GRAN
TURISMO 3 A-SPEC* FOR PLAYSTATION*2 BREAKS
INDUSTRY RECORDS AT RETAIL DURING FIRST WEEK OF
RELEASE
Sony Computer
Entertainment America's One-Million-Unit Initial
Shipment of Its Platform-Defining Game Largest in
Company History
Sony Computer
Entertainment America Inc. broke records with the
news that sales of Gran Turismo* 3 A-spec for the
PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system have
exceeded all industry standards. Since its
release on July 10, retailers nationwide are
hailing Gran Turismo 3 A-spec as the most
successful software launch ever with first day
sales surpassing those of any other game in
history, an impressive feat for a platform that
has been in the marketplace for less than nine
months.
The phenomenal
consumer reaction to Gran Turismo 3 A-spec marks
the successful transition of the best-selling
racing franchise from PlayStation to PlayStation
2, and underscores consumers' commitment to
PlayStation 2 as the future of interactive
entertainment.
"With an
initial product shipments of over one million
units, Gran Turismo 3 A-spec broke all internal
production records out of the gate exceeding even
our high expectations for the product," said
Jack Tretton, senior vice president, Sony
Computer Entertainment America Inc. "This
unprecedented demand demonstrates the popularity
and broad appeal of Gran Turismo 3 A-spec, and
reinforces the fact that millions of consumers
are making PlayStation 2 their first choice in
entertainment systems. We expect that, like the
two Gran Turismo titles before it, Gran Turismo 3
will become a mainstay on the top of sales charts
and drive hardware sales along with it, further
broadening the PlayStation 2 demographic user
base to mass market levels."
"Sony
Computer Entertainment has truly set a precedent
with Gran Turismo 3 A-spec," said Pete
Roithmayr, vice-president, Electronics Boutique.
"In the week since its release, this
highly-anticipated title has performed even
better than we had expected. Gran Turismo 3
A-Spec is the fastest-selling PlayStation 2
software title at Electronics Boutique since the
launch of the system last October."
"Consumer
demand for Gran Turismo 3 A-spec has been
astounding," said Dan DeMatteo, chief
operating officer, GameStop, Inc.
"Throughout our stores nationwide, we sold
more units of Gran Turismo 3 A-spec on its first
day of release than any other game in our
corporate history, and the title continues to fly
off shelves at an unparalleled rate."
As one of the
premier titles for the PlayStation 2 computer
entertainment system - the best-selling new
console of all time - Gran Turismo 3 A-spec's
mass market appeal is already driving hardware
sales for the platform. In addition to the
standalone software release, Sony Computer
Entertainment America Inc. recently introduced
the GT3 Racing Pack, which includes a copy of
Gran Turismo 3 A-spec along with the PlayStation
2 hardware. Demonstrating the company's
commitment to providing consumers with the most
compelling entertainment experience coupled with
a great value proposition, the GT3 Racing Pack is
available for a suggested retail price of $499.
Customers who
purchase the GT3 Racing Pack will receive a $519
value for $499, while the game itself is
available for a suggested retail price of $69.99.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. launched
Gran Turismo 3 A-spec with an extensive
multi-million dollar marketing campaign,
encompassing far-reaching advertising and
promotional programs with national broadcast and
print media, promotional partners and retailers.
Television spots will run during broadcast, cable
and syndicated programming through the end of the
year. A massive print advertising campaign will
reach more than 23.3 million readers through a
wide array of national consumer print media
including men's lifestyle magazines, sports,
automotive and gaming media. A national promotion
to support the launch of Gran Turismo 3 A-spec is
running through January 31, 2002. Consumers can
enter the Gran Turismo 3 "Decode &
Drive" Sweepstakes through an instant win
game piece packed in with specially marked
standalone copies of Gran Turismo 3 A-spec at
participating videogame retailers.
One grand-prize
winner from the Gran Turismo 3 "Decode &
Drive" Sweepstakes will receive free car
payments for one year. Key merchandising support
for Gran Turismo 3 A-spec includes a dedicated
point-of-purchase campaign at all national
retailers including a slot on the Electronics
Boutique nationwide mall tour, featuring in-store
PlayStation 2 kiosks running Gran Turismo 3
A-Spec with Logitech's GT Force* steering wheel
and pedals.
More than two
years in the making, Gran Turismo 3 A-spec
harnesses the power of PlayStation 2 to deliver
the most technologically advanced racing
experience ever. Featuring cutting-edge graphics,
special effects and unmatched auto racing realism
that has attracted fans around the globe, drivers
are challenged to choose from more than 150
authentic world-class automobiles as they tackle
18 incredibly detailed tracks, including two new
tracks - Monte Carlo and the Tokyo Racing
Circuit. An in-depth simulation mode, arcade
racing, dirt tracks, license tests, fully
customizable vehicles and a special i.LINK
connection that allows up to six players to
compete against each other at once, add to the
ultimate racing experience.
Sony Computer
Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine
the entertainment lifestyle with its
PlayStation® and PS one(tm) game console and the
PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The
PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is
set to revolutionize the home entertainment
market, offering the most compelling interactive
content and the capability to be used as a
network terminal in the coming broadband era.
Recognized as the
undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer
Entertainment America Inc. markets the PS one
game console and PlayStation 2 computer
entertainment system and develops, publishes,
markets and distributes software for the PS one
game console and the PlayStation 2 computer
entertainment system for the North American
market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony
Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as
headquarters for all North American operations
and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc.
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