REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 11, 2005 - Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced its robust line-up of videogame titles for the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) taking place in Los Angeles May 18-20, 2005. EA's 2005/2006 roster of EA SPORTSTM and EATM branded games for the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSPTM handheld entertainment system, Nintendo GameCubeTM, Nintendo DSTM, PC and mobile phones will be showcased in EA's booth #1000 in the South Hall. The show also marks the world debut of EA's next- generation games which will appear both on the show floor and in the exclusive "Next Gen Lab," by invitation only.
EA brings to the show its broadest array of titles in the company's 23-year history. The preeminent EA SPORTS line-up is complimented by a stunning array of new games from highly- acclaimed EA franchises including: Need For SpeedTM, The SimsTM, Battlefield, BurnoutTM and BLACKTM. Will Wright's highly-anticipated next project, SPORETM, also will be at the show by appointment only.
The GodfatherTM, James Bond 007TM: From Russia With LoveTM, Harry Potter and the Goblet of FireTM, Batman BeginsTM and Marvel NemesisTM: Rise of the ImperfectsTM round out EA's line-up of action/adventure titles, making it the strongest line-up of world-famous licensed entertainment properties.
"What EA is bringing to E3 this year is a culmination of years of innovation, creativity and dedication to making games that consumers want to play," said Don Mattrick, EA's President of worldwide studios. "The games we have in development across platforms are unprecedented, especially when complimented by our next generation offering EA's lineup truly is a gamer's dream come true."
EA SPORTSTM branded E3 line-up
EA SPORTS will showcase three of its current generation sports games, all of which feature online* gameplay through EA SPORTS Nation and support online play for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox LIVETM and PC.
NCAA® Football 06 - Your quest for the Heisman Trophy begins with NCAA Football 06. In an all-new Race for the Heisman mode, players can start their career as a prep star and lead him from high school summer camp all the way to bowl victories as a collegiate legend. Gamers can act as Impact Players and single handedly break games wide open with highlight reel moves and special animations or take control of a program and make a run for the championship through a revamped Dynasty ModeTM. With all new Breakaway Controls, in-game analysis, and studio commentary, this is college football like you've never seen or heard. In addition, NCAA Football 06 has the exclusive license for college football videogames, and will be the only game to feature actual teams, stadiums and schools. NCAA Football 06 is scheduled to ship in July on the PlayStation 2 console and Xbox.
Madden NFL 06 - For the first time in 10 years, the Madden NFL Football franchise has revolutionized its passing gamegiving 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. You can also experience the life of an NFL Player with NFL Superstar Mode, where you can earn one of more than 60 Personas ranging from MVP to Movie Star. Madden NFL 06 brings authentic NFL passing to video games in its 16th year of the franchise and now has the exclusive NFL and NFLPA license. Madden NFL 06 is scheduled to ship this summer on the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, PC, PSP, Nintendo DS and mobile.
NASCAR® 06 - Take command of the biggest teams in NASCAR® by building a multi-car dynasty with NASCAR 06. In the first-ever Squad Based Racing experience, you are not alone. Radio to teammates for assistance, while managing on-track partnerships, or take the wheel of a teammate's car in the middle of a race to fend off rivals. With all-new game controls, including real-time voice command, communicate with your crew chief, spotters, and on-track allies to help punch your team through the pack. As an owner, build your own racing empire or even buy top NASCAR Teams like Hendrick Motorsports. Earn the title of Teammate, Champion, and Hero in NASCAR 06 which will be available on PlayStation 2 console and Xbox.
EATM branded E3 lineup
EA delivers 14 games ranging from new titles and experiences on award-winning franchises to all-new franchises, making their debut as videogames. EA titles will be available on various game consoles and the PC including Xbox, PlayStation 2 console, PSP handheld system, Nintendo DS, and PC.
Batman BeginsTM - Launching day-and-date with the film on June 15, 2005, the Batman Begins video game challenges gamers to step into the shadows of Gotham's perilous criminal underworld as DC Comics' legendary Dark Knight, and use fear as their ultimate weapon. The game features an all-star cast, including the voices and likenesses of Christian Bale (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Michael Caine (Alfred Pennyworth), Liam Neeson (Henri Ducard), Katie Holmes (Rachel Dawes), Cillian Murphy (Dr. Jonathan Crane), Tom Wilkinson (Carmine Falcone) and Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox), all reprising their roles from the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures film directed by Christopher Nolan. Batman Begins will be available on PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance.
Battlefield 2TM - The award-winning Battlefield franchise invades the high tech frontlines of modern warfare in the new sequel, Battlefield 2TM for the PC. The game brings the intensity and excitement of Battlefield 1942TM into the modern era with enhanced team play and the latest, most technologically advanced vehicles and weapons systems available to man. Persistent character growth allows players to rise through the ranks and attain the ultimate rank of General. Enhanced team play features allow players to enter the action on the front lines as part of a formal squad, or work behind the scenes in Commander Mode to direct the strategic assaults of their teammates. Armed with the latest modern weaponry, players can take control of any of the game's 30+ vehicles to engage in major conflicts with up to 64 players for the ultimate Battlefield experience. Battlefield 2 is scheduled to ship in June 2005 for the PC.
Battlefield 2: Modern CombatTM - The award-winning Battlefield franchise finally explodes onto the PlayStation and Xbox, dropping players into the heat of battle with Battlefield 2: Modern CombatTM. In addition to a robust single-player mode, Battlefield 2: Modern Combat delivers the Battlefield franchise's trademark multiplayer action for up to 24 players in fierce online battles. The game brings the over-the-top action and excitement of the Battlefield series into the modern era with a bleeding-edge arsenal of vehicles and weaponry allowing for the most over the top "Battlefield Moments" yet. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat is scheduled to ship in fall 2005 for the PlayStation 2 console and Xbox.
BLACKTM - An explosive first-person shooter from Criterion Software Ltd., BLACKTM will be shown behind closed doors in the EA booth. The game casts players as an unstoppable, unaccountable and untraceable covert operative fighting a perilous overt war against Terror in Eastern Europe, and delivers unprecedented, intense Hollywood-style action and destruction. BLACK will be available for the PlayStation 2 console and Xbox.
BurnoutTM Revenge - The sequel to 2004's racing game of the year, BurnoutTM Revenge reignites battle racing in the fastest most dangerous game on the road. Fight dirty or go down in flames - the only rule is complete automotive anarchy. Built for unprecedented destruction, Burnout Revenge challenges gamers to exact their revenge on rush hour traffic, vindictive rival racers and anything else that gets between them and the finish line. Burnout Revenge is currently in development for the PlayStation 2 console and Xbox and ships this September. The Burnout series will also hit the PSP handheld system in September with BurnoutTM Legends, which takes the series' award-winning speed, action and attitude on the road for the first time, combining the best moments in the franchise's history with exclusive PSP-only features, gameplay and connectivity.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of FireTM Harry, Ron, and Hermione are back! The Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire videogame will release in November in conjunction with the Warner Bros. Pictures film based on J.K. Rowling's fourth book. Experience the thrilling moments of the movie and put your magic to the ultimate test in co-operative play with up to two friends. In the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire videogame, licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Harry is mysteriously selected as the fourth contestant in the dangerous Triwizard TournamentTM. Each competitor in the international competition must confront a fire-breathing dragon, rescue friends from the icy depths of the Black Lake, and navigate the twisting mysteries of a vast, dangerous maze. Players can experience the thrills of the moviefrom the QuidditchTM World Cup campsite to a heart-stopping duel with Lord VoldemortTM himself! The game will be available for the PlayStation 2 console, PSP, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, and PC.
From Russia With Love - will be the first game to put players in the universe of the classic James Bond films. Set in the original 60's Bond era, the game features movie-based missions as well as original, action-intensive sequences, a broad and deep variety of gameplay including create your own Bond, fully-integrated vehicles, social multiplayer experiences, gorgeous women, and classic, upgradeable weapons and gadgetry with modern mechanics. Sean Connery, the original Bond, reprises his role as the dapper Mi6 agent in this innovative, retro-styled and highly anticipated console title from the infamous Bond franchise. From Russia With Love is expected to ship fall 2005 for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube.
Marvel NemesisTM: Rise of the ImperfectsTM - An epic war has struck the Marvel universe and its outcome is in your hands! Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects delivers the most authentic and cinematic Super HeroTM fighting experience ever seen in a video game while remaining faithful to Marvel's comic legacy. Pit the most legendary Marvel characters against The ImperfectsTM, a group of Super HeroesTM created collaboratively by Marvel, EA, and top comic book industry talent, in all-out duels to determine who among them is the most powerful of all. Control a number of characters from Marvel's library of Super Hero families including Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Iron Man. Pummel and ultimately crush adversaries in fully interactive and highly destructible arenas and experience what it's like to fully posses each Hero's super powers. Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects will be released this October for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, the Nintendo DS and PSP handheld.
Medal of Honor European AssaultTM In the latest videogame from EA's acclaimed Medal of Honor franchise, Medal of Honor European Assault, the story line is the star. Europe 1942. These are desperate hours for Allied forces as the Nazi war machine rages across a devastated European landscape. You are US Army Lieutenant William Holt, hand-picked by William "Wild Bill" Donovan to be the first field agent of the newly formed Office of Strategic Servicesthe OSS. Medal of Honor European Assault makes you the driving force in the struggle to liberate Europe. Against all odds, the leadership choices you make before and during the heat of battle will define your legacy as a hero in this highly anticipated addition to the franchise. Medal of Honor European Assault will be available for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube in June 2005.
Need for SpeedTM Most Wanted - Wake up to the smell of burnt asphalt as the thrill of illicit street racing permeates the air. From the makers of the hit Need for SpeedTM Underground series, Need for Speed Most Wanted challenges players to become the most notorious and elusive street racer. Combining illicit street racing and tuner customization with the intensity of strategic police pursuit, Need for Speed Most Wanted will be on every gamer's 'must-have' list this holiday season. Out-race rivals, evade cops and exploit hundreds of miles of open road as gamers rise to the top of the Blacklist, earning respect and notoriety in the illicit street racing scene. Developed in Vancouver, B.C. by EA Canada, Need for Speed Most Wanted will be available for a next generation console as well as the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, PSP handheld and PC this November.
The GodfatherTM- After a life of small-time crime you've been accepted into America's most powerful criminal organizationthe Corleone Family. Now it's up to you to carry out orders, earn respect, rise through the ranks, and make New York City your own. Choose your path in the world of The Godfather as you interact with characters and intersect scenes from the movie. Take on a variety of action-packed missions in a fully living New York Cityfrom mob hits and bank heists to drive-bys and extortion. Play your cards right and you could become the next, and most powerful, Don. The Godfather will be shipping this fall for Xbox, PlayStation 2 console, PC, PSP handheld, and on a next generation system.
The SimsTM 2 - The No. 1 PC game of 2004 is coming this fall completely redefined for all consoles and handheld systems. Directly control your Sims through all of the fully customizable locations unique per platform and create thousands of your own food recipes, clothing designs, potions, inventions, and even personal music tracks and paintings. All games will deliver the classic, open-ended gameplay along with exclusive features per platform. Aspirational driven gameplay and fully customizable content will give players the most authentic Sims experiences ever on console and handhelds. Tell your own stories and directly control your Sims lives to build their worlds, excel in their careers, and fulfill their wants while avoiding their worst fears. Aspirations are the fuel for inspiration The Sims 2 is everywhere you want to play and will be available this fall for the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, PSP handheld, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy® Advance.
The Sims 2 Nightlife (PC) - The Sims 2 swept the world in September 2004 by becoming the fastest selling PC game of all time with sales already over 4.5M units worldwide to date. As the second expansion pack to this record breaking title, The Sims 2 Nightlife will allow players to send their Sims out for an epic night at all the new downtown hotspots. Players can either head out for a romantic evening or have a crazy night with their friends for an ultimate night to remember. The Sims 2 Nightlife introduces an all new pleasure aspiration where players focus on a life filled with fun including unforgettable dates, endless nights of dancing, fine dining and more. Play the dating game with the new attraction system and see if your Sims have the chemistry they need to improve their love lives. New interactions including romantic slow dances, playful footsies, longing gazes, and irresistible dip kisses, help you see if that special Sim is right for your Sim. More than 125 new objects including a DJ booth, poker table, retro-chic bowling alley, photo booth, Karaoke Machine and more are included. The Sims 2 Nightlife will be available fall 2005 for the PC.
GoldenEye: Rogue AgentTM for the Nintendo DS Going where no previous James BondTM game has dared tread, this first-person shooter for the Nintendo DS gives players the chance to explore the dark side of the Bond universe and experience life as an unpredictable villain. As an aspiring 00 agent dismissed from MI6 for reckless brutality, the player is recruited by Auric Goldfinger in a ruthless war against Dr. No. Gamers outwit villainous rivals and battle it out in intense wireless multiplayer mayhem with up to seven other players using only one cartridge. Players exploit multiple weapon combinations through the dual-wield gunplay system, or go head-to-head, melee-style, by taking enemies hostage or knocking them out with one punch. In the all-new for DS 'Virtual Training' mode, players sharpen their lethal edge by defeating infamous Bond villains in order to earn valuable upgrades for their GoldenEye weaponry. Left and right-handed gameplay controls, plus stylus and thumb-pad play, take full advantage of the platform's unique touch-screen capabilities. GoldenEye: Rogue Agent for the Nintendo DS is scheduled to ship June 2005.
EA E3 MOBILE PHONES GAME LINE UP
EA shows off eight mobile titles at E3, including POGOTM card and puzzle game mobile offshoots, top EA SPORTS and EA branded franchises making their mobile premier.
FIFA SOCCER 06 (Mobile) -- Experience the authenticity and intensity of FIFA Soccer 06 as soccer kicks off on your mobile phone. FIFA Soccer 06 returns to the mobile playing field with more teams, better graphics, and improved gameplay. Utilize improved formations to create the perfect attack with the world's greatest players. From setting attack formations to lining up a shot on goal, take complete control of your team. Whether you choose friendly competition or battle it out in Tournament mode, FIFA Soccer 06 includes a comprehensive selection of game modes, letting you dominate the action on the pitch. FIFA Soccer 06 will be available for mobile phones in 2005.
MADDEN NFL 06 (Mobile) -- Pick apart defenses and become a legend with Madden NFL 06. The first name in football gaming, Madden NFL Football, enters its 16th year of dominance, with more than 43 million copies sold throughout the history of the franchise, the game that spawned a gaming lifestyle is coming to your mobile phone. Take the excitement of 11-on-11 action and a deep playbook featuring more than 50 plays in Madden NFL 06 with you. The only football game available for mobile phones Madden NFL 06 offers 3D isometric (rotating) camera lets you follow the plays from different angles, while plenty of unique animations bring the player movements to life. Madden NFL 06 will be available for mobile phones in 2005.
TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR® 06 (Mobile) -- Is Tiger Woods the best golfer of all time? With licensed golfers, authentic PGA TOUR® courses, and Tiger Woods himself, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 06 for mobile challenges you to call out your rivals and prove yourself as the greatest golfer ever. He's ready to settle the debate once and for all and only you can stop him. You'll battle against five eras of golf and golf legends with Tiger Woods challenging you every step of the way. Feel the pressure and intensity of making perfect tee shots or sinking tournament-winning putts with the all-time greats breathing down your neck. Extra content available to download to your handset keeps the golfing excitement coming. Plus, handset-specific builds ensure the best possible game experience in terms of graphics, sound, and speed on all BREW and J2ME handsets. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 06 will be available for mobile phones in 2005.
NEED FOR SPEEDTM UNDERGROUND 2 (Mobile) -- Discover the living, breathing world of tuner culture in Need for SpeedTMUnderground 2, the sequel to the bestselling racing game of 2003, specially tuned for the mobile market. Taking place in a free-roaming city with three distinct districts, Need for Speed Underground 2 delivers an immersive game world that lets you go where you want, when you want. As players explore the city, they'll encounter rival racers who will school them in the ways of the underground and tip them off to the hottest racing spots in town. All-new game modes join Circuit and Drag events to add depth and variety, pushing car and driver to the limit, while a dozen cars and aftermarket parts from the biggest names in the business make Need for Speed Underground 2 the deepest, most authentic tuner experience available on mobile. Need for Speed Underground 2 will be available for mobile phones in 2005.
THE SIMSTM 2 (Mobile) Take your Sims with you everywhere! The ultimate gaming experience from the #1 PC game of 2004 comes to mobile phones. Download your Sims from the PC version of The Sims 2, create new Sims by accessing The Sims 2 Create-A-Sim via your mobile phone, or choose from an array of pre-set Sims. The Sims 2 for mobile lets you take control of your Sims and direct them to fulfill their life aspirations. Explore and customize locations, trade objects, and socialize with other mobile players in-game or by sending them SMS messages. Satisfy your craving for The Sims in single-player or multiplayeranywhere, anytime! The Sims 2 for mobile phones will be available in fall 2005.
TRI PEAKS SOLITAIRE (Mobile) -- The most popular solitaire game on POGO, Tri-Peaks Solitaire is now available for on your mobile phone. Tri-peaks Solitaire challenges you to play through a mountain of cards as you advance the adventurous hero Tex Carter through an ancient temple on his quest for artifacts. When Tex finds the golden treasure chest, you win a jackpot spin. Featuring unique themes and characters, a combined points system for gaining rank and rewards, cash and prizes, and a scoreboard, POGO games provide hours of fun for gamers of all types and stripes. Tri Peaks Solitare will be available for mobile phones in 2005. Visit www.pogo.com for more information on POGO and POGO Mobile games.
POPPIT!TM (Mobile) -- The hit POGO game Poppit!TM is now available on your mobile phone. Connect balloons of the same color to pop them and clear the board. Burst all the bonus balloons along the way and unlock prizes to win. If you clear all but five balloons or less, you earn bonus tokens! The Mobile version of Poppit! will feature unique themes and characters, a combined points system for gaining rank and rewards, cash and prizes, and a scoreboard. POGO games provide hours of fun for gamers of all types and stripes. Poppit! will be available for mobile phones in 2005.
TURBO 21TM (Mobile) -- The popular, fast-paced card game from POGO, Turbo 21TM is now available for your mobile phone. Turbo 21 puts you in the driver's seat where you must pile up card combinations to total 21 across four lanes. Make split-second decisions to keep the cards coming, but be careful not to go over, or you'll bust that lane. Create thirteen 21s combinations within the allotted time to win and earn a jackpot spin. Featuring unique themes and characters, a combined points system for gaining rank and rewards, cash and prizes, and a scoreboard, Pogo games provide hours of fun for gamers of all types and stripes. Turbo 21 will be available for mobile phones in 2005.
No SSX? Odd
Your games are very innovative and creative. How about some different genres or, gulp, something that isn't based on a license?
