Major Supporters Rev Their Engines for the Launch of Gran Turismo™ 3 A-Spec For PlayStation®2
Consumer Awareness for Sequel to Best-Selling PlayStation Racing Franchise To Reach Millions Through Massive Advertising and Promotional Campaign
PRNewswire
FOSTER CITY, Calif.
07/03/2001
Sony Computer Entertainment America announced today an extensive marketing campaign for Gran Turismo™ 3 A-spec. National broadcast and print media, automotive publications, gaming publications, promotional partners and retailers are gearing up for far-reaching advertising and promotional programs surrounding the launch of this year's most anticipated release, Gran Turismo™ 3 A-spec. Available exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Gran Turismo 3 A-spec is the latest installment of the greatest racing series in videogame history.
(Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000510/SFW104-a )
"With its outstanding graphics and special effects, Gran Turismo 3 A-spec is set to revolutionize the racing category yet again," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "As one of the premier titles for PlayStation 2, we're putting full marketing muscle behind Gran Turismo 3 A-spec to extend consumer awareness for the latest addition to the most popular racing series ever."
Underscoring the significance of the release of Gran Turismo 3 A-spec, major support will occur in the following categories:
NATIONAL BROADCAST/CABLE ADVERTISING:
Gran Turismo 3 A-spec television spots will run in various time slots during broadcast, cable and syndicated programming through the months of July and August and will be back on air during the holiday season. A total of six different executions will air on FOX, UPN, WB!, CBS, ABC and NBC networks reaching viewers of "The Simpsons," "V.I.P.," "That 70's Show" and more, as well as late night staples including "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and "Saturday Night Live." Targeted cable programming will also be utilized with spots running on ESPN, MTV, USA Network, E! Entertainment Television, Comedy Central and more.
NATIONAL PRINT ADVERTISING:
To support the broad appeal of Gran Turismo 3 A-spec, 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 and lifestyle magazines (Maxim, Playboy, Stuff, Gear), sports publications (ESPN, Sporting News, Skateboarding, Skateboarder) and automotive media (Car and Driver, Road and Track, Motor Trend, Superstreet and Max Power). Targeted publications also include leading gaming magazines including GamePro, Electronic Gaming Monthly, The Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, PSE2, PSM and Game Informer.
NATIONAL PROMOTION:
A national promotion to support the launch of Gran Turismo 3 A-spec will kick off at launch (July 10, 2001) and will run through January 31, 2002. Consumers will have the chance to enter the Gran Turismo 3 "Decode & Drive" Sweepstakes through an instant win game-piece packed in with specially marked stand-alone launch copies of Gran Turismo 3: A-spec at participating retailers. One grand prize winner from the Gran Turismo 3 "Decode & Drive" Sweepstakes will receive free car payments for one year.
NATIONAL RETAIL SUPPORT:
Key merchandising support for Gran Turismo 3 A-spec will include 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.
Sony Computer Entertainment America will allow game fans to experience Gran Turismo 3 A-spec at the Vans Warped Tour, the X-Games in Philadelphia and the Ozzfest music tour, while the PlayStation web site, http://www.scea.com/ will feature a dedicated section for the game. Fans of Gran Turismo 3 A-spec will be able to show their support with a full merchandise line including branded long sleeved t-shirts, baseball caps and messenger bags from the "PlayStation Threadz and Accessories" catalog.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one™ 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.
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000510/SFW104-aAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 212-782-2840
SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Contact: Charlotte Panther, 650-655-3542, or
charlotte_panther@playstation.sony.com, or Ryan Bowling, 650-655-3657, or
ryan_bowling@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment
America
Website: http://www.playstation.com/
Website: http://www.scea.com/