2008 International eSports Conference

Berlin, March 13, 2009. The „International eSports Conference 2009 (ESCONF)“ takes place at the German headquarters of Electronic Arts in Cologne from May 26th-27th this year and thus stays loyal to the Rhine metropolis. Dr. Olaf Coenen, Executive Director Electronic Arts Germany: „We are looking forward to welcoming the International eSports Conference in our rooms for the second time. We feel strongly committed to staying in touch with the eSports community and regard this part of gaming with great attention.“

From May 26th – 27th the who’s who of eSports again gathers at the ESCONF to discuss current and important developments and trends of this young industry. This year’s program will feature numerous innovations for both participants and visitors. For the very first time there will be a series of lectures addressing high school and university students, teachers, parents, politicians and media representatives. „eSport professionals“ working as team or general managers or coaches will be offered additional workshops on law and marketing. These workshops will teach the participants know-how that strengthens their skills for their tasks and responsibilities. To increase support for eSports on an international level, a meeting with associations, teams and leagues will be hosted - like last year - to let participants discuss current topics and developments. Given the great success of last year’s debut of „eSports Connection“, this feature is going to be notably enlarged hence enabling more eSport organizations to secure new deals.

Having taken over Global Games Media, Think Services Game Group Germany GmbH will continue running the ESCONF as well as organize GDC Europe in Cologne in August. Frank Sliwka, Vice President Business Development Europe: „Given the new constellation following Think Service’s takeover of Global Games Media we are starting with increased possibilities. This is already indicated by the extension of the conference program and the series of lectures and workshops. Moreover, eSports Connection will be enlarged and will also continue to increase its importance. Furthermore, Carsten Kohlenbeck will be responsible for the ESCONF for the very first time this year.“

Further information and the registration for the ESCONF are to be found on the website www.esconf.com

About the International eSports Conference (ESCONF)

The „International eSports Conference“ takes place in 2009 for the sixth time and is the world’s most important business and networking platform for eSport and gaming communities. This young industry presents itself in speeches, workshops, meetings, business initiations (eSports Connection) and networking events and informs and discusses current and important topics of the eSport market. Whereas speeches address high-school and university students, teachers, parents, politicians and the media, workshops are provided for eSportsmen and their managements. In private meetings, eSport organizations discuss current developments, trends and problems. eSports Connection is an exclusive speed dating event for external businesses along with companies from the eSports industry. Further information: www.esconf.com

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA SPORTS FreestyleTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. Further information: www.ea.com

About the Think Services Game Group

A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the Think Services Game Group offers market-defining content, and drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and research products and services. These include Game Developer Magazine, Game Developer Research, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, GameCareerGuide.com, WorldsInMotion.biz, GameSetWatch.com, GamesOnDeck.com, SeriousGamesSource.com, the Game Developers Conference®, the Game Developers Conference® Austin, the Game Developers Conference® Europe, the Game Developers Conference® China, GDC Mobile, the Game Career Seminars, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards. To learn more, visit www.tsgamegroup.com

About Think Services, a division of United Business Media

Think Services connects specialized communities worldwide using educational events, consulting, training, certification, membership, and innovative media. Providing comprehensive opportunities for people to learn from, network with, and inspire each other, Think Services builds strong brands and works within communities to foster a unique affinity with its products and services. The division's flagship products include the Game Developers Conference, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, Game Developer magazine, the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI) and HDI. Think Services is a subsidiary of United Business Media, a global media and marketing services company with a market capitalization of more than $1.6 billion. To learn more, visit www.think-services.com.