EA and Lionhead Studios Announce Black & White 2 for the PC

EA AND LIONHEAD STUDIOS RESURRECT
THE QUESTION OF GOOD VS. MALEVOLENT IN BLACK & WHITE 2 FOR THE PC

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., March 13, 2003
– Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Lionhead Studios once again join forces to
ask the question of whether you are an evil or benevolent deity. From the
creative mind of industry icon, Peter Molyneux, Black & White 2 for the PC
promises to deliver yet another revolutionary Role Playing God game experience.
Currently under development, the PC-based title is the true sequel to the
highly-acclaimed original PC title, Black & White which was released more than
two years ago.

"Our relationship with EA spans many
years and products including the huge commercial and critical success of Black &
White," said Peter Molyneux, Managing Director of Lionhead Studios.  "The fresh
approach of EA, coupled with our own dedication and determination to make Black
& White 2 a truly epic game should result in an unbeatable formula."

A New World… A Sign of the Times
As the player begins Black & White 2, it is revealed that the world of Eden is
now at war, immediately posing a question to the player. Will he choose to
create and command large armies to dominate, conquer and encourage this world at
war?  Or will the player choose to protect and nurture his empire, turning
villages and towns into cities protected by their godly powers.

The various tribes have the power to
build huge fortresses around their settlements, and to gather large armies to
defend their fortresses from opposing warriors or creatures from rival gods.
Fiercely protective, the tribes will defend their settlements to the death.

Like its predecessor, Black & White
2 focuses on moral choices. More over, the game’s center is built on one of the
most innovative AI systems in computer games*, which can support an almost
infinite number of experiences and player persona.  Every action and inaction
prompts obvious changes to buildings, flora and/or fauna all morphing to reflect
the player’s personality. Creature AI has also advanced in this game. The
breathtaking 3D world is more highly developed with new weapons, technology and
smarter creatures who can learn strategies and master new abilities and skills.
Creatures will also have the ability to command armies, and be the "ultimate"
unit.

Black & White 2 touts other fresh
elements as well, such as improved graphics and miracle effects including rivers
of fire and devastating earthquakes which rip the terrain apart. Weather systems
bring on different climates such as the deserts of Egypt and the wet,
snow-capped Norse mountains, each impacting the game in its own way. In
addition, players will be able to tap resources and disciples, meeting different
tribes that range from the Japanese to the Aztecs. The ability to create
magnificent cities with new buildings and landmarks, and the ability to
construct walls to defend your people and the option to command huge armies
means that Black & White 2 will be an epic experience in every sense of the
word.

"The agreement is a potent mix,"
said Tom Frisina, Vice President of EA Distribution. "EA’s global marketing and
distribution muscle and Lionhead Studios’ top quality game development
capabilities will combine to make Black & White 2 one of the most anticipated
games."

 
Black & White 2, sequel to the award-winning Black & White, is being developed
by UK-based Lionhead Studios and will be co-published by EA and Lionhead
Studios.  The release date for this title has not been set.  More information
can be found at www.bwgame.com  and
also www.info.ea.com

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world’s
leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, Electronic
Arts posted revenues of more than $1.7 billion for fiscal 2002. The company
develops, publishes and distributes software worldwide for the Internet,
personal computers and video game systems. Electronic Arts markets its products
under four brand names: EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG, EA GAMES and EA.COMSM. More
information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on
the Internet at http://www.ea.com.

About Lionhead Studios
Lionhead Studios is based in Guildford, Great Britain and was founded in 1997. 
The company’s first game Black & White PC was released in 2001 and worldwide
sales are now nearing the 2 million mark. Through its unique satellite scheme
the company currently has six products under development.

*Black & White named in 2003
Guinness Book of Records as having "Most Complex Character in a Computer Game"

Electronic Arts, EA SPORTS, EA
SPORTS BIG and EA GAMES are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic
Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.  EA.COM is a service mark of
EA.com Inc.  Lionhead and Black & White are trademarks of Lionhead Studios Ltd.