EA Announces Plans for The Sims 2 on Consoles, Handhelds and Mobile Phones; Best Selling PC Game Redefined for New Platforms to be Available Fall 2005

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 2005--Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that The Sims™ 2 is in development for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCube™, and for all handhelds including PSP™ handheld videogame system, the Nintendo DS™, the Nintendo Game Boy® Advance and mobile phones. The Sims 2 on the PC swept the nation in Fall 2004 by becoming the fastest selling game of all time and the No. 1 PC game of 2004 with sales already over 4.5 Million copies worldwide.

Maxis-EA is redefining this highly-acclaimed franchise and will deliver classic open-ended gameplay along with exclusive new features. Aspirational gameplay and fully customizable content will give players the most authentic Sims experience to date on console. This innovative gameplay will allow players to make their dreams come true while avoiding their innermost fears. And, for the first time, players will be able to take direct control of their Sim without having to use their cursor. All handheld versions will feature unique storylines and will ship simultaneously with the console games.

"Fans have been asking for The Sims 2 on console since it launched on the PC in September last year. We are thrilled to finally be able to bring it to them," said Sinjin Bain, Executive Producer EA/Maxis. "The Sims 2 will be everywhere this fall, giving players on consoles and handhelds all new ways to take control of their Sims and tell all new stories."

The Sims 2 console and handheld versions are scheduled to ship in the Fall of 2005. For more information, please visit www.thesims2.com.