ESPN Videogames' ESPN NHL Hockey for PS2, Xbox Consoles Hits Retail Shelves

"Highest-rated hockey video game this year breaks away from the competition with new set of skills."

SAN RAFAEL, CA - September 12, 2003 - ESPN Videogames today announced that the highly acclaimed ESPN NHL(R) Hockey is now available at major video game retailers across North America. Continuing the high standard of sports realism and video game entertainment of the ESPN Videogames brand, ESPN NHL Hockey delivers speed, action and excitement to hockey fans. ESPN NHL Hockey and other ESPN Videogames titles are produced by Visual Concepts - Sega's sports developer.

"Our focus in developing a hockey video game has always been to find the perfect balance between realism and virtual entertainment," states Greg Thomas, President of Visual Concepts. "We wanted to ensure that ESPN NHL Hockey would be widely accepted by both the casual hockey fan and by the diehards. With balanced game play, striking visuals and the addition of the Skills Competition, we are delivering the most complete hockey experience ever."

Available for both the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and the Microsoft(C) Xbox console, ESPN NHL Hockey brings a hockey experience like no other game. The integration of the ESPN presentation is a key element in delivering an exciting experience to the passionate hockey gamer and the casual sports fan alike. ESPN NHL Hockey integrates a hockey video game, ESPN overlays and television-style wipes. In addition, ESPN's top hockey commentating team - Gary Thorne and Bill Clement - call all the action on the ice.

Along with utilizing the presentation style of "The Worldwide Leader in Sports," ESPN NHL Hockey is proud to present the Skills Competition. Based on the popular events during the NHL's All-Star Weekend, players compete in several challenges that test the precision, speed and strength of their favorite NHL players. Users choose their favorite scorer as they test their goal-scoring precision in Accuracy Shooting. Players who think they're fancy with the stick will have to try maneuvering through an obstacle cone course in Puck Control. ESPN NHL Hockey gamers can choose to compete against the computer or against a friend, offline and online, in six exciting events that will test their dexterity and mettle. The new Skybox feature also enhances the overall experience by offering hundreds of unlockable, virtual items, including retro uniforms, historic teams, trophies and more that can be earned through various in-game accomplishments. ESPN NHL Hockey features enhanced online play for both the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and the Microsoft(C) Xbox console. ESPN NHL Hockey launches a superior standard of quality that consumers can expect with every ESPN Videogames title.

About ESPN
ESPN, Inc., The Worldwide Leader in Sports, is a multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia assets in sports marketing with over 40 business entities. The company is comprised of seven domestic television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes (launching the end of 2003), ESPN Now, ESPN Today, ESPN HD (a high-definition simulcast service of ESPN), ESPN Regional Television, ESPN International (25 international networks and syndication), ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, SportsTicker, ESPN Enterprises, ESPN Zones (sports-themed restaurants), and other growing new businesses including ESPN Broadband, ESPN Wireless, ESPN Video-on-Demand and ESPN Interactive. Based in Bristol, Ct., ESPN 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.

NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks and team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. (C) 2003. All rights reserved. (C) NHLPA. ESPN NHL Hockey is an Officially Licensed Product of the NHLPA. NHLPA, National Hockey League Players' Association and the NHLPA logo are trademarks of the NHLPA and are used under license by Sega of America, Inc.

"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. ESPN is a registered trademark of ESPN, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.