EA SPORTS Ships F1 CHAMPIONSHIP Season 2000 for the PlayStation 2; Battle for the F1 Driver's Crown in the First Formula One Game for PlayStation 2.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 2000

Jump into the cockpit, start your engine and get into the game with F1 CHAMPIONSHIP Season 2000(TM), released today by Electronic Arts ("EA") for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. The first 2000 season Formula One title available for the next generation console, F1 CHAMPIONSHIP Season 2000 provides the definitive Formula One racing experience.

F1 CHAMPIONSHIP Season 2000 gives the PlayStation 2 gamer their first chance to race head-to-head in a 4-player split screen mode with the PlayStation 2 multitap adapter, a compelling multi-player experience on a single console. In addition, up to 22 players can race in a turn based time trial mode representing any driver from the 2000 season grid, including Championship winner Michael Schumacher and promising newcomer, Jenson Button.

Taking advantage of the new technological capabilities of the PlayStation 2 console, F1 CHAMPIONSHIP Season 2000 marries high-resolution visuals, high-speed gameplay and advanced race dynamics, involving the player in spectacular crashes such as car flips, spins and rolls with accurately modelled damage effects. With in-depth behind the scenes technical support from the Orange Arrows and Benetton Formula One teams, gamers are able to enter the world of Formula One racing with detailed realism.

"We have created the most detailed and visually stunning Formula One game to date," said John Rostron, executive producer for F1 CHAMPIONSHIP Season. "Every track has been accurately recreated including individually modeled tire walls and sponsor hoardings reflecting each race on the 2000 season. Each car has been designed by an ex-Formula One designer and is accurate down to the smallest detail. And the damage model enables spectacular crashes; you can even see the carbon fiber where the paint has been rubbed away or exposed during a collision."

Adding to the realism, gamers can now experience the intense pressure of a Formula One pit stop. Utilizing EA SPORTS(TM) advanced motion capture technology and the body dynamics of real life Benetton pit stop mechanics, EA was able to create a full 22 man pit stop featuring complete nose-cone and tire changes.

Formula One fans will be fully immersed while racing with a full broadcast presentation. The replay camera positioning on the tracks has been directed by Formula One race director Keith McKenzie, the winner of the 1999 FIA award for best Formula One broadcast coverage. Using the PlayStation 2 engine, players will receive genuine broadcast camera replications including on-board camera images as well as pre-race introductions by real life TV presenters such as ITV's Jim Rosenthal (UK), Jean-Louis Moncet (France), Kai Ebel (Germany), and Ivan Cappelli (Italy).

F1 CHAMPIONSHIP Season 2000 is available on the PlayStation(R), PC and the PlayStation 2 and is rated "E" (Everyone) by the ESRB. Consumers may purchase the game directly by going online at (http://www.eastore.ea.com) or by calling toll free at 877-EA GAMES (877/324-2637). The game has a suggested retail price of $49.95 for PlayStation 2 and $39.95 for PlayStation and PC.

Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, Electronic Arts posted revenues of more than $1.4 billion for fiscal 2000. The company develops, publishes and distributes software worldwide for the Internet, personal computers and video game systems. Electronic Arts markets its products under three brand names: EA SPORTS(TM), EA GAMES(TM) and EA.COM(SM). More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://retailsupport.ea.com/press/.

Note to Editors: Electronic Arts, EA SPORTS, and EA GAMES are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. EA.com is a service mark of EA.com Inc. PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "Formula One," "Formula 1," "F1" and "FIA Formula One World Championship" (together with their foreign translations and permutations) are trademarks of the Formula One group of companies. An official product of the FIA Formula One World Championship licensed by Formula One Administration Limited. All other car, team, track names, trademarks, and other intellectual property are used under license from their respective owners. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Game Website: http://www.easportsf1.ea.com/