Xboxist

Game Like an All-Star during the 2008 EA Sports NBA Live Challenge

EA SPORTS Takes Gamers from the Bench to the Court with the Thrill of True NBA Competition

Electronic Arts has announced the start of the 2008 EA SPORTS NBA LIVE Challenge, which tips off at Universal Studios in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 19. This year’s Challenge will hit eight major NBA cities and give fans the opportunity to test their skills against the best players in the country.

EA SPORTS has selected top NBA-crazed cities where gamers hope to elevate their play above the rim, and compete for bragging rights, cash and other prizes. One finalist from each of the eight cities will compete for the ultimate prize, a chance to win $10,000 at the Finals which will be held at the NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas in New Orleans. Stops along the 2008 EA SPORTS NBA LIVE Challenge include: Dallas, Texas; Chicago, Ill.; Atlanta, Ga.; New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Boston, Mass.; and New Orleans, La.

“The EA SPORTS NBA LIVE Challenge is truly a pulse-raising event and always brings out the most competitive and most spirited gamers,” said Brian Movalson, EA SPORTS Marketing Director. “We’re thrilled to bring this ultimate competition to life in some of the biggest NBA cities in the country. Our goal is to set the competitive standard for sports gaming and entertainment in the professional basketball space and by holding the Finals at such a star-studded event as the NBA All-Star Jam Session gets us all the more closer to that goal.”

The live qualifying competitions will take place one day in each city on the Challenge Tournament schedule. One winner will advance from the regional qualifying rounds with a trip to the NBA LIVE Challenge Finals in New Orleans and a chance to compete for the $10,000 Grand Prize on February 16, 2008. All Tournament play will be conducted using EA SPORTS NBA LIVE ‘08 on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. See http://www.easports.com/nbalive08/challenge/rules.jsp for the official rules of the 2008 EA SPORTS™ NBA LIVE Challenge Regional Tournament.

Consistent with all other challenges in the EA SPORTS Challenge Series, the EA SPORTS NBA LIVE Challenge will also have an online component. Players registered for the online Tournament can play against other online participants for a chance to compete against the eight regional Tournament winners at the All-Star Jam Session Finals for the Grand Prize. For more information including official rules, published Tournament dates, and to register for the NBA LIVE Challenge online Tournament, please visit: www.nbachallenge.com.