EA's Worldwide Best Seller Now on Store Shelves

Electronic Arts today launched the world's hottest video game franchise on the world's hottest game console. The EA SPORTS^TM FIFA series newest edition, FIFA 2001 Major League Soccer^TM for the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system, has arrived on store shelves. What the Star Wars series is for the movie industry EA SPORTS FIFA console game is to the interactive industry -- it's the world's best selling, highest-grossing interactive sports video game franchise.

The roll out of FIFA 2001 in Europe and North America follows on the heels of the recent success of an earlier edition released in Japan last spring. FIFA Soccer World Championship rose to the number one position this summer on the PlayStation 2 console charts and is currently among the top ten PlayStation 2 games in Japan.

FIFA 2001 on the PlayStation 2 game console features all the top soccer talent from around the world set in a stunning lifelike universe. EA SPORTS used motion capture technology to render the precise moves of top stars such as Edgar Davids, Paul Scholes, Thierry Henry, Gaizka Mendieta, Pavel Kuka and Shimon Gershon. The results are stunning.

The finely detailed players and precise facial animation, combined with motion-captured moves from the preeminent players in the world, delivers the most authentic game of interactive soccer. The ease and fluidity of the controls also allows even first time players to appreciate the raw excitement of soccer.

The game features an ``on the field'' dynamic mix of players shouting, crowds chanting and top play-by-play talent from around the world, as well as music specially provided by techno star Moby. A special remix of Moby's breakout hit, ``Bodyrock,'' opens the gaming experience.

``The combination of soccer talent, innovative gameplay and music creates an unrivaled interactive soccer experience,'' said FIFA executive producer Marc Aubanel. ``We've been making FIFA games for over eight years and we continue to find revolutionary ways to enhance the experience for our fans. With FIFA 2001 we were able to take the player holding the controls and teleport him onto the field. The crowds come alive with amazing crowd animation effects in a thunderous stadium. Special effects abound with incredible weather effects, animating shadows and breath-taking light refractions that simulate a living environment. FIFA 2001 provides the full range of visceral heartbreak or glory when that shot hits the crossbar and slips past the goalie.''

With more than 50 National teams from over 15 different leagues, the game choices and competition are real and intense. Major League Soccer is featured alongside Europe's best including the Premier League, German Bundesliga, Spanish Premier League and the French LNF for a comprehensive, global line-up. Intelligent commentary is provided by legendary English announcer John Motson and soccer icon Mark Lawrenson. FIFA 2001 provides an unparalleled collection of today's best national teams, domestic leagues and international matches from around the world in a variety of game modes including Friendly, League, Cup and Custom modes.

FIFA 2001 is available for the PlayStation® and PlayStation 2 game consoles and PC. FIFA 2001 is rated ``E'' (Everyone) by the ESRB. DC United standout Ben Olsen was used for marketing and advertising materials. Consumers may purchase the game directly at the EA Store(SM)(http://www.eastore.ea.com) or by calling EA Direct Sales at 877/324-2637.

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