Miami Heat Star Shaquille O'Neal Becomes Newest 2K Sports Cover Athlete
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 15, 2005 - 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), announced today that powerhouse Miami Heat center, Shaquille O'Neal will be the cover athlete and official spokesperson for NBA 2K6. The latest installment in the #1 rated* NBA 2K series, NBA 2K6 promises fans the most complete and entertaining basketball experience with new offensive and defensive post play elements, developed with direct input from O'Neal. "Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most dominant, skilled and exciting players in the NBA," stated Erik Whiteford, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. "His name is synonymous with basketball and winning. His great passion for the game and drive for excellence has made him a force on the court and a leader on every team he is a part of, including 2K Sports. We're thrilled to be working with Shaq on NBA 2K6."
"NBA 2K6 will be the best basketball game on the virtual court, and it's no secret I like to play with the best - and that's 2K Sports," stated Miami Heat Center Shaquille O'Neal.
O'Neal has had an exceptional NBA career, earning countless accolades for his superior talent and contributions to the game of basketball. He has been selected to participate in 12 NBA All-Star Games, is a three-time NBA Finals MVP and a two-time regular season scoring champion. In 1996, O'Neal was also selected as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
In conjunction with the cover athlete, 2K Sports is proud to announce new additions to post play in NBA 2K6 - with new animations and gameplay inspired and co-created by Shaquille O'Neal. These enhancements offer players a more realistic experience while "in the paint," featuring authentic NBA-motion captured moves like drop steps, head fakes, skyhooks, and the infamous fade away shot. NBA 2K6 will also feature new post specific moves including steals from post defenders and weak side blocks, adding a new layer to the defensive post game.
NBA 2K6 delivers the most authentic NBA experience as gamers can elevate their level of play by utilizing the innovative V.I.P. SystemTM to challenge profiles of friends and other NBA 2K6 gamers across the country. With online play and unrivaled franchise control, NBA 2K6 will be the most comprehensive and feature rich NBA video game released to date.
NBA 2K6 will hit courts in Fall 2005 for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
For more information, log onto http://www.2ksports.com
*According to GameRankings.com average scores of 2004-2005 pro basketball video games
About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO) is an integrated global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games and accessories for the PC, PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSPTM (PlayStation®Portable) system, the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCubeTM, Nintendo DSTM and Game Boy® Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K Games, 2K Sports and Global Star Software; and distributes products in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two also manufactures and markets video game accessories in Europe, North America and the Asia Pacific region through its Joytech subsidiary. The Company maintains sales and marketing offices in Cincinnati, New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Munich, Madrid, Vienna, Milan, Sydney, Breda (Netherlands) and Auckland. Take-Two's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.
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Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America markets the PlayStation® game console and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PlayStation game console and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
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