MTV Games and Harmonix Ship Rock Band™ for the PlayStation®2 to Retail Stores Nationwide

PlayStation 2 Owners Set To Start Bands and Rock the World with the Most Sought After Music Videogame of the Holiday Season

News by GamesIndustry International Contributor

Published on Dec. 18, 2007

CAMBRIDGE, MA - December 17, 2007 - Harmonix, the leading worldwide developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced today that the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system will ship to U.S. retail stores on Tuesday, December 18, 2007.

Developed in collaboration with Pi Studios, Rock Band for the PlayStation 2 system showcases many of the same challenging modes and rock music featured in the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game entertainment system from Microsoft versions, including Band World Tour and Score Duel, which allows drum vs. drum, guitar vs. guitar and vocal vs. vocal play.

"Our team was honored to work side by side with Harmonix to create Rock Band for the PlayStation 2 and extremely proud of the result," stated Robert Erwin, CEO of Pi Studios. "Together, we were able to deliver the addictive nature and brilliance of the core Rock Band gameplay while giving PS2 owners the ultimate rock experience just in time for the holidays."

Rock Band invites players to interact with music like never before, challenging them to join a band and set out on tour - all while learning to master lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals. Featuring the most master recordings of any music game ever by the world's biggest rock artists, Rock Band for the PlayStation 2 system includes 58 tracks and spans every genre of rock ranging from alternative and classic rock to heavy metal and punk.

The Rock Band Special Edition Bundle for the PlayStation 2 system features a wireless Fender Stratocaster guitar controller, an electronic drum kit, real drum sticks, a microphone and software and has a suggested retail price of $159.99. Standalone Rock Band software for the PlayStation 2 system is also available for the suggested retail price of $49.99. Rock Band for PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 use the same instruments so players do not need to buy new instruments if they upgrade their console.

Rock Band is rated "T" for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

Rock Band is also available on Xbox 360 and the PLAYSTATION 3 system in North America. Rock Band will ship to retail stores in Canada on December 20th for the Xbox 360 and the PLAYSTATION 3 system. Rock Band will ship in Europe for the Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3 system and the PlayStation 2 system in the first quarter of 2008.

EA is the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band, managing distribution for the game in the US, Europe and Australia.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems, please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.

About MTV Networks:

MTV Networks, a division of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with 135 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 200 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

About MTV Games:

MTV Games is dedicated to creating, marketing and publishing high-quality, innovative interactive products that are relevant to the MTV audience and complements the core values of the MTV Networks brands.

About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc:

Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and established in 1995, is the leading developer of groundbreaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix was founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more information please visit: http://www.harmonixmusic.com

About Pi Studios:

Pi Studios LLC, founded in 2002, is an independent video game developer based in Houston, TX. Best known for their work on Activision's award-winning Call of Duty franchise, Pi has been involved in the planning, design and development of 5 titles in the series. The company has contributed to a number of high-visibility franchises, including Microsoft's Halo series and Pandemic's "Mercenaries" brand. More information, including printable paper doll cutouts and sushi recipes, can be found at www.pistudios.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 SPORTS, EA, EA SPORTS BIG and POGO. In fiscal 2007, EA posted revenue of $3.09 billion and had 24 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.

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

® 2007 Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Harmonix, Rock Band and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., an MTV Networks company. Rock Band developed by Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. MTV: Music Television, MTV Games and all related titles and logos are trademarks of MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. 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. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Harmonix Media Contact:

Tracie Snitker

Reverb Communications

Tracie@reverbinc.com

(209) 586-1495 x104

MTV Contact:

Jeff Castaneda

MTV Communications

jeff.castaneda@mtvstaff.com

(212) 846-6774

EA Contact:

Bryce Baer