EA INTRODUCES A NEW WAY TO PLAY -- EA SPORTS FAMILY PLAY -- ON THE WII IN MADDEN NFL 08, NBA LIVE 08 AND FIFA 08
EA SPORTS Family Play Simplifies Controls to Enable Fans of All Ages and Skill Levels to Play Together
CHERTSEY, UK. - July 5, 2007 - Watch out sports fans, the playing field has been leveled! Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) has made it easier for players of all ages and skill levels to play its most popular EA SPORTS games on the Wii through the all-new EA SPORTS Family Play style of gameplay. Debuting in the Wii versions of Madden NFL 08, NBA LIVE 08 and FIFA 08, EA SPORTS Family Play is a new way to play that enables players of all abilities to play with their friends and family without a competitive disadvantage. Advanced controls are also available for more experienced players, providing two compelling ways to play, and ensuring everyone can enjoy playing EA SPORTS games on the Wii together.
In the main game of Madden NFL 08, NBA LIVE 08 and FIFA 08, players have the choice to play the style that best suits their skills. When entering a contest, players now have the option to choose Advanced or Family Play. Once in the game, Advanced users take complete control of all aspects of the gameplay through intuitive Wii gestures using both the Nunchuk and Wii remote. EA SPORTS Family Play offers a simplified control system using just the Wii remote that enables novice players to focus on having fun while the console does the rest. With the Wii remote in hand, players control key actions - such as shooting, passing, snapping, and throwing - while the console controls the rest. It's like having an invisible helper on your team. Plus, as novice players gain confidence in their ability they can gradually begin to use Advanced controls simply by plugging in the Nunchuk. It's that easy.
"EA SPORTS Family Play on the Wii creates an incredibly accessible and user-friendly experience that the whole family will enjoy," said Dave McCarthy, Executive Producer for the three games developed at EA Canada. "While many fans love to control every piece of the action, novice players can have just as much fun jumping in to throw a touchdown pass, nail a three pointer or take a shot on goal. Family Play brings together fans of all ages to enjoy playing EA SPORTS games, and even let's them ease in to Advanced play if they desire."
The following three EA SPORTS games feature EA SPORTS Family Play:
Madden NFL 08 on the Wii
Anyone can play like a pro in Madden NFL 08, whether a new user or a long time fan. Play with only the Wii remote with EA SPORTS Family Play or use the Wii remote and nunchuck for more advanced controls; the decision is yours. Featuring an all-new Party Mode, play trivia or chose from 22 different mini-games. Break down plays and highlight key moments with all-new Madden NFL 08 telestrator. Bring the game online, play head to head with friends and keep up to date with the live sports ticker for the ultimate online experience.
NBA LIVE 08 on the Wii
When the game is on the line and the ball is in your hands, what will you do? Will you penetrate the lane and rise above the rim for a monster slam, or find an opening around the perimeter and sink the game-winning basket? Jump in on the NBA action with EA SPORTS Family Play that gives every user the opportunity to enjoy success in NBA LIVE 08. You control your team's shooting, passing, and steals on defense with the Wii remote, and leave the rest up to the AI. If you're already a pro, use both the Wii remote and nunchuck for more advanced controls.
FIFA 08 on the Wii
The whole family can play FIFA 08 with a flick of the wrist. Play the traditional and authentic way or in a new party mode called Footii Party with Ronaldinho where you can play Juggling, Table Soccer or Boot It with your own Mii characters to unlock a customized Ronaldinho character to take on the champ. The in-game Soccer Academy makes it easy to learn the basic and FreeMotion advanced controls in more than 30 interactive tutorials, or let the game give you an assist with EA SPORTS Family Play. EA's award-winning Interactive Leagues online play is also featured.
EA SPORTS is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL Football, FIFA, NHL® Hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR®, NCAA® March Madness® and NASCAR® racing. For more information about EA SPORTS, including newsletters, podcasts, and fantasy football action please visit www.easports.com. Press can download assets at www.electronicarts.co.uk/press.
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 video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS, EA, EA SPORTS BIG and POGO. In fiscal 2007, EA posted revenue of $3.09 billion and had 24 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.electronicarts.co.uk. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at www.electronicarts.co.uk/press.
EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG, POGO, and FreeMotion are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries. John Madden, NFL, NBA, FIFA, Tiger Woods, PGA TOUR, NHL, NCAA, March Madness and NASCAR are trademarks or intellectual property of their respective owners and used with permission. Wii, and Mii are trademarks of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.