Sega Sports Pioneers Next Generation of Gaming With NFL 2K1 — First Ever Online Console Football Game; Sega Adds New Level of Competition to Sports Videogaming with Online Gameplay via Dreamcast

Business Wire, Sept 5, 2000

Business/Sports Editors/Football Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BW SportsWire)--Sept. 5, 2000

Forget the field goal on fourth and one. Sega(R) has decided to leave the competition in the dust with a bold Hail Mary from the fifty. Today, Sega Sports(TM) is making history with the introduction of the first ever online football game via a console, "Sega Sports NFL 2K1," for the 128-bit, Internet-ready Sega Dreamcast(TM). Gamers will now be able to challenge and chat with friends around the globe in real time using SegaNet(TM), the only high speed, low-latency console gaming network, which brings gamers an unprecedented level of competition slated for September 7. In addition to the online capability, this year's "NFL 2K1" now includes bump and run coverage, Franchise Mode, downloadable rosters to stay current with NFL trades, player injuries and statistics, a power move to blast by opponents, and an all-new running game.

"`NFL 2K1' and SegaNet offers gamers a whole new way to compete by connecting hundreds of sports enthusiasts everywhere in real time competitions and giving them a place to play against each other, swap stories and earn bragging rights," said Martha Hill, director of sports marketing, Sega of America. "The future of sports videogaming entertainment is about delivering the most realistic experience possible, and our combination of advanced graphics, new features and online gameplay is the next best thing to being on the gridiron."

To initiate the online element of "Sega Sports NFL 2K1," gamers will simply plug in their Dreamcast, select Network Play, and enter a lobby which lists potential challengers from around the country. "NFL 2K1" supports up to eight players at a time, with four players competing against four others from two locations.

Online gameplay is not the only new element to look for in "Sega Sports NFL 2K1." Beyond adding hundreds of new animations and graphic detail, Sega Sports has completely gutted the running game and added the juke and power moves for more speed. On the defensive side, the game now has true zone and bump and run coverage, and the inclusion of NFL team specific playbooks for each club ensures no two teams play the same. Finally, the highly anticipated Franchise Mode lets gamers take on the coveted role of General Manager to see how several seasons of managing their decisions on signing players and managing salary caps would effect the outcome of their teams.

Over 2,000 new motion captured animations have been added, including the moves of Sega Sports spokesperson and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss. In addition to lending his physical talent, Moss, an avid videogame player, offered strategic advice and counsel to the Sega Sports development team earlier this year. Moss, 1999-2000 Pro Bowl MVP and 1998-1999 Rookie of the Year, endorses the game and appears on the cover.

For more information on this game, please go to www.Sega.com. For gameplay footage, go to: ftp://ftp.accesspr.com/public/sega/movies and select the Dzl83A1.mpg file. For screens, go to: ftp://ftp://ftp.accesspr.com/public/Sega/Sega_Dreamcast_Games/Sega_Sports_NFL2K1/ .

About Sega Dreamcast

The 128-bit Internet ready Sega Dreamcast is available in the US with a built-in 56K modem, allowing for full Internet functionality via SegaNet, the only high-speed online console gaming network and ISP service for Dreamcast and PC users. Dreamcast currently has over 100 titles available. The total Dreamcast game library count will be more than 200 by December 2000.

About Sega

Sega of America is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega videogame systems and videogames in the Americas. Sega Enterprises, Ltd. is a nearly $2.5 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, offering interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World WideWeb site is located at www.sega.com.

About Sega.com and SegaNet

Sega.com, Inc. (www.sega.com) is an online entertainment company that integrates Internet technology and innovation with over 40 years of experience in the video game industry. Sega.com also built SegaNet (www.sega.net), the only high-speed online console gaming network and community destination for gamers that provides Dreamcast users with the ultimate in speed, reliability and content. SegaNet offers both Dreamcast and PC gamers the best in 3D multi-player games, chat, community, cheat codes, tournaments and content. SegaNet is also a full service ISP offering gamers everything they need to know about gaming and other areas of interest including music, TV, community, movies, sports and e-commerce. SegaNet is the one stop destination for online games and gaming related content, offering gamers a community built specifically with them in mind.

2000 NFLP. Team names and logos are trademarks of the teams indicated. All other (NFL-related marks) are trademarks of the National Football League and NFL Properties.