Electronic Arts to Launch Free Internet Multiplayer Matchup Service for PC Game Players Worldwide

Business Wire, Oct 30, 1996

SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 1996--Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), a leading global interactive entertainment software company, today announced its Internet Multiplayer Matchup Service, a gateway to global modem and network competition for computer game players.

The service is free and scheduled to go live on Nov. 1, 1996.

Since the Multiplayer Matchup Service registration form has been posted on Electronic Arts' (EA) Web site, entries have been received from game players worldwide including all 50 U.S. states in addition to Canada, South America, Central America, Asia, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

To register for EA's Multiplayer Matchup Service, consumers simply visit EA's Web site (http://www.ea.com) and complete an electronic registration form that asks for information such as name, city, state, area code, email address, game preferences, skill level, hardware type and modem speed.

After submitting the form, users can query a search engine to sort potential opponents by the criteria. Once the matches are found, players can contact each other by e-mail to make arrangements to set up a modem game or tournament in their area.

"EA's Multiplayer Matchup Service is designed to unite game players for a fun, challenging multiplayer experience," said Chris Mike, director of EA's Web Services. "Whether consumers are seeking to enjoy the social aspects of computer gaming or the quest for fierce competition, the Multiplayer Matchup Service will pair players with similar interests."

All current EA PC games with multiplayer capabilities are included in the Multiplayer Matchup Service, including: Madden NFL 97, NHL 97, PGA TOUR 97, Triple Play, FIFA Soccer 96, Road Rash, Road & Track Presents: The Need for Speed, Advanced Tactical Fighters, U.S. Navy Fighters 97, NATO Fighters, Space Hulk, Syndicate Wars, Hi-Octane and Magic Carpet. As additional PC titles become available, such as NBA Live 97 and FIFA Soccer 97, they will be added to the roster.

Electronic Arts, headquartered in San Mateo, Calif., is a leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, EA posted revenues over $530 million for fiscal 1996. The company develops, publishes and distributes software worldwide for personal computers and advanced entertainment systems such as the PlayStation and SegaSaturn. Electronic Arts markets its products worldwide under five brand names: Electronic Arts, EA SPORTS, ORIGIN Systems Inc., Bullfrog Productions Ltd. and Jane's Combat Simulations.

EA Has international subsidiaries in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, and U.S. development operations in San Mateo, Calif.; Baltimore; Austin, Texas; and Seattle, Wash. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://www.ea.com. -0-

Note to Editors: Electronic Arts, Origin, Bullfrog, EA SPORTS, Multiplayer Matchup, Road Rash, The Need for Speed, Advanced Tactical Fighters, U.S. Navy Fighters, Syndicate Wars, Hi-Octane, and Magic Carpet are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts or its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Jane's is a registered trademark of Jane's Information Group Ltd. NBA, NHL, NFL, PGA TOUR, Road & Track and Space Hulk are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners and are used under license. PlayStation is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Sega Saturn is a trademark of Sega Enterprise Ltd.

CONTACT: EA SPORTS, San Mateo

Shelly Eckenroth, 415/513-7501

seckenroth@ea.com

Mary Leddy, 415/513-7314

mleddy@ea.com