Match-Up Online Against NBA LIVE Fans From Around The World Via EA.com

INTERNET WIRE - January 23, 2001 - Electronic Arts ("EA") announced it is shipping NBA LIVE 2001 for the PC. NBA LIVE 2001, from EA SPORTS™, takes players out of the stands and onto the court as players can do battle against the computer or play head-to-head online for cyber basketball supremacy.

NBA LIVE 2001 features full online Internet play via EA.com^SM. Players can quickly match up and compete against opponents from around the world with up to eight players. Chat rooms and match-up servers provide players a forum to congratulate opponents on a well-played match or discuss an upcoming contest.

With a new enhanced franchise mode, players can build their own dynasty from the ground up with players that can lead them to the "promised land"-the NBA Finals. An all-new trade interface allows players the ability to execute more realistic trades with up to three teams and 15 players.

NBA LIVE 2001 features new post play that gives players a greater number of options when the ball is down low in the hands of the "big men." Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves helped provide new animations and motion capture. Responsive new control in the post gives players an authentic feel of contact and battling down low. New post moves include spins, hook shots, fade away jumpers and the "up and under," all allowing freedom to go back to basics when the jumpers aren't falling.

"Every feature we put into this game, from post moves to life-like player models, are there because we believe they bring users one step closer to being on the court," said executive producer Stan Chow. We believe we were successful in translating our ideas into a fun and realistic basketball experience." Chow continued, "with online match-up on EA.com, playing online is easier than ever. The fast and user friendly match-up system opens up a whole new realm of competition for LIVE fans around the world which is great for fans of the series."

NBA LIVE 2001 PC Features:

You state this before, no real need to be redundant unless you want to really stress this fact. - you already state this too, if you delete, shortens up the release. Face in the Game™ technology puts users "in the game." In addition to mapping a specific face, players may choose from many different player expressions, hair types, skin tones and eye colors. New transitions enhance in-game sequences and add to the on-court drama. See player's personalities and emotions come out on the court as they talk with each other, encourage teammates, debate calls with the referees and celebrate huge plays. Improved speech and sound effects capture the essence of the interaction between the play-by-play and color commentators. Bob Elliott adds new in-depth play analysis and all new color commentary for more intelligent and relevant interaction with the game play-by-play done once again by NBA and NBA LIVE veteran Don Poier. A cutting-edge soundtrack with the widest array of hip-hop and rap songs ever available in the LIVE series includes Universal recording artist Montell Jordan who wrote and performed the games title track, "Unstoppable." More than 50 of the greatest NBA legends. Players can compete against All-Star teams from the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's to find out exactly how well today's young superstars match-up against the stars of yesteryear. Users can also play one-on-one on an outdoor court using current NBA players or legendary players. The classic match-ups are endless. Create-a-Player allows gamers the ability to create custom players with individual features including player attributes, skill ratings and appearance.

NBA LIVE 2001 is rated "E" (Everyone) by the ESRB. Consumers may purchase the game directly at the EA Store^SM, or by calling EA Direct Sales at 1.877.324.2637, for a suggested retail price of $39.95. NBA LIVE 2001 is also available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system ($49.95) and the PlayStation® ($39.95).

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EA SPORTS (www.easports.com) is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world. Its top-selling franchises and games include FIFA Soccer, John Madden Football™, NHL® Hockey, Knockout Kings™, NBA LIVE Basketball, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® Golf, Triple Play Baseball™ and NASCAR®.

Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, Electronic Arts posted revenues of more than $1.4 billion for fiscal 2000. The company develops, publishes and distributes software worldwide for the Internet, personal computers and video game systems. Electronic Arts markets its products under three brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA GAMES™ and EA.COM^SM. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at www.ea.com.

Electronic Arts, EA SPORTS, EA GAMES, EA Store, Face in the Game, Knockout Kings, John Madden Football and Triple Play Baseball are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. EA.COM is a service mark of EA.com Inc. The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications used on or in this product are trademarks, copyrighted designs and other forms of intellectual property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA Properties, Inc. Copyright FIFA, Tiger Woods, PGA TOUR, NHL and NASCAR are trademarks of their respective owners and used with permission. PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.