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SEGA SPORTS(TM) WORLD SERIES(R) BASEBALL 2K3 SHIPS FOR XBOX

The King of the Virtual Baseball Diamond Delivers ESPN Telecast-Style Presentation, Historic Ballparks, New Gameplay and Enhanced Visuals

SAN FRANCISCO - (March 11, 2003) - SEGA(R) of America, Inc. officially announced today the release of "SEGA Sports(TM) World Series(R) Baseball 2K3" for the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft(R). "SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3" launches with a host of gameplay and visual enhancements, including an ESPN telecast-style presentation, Hall of Fame(TM) legends, retro uniforms and ballparks, and new player moves and animations. Produced by Visual Concepts Entertainment, a SEGA development studio, and developed by Blue Shift Inc., "SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3" will once again be in a league of its own.

"'World Series Baseball' is one of the longest running SEGA franchises and this year 'World Series Baseball 2K3' is at the pinnacle of its career," said Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts Entertainment, a SEGA development studio. "Building on last year's acclaimed Xbox release, 'SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3' delivers loads of new compelling features, including classic ballparks, an all-new jump button, authentic awards and improved animations that give this game the look and feel of real baseball."

"SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3" will include a variety of gameplay enhancements such as home run robbing jumps at the wall, dramatic running grabs in the outfield, user-controlled leadoffs and power swings, silky smooth double play and relay animations, offline throws, and a behind-the-pitcher cam that brings an exciting new perspective to the game. The unrivaled gameplay will be complemented by the deepest Franchise Mode in any baseball video game. Playing through an unlimited number of seasons, users will be able to assemble a full coaching staff by selecting from a pool of managers, batting and pitching coaches, Minor League(TM) directors and scouts. In addition to the Franchise Mode, "SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3" will also include modes such as Exhibition, Big League Challenge(TM), Season, Playoffs and the SEGA Sports Challenge. Appearing in all SEGA Sports 2K3 games, the SEGA Sports Challenge allows fans to compare their offline stats against other players nationwide on Segasports.com.

On the visual front, "SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3" will remain the most graphically stunning baseball game on the market. Built to take full advantage of the capabilities of Xbox, "SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3" will feature intricately detailed ballparks and improved player models. From classic ballparks such as the Polo Grounds to the ballparks of today including Great American Ballpark, the new home of the Cincinnati Reds(R) -- no detail is too small in "SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3."

"SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3" is endorsed by the New York Yankees(R) all-star first baseman Jason Giambi and is available at retailers nationwide for $49.95. The game will soon be released on the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system.

About SEGA

SEGA(R) of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, 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.

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 (launching 2003), ESPN Now, ESPN Today), ESPN HD (high-definition simulcast service of ESPN launching April 2003), ESPN International (25 international networks and syndication), ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, ESPN Regional Television, SportsTicker and ESPN Enterprises, overseeing brand extensions such as ESPN Zone, an interactive sports-themed dining and entertainment experience. 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.

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

World Series is a trademark owned by the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball and may not be reproduced without written consent. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit the official Major League Baseball website at MLB.com (C) MLBPA - Official Licensee, Major League Baseball Players Association. Visit the Players Choice on the web at <www.bigleaguers.com>

(C) SEGA CORPORATION, 2003 (C) MLBP 2003 / MLBPA 2003.



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Sega Sports(tm) World Series® Baseball 2K3 (XB)