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
PRNewswire
FOSTER CITY, Calif.
07/20/2001
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.
(Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000510/SFW104-a )
"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 $329. Customers who purchase the GT3 Racing Pack will receive a $350 value for $329, while the game itself is available for a suggested retail price of $49.99.
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™ 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/
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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Contact: Charlotte Panther, +1-650-655-3542, or
charlotte_panther@playstation.sony.com, or Ryan Bowling, +1-650-655-3657, or
ryan_bowling@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment
America
Website: http://www.scea.com/
Website: http://www.playstation.com/