SEOUL, South Korea & REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June
28, 2006--Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS), the world's leading
interactive entertainment software company, and Neowiz Corporation,
one of Korea's leading game publishers and developers, today announced
that EA SPORTS™ FIFA Online has set a new record for the most Peak
Concurrent Users (PCUs) in its opening month. According to internal
data, EA SPORTS FIFA Online has beaten all records for online games in
Korea, with the biggest opening weekend recorded of 33,000 PCUs, over
50,000 in its first 11 days and over 100,000 in its first 23 days.
These numbers put the popular soccer game ahead of all other online
games, including racing and fantasy titles. For the weekend of June
17-18, EA SPORTS FIFA Online broke the 100,000 PCU mark. At this
100,000 PCU mark, the game has also hit over 600,000 unique users in
same day.
In Open Beta since May 25, 2006, EA SPORTS FIFA Online brings the
total soccer experience to Korean online game players for the first
time ever. The online game delivers a combination of precision
gameplay, deep customization and pure soccer authenticity. Intuitive
gameplay allows players to command every move on the pitch with
pinpoint accuracy. The responsive control allows for easy passing,
shooting and tackling, enabling players to trap, shield and dribble
like a world-class soccer star. EA SPORTS FIFA Online, which is
available in both matchplay and career mode, delivers the most
comprehensive roster of official licensed leagues from the world of
soccer with an unprecedented level of real clubs, kits, stadiums and
players. EA SPORTS FIFA Online will begin commercialization with the
introduction of microtransactions in July 2006. Exclusive features to
EA SPORTS FIFA Online include community features such as in game
chatting, online persistency such as custom teams, tournament
rankings, with levels and auto match-making corresponding to each
user's playing ability.
"We are tremendously proud of EA SPORTS FIFA Online. This is the
launch of our online gaming strategy in Korea and we are emboldened by
these phenomenal results. In its first month, the game already has
terrific momentum, a passionate fan base and a very promising start.
It has also been very rewarding to work with such a high caliber local
partner as Neowiz," said Jon Niermann, President, EA Asia Publishing.
Mr. Sung Kyun Na, President of Neowiz, said, "EA SPORTS FIFA
Online is the first online game title in Korea, to reach such
staggering success so early by surpassing 100,000 open beta users. It
is also the first successful case of a converted PC packaged goods
title to an online game. Both are unprecedented in online game
history." He added, "Since EA SPORTS FIFA Online is based on a
simulated game that is internationally popular and an
easy-to-understand sport, we hope this wonderful result bodes well for
the global game in the future."
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 Neowiz
Neowiz Co. Ltd, headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, is the
nation's leading online game company. Founded in 1997, Neowiz is
expected to post revenues of $100 million for fiscal 2005. The company
develops and publishes online games. In 2005, Neowiz had over 40
online game titles in service including the most popular online game
in Korea called Special Force. Neowiz markets its products under its
online game portal www.pmang.com. More information about the company
information and press releases can be found on the internet at
www.neowiz.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. Official FIFA licensed product. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Electronic Arts
Tammy Schachter, 650-628-7223
tschachter@ea.com
or
Electronic Arts Korea
Min Kal, +82-2-3018-8815
min@ea.com
or
The Consultancy Limited
Emma Smith, +852-3114-6336
esmith@consultancy-pr.com.hk
SOURCE: Electronic Arts Inc.