FIFA Soccer 2002: Major League Soccer On Store Shelves; EA SPORTS FIFA Franchise Unveils New Gameplay, 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualification Mode and New Passing System to Consumers

Business Wire, Nov 5, 2001

Entertainment Editors

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Nov. 5, 2001

The road to the 2002 FIFA World Cup(TM) has never felt so good with FIFA Soccer 2002: Major League Soccer by EA (Nasdaq:ERTS). The latest iteration of the world-renowned FIFA series is on store shelves for the PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system, the PC and the PlayStation(R), and is expected to ship for the Nintendo GameCube(TM) later this month.

The legendary franchise is looking to continue its dominance as the number one selling interactive soccer game worldwide.

"We're dedicated to developing the world's best interactive soccer game available," said Executive Producer Marc Aubanel. "With a new game engine, re-invented gameplay, new single-player features, and the chance to qualify for 2002 FIFA World Cup, we're confident that soccer fans will find FIFA Soccer 2002: MLS to be just that."

The EA SPORTS FIFA franchise, known for its top-of-the-line graphics, cutting edge technology, and user-customization added even more options to FIFA Soccer 2002. The highly innovative new passing system incorporates an open-ended and flexible passing model so that gamers can now pass the ball into open space, utilize through-balls and one-twos. Additionally, 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualification mode allows players to take their own journey to Korea / Japan 2002 from the player's vantage point, offering unparalleled, intense competition with stunning graphics and player models.

With more than 50 National teams and over 15 different leagues including Major League Soccer, new licenses such as the Belgian and Swiss Leagues, Brazilian, Israeli and Dutch Clubs (Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord) and 14 Rest of World Clubs, FIFA Soccer 2002 offers the broadest selection of teams and leagues than any other interactive soccer game for the ultimate global line-up. EA owns exclusive rights to France's LNF, in addition to Swedish, Norwegian, and Korean leagues, the elite FA Premier League in the UK, and Bundesliga in Germany.

The FIFA series continues its tradition hip soundtracks, incorporating music from top artists to enhance the entertainment value of the game. This year's release incorporates music by Gorillaz, the cartoon band formed by Blur's Damon Albarn, that is currently up for six MTV Europe awards including Best Group, and has been in the top 50 of Billboard's Top 200 for 39 weeks. Ministry of Sound, the world's largest producer of dance music including house, garage, trance, chillout and commercial is also providing ten tracks for FIFA Soccer 2002.

Arsenal striker and global soccer star Thierry Henry is featured on packaging and in marketing materials for both North America and UK. Intelligent commentary provided by legendary announcer John Motson and soccer legend Andy Gray.

Developed by EA Canada, FIFA Soccer 2002 carries an ESRB rating of "E" for Everyone and a MSRP of US$39.99 for PC-CD, US$49.99 for the PlayStation, and US$59.99 for the PlayStation 2. Consumers may purchase the game directly by going online at (http://www.eastore.ea.com) or by calling toll free at 877-EA GAMES (877-324-2637). Screenshots are available on an informational press site at http://www.info.ea.com.

EA SPORTS(TM) is one of four Electronic Arts (EA) brands. EA SPORTS (www.easports.com) is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, publishing top-selling EA SPORTS franchises including FIFA, John Madden Football(TM), NHL(R), Knockout Kings(TM), NBA LIVE, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR(R), Triple Play Baseball(TM) and NASCAR(R). EA publishes EA SPORTS interactive entertainment software for personal computers and advanced entertainment systems to date such as the PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system, the PlayStation(R) console, Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(TM) and Game Boy(R) Advance.

Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, Electronic Arts posted revenues of more than $1.3 billion for fiscal 2001. The company develops, publishes and distributes software worldwide for the Internet, personal computers and video game systems. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS, EA GAMES(TM), EA SPORTS BIG(TM) and EA.COM(SM). More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://www.info.ea.com.

Note to Editors: Electronic Arts, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG, EA GAMES, John Madden Football, Triple Play Baseball and Knockout Kings 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. PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox and Microsoft are trademarks of Microsoft Corp. Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nintendo. FIFA Soccer 2002 is an official FIFA licensed product. NHL, NBA, Tiger Woods, PGA TOUR and NASCAR are trademarks of their respective owners and used with permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.