EA LINES UP THE WORLD'S TOP FOOTBALL SUPERSTARS FOR 2006 FIFA WORLD CUP
Chertsey, UK. March 24, 2006 - This is your chance to step onto the pitch and play with your heroes in the 2006 FIFA World CupTM Finals! Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today revealed the superstar players who will be featured on the front packs of the 2006 FIFA World CupTM video game around the world. Designed to celebrate each country's top star, the cover players have been individually selected to represent their team, their nation and their loyal fans. Working in partnership with adidas, the only official branded sports apparel manufacturer for the real-world 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament, EA has been able to deliver customized covers for nearly a dozen countries.
"We are thrilled to have the world's top footballers representing 2006 FIFA World Cup in each of these countries," said Clive Downie, VP of Marketing, EA. "Game players around the globe are engaging in this phenomenal tournament by experiencing it for themselves through the video game."
"2006 FIFA World Cup lets players live out their greatest football fantasy of playing with their heroes. We are honoured to have the opportunity to partner with EA and provide direct access to each of the superstars," said Thierry Weil, head of football sports marketing at adidas.
Demonstrating physical excellence, undying determination and masterful skill, the line-up of players featured regionally on 2006 FIFA World Cup are true sports champions.
[table]TEAM ATHLETE PACK AVAILABILE IN:
England Frank Lampard England
China Zhi Zhen China
China Zhi Zhen China
Germany Lukas Podolski Germany
Italy Alessandro Del Piero Italy
Mexico Jamie Lozano USA, Canada, Mexico
Portugal Simao Portugal
Netherlands Arjen Robben Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg
Switzerland Ricardo Cabanas Switzerland
Spain Xavi Spain
USA Claudio Reyna USA, Canada, Mexico
NA Will feature the FIFA World Cup trophy and the Official Emblem All other Countries[/table]
Players step into the heart of the action as they play their favourite team or most loathed opponent. Featuring stunning visual representations of the world's superstar players, gamers experience the 12 official stadiums as they take their team from qualification to glory. In addition to taking control of one of 127 national teams, players will enjoy groundbreaking new play modes. Global Challenge tests even the biggest soccer fanatic by recreating classic moments in FIFA World Cup history with modern teams. True champions can challenge their friends in eight-way multiplayer matches and take advantage of tremendous in-game un-lockable content such as legendary players and exclusive licensed football apparel.
2006 FIFA World Cup, developed by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C. will be available on April 28th in Europe and Asia and on April 24th in North America. The game will be available on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® and Xbox 360TM video game systems from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCubeTM, Nintendo DSTM, and Game Boy® Advance, PSPTM (PlayStation®Portable) system, PC and mobile. The game is has a PEGI rating of 3+. Screenshots can be downloaded at www.electronicarts.co.uk/press
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 videogame systems, personal computers, and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA SPORTS BIGTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2005, EA posted revenues of $3.1 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG, and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries. Official FIFA licensed product. FIFA World Cup is the property of its respective owner and used with permission. Microsoft, Xbox and Xbox 360 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark and PSP is a trademark of SCEI. Nintendo DS, Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance are trademarks of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Official licensed product. ® The Official Emblem, the Official Mascots of the 2006 FIFA World Cup GermanyTM and the FIFA World CupTM Trophy are copyrights and trademarks of FIFA. All rights reserved. Produced under license by Electronic Arts Ltd.