CHERTSEY, UK July 13, 2006 - Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS)
announced today the development of The Lord of the
Rings, The White Council, an all-new role playing
game (RPG) for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment
system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and PC.
The game, inspired by the New Line Cinema feature film trilogy
that grossed more than $3 billion, will feature an original
storyline derived from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings
novels under an agreement with EA. The game is scheduled to
ship in late 2007. "Our extremely talented and dedicated team
is committed to creating an incredible new experience for fans
of The Lord of the Rings and role playing gamers," said Steve
Gray, executive producer, The Lord of the Rings, The White
Council. "With its next generation gameplay and epic new
storyline, we think The Lord of the Rings, The White Council
will be a huge success." Players have the freedom to explore
the open world of Tolkien's Middle-earth in The Lord of
the Rings, The White Council. Players can choose their role as
a man, an elf, a dwarf, or a hobbit. Each role's destiny is to
become a hero allied with the White Council, whose members
include the famed characters Gandalf, Saruman, Galadriel, and
Elrond. A combination of stunning graphics and expansive
environments, along with the freedom of movement demonstrates
the innovation and quality of the next-generation RPG, where
players can create their own adventures. The Lord of the Rings,
The White Council has not yet been rated by PEGI. For more
information about the game, please visit:
www.whitecouncil.ea.com. For information about all of EA's
games, please visit EA's press site 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
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.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 About
Tolkien Enterprises The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien
Enterprises is the holder of worldwide motion picture,
legitimate stage, merchandising, and other rights in J.R.R.
Tolkien's literary works The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Tolkien Enterprises has been producing and licensing films,
stage productions and merchandise based on Tolkien's works for
almost 30 years. Its headquarters are in Berkeley, California,
and its website may be found at www.tolkien-ent.com. About New
Line Cinema Corporation Founded almost 40 years ago, New Line
Cinema is the most successful independent film company in the
world. Its mission is to produce innovative, popular and
profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. In
addition to the production, marketing and distribution of
theatrical motion pictures, the fully-integrated studio has
divisions devoted to home entertainment, television, music,
theater, merchandising and an international unit. In 2005, New
Line partnered with HBO to form Picturehouse, a new theatrical
distribution company to release independent films. A pioneer in
franchise filmmaking, New Line's Oscar-winning The Lord of the
Rings trilogy is one of the most successful film franchises in
history. New Line is a division of Time Warner, Inc. (TWX).
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. All "The Lord of the Rings"
related content other than content from the New Line Cinema
trilogy of "The Lord of The Rings" films ® 2006 The Saul Zaentz
Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises ("SZC"). All Rights Reserved.
All content from "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy ® MMVI
New Line Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved. "The Lord of the
Rings" and the names of the characters, items, events, and
places therein are trademarks or registered trademarks of SZC
under license. Xbox and Xbox 360 are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.
and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property
of their respective owners. "PLAYSTATION" is a registered
trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
