It's a Slam Dunk! EA's NBA LIVE 2005 Ships to Stores Today; Best-Selling Hoops Franchise Hits Stores with EA SPORTS Freestyle Air, NBA All-Star Weekend and More

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 28, 2004--NBA LIVE 2005, the authentic and innovative new basketball videogame from Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS), ships to retailers today under the EA SPORTS(TM) brand. In stores throughout North America just in time for the opening of NBA training camps, the NBA LIVE franchise celebrates its 10th year in style, with all new features, visually immersive graphics, and improved gameplay.

NBA LIVE 2005 continues to set the standard as the most authentic and comprehensive hoops simulation ever created. New EA SPORTS Freestyle Air gameplay takes the action above the rim with new dunks and added in-air control on put-backs, tip-ins, and shot blocks. NBA LIVE 2005 also debuts the comprehensive new NBA All-Star Weekend mode, where players have the ability to create gravity-defying, fully adjustable dunks in the innovative Slam Dunk Contest, a feature IGN has called "the most addictive new feature in any sports game this year." Another feature allows players to step outside the arc and test their jump shot in the 3 Point Shootout, which pits superstars from the East versus West in the NBA All-Star Game. Gamers can also battle with the league's best young players in the Rookie Challenge, all under the bright lights of the NBA's showcase event.

With a revamped Dynasty Mode(TM), EA SPORTS Online* features, in-game commentary from Marv Albert and Mike Fratello, and colorful banter between Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith in the Slam Dunk Contest and 3 Point Shootout, NBA LIVE 2005 continues to deliver the ultimate hoops experience.

The game's launch also sets the stage for the second annual EA SPORTS NBA Livestyle event, a celebration of music and gaming, which kicks off in Atlanta on October 1. Consumers will test their skills on NBA Live 2005 for a chance to win VIP treatment during the 2005 NBA All Star Weekend in Denver, Colo. The NBA Livestyle event visits Atlanta, Miami (October 8), Dallas (October 29), and Los Angeles (November 19).

Developed in Vancouver, B.C., by EA Canada, the studio which is also home to the popular NBA STREET and NCAA(R) March Madness(R) franchises, NBA LIVE 2005 is available on the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft, and the Nintendo GameCube(TM). NBA LIVE 2005 is rated "E" (Everyone) by the ESRB. The game's official website is www.nbalive05.com.

EA SPORTS is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world. Its top-selling titles and franchises include Madden NFL(TM) Football, FIFA Soccer, NHL(R) hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, MVP Baseball(TM), NCAA(R) Football, NASCAR(R) racing, and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR(R). The EA SPORTS home page is www.easports.com.

* INTERNET CONNECTION required for online play. Not all features available with all platforms. See full product for details.