system:

**Madden NFL™ 2004: In its 14th season, Madden NFL Football remains the undisputed leader in authentic NFL football simulation. Madden NFL 2004 features revolutionary Playmaker Control™ that allows players to make adjustments after the snap of the ball to create championship caliber plays. No other football video game offers players more in-depth features like online gameplay, the new Quick Match voice chat and tournaments (the PlayStation 2 console only), and a new Owner mode. Madden NFL 2004 will be released on the PlayStation 2 console, the PlayStation, Xbox™ video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube™, Game Boy® Advance and PC in summer 2003.

**NBA LIVE 2004: Take the game to a whole new level with NBA LIVE 2004. Go deep into a radically enhanced EA SPORTS Dynasty™ mode, import top college players, create a Custom Player, and build player attributes over time. Take the court at all 29 NBA arenas, each rendered down to every detail, including championship banners and retired jerseys hanging from the rafters. Players will be able to blow past the defenders with all-new moves, an even better passing game, online competition (the PlayStation console and PC), and silky smooth control. Players can step up their game and hit the court running with NBA LIVE 2004. The title will be released on the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, and PC in fall 2003.

**NASCAR Thunder™ 2004: NASCAR Thunder 2004 puts gamers behind the wheel in a world where grudges and alliances mean the difference between the victory lane and disaster. Players no longer just race on a track, they’re racing a pack of 42 real-world stars who think for themselves, remember your every move, and aren’t afraid to pay you back. Revenge may be around the corner or at the next race, as players scream through 23 authentic tracks or hone their road racing skills on 11 fantasy tracks. The key to success is building alliances that carry from race to race and season to season in an improved career mode that challenges gamers to manage sponsors, teams, garages, and crews while building a 20-year racing legacy. Online (the PlayStation 2 console and PC) or standalone, racing just became a contact sport. The title ships this fall on the PlayStation 2 console, the PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

**NCAA® ï€ Football 2004: NCAA Football 2004 relives the intensity, pageantry, and spirit of college football and its storied rivalries. Celebrate the history of college football with classic teams like the 1924 Notre Dame Fighting Irish or replay one of the 20 greatest college football games from the last two decades. NCAA Football 2004 features new pre-game tunnel presentations, online gaming with voice-enabled in-game chat (the PlayStation 2 console only), and the joy of ripping down the goalposts after an emotional victory over your biggest rival. NCAA Football 2004 is scheduled to release this summer on the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube.

**Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004: Only one game gives players the chance to earn their PGA TOUR card while playing on elite courses—Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004. The latest console and PC versions allow players to create the ultimate golfer and take on the best in the world. Players can take their created golfer through PGA TOUR Season mode and try to rake in more cash than Tiger Woods himself. While providing different gameplay experiences, the console and PC versions will offer five new PGA courses, online gameplay (the PlayStation 2 console and PC), two new fantasy courses, five new PGA TOUR pros, and the commentary dream team of Gary McCord and David Fehrety. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004 will ship this fall on the PC, the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, and Game Boy Advance.

**FIFA Soccer 2004™: For true soccer fans who demand the finest gameplay and in-depth game modes, FIFA Soccer 2004 is the most complete and authentic soccer experience. A new Career mode gives players the chance to take a team from the lower divisions, battle through ranks, sign new players, and turn them into champions. The action is deeper than ever with advanced levels of player detail and responsiveness. With immersive atmospheres, benchmark presentation, total realism with the world’s premier clubs, and industry-leading gameplay, FIFA returns as the true authority in soccer gaming. FIFA Soccer 2004 ships in fall 2003 for the PlayStation 2 console, the PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, and PC.

**NCAA® March Madness™ 2004: NCAA March Madness 2004 storms the court with new schools, smoother control, and an incredibly deep Dynasty Mode™. Players can battle through preseason tournaments, like the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational, all the way to the “Big Dance.” Dick Vitale takes players through the pageantry of college hoops like no one else can. The unique, fast-paced college game comes to life with players applying pressure D, diving on loose balls, online gameplay and tournaments (the PlayStation 2 console only), and throwing it down against rival schools. Featuring EA SPORTS Freestyle Control, March Madness 2004 delivers the authentic strategy, emotion, and passion that can only be found in college basketball. The title is slated to ship on the PlayStation 2 console and Xbox in fall 2003.

**NHL® 2004: The No. 1 selling NHL interactive video game franchise continues a tradition of excellence in its 11th year with NHL 2004. With a primary focus on in-game graphics and gameplay, NHL 2004 lets players easily take control and perform ingenious moves to create scoring chances. With the new RPG Franchise Mode, players can be the GM of their own team and take them from the bottom of the league all the way to the Stanley Cup®. NHL 2004 also features online gaming capability (the PlayStation 2 console and PC) for the first time and includes new international elite leagues. NHL 2004 is scheduled for release in fall 2003 for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, and PC.

**EA SPORTS™ Rugby 2004: EA SPORTS Rugby 2004 is rugby in its purest form. Players will be able to take their team to victory in the fast paced action of World Cup Rugby or hone their skills in the Super 12 and European Domestic Leagues. With an all new control system that is intuitive and user friendly, players will be rucking, mauling, and kicking like champions in no time. New motion capture, animations, and character models will ensure that Rugby 2004 offers the most “In Your Face” rugby experience ever. Rugby 2004 is scheduled to ship this fall for the PlayStation 2 console and PC.

**EA SPORTS BIG™ DELIVERS OVER THE TOP ACTION

A stunning mountain experience under the EA SPORTS BIG™ brand:

**SSX 3: Players will discover the open mountain and immerse themselves in the new open world environment that is SSX 3, the ultimate all-mountain experience. Featuring all-new events and courses, awe-inspiring tricks, and a cast of cool, customisable characters, SSX 3 lets players conquer miles of untamed powder and redefine the boundaries of where they go, what they do, and what they get. The larger-than-life mountain is a player’s playground, racetrack, and launch pad. Explore the mountain terrain to discover its secrets and conquer the beast. Take it for granted and it'll swallow you up. SSX 3 go anywhere gravity will take you. The title ships this fall on the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and GameBoy Advance.

EA GAMES™ BRINGS HOME THE BIGGEST HITS

EA will be presenting the following ten titles under the EA GAMES brand:

**The Lord of the Rings™, The Return of the King™: Return to Middle-earth™ in the only video game based on the epic final chapter of the highly acclaimed The Lord of the Rings™ movie trilogy. Developed using the same digital assets as the film, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King™ recreates, in stunning detail, the final events of the War of the Ring. Become the heroes who determine the fate of Middle-earth as you traverse the haunted Paths of the Dead, defend Minas Tirith from the onslaught of thousands of Sauron's minions, and even play co-op multiplayer with a friend as you march against the impenetrable Black Gates of Mordor. The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King game will be released on the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and PC in fall 2003.

**Medal of Honor™Rising Sun: Pack up your gear, head to the Pacific, and fight Japanese imperialism in Medal of Honor™ Rising Sun. In this installment of the top-selling Medal of Honor series™, Marine Corporal Joseph Griffin must endure some of the fiercest battles fought during WWII; crucial assignments ranging from surviving the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, destroying the Bridge over the River Kwai, midnight raiding on Guadalcanal, and triumphing in the final showdown with Colonel Shima. Choose single player or the new two-player co-op mode to experience life as a Marine in the Pacific during the most difficult years of the war. Players can also choose four-player split screen deathmatch and team modes for head-to-head action. Medal of Honor Rising Sun is scheduled for release in fall 2003 for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube.

**James Bond 007 Everything or Nothing™: Get deep into the excitement and intrigue of the most complex James Bond game yet. In James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing, all-new scenarios and gameplay complement a completely original storyline that delivers all-out Bond-style intensity. Set in the third person perspective, the game will feature a large variety of missions, filled with furious action and stealth, gorgeous women, classic villains, exotic locales, and sophisticated spy-craft gadgetry that Bond fans expect. James Bond 007 Everything or Nothing is targeted for release in late 2003 on the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, and Game Boy Advance.

**Harry Potter™: Quidditch™ World Cup: For the first time, take to the air and fully experience the magical speed, power, and competition of Quidditch, the sport of witches and wizards. The Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup game includes all the positions and players from the Hogwarts™ House teams including Harry Potter playing for Gryffindor™. In the first part of the game, players learn the basics of full-on aerial Quidditch with a range of challenges and a school tournament to win the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup. The second part of the game is where the international World Cup tournament begins featuring national teams competing for the Quidditch World Cup. Push your Quidditch skills to the limit as you strive to take your chosen team to victory. Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup is slated to ship this fall for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and PC.

**The Sims™ 2: The Sims changed the face of gaming in the new millennium and quickly became the No. 1 PC franchise of all time. The next generation of The Sims, The Sims 2, is poised to make its debut at this year’s E3. A lively 3D world, more life-like Sims, all-new gameplay, and the addition of genetics, with the DNA of Sims passed down through generations will give players a more vivid, realistic, and in-depth Sims experience. For the first time, players will be able to control their Sims across a lifetime. As you manage “Life’s Big Moments”, your Sims will earn a “Life Score” that measures how well you are playing the game. Each choice you make will have a relevant and dramatic effect on the life of your Sims. Your Sims will be more aware and responsive to their surroundings, able to form complex relationships, and more expressive than ever before. The Sims 2 is scheduled for release on the PC in early 2004.

**The Sims Bustin’ Out: The Sims are returning to the console and this time they're getting out of the house and exploring all-new outrageous locations around town. Players can choose a variety of new paths as they lead their Sims through life’s big moments. Along the way, players can unlock and collect hundreds of new objects and social moves exclusive to the console. Play, work, and socialise with a cast of more than 40 new wacky characters and climb through 10 new careers including Mobster, Athlete, Mad Scientist, and Fashion Victim. The Sims Bustin’ Out will feature two-player and memory card support, so bring your Sims over to a friend’s house. The game is scheduled for release on the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, and the Nintendo GameCube™ in early 2004.

**SimCity™4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack: Your city is on the move with the new SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack. Get your Sims on the road to happiness by taking control of your city’s transportation. Take charge of vehicles en route to destinations or disasters, and take to the streets to control your city at a new level. Put Sims on the move in zeppelins, helicopters, ferries, and new cars. Unlock more vehicle choices as you gain traction with your cities' transportation problems. Choose from all-new road types including wide avenues, suspension bridges, or one-way streets. Whisk your Sims across the city by developing seamless mass-transit systems that connect to a greater regional travel network. Add popular structures such as historic rail stations or classic Americana road marks. Go global and create a city based on a modern European building set. Make your final mark as mayor and personalise your cities by choosing street names, mountains, neighborhoods, and points of interest. SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack is scheduled for release on the PC in fall 2003.

**Battlefield 1942™: Secret Weapons of WWII: The second expansion pack to the highly acclaimed Battlefield 1942 title brings the most deadly and unique weapons from the German and Allied laboratories to the Battlefield. Battlefield 1942: Secret Weapons of WWII lets gamers control and use new weapons and vehicles in eight fresh WWII combat battlefields including Telemark, the Peenemüende V2 research facility, Essen, and The Eagle’s Nest (Hitler’s hideaway). In addition to the 30 vehicles in the original game, players can operate 16 new vehicles including a Horton HO 229 Flying Wing, a US Sherman tank with a T-34 Calliope (rocket launcher), U.S. T 95/T 28 Super Heavy Tank, Sturmtiger, Goblin jetfighter, C-47 cargo plane, and the German Wasserfall guided anti-air missile. Secret Weapons of WWII will be released on the PC in fall 2003. The original Battlefield 1942 game is required to play.

**Need For Speed™ Underground: Choose from today’s most popular licensed tuner cars, and make that car the ultimate expression of your style. You’ll need to master all aspects of your driving skills in a wide variety of events in order to come out on top. Tune your car and improve your chances of winning with hundreds of upgrade parts. Custom looks will be your ticket to high scores from the crowds, while speed and handling will enhance your performance on the streets. Need For Speed Underground ships in early 2004 for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, and PC.

**Black & White 2™: From the creative mind of god game pioneer Peter Molyneux comes Black & White 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed hit Black & White. In this strategy game, reprise your role as a powerful deity in search of a following and return to the once idyllic world of Eden, where the discovery of weaponry and warfare has tainted the beautiful landscape. With the help of your gigantic creature, which you raise from infancy, you must earn the respect of the natives and decide how to care for your believers, by sheltering them in sprawling cities protected by towering walls or forming them into massive armies to rule the world with war and destruction. Ultimately, it is up to you to be an evil or benevolent deity. Developed for the PC, Black & White 2 is expected to ship in 2004.

EA DISTRIBUTION CO-PUBLISHING AN ARRAY OF MARQUIS TITLES

EA Distribution (EAD) is co-publishing three titles that are under development, including:

**Looney Toons: Back in Action™: Longtime rivals Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck are united under a common goal: finding the mysterious Blue Monkey Diamond. The lively platform game is based on the upcoming Warner Bros. action movie of the same name and includes six diversely themed environments, all inspired by the film’s wild locations. Players can role swap between Bugs and Daffy, using each of the character’s special skills to outwit the all-star cast of Looney Tunes favorites as they embark on a global scavenger hunt. The game offers dynamic gameplay and vibrant, rich Looney Tunes visuals that will attract and entertain fans of all ages Looney Tunes: Back in Action will be released on the PlayStation 2 console, Nintendo GameCube, and Game Boy Advance in fall 2003.

**Freedom: Soldiers of Liberty: In a world where the Soviet Union won the Cold War, a fierce conflict is developing in the streets of America. Taking on the role of an average New Yorker, the player evolves into a fearless patriot who recruits and leads an army of freedom fighters in the streets of New York City. Freedom: Soldiers of Liberty combines the depth of a squad based game with the intensity of an action-packed war game that unfolds in the streets, subways, and buildings of the city. A key component of the game depends on the player’s ability to recruit and lead fellow New Yorkers. Using an intuitive recruiting command system, players issue orders by pressing a single button. Freedom: Soldiers of Liberty will be released on the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, and PC in fall 2003.

**BIONICLE®: From the island of Mata Nui comes the legend that has enthralled millions of fans. BIONICLE, one of the most successful toy-ranges in LEGO® Company history, comes to life as the six heroes of destiny, known as Toa, have been chosen to challenge evil, rescue the island’s villagers (Matorans) and return the island to light. With their awesome elemental powers, the brave Toa must overcome powerful forces and dangerous struggles to save their world and fulfill ancient prophecies. BIONICLE features the opportunity to live out the BIONICLE™ story in an action adventure epic of good versus evil and heroes versus villains with combat, collection, puzzle solving, and exploration. BIONICLE will be released on the PlayStation 2 console, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox, and PC in fall 2003.

ENDS

**ABOUT ELECTRONIC ARTS Electronic Arts, headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world’s leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, Electronic Arts posted revenues of $2.5 billion for fiscal 2003. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under three brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA GAMES™, and EA SPORTS BIG™. EA's homepage and online game site is EA.COMSM. 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 SPORTS, Dynasty Mode, EA SPORTS BIG, EA GAMES, John Madden Football, Need for Speed, SimCity, and The Sims are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. EA.COM is a service mark of EA.Com Inc. Medal of Honor is a trademark or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries for the computer and video game products. NBA, NFL, NASCAR, NASCAR Thunder, NCAA, NHL, March Madness, Stanly Cup, FIFA, Tiger Woods, and PGA TOUR are trademarks of their respective owners and used with permission. HARRY POTTER, Looney Tunes, characters, names, and related indicia are trademarks of Warner Bros. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.

JAMES BOND, 007, James Bond Gun and Iris Logos and all other James Bond related trademarks TM Danjaq, LLC. EVERYTHING OR NOTHING is a trademark of Danjaq, LLC, and United Artists Corporation. LEGO and BIONICLE are trademarks of the LEGO Group. Battlefield 1942 is a trademark of Digital Illusions CE AB. The Lord of The Rings and characters, names, and places therein, TM the Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises under license to New Line Productions, Inc. Black & White is a trademark of Lionhead Studios Ltd. PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Nintendo GameCube, and Game Boy Advance are trademarks of Nintendo. Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other car, team, track names, trademarks, and other intellectual property are used under license from their respective owners.

© Scoop Media