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Sega Sports NCAA College Basketball 2k3 Launches On Xbox And Nintendo Gamecube

New Franchise Debuts with Exclusive Features Including 300 Division I Schools, Online Play, ESPN Telecast-Style Presentation and More Than 600 College-Specific Animations

SAN FRANCISCO (December 10, 2002) - SEGA(R) of America, Inc. announced today the release of "SEGA Sports(TM) NCAA(R) College Basketball 2K3" for the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft(R) and Nintendo GameCube(TM). Produced by Visual Concepts Entertainment, a SEGA development studio, and developed by Kush Games, "SEGA Sports NCAA College Basketball 2K3" delivers a number of innovative features including an impressive roster of more than 300 Division I schools, online play, an ESPN telecast-style presentation and more than 600 college-specific animations. Harnessing the power of each next generation console, SEGA Sports' new franchise features everything college hoops fanatics will expect from the makers of "SEGA Sport (TM) NBA 2K3," the game Rolling Stone Magazine calls "the best basketball simulation out there."

"In the development of 'SEGA Sports NCAA College Basketball 2K3,' we concentrated on perfecting both the gameplay and visual elements that are truly specific to college hoops," said Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts Entertainment, a SEGA development studio. "As the only college basketball title to offer such a vast line-up of schools, online gameplay and an in depth Legacy Mode, 'NCAA College Basketball 2K3' puts you right on the court to experience the passion and excitement of the college game."

With complete 2002 NCAA schedules and playing styles for more than 300 Division I schools, "SEGA Sports NCAA College Basketball 2K3" capitalizes on the strengths, weaknesses and specific traits of each program, immersing gamers into the world of hoops in true college fashion. From the college-style player models and school-specific banners to the rowdy fans at Cameron Indoor Stadium, every last detail of NCAA hoops is replicated in lifelike realism.

Modes of play in "SEGA Sports NCAA College Basketball 2K3" include Exhibition, Season, Tournament, Gym Rat, Practice and Legacy. The extensive Legacy Mode lets players build their own modern-day dynasty, as gamers can scout and play (as early as week 10 in the regular season) as well as recruit and sign the country's top high school prospects. It also lets players develop their team's specific offensive and defensive styles, redshirt players, monitor Top 25 and R.P.I. (Ratings Percentage Index) rankings and stay glued to a bubble watch come tourney time. The exclusive Draft feature inside the Legacy Mode lets gamers import graduating seniors into the pros in "SEGA Sports NBA 2K3." In the Gym Rat Mode users can play "pick-up" games while Practice Mode lets players practice their skills and get familiar with the game. "SEGA Sports NCAA College Basketball 2K3" also lets Xbox gamers from around the country play each other over the Internet on Xbox Live(TM), bringing even the most intense conference rivalries closer to home.

These exclusive features and key elements are enhanced by more than 600 animations unique to "NCAA College Basketball 2K3," including all new dunks, jump shots, diving saves and an enhanced passing game. Adding to this authenticity is the addition of school-specific arenas, chants and fight songs which bring the flavor of college hoops to life. Team specific plays and playing styles, accurate player models and an ESPN telecast-style presentation with TV-style game highlights, music and replays round-out the authentic college basketball experience.

"SEGA Sports NCAA College Basketball 2K3," endorsed by former Duke University All-American point guard Jay Williams, is currently available for the Xbox and Nintendo GameCube for a suggested retail price of $49.95. It was released for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system in early December. Screen shots and package art of "SEGA Sports NCAA College Basketball 2K3" are available at: http://segapr.segaamerica.com.

About SEGA

SEGA 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.

About ESPN

Based in Bristol, Ct., ESPN, Inc., "The Worldwide Leader In Sports," 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. ESPN, Inc. includes six domestic television networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNEWS, ESPN Now and ESPN Today), ESPN International (24 international networks and syndication), ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, ESPN Regional Television, SportsTicker, and ESPN Enterprises, overseeing brand extensions such as the ESPN Zone, an interactive sports-themed dining and entertainment experience.

"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. ESPN is a registered trademark of ESPN, Inc. ESPN branded elements (C) Disney. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label is the exclusive property of The Collegiate Licensing Company. The "Collegiate Licensed Product" label is the property of the Independent Labeling Group. All names, logos, team icons and mascots associated with the NCAA, universities, and conferences are the exclusive property of the respective institutions. NCAA, the NCAA logo, and NCAA Basketball are trademarks or registered trademarks of National Collegiate Athletic Association.

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) 2002 NBA Properties, Inc. All rights reserved.