Business Editors/Video Game Writers
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 18, 2006--Electronic
Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS), in partnership with Def Jam Interactive, announced
today that DEF JAM: ICON™ will be released for the PLAYSTATION®3
computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360™ video game and
entertainment system in March 2007 in North America and Europe.
Infusing hip-hop music, culture and lifestyle into the gameplay, EA
Chicago and urban lifestyle powerhouse Def Jam Interactive, continue
to push the boundaries of game development bringing unique and
innovative content to the next generation of gaming.
"Music is the cornerstone of hip-hop culture so we wanted to
incorporate music and rhythm into the actual gameplay mechanics," said
Kudo Tsunoda, executive producer and General Manager of EA Chicago.
"In DEF JAM: ICON, we are changing the way fighting games are played!
We are completely innovating the role of the environments in the
games, moving from the typical lifeless arenas the hip-hop celebrities
are fighting in to environments that play an instrumental part in the
fight where they will react to the music and interact with both
characters like a third fighter."
EA Chicago is delivering star-stunning action and bone breaking
beats as players live out the life of a hip hop mogul, going from rags
to riches. Incorporating hip-hop culture into every aspect of the
game, DEF JAM: ICON will deliver the intensity of a no-holds-barred
street fight but with style and rhythm. Music will effect how players
fight in each venue and environmental interactions and hazards will
become a key strategy to staying alive.
EA Chicago's unique fighting gameplay controls introduce a new way
for gamers to fight as they assume the role of top celebrity
characters such as Ludacris, T.I. and Big Boi. Innovative controls
give better feedback to players so they feel like they're actually
throwing the combat moves. Gamers can now fight with the style and
flash of the superstar personalities.
"The Def Jam Interactive - EA relationship has expanded into a new
frontier with EA Chicago's breakthrough technology. We have worked
very closely with the team to ensure that authentic hip-hop culture
and lifestyle permeates through every part of the product. DEF JAM:
ICON will guarantee the ultimate combination of a real hip-hop
experience and revolutionary fighting gameplay," said Lauren Wirtzer,
VP Marketing, Def Jam Enterprises.
DEF JAM: ICON is scheduled to ship in March 2007 for the
PLAYSTATION®3 system and Xbox 360. DEF JAM: ICON has not yet been
rated by the ESRB. Visit www.esrb.org for updated rating information.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City,
California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software
company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and
distributes interactive software worldwide for videogame systems,
personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its
products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA SPORTS
BIG™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2006, EA posted revenue of $2.95
billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's
homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about
EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the
Internet at http://info.ea.com.
About Def Jam Interactive
Def Jam Interactive, an division of Def Jam Enterprises, is a
preeminent force in the digital industry, providing an authentic hip
hop experience through gameplay, cultural nuances, strategic
partnerships, music, talent and executive direction. Def Jam
Enterprises offers consumers a wide range of popular products and
services in a variety of industries including fashion, film, gaming,
and mobile. In addition to the partnership with Electronic Arts, Def
Jam Enterprises has also leveraged the power of the Def Jam brand in
the mobile space; by offering hip hop focused content for wireless
consumers via Def Jam Mobile. For more than 20 years, the executive
team behind Def Jam have helped guide the most successful careers in
entertainment: such as Jay Z, Mariah Carey, Ludacris, T.I., Kanye
West, Bon Jovi, The Killers, Ja Rule, DMX, Missy Elliott, and many
more. For more information, please visit www.defjamenterprises.com.
Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG and POGO are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the
U.S. and/or other countries. "PlayStation", and "PLAYSTATION" are
registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft,
Xbox and Xbox 360 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Def
Jam®, Def Jam Icon™, and all associated trademarks and logos are
used under license from DJR Holdings, LLC and Simcoh, LLC. Def Jam
artists appear courtesy of The Island Def Jam Music Group. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Electronic Arts
Peter Nguyen, 650-628-3607
pnguyen@ea.com
Robin Chandler, 650-628-3610
rchandler@ea.com
or
Def Jam Interactive
Adair Curtis, 212-997-3038
acurtis@defjamenterprises.com
SOURCE: Electronic Arts