Press release: 2000-10-31: Sega Sports Nets Success With Industry's First Online Basketball Title

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: The Free Library

Sega Sports Nets Success With Industry's First Online Basketball Title; NBA 2K1 Expected to Break Records with New Network Mode

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 31, 2000

Get ready for the most realistic basketball experience possible away from courtside. Today, Sega Sports(TM) introduces "NBA 2K1," the industry's first basketball game to be played online, for the 128-bit, Internet-ready Sega Dreamcast(TM). Gamers will now be able to showcase their moves to friends and family anywhere on the planet in real time over the Internet via their own ISP or SegaNet(TM) the only high-speed low-latency console gaming network.

"Sports gamers are going to be blown away by 'NBA 2K1,'" said Martha Hill, director of sports marketing, Sega of America. "This year the game's been beefed up with Franchise Mode and enhanced AI to be smarter than the rest. The online gaming experience is completely new to this market, and is revolutionizing our expectations for sports videogames. We expect 'NBA 2K1' to stand in a class of its own."

The "NBA 2K1" online Network Mode supports up to eight players at a time, with four players competing against four others from two locations -- all via the Internet. To initiate the online element of "Sega Sports NBA 2K1," gamers will simply plug in their Dreamcast, select Network Play, and enter a lobby which lists potential challengers from around the country.

In addition to the online Network Mode, "NBA 2K1" will also include the highly anticipated Franchise Mode. This new feature will allow gamers to step into the shoes of their favorite GM, taking on the responsibility of signing players and drafting rookies. Updated rosters will also reflect any recent trades, injuries, or retirements, and it will now be possible to download rosters to stay current with NBA statistics.

New plays and moves will also be showcased in "NBA 2K1." These include a working spin move and crossover, new swat blocks, and the ability to pass out of lay-ups and rebounds. An improved defensive system and new camera angles will also bring gamers the courtside action only Sega Sports and the NBA can provide.

Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) in "NBA 2K1" will create game situations that are true-to-life. Details such as intelligent commentary from announcers, late-game strategy decisions, and AI play calling that take advantage of player mismatches will utilize the Dreamcast's 128-bit capabilities to the fullest.

Sega also scores two additional industry firsts with the inclusion of licensed street courts and historic uniforms. Basketball play limited to the hardwood floor will be a thing of the past as real NBA players head to the famous "Rucker Park" in street clothes for 2, 3, 4 and 5-on-5 player action. Sega Sports also provides the opportunity to turn back time with the "historic player" feature on "NBA 2K1" which has a classic uniform option -- another videogame industry first.

"NBA 2K1" has also improved on the already superior graphics of "NBA 2K." More than 2,000 new and enhanced motion-captured moves have been added to provide smoother gameplay and even more amazing graphics. Allen Iverson, a 1999-2000 All-Star, NBA Scoring Leader, and No. 1 First Round draft pick will grace the cover of "NBA 2K1," which is officially licensed by the National Basketball Association and is now available for $49.95 in retail stores nationwide or at www.sega.com.

For screen shots of "NBA 2K1," go to:

ftp://ftp.accesspr.com/public/Sega/Sega_Dreamcast_Games/Sega_Sports_NBA2K1/.com

For a peek at the quick time movie from the game, go to

ftp://ftp.accesspr.com/PUBLIC/Sega/Movies/Sega_NBA_2K1/SEGA_P%7E2.MPG.

About Sega Dreamcast

The 128-bit Internet ready Sega Dreamcast is available in the US with a built-in 56K modem, allowing for full Internet functionality via SegaNet, the only high-speed online console gaming network and ISP service for Dreamcast and PC users. Dreamcast currently has over 100 titles available. The total Dreamcast game library count will be more than 200 by December 2000.

About Sega

Sega of America is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Sega Enterprises, Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega videogame systems and videogames in the Americas. Sega Enterprises, Ltd. is a nearly $2.5 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, offering interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World WideWeb site is located at www.sega.com.

About Sega.com and SegaNet

Sega.com, Inc. (www.sega.com) is an online entertainment company that integrates Internet technology and innovation with over 40 years of experience in the video game industry. Sega.com also built SegaNet (www.sega.net), the only high-speed online console gaming network and community destination for gamers that provides Dreamcast users with the ultimate in speed, reliability and content. SegaNet offers both Dreamcast and PC gamers the best in 3D multi-player games, chat, community, cheat codes, tournaments and content. SegaNet is also a full service ISP offering gamers everything they need to know about gaming and other areas of interest including music, TV, community, movies, sports and e-commerce. SegaNet is the one stop destination for online games and gaming related content, offering gamers a community built specifically with them in mind.

Note to Editors: The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications used on or in this product are trademarks, copyrighted designs and other forms of intellectual property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA Properties, Inc.
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