EA Ships The Sims for PlayStation 2

Market Wire, January, 2003

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that The Sims(TM) for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system has shipped. Players will be able to create and control their Sims like never before with all new level-based game play, two-player modes, and dynamic 3D graphics.

"Bringing the #1 selling PC game of all time, The Sims, to the #1 console, gives players a whole new Sims experience," said Sinjin Bain, COO of EA's Maxis studio and Executive Producer of the game. "Console players and Sims fans alike are going to enjoy the redesigned controls for the PlayStation 2 and exciting new game play features."

In an all new level-based mode called "Get a Life," players can start with just one Sim and move him or her through life's big moments including moving out of Mom's house, getting a job, and having a family. As players progress through new challenges their Sim can unlock objects exclusive to the PlayStation 2 console such as a teppanyaki table, aroma master, and a strip poker game.

For the first time ever, players can play The Sims with or against each other! Challenge your friends for popularity points and bragging rights in the two-player modes. You can now save your houses and Sims on a memory card and play them on a friend's system.

Customizing the appearance of your Sims reaches a whole new level of detail on the PlayStation 2 console. Like never before, players can create and tailor their Sims with accessories such as stylish hats, trendy glasses, cool hairstyles, and an enormous variety of clothing options. Players will also be able to make changes to their Sims appearance mid-game with the unlockable vanity mirror.

Just like in the original version of The Sims, players will be able to play the classic Sim-style open-ended game play. But now in this version of the game, players can explore and create in an entirely new 3D world that harnesses the full power of the PlayStation 2 console. There is a cast of wacky neighbors and creatures to interact with that can't be found in any other Sims game, including a monkey butler that can be unlocked to serve at your Sim's every whim.

The Sims for the PlayStation2 console was developed by the company's Walnut Creek-based Maxis(TM) studio in conjunction with Austin-based Edge of Reality, Ltd. and carries an ESRB rating of "T" for Teen. It is available in stores now for a suggested retail price of US $49.99 or by direct order from the EA Store(SM) at www.ea.com or by calling 877-EA GAMES (1- 877- 324-2637). More information on The Sims for the PlayStation 2 console can be found at www.thesimsconsole.com.

The Sims skyrocketed to the top of the charts when it began shipping to stores in February 2000 and quickly became a universal gaming and cultural phenomenon. The Sims was the best selling PC game of both 2000 and 2001 and is now the best selling PC game of all time. Translated into 16 different languages, The Sims has inspired five expansion packs; The Sims(TM) Livin' Large, The Sims(TM) House Party, The Sims(TM) Hot Date, The Sims(TM) Vacation and The Sims(TM) Unleashed. Combined sales for the franchise have topped 20 million units life-to-date. For more information on The Sims franchise titles, visit www.thesims.com.

Electronic Arts (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, Electronic Arts posted revenues of more than $1.7 billion for fiscal 2002. The company develops, publishes and distributes software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS(TM), 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 www.info.ea.com.

Electronic Arts, EA SPORTS, EA GAMES, EA SPORTS BIG, EA Store, Maxis and The Sims are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks 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. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.