Press release: 2002-05-16: SEGA is First and Only Publisher to Deliver Online Content to All New Next-Generation Consoles

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

SAN FRANCISCO--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--May 16, 2002

SEGA Announces Ten Online Titles for Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox; And Delivers the First Online Titles for Nintendo GameCube and Xbox

SEGA(R) of America, Inc. today announced that it will again raise the bar for the industry as the first and only company to bring online content to all new next-generation console platforms including Nintendo GameCube(TM), PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft(R). Additionally, SEGA will deliver the first online game for Nintendo GameCube with "Phantasy Star(TM) Online: Episode I & II" and the first online game for Xbox with "SEGA Sports(TM) NFL 2K3."

As the company that created the first-ever online console game in 2000 for SEGA Dreamcast(TM), SEGA has developed and delivered over 15 online console games in the last two years -- more than any other video game company. Building upon its extensive online experience, SEGA also announced the first eight games in its second-generation online lineup for the new console systems including "SEGA Sports(TM) NFL 2K3," "SEGA Sports(TM) NBA 2K3" and "SEGA Sports(TM) NCAA(R) College Basketball 2K3" for PlayStation 2 and Xbox; "Phantasy Star(TM) Online" (working title) for Xbox; and "Phantasy Star(TM) Online: Episode I & II" for Nintendo GameCube. Additional titles will be announced at a later date.

"SEGA is the undisputed industry leader when it comes to online console gaming," said Peter Moore, president and COO, SEGA of America, Inc. "While other publishers are taking their first steps in online console gaming, SEGA is already running full speed ahead, shipping our sixteenth title before they even ship their first."

The first eight online titles announced in SEGA's online lineup for the new next-generation consoles include:

-- "SEGA Sports(TM) NFL 2K3" (PlayStation 2, Xbox) -- The first-ever online console game, "SEGA Sports(TM) NFL 2K1," returns for the 2003 season, this time on PlayStation 2 and Xbox!

-- "SEGA Sports(TM) NBA 2K3" (PlayStation 2, Xbox) -- The critically acclaimed basketball franchise takes it to the hardwood online on PlayStation 2 and Xbox.

-- "SEGA Sports(TM) NCAA(R) College Basketball 2K3" (PlayStation 2, Xbox) -- The newly added "SEGA Sports(TM) NCAA(R) College Basketball 2K3" brings college hoops online for the first time on PlayStation 2 and Xbox!

-- "Phantasy Star(TM) Online" (working title) (Xbox) -- "Phantasy Star Online" makes its way to Xbox.

-- "Phantasy Star(TM) Online: Episode I & II" (Nintendo GameCube) -- The latest version of the award-winning online global RPG that sparked a gaming phenomenon, "Phantasy Star Online" makes its way to Nintendo GameCube.

-- Two additional online titles will be announced in 2002.



About SEGA

SEGA(R) of America is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, a 3.5 billion corporation by market capitalization, recognized as a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America's Web site is located at www.sega.com.

"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (TM),(R) and the Nintendo GameCube logo are trademarks of Nintendo. Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

(c)2002 NFL Properties LLC. Team names and logos are trademarks of the teams indicated. All other (NFL-related marks) are trademarks of the National Football League. Officially Licensed product of PLAYERS INC. The PLAYERS INC logo is a registered trademark of the NFL players. www.nflplayers.com (c) 2002 PLAYERS INC.

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