DALLAS, Texas – August 4, 2011 – Madden NFL 12, the latest title in the award-winning video game franchise from Electronic Arts, Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), will be quick off the line when it launches on Aug. 30, and GameStop and Virgin Gaming will help players score big as they present the “Battle of the Gridiron†tournament with more than $100,000 in prizes. The tournament will kick off on Sept. 11, 2011 and runs through Oct.16, 2011. Players who pre-order or purchase Madden NFL 12 from GameStop and register for entry between Aug. 30, 2011 and Sept. 18, 2011 will be able to compete in the online tournament powered by Virgin Gaming.
GameStop (NYSE: GME) the world’s largest multichannel video game retailer, and Virgin Gaming, the premier online destination for competitive console gamers, formed a partnership earlier this year to power online video game tournaments for featured console games sold at U.S. GameStop locations. The upcoming “Battle of the Gridiron†tournament for Madden NFL 12 marks the inauguration of the partnership, with more than $100,000 in prizes on the line, including:
•   Grand prize: Four winners will receive a VIP trip to LA and the $5,000 entry into the EA SPORTS Madden NFL 12 Challenge Series live final for the chance to win up to $1 million in prizing.
•   Runner-up prizes: Four runners-up will get a VIP trip and package to LA to watch the finals of the EA SPORTS Madden NFL 12 Challenge Series
•   Additional prizes include: EA SPORTS Madden NFL 12 Challenge Series tournament entry fees and Virgin Gaming credit to be used towards future tournaments
Madden NFL 12, which launches on Aug. 30, continues the rich tradition of the storied franchise by bringing fans closer to the NFL than ever before. Madden NFL 12 transforms on-field action and core gameplay modes, driving innovation in six key areas: Playbooks and Gameplay; Presentation; Franchise and Superstar modes; Dynamic Player Performance; Madden Ultimate Team; and Online Communities. Whether battling your rivals on the couch or online, leading your favorite team to the Super Bowl in Franchise mode, or building the ultimate dream team in Madden Ultimate Team, Madden NFL 12 is True to the NFL, True to the Franchise, True to the Game. Madden NFL 12 is available on the Xbox 360® video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3, Wii™, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system.
For more information on upcoming GameStop/Virgin Gaming tournaments, contact [email protected] or visit www.GameStop.com .
About GameStop Corp.
GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, is the world’s largest multichannel video game retailer. GameStop’s retail network and family of brands include more than 6,573 company-operated stores in 17 countries worldwide, www.Kongregate.com , a leading browser-based game site with more than 13 million monthly unique visitors, and Game Informer(R) magazine, the leading multi-platform video game publication. The company also sells video games and related merchandise at www.GameStop.com. General information on GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company’s corporate website.
About Virgin Gaming
Introduced in June 2010 through a partnership with WorldGaming.com, Virgin Gaming is the premier destination for competitive console gamers to meet, challenge and play in head-to head and tournament challenges for cash, points and prizes. With an array of proprietary features, including a Fair Play Guarantee TM (with automatic results validation), a secure payment back end, and a Community Reputation Management System, Virgin Gaming allows gamers of all skill levels from around the world to safely and easily compete in some of their favorite multiplayer games. A leading-edge convergence of competitive online gaming and video games, Virgin Gaming offers robust community features with member pages, clan support, invitational tournaments, stats tracking, news, information, and more. For additional information, visit http://virgingaming.com .
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company’s game franchises are offered as both packaged goods products and online services delivered through Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 100 million registered players and operates in 75 countries.
In fiscal 2011, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.6 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster franchises such as The Simsâ„¢, Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, Need for Speedâ„¢, Battlefield, and Mass Effectâ„¢. More information about EA is available at http://info.ea.com .
About EA SPORTS
EA SPORTS™ is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, global videogame competitions and breakthrough digital experiences. EA SPORTS delivers experiences that ignite the emotions of sport through industry-leading sports simulation videogames, including Madden NFL football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA ELITE basketball, NCAA® Football and NCAA Basketball, Fight Night boxing, EA SPORTS MMA and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® golf, and EA SPORTS Active.
For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com to connect, share and compete.
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