EA and X-Play partner to launch NBA STREET Online in the Philippines
[Manila, 27 August 2008] — Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), the world’s leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software, and I-Play Online Games Incorporated (X-Play) a joint venture of online gaming publisher IP E-Game Ventures Inc. (IP E-Games), and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA-NMI), announce today that X-Play has secured an exclusive license in the Philippines for the operation of the highly anticipated EA SPORTS™ title – NBA STREET Online.NBA STREET Online is a real-time online mid-session game (MSG) of EA’s phenomenally popular NBA franchise games series, featuring fast-paced street basketball action with today’s biggest NBA superstars, all in true-to-life detail.
Under the licence from EA, X-Play will provide marketing, community management, customer and technical support, and other valuable services as the operator of NBA STREET Online in the Philippines.
“This is a collaboration amongst giants to bring a monumental title to the Philippines. EA, as the top game developer worldwide, and X-Play, the joint venture between IPVG and GMA7, will launch the one of the biggest mid-session gaming titles to ever hit the country. With our large gaming base and mass media vehicles, this killer content will transform the industry,” said Enrique Y. Gonzalez, CEO of IPVG Corp.
“NBA STREET Online brings to the market the online version of a very popular sport enjoyed by millions of Filipino basketball enthusiasts. “Who wouldn’t want to be a Kobe, Lebron, or Melo? And who wouldn’t want to pit his basketball skills against the next guy—never mind that it’s virtual. It’s exciting enough that it is EA SPORTS, more so that it’s NBA. Having already the top casual games in the dance and music genre under its belt, I have no doubt that X-Play will take gaming on to the next level with NBA STREET Online,” remarked Judd Gallares, President and COO of GMA-NMI.
“We are very thrilled and excited to have Philippines on our roadmap for NBA STREET Online. Strategic partnership is the key to success for EA and we are happy to work with one of the best players in the industry to bring this successful franchise to all our Pinoy gamers and basketball fans,” said Jon Niermann, President of EA Asia Pacific.
“NBA STREET Online will allow Filipinos to immerse themselves in the phenomenal basketball franchise and experience what millions of other game players worldwide are enjoying,” Mark Fischer, SVP for NBA-North Asia said.
NBA STREET Online larger-than-life gameplay to the playground and allows up to six gamers to simultaneously compete in an over-the-top 3-on-3 online experience. A star-studded line-up of 120 NBA players perform hyper-real tricks and gravity defying dunks that make basketball fun for everyone. NBA STREET Online blends customization, convenience, and community in a fun to play mid-session game. It features unique online elements that are designed specifically for the multiplayer experience these include matchmaking and individual player customization.
NBA STREET Online is co-developed by EA Canada and Seoul-based Neowiz Games Corporation.
For further information on NBA STREET Online, visit http://info.ea.com