From Dance and Hip-Hop to Heavy Metal, Sony Computer Entertainment America Signs More Artists to Amplitude for an Exclusive PlayStation®2 Rhythm Action Experience

P!nk, BT, The X-ecutioners, Slipknot and Game Boyz Sign Up to Provide Tracks And Video Content Available for Players to Interact with During Gameplay

PRNewswire
FOSTER CITY, Calif.
03/13/2003

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that five additional major recording artists have agreed to provide music and video content for the upcoming rhythm-action game, Amplitude, developed exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Rounding out the music roster for Amplitude with additional rock, dance, rap and electronica, newly signed acts include P!nk, BT, The X-ecutioners, Slipknot and Game Boyz. These artists will join other major recording artists on the Amplitude roster that include Baldwin Brothers, blink 182, David Bowie, Dieselboy, Garbage, Herbie Hancock, Logan 7, Mekon, Papa Roach, P.O.D., Quarashi and Weezer. Developed by Harmonix Music Systems, Amplitude allows players to become a rhythmical DJ and jam with more than 25 diverse songs in virtual, vibrant interactive musical environments while mixing and remixing hit songs during offline and online gameplay.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000510/SFW104-a )

Taking advantage of the PlayStation 2 online capabilities through the Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation®2), Amplitude allows players to challenge their friends online in multi-player, remix and duel mode. Utilizing lobby-chat capabilities and other unique online features, such as a ladder-ranking system, players will be able to collaborate and compete with each other to form an online music community. During online gameplay, Amplitude supports both broadband and analog users.

Among the newly signed music acts, Amplitude receives an unreleased remix of Run DMC's "King of Rock" performed by The X-ecutioners. As the first and the greatest of hip-hop's superstars, Run-DMC's mission has always been (in their words) to "crash through walls, go through floors, bust through ceilings, and knock down doors." In addition, other newly signed music acts have provided highly recognized tracks that include: P!nk's "Respect," BT's, "Kimosabe," Slipknot's "I am Hated" and Game Boyz' "Push." In addition, David Bowie adds a special remix of "Everyone Says Hi," performed by Metro. As a musician, performer and songwriter, Bowie defies all conventions. From his humble folkie beginnings in the 60's to the 70's glitter and glam of Ziggy Stardust to the elegance of the Thin White Duke to the multiplatinum pop star of the 80's to the most recent rock album Heathen, he has continually reinvented himself and his art.

"Amplitude rocks -- it's totally and completely addicting," said David Bowie.

"The addition of P!nk, BT, Manchild, Slipknot, and Run DMC's classic hit "King of Rock," performed by The X-ecutioners rounds out our Amplitude music roster and offers music enthusiasts everywhere some great foot-stomping, heart-pumping tracks," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "By having custom remixes such as the King of Rock, we hope to attract new rap and rock fans, as well as establish Amplitude as a unique alternative to radio for an enhanced gaming and music experience."

Comprised of nine masked members with numbers instead of names, Slipknot are not just a band, they are a force that has swept through popular culture and galvanized millions of fans, their "maggots", worldwide. As one of the major rising stars of today's interactive entertainment industry, Game Boyz creator composer, musician and producer Ged Grimes, provides one of his newest releases to Amplitude.

Building upon the critically acclaimed PlayStation®2 title Frequency™, Amplitude presents a redesigned interface allowing gamers and music lovers to recreate their favorite songs from the ground up by triggering instruments such as drums, bass, vocals and guitars via their controller. Focusing on not only the thrill of creating and mixing music, Amplitude also provides a fast-paced competitive dynamic environment encouraging players of all skill levels to challenge and collaborate with each other both locally and online.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated Amplitude "T" for Teen. For more information about the ERSB visit www.esrb.com.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

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 PlayStation family of products 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.

Visit us on the Web at http://www.playstation.com/ .

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc.

CONTACT: Ryan Bowling, +1-650-655-3657, or
ryan_bowling@playstation.sony.com, or Heather Crosby, +1-650-655-5234, or
heather_crosby@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc.

Web site: http://www.esrb.com/

Web site: http://www.playstation.com/