SEGA LAUNCHES ITS ACCLAIMED PRO FOOTBALL SIM SEGA SPORTS NFL 2K3 ON NINTENDO GAMECUBE

SEGA Sports NFL 2K Series Debuts on GameCube With Radical New Franchise Mode, ESPN Telecast-Style Presentation and Intuitive Gameplay

SAN FRANCISCO - (August 20, 2002) - SEGA(R) of America, Inc. announced today the release of "SEGA Sports(TM) NFL 2K3" for the Nintendo GameCube(TM). Heralded as the "Best Sports Game" by the "Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2002," "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" is poised to redefine the standards of football video games this season with ground-breaking Artificial Intelligence, unparalleled lifelike animations, an ESPN telecast-style presentation and an in-depth franchise mode featuring a revolutionary and easy-to-use visual interface. Developed by Visual Concepts Entertainment, a SEGA development studio, "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" pushes the boundaries of realism and blurs the line between a football video game and a real-life Sunday afternoon gridiron battle.

"The innovative new features and enhancements in 'SEGA Sports NFL 2K3' help deliver a truly engaging gameplay experience for Nintendo GameCube owners," said Tom Nichols, vice president of sports marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "The 'SEGA Sports NFL 2K' series has continued to challenge the conventions of console football games and this new title brings that pioneering gameplay to Nintendo GameCube for the first time."

"Delivering the most true-to-life football experience for Nintendo GameCube users, 'SEGA Sports NFL 2K3' brings the player onto the field with presentation elements such as new cut-scenes and camera angles, and gameplay enhancements like on the fly audibles," said Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts Entertainment, a SEGA development studio. "With 'SEGA Sports NFL 2K3' we have taken a giant step forward in realizing our goal of successfully capturing the subtle nuances of a real NFL game."

"SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" builds on its championship-caliber gameplay with a variety of new additions and enhancements. More than 4,500 team-specific plays and the ability to create custom playbooks ensure that each team follows the exact play-calling tendencies they do in the real world. Similarly, advanced individual player AI makes each athlete react uniquely to the action around him on the field. From linebackers slowing down crossing patterns by bumping receivers passing through their zones to AI quarterbacks more realistically making formation and coverage reads before making the throw, "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" delivers both an exhilarating and ultra-realistic gameplay experience.

"SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" delivers a new level of authenticity with an ESPN telecast-style presentation. Everything from the trademark split-screen player introductions and analysis, game highlights, scores and overlays to the famous SportsCenter theme music, help create the look and feel of an actual ESPN telecast of the National Football League. In "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3," weekly wrap-ups show actual game highlights from simulated games around the league and a variety of post-season awards distinguish the best of the best in the NFL.

Providing added value to the game's expansive list of features is the brand new SEGA Sports Challenge. With this feature enabled, the seasoned "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" fan can compare stats accumulated during offline Exhibition games against other players from around the country. In the SEGA Sports Challenge, gamers track their stats in a multitude of categories to receive a unique Challenge Code, which can then be entered and ranked against other gamers on Segasports.com.

Joining the returning Exhibition, Tournament, Season and Practice Modes is a brand new Situation Mode and the reconstructed Franchise Mode. The Franchise Mode, which features an innovative visual interface and additional team management options, arrives for the new season with an extensive overhaul. As users step into the shoes of their favorite team's players, coaches and general managers, they have the option of signing free agents, scouting and drafting rookies, making trades and even drafting graduating seniors from "SEGA Sports(TM) NCAA(R) College Football 2K3." The Situation Mode lets players customize a variety of options to create their own unique in-game scenario, from running two-minute drills to lining up for the game winning field goal.

"SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" athletes have been remodeled using 3D scans of prototype NFL body types to look more genuine and lifelike than ever. Player body sizes now match the unique height, weight and girth for each of the individual positions on the field. The 3D stadiums were also redesigned to more accurately represent the size and magnitude of actual NFL stadiums. The result is a game that is visually striking, capturing everything from the cheap seats and crowded sidelines in the stadiums to the player's dramatic facial expressions.

About SEGA

About ESPN

Based in Bristol, Ct., ESPN, Inc., "The Worldwide Leader In Sports," is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN. ESPN, Inc. includes six domestic television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Now and ESPN Today), ESPN International (24 international networks and syndication), ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, ESPN Regional Television, SportsTicker, and ESPN Enterprises, overseeing brand extensions such as the ESPN Zone, an interactive sports-themed dining and entertainment experience.

"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (TM), (R) and the Nintendo GameCube logo are trademarks of Nintendo. Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. ESPN and Sportscenter are registered trademarks of ESPN, Inc. ESPN branded elements (c) Disney. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.