Game Quality Index Sees 28-Point Jump Year Over Year
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Sep 16, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS)
today announced that Need for Speed(TM) SHIFT has earned top
scores at dozens of critical gaming outlets, positioning it for a
spectacular launch. With a perfect 100 from GameSpy.com and G4TV.com,
and 90+ scores from IGN.com, Official Xbox Magazine, PlayStation: The
Official Magazine, Team Xbox.com, Game Daily.com, Gametrailers.com and
more, Need for Speed SHIFT is the highest rated Need for Speed game
in years. Need for Speed SHIFT has proven that EA's decentralized
development strategy has delivered critical success. The storied
franchise returns today with an authentic race experience that offers a
unique cockpit view and thunderous engines racing at break-neck speeds.
On launch date - September 15 - the game clocked a critical average of
87 on the PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system and 86 on Xbox 360
videogame and entertainment system; a 28 point leap on the PlayStation 3
console and 22 point jump on Xbox 360 over last year's game.*
"SHIFT marks a stunning comeback for the Need for Speed
franchise," said Senior Vice President of Marketing Jeff Karp. "I don't
remember when the game has ever looked better. The double-digit
improvement in critics' scores reflects the game's tremendous innovation
and places Need for Speed as the best racing game of 2009."
Need for Speed SHIFT redefines the racing genre by combining real
world physics with perception based G-forces. The game introduces a
brutal first-person crash dynamic that creates an unparalleled immersive
experience. The signature cockpit view delivers a true driver's
experience. Need for Speed SHIFT further personalizes the
experience through the all-new driver profile -- a unique persona based
on the driving skill and style of each player. Need for SpeedSHIFT
is the most realistic and intensive authentic racing game ever.
Need for Speed SHIFT is available for the PlayStation(R)3 computer
entertainment system, Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system, PC,
PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system and iPhone(TM). More information can be
found at www.needforspeed.com
or follow us on Twitter at NeedforSpeed. Press can download assets at http://info.ea.com.
* According to Metacritic.com
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is
a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in
1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive
software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless
devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under
four brand names: EA SPORTS(TM), EA(TM), EA SPORTS Freestyle(TM) and POGO(TM). In
fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31
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.
EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, POGO and Need for Speed are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other
countries. Microsoft, Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft
group of companies. "PlayStation" and "PSP" are registered trademarks of
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property
of their respective owners.
SOURCE: Electronic Arts Inc.
EAGL
Tammy Schachter, 650-628-7223
Senior Director of PR
tschachter@ea.com
Peter Nguyen, 650-628-6307
Director of PR
pnguyen@ea.com
or
Electronic Arts Inc.
Jeff Brown, 650-628-7922
VP of Corporate Communications
jbrown@ea.com
Copyright Business Wire 2009