Future wins pitch for UK licence to publish Official PlayStation Magazine

17/10/06 - Future plc, the international special-interest media group, today announces that it has reached an exclusive agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) to publish the new Official PlayStation Magazine in the UK.

Official PlayStation Magazine sees Future and SCEE continue their long established publishing partnership, which began in 1995. The new magazine strengthens Future's Official PlayStation portfolio and will run alongside the successful Official PlayStation 2 Magazine and the recently launched Official PSP Guidebook.

Launching with a special PlayStation 3 preview issue next month - Official PlayStation Magazine will lead with PS3 coverage, whilst covering the burgeoning PSP and well-established PS2 markets. The first issue is the ultimate and exclusive guide to Sony's next-generation console - with the team given unparalleled access to the PlayStation 3 and its launch games.

With a comprehensive retail footprint from launch - Official PlayStation Magazine has widespread stocking in WH Smith, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Co-Op, Morrison's and Borders, as well as independent retailers, airport and train station outlets. The new title goes monthly in January 2007 and to coincide with the European launch of the console in March 2007, will feature PS3-focused covermounts.

Ray Maguire, Senior Vice President and UK Managing Director, SCEE, said:

"The Official PlayStation Magazine will be a focal point for the PlayStation brand alongside our existing Official PlayStation 2 and PSP titles. We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Future and strengthening the Official PlayStation portfolio as we prepare for the launch of the PlayStation 3. Since 1995 they have continued to innovate and develop the Official magazines, making them the best partner for this exciting new title."

Robert Price, Managing Director, Future added:

"Future has enjoyed a long and successful publishing partnership with Sony, which began over a decade ago, and we are delighted to see this continue. As UK gamers look forward to the PlayStation 3 - the new Official PlayStation Magazine will be there to guide readers into the exciting next-generation, as well as bringing them the best from Sony's other platforms."

Headed by Editor, Tim Clark and Editor-in-Chief, Mark Donald, the preview issue of Official PlayStation Magazine goes on sale Wednesday, November 15th, with a cover price of £4.99.

ENDS

About Future

Future plc is an international special-interest media group with offices in the UK, US, France and Italy. Founded in 1985 with one UK magazine, today it creates over 150 special-interest publications, websites and events, with strong portfolios in the computing, games, music, automotive, sports, crafts and leisure sectors. Over 100 international editions of Future's magazines are also published under licence in 30 other countries across the world. Future employs over 1,500 people worldwide. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange (symbol FUTR).

For more information

Will Guyatt, Media Relations Manager, 01225 822517 or will.guyatt@futurenet.co.uk

David Wilson, Head Of PR, 0207 911 3128 or david_wilson@scee.net

About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PlayStation®2 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) software and hardware in 104 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes entertainment software for these

formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the platforms in these territories. Between its European debut on 24th November 2000 and the end of March 2006, over 38 million PlayStation 2 consoles have been shipped across the SCEE territories, over 103 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful consumer electronic products in history. Between its European debut on 1st September 2005 and the end of March 2006, over 5 million PSP systems have been shipped across the SCEE territories, with over 17 million shipped worldwide since its Japanese launch in December 2004.

More information about PlayStation products can be found at www.playstation.com and www.yourpsp.com or visit the Virtual Press Office at www.scee.presscentre.com.

PlayStation, PSP and the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. UMD (Universal Media Disc) is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.