Press release: 2002-10-25: SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3 On Deck for Spring 2003; Making Multiplatform Debut On PlayStation2 and Xbox

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: The Free Library

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 25, 2002

The King of the Virtual Baseball Diamond to Deliver ESPN Telecast-Style Presentation, Historic Ballparks, New Gameplay Enhancements and Improved Visuals

SEGA(R) of America, Inc. officially announced today the upcoming release of "SEGA Sports(TM) World Series(R) Baseball 2K3" for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft(R).

Critically acclaimed and heralded as a genre-defining franchise, "SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3" will launch in March 2003 with a host of gameplay and visual enhancements, including an ESPN telecast-style presentation. 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.

"'SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3' comes from a long legacy of quality baseball simulations that have been both entertaining and innovative," said Tom Nichols, vice president of sports marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "Building on last year's acclaimed Xbox release, 'SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3' will deliver a host of exciting features, including classic ballparks, an all-new jump button, new awards and the deepest Franchise Mode around."

Designed for the discriminating baseball fan, "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. Extending 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 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 each individual console, "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 -- 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. "SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3" will be available at retailers nationwide in March 2003 for $49.95. Screen shots of "SEGA Sports World Series Baseball 2K3" are now available at: http://segapr.segaamerica.com.

About Sega

SEGA(R) 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. 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, 2002 (c) MLBP 2002 / MLBPA 2002.
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