SEGA SPORTS NHL 2K3 SHIPS FOR NINTENDO GAMECUBE

Deepest Hockey Simulation on the Market Offers ESPN Telecast-Style Presentation, Lifelike Realism and Exclusive Features

SAN FRANCISCO - (December 10, 2002) - SEGA(R) of America, Inc. announced today the release of "SEGA Sports(TM) NHL(R) 2K3" for the Nintendo GameCube(TM). As the most true-to-life hockey simulation, "SEGA Sports NHL 2K3" successfully replicates the sport's details such as lifelike goalie maneuvers, strategic line changes, battling for the puck against the boards and extensive individual player and team attributes that result in ultra-realistic play. Produced by Visual Concepts Entertainment, a SEGA development studio, and developed by Treyarch LLC, "SEGA Sports NHL 2K3" provides the features that hockey fans covet, from an in-depth Franchise Mode and full lineup of NHL and International teams to its authentic ESPN telecast-style presentation.

"'SEGA Sports NHL 2K3' gives players total control of all the intensity on the ice and allows for full management of all the action off the ice, granting them the most authentic hockey experience possible," said Greg Thomas, president, Visual Concepts Entertainment.

"SEGA Sports NHL 2K3" uses an advanced physics-based gameplay system and unprecedented Artificial Intelligence (AI) to more accurately simulate the NHL. Unlike other hockey games that are based on percentages, the goalies, players and the puck in "SEGA Sports NHL 2K3" are all governed by the game's sophisticated physics engine, allowing for more realistic shooting, checking, skating and goaltending. Melding flawlessly with the game's physics is an adaptive AI system that allows each player to react to hundreds of unique on-ice situations. When setting up for a save, goalies will dynamically react to the puck and positioning of the opposing forwards, while AI teams will execute realistic power-plays, forechecks, perform odd-man breaks and line changes.

While other hockey games feature goalies without specific player attributes, who attempt saves with limited movements, "SEGA Sports NHL 2K3" shows goalies playing the position as it is meant to be played. In "NHL 2K3," the new Reactive Goalie Positioning lets goalies move side-to-side, and from dive to save, without ever having to return to a center or idle position, allowing them to make save upon save with the most realistic maneuvers of any hockey video game. Also new in "SEGA Sports NHL 2K3" is Complete Lines Control, which gives gamers the ability to rotate offensive, defensive, power play and penalty kill lines independently and set strategies for each of these lines on the fly. Along with this ability is Board Pinning, where gamers can pin players against the boards and dig for the puck with multiple control options, bringing yet another level of realism to hockey video games.

"SEGA Sports NHL 2K3" also gives gamers the choice of six different gameplay modes, including Quick Game, Exhibition, Season, Playoffs, Tournament and the brand new Franchise Mode. In the Franchise Mode gamers can select one of the existing NHL teams or create their own custom team and develop it into a dynasty. Users can sign, trade and release players and scout upcoming rookies in the NHL entry draft. As they compete for the coveted Stanley Cup over multiple seasons, players also have the opportunity to take part in mid-season All-Star games and earn a myriad of postseason awards. An ESPN telecast-style presentation, featuring the signature National Hockey Night theme, TV-style player introductions, game highlights and replays using a telestrator, wrap-up the stellar visual package.

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 National Hockey Night are registered trademarks of ESPN, Inc. ESPN branded elements (C) Disney. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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) 2002. All rights reserved. Officially Licensed Product of the National Hockey League.

(C) NHLPA. NHL 2K3 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.