EA AND DEF JAM PARTNER ON NEW FIGHTING VIDEO GAME

Companies Team Up for Powerhouse Sequel to Successful Vendetta Title

Chertsey, UK. — Electronic Arts, the world's leading independent video game publisher is again partnering with urban music and lifestyle powerhouse Def Jam to bring gamers Def Jam VENDETTA II (working title), the ultimate hip-hop-fueled fighting video game. Currently in development under the EA GAMES brand, Def Jam Vendetta II features more than 70 characters, including more than 35 of the most renowned artists and personalities in hip-hop today, including Busta Rhymes, Lil' Kim, Ludacris, Method Man, Redman, Slick Rick, Snoop Dogg, Carmen Electra and many more.

Def Jam Vendetta II challenges players to step into the shoes of a ruthless NYC street fighter battling for control of the hip-hop underground. The game features an all-new fighting engine allowing gamers to customize multiple fighting styles as the new immersive story mode takes the action from the ring to the streets.

"As the line between games and traditional forms of entertainment continues to blur, EA will continue to partner with strong brands like Def Jam to redefine the rules with innovative new titles like Def Jam Vendetta II," said Jeff Karp, Vice President of Marketing for EA.

"The Def Jam-EA relationship is once again on the forefront of industry-leading entertainment with Def Jam Vendetta II," added Kevin Liles, President and CEO, Def Jam. "By fusing hip-hop culture with innovative, addictive gameplay, Def Jam VENDETTA II is the ultimate interactive hip hop lifestyle product. It redefines the gaming experience."

Def Jam Vendetta II will be published and distributed by EA for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, and Nintendo GameCubeTM. The game is being developed by EA Canada in conjunction with Japan-based AKI Corporation for a scheduled ship in fall 2004. This game has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

ABOUT THE ISLAND DEF JAM MUSIC GROUP

The Island Def Jam Music Group is home to a multi-cultural and diverse family of artists and has fast become one of the most successful labels in the industry. It is comprised of Island Records, Def Jam Recordings and Def Soul, and is in partnerships with American Recordings, Lost Highway Records, Roc-A-Fella Records, The Inc Records, Bloodline Records and Roadrunner Records. The roster boasts an array of talented artists including Jay-Z, Bon Jovi, Mariah Carey, Ludacris, Ashanti, Ryan Adams, Nickelback, Musiq, Slipknot, Thursday, Method Man, Thrice, Hoobastank, Ja Rule, Sum 41, Slayer, Kelly Price, Saliva and DMX.