ESPN Videogames Announces ESPN NBA 2K5 Now Available in North American Retail Stores SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 30, 2004--ESPN Videogames today announced that the number-one rated(a) pro basketball video game, ESPN NBA 2K5 is now available at major retailers across North America. The highly acclaimed series continues its legacy of innovation as well as unmatched gameplay and visuals to create the most authentic virtual NBA experience. ESPN NBA 2K5 is available for the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system and Xbox® videogame system from Microsoft©. "I am immensely proud of ESPN NBA 2K5," stated Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts -- makers of ESPN Videogames. "No other NBA video game matches the visual quality and realistic gameplay mechanics featured in ESPN NBA 2K5. Consumers are going to love the extensive additions made to The Association, an even greater integration of ESPN's signature presentation, and the enhancements found in IsoMotion(2), and the 24/7 mode. Simply put, ESPN NBA 2K5 is the most realistic basketball video game ever." IsoMotion(2) builds upon the revolutionary IsoMotion system, giving players the creativity and freedom to perform tricky moves to throw off their opponents. IsoMotion(2) expands the ability to perform crossovers and spins in the backcourt, adding new techniques to mid-range and 'in the paint' plays. The new hop step allows gamers to perform a forward hop step or a lateral spin step to get into the post. Once a player is 'in the paint,' IsoMotion(2) can be used while backing down a post-up defender to deftly execute pump fakes, pivot feints, and up-and-under maneuvers. ESPN NBA 2K5's IsoMotion(2) gives gamers the ability to recreate the breathtaking moves seen in every NBA highlight reel. The popular 24/7 mode -- an original mode that allows gamers to create the best streetball players -- gets an extreme makeover becoming twice its previous size by adding over 100 new items, multi-player games, and new training and timed mini-games. In 24/7 mode, gamers will personalize their create-a-player with hundreds of different accessories, train the player in various exercises and drills, and take on the NBA elite to become the best streetball player. Featuring more player customization, "create your own shoe" and online exclusive items that gamers can win only when playing online, 24/7 promises round-ball fans a unique and addictive basketball experience. ESPN NBA 2K5 also introduces a groundbreaking approach to team management, with a new franchise mode, The Association. Gamers experience all the drama of running a pro basketball franchise as the importance of maintaining good team chemistry is stressed. New to any NBA video game are Player Personalities, which are used when NBA players visit the general manager with specific questions or concerns that need to be addressed. Different personalities require different responses and the user's response can make the difference between greater team chemistry and a lackluster team effort. The Association also introduces the Full Authority simulator, which allows gamers to simulate basketball games while retaining full control of decisions and strategies for each player. ESPN-stylized overlays and camera angles infuse ESPN NBA 2K5, providing an enhanced ESPN presentation complete with commentary by Hall of Fame legend Bill Walton and sideline reporter Michele Tafoya. ESPN Videogames are produced by Visual Concepts, SEGA's sports studio. (a) According to GameRankings.com average scores of 2003-2004 basketball videogames For more information, log onto http://www.espnvideogames.com. About Visual Concepts Entertainment Visual Concepts Entertainment is the maker of the critically acclaimed 2K series of sports games. The company is responsible for the full development and marketing for all ESPN Videogames titles and is committed to delivering the best, fully integrated sports gaming experience for all consumers. Visual Concepts Entertainment is wholly owned by Japan-based SEGA Corporation. About ESPN ESPN, Inc., The Worldwide Leader in Sports, is a multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia assets in sports marketing with over 40 business entities. The company is comprised of seven domestic television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Now, ESPN Today), ESPN HD (a high-definition simulcast service of ESPN), ESPN Regional Television, ESPN International (25 international networks and syndication), ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, SportsTicker, ESPN Enterprises, ESPN Zones (sports-themed restaurants), and other growing new businesses including ESPN Broadband, ESPN Wireless, ESPN Video-on-Demand and ESPN Interactive. Based in Bristol, Ct., ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc, which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN. About Take-Two Interactive Software Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. 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, Xbox®, Nintendo GameCube(TM) and Game Boy® Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games 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. Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them. The Company has no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary significantly from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of factors. These important factors are described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003 and on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 2004 in the section entitled "Cautionary Statement and Risk Factors". "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. ESPN is a registered trademark of ESPN, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 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. (C) 2004 NBA Properties, Inc. About Sony Computer Entertainment America 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. About Xbox Xbox (http://www.xbox.com/) is Microsoft's future-generation video game system that delivers the most powerful games experiences ever. Xbox empowers game artists by giving them the technology to fulfill their creative visions as never before, creating games that blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Xbox is now available in North America, Japan, Europe and Australia. 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