Dance the Night Away With EyeToy™: Groove, the Second Title Based Upon the Award-Winning EyeToy Technology

Sony Computer Entertainment America announced today the release of EyeToy™: Groove, available exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe's London Studio, EyeToy: Groove, is the first interactive videogame that enables players to dance in time with one of the 28 licensed songs, from such artists as Elvis, Madonna, Jessica Simpson, Village People, and Fatboy Slim, with no controller or dance pad necessary. A follow up to the highly successful EyeToy: Play, which took the industry by storm selling over 3.5 million units worldwide since its release, EyeToy: Groove will be sold with the EyeToy USB camera for $49.99 (SRP) or without for $29.99 (SRP).

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Labeled by PLAY Magazine, GameSpy, GameSpot, 1up.com, and AIAS at D.I.C.E as the most innovative product of 2003, the EyeToy technology has proven to be a must-have largely because of its ability to introduce gamers to an environment that requires no gaming skills or controller. Taking the idea one step further, EyeToy: Groove challenges players to dance along to 28 licensed tracks in the game in order to win points for technique, style, and timing. Groove bonus points are given just for trying, so the more movement the higher the score.

"As Sony Computer Entertainment America is dedicated to expanding the PlayStation 2 lifecycle through the introduction of innovative products, we are pleased to announce the second title in the EyeToy family so soon after the highly successful EyeToy: Play launch," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The interest and success of the EyeToy technology proves that consumers are looking for an active alternative to traditional forms of entertainment, and EyeToy: Groove is just another step in bringing the world of interactive entertainment to life on PlayStation 2."

EyeToy: Groove provides gameplay options for everyone. If playing solo, gamers may try out dance moves in One Player Mode, or choose to just interact with on-screen special effects in the Chill Out Room. EyeToy: Groove also includes a number of multi-player options. In Tournament Mode players take turns to determine who has the best rhythm, reaction time and accuracy. Team Sync Mode allows friends to conquer the dance floor together, or go one step further with Battle Sync Mode, which allows players to dance together while being judged separately.

In addition to the game modes, EyeToy: Groove features a Dance Move Maker option that enables players to be their own choreographer by creating a custom routine to the song of their choice. Simply pick a song, record movements as it plays, and at the end of the tune, import the routine into the solo groove mode in place of a difficulty level.

The popular Video Message feature from EyeToy: Play returns, allowing consumers to record personal messages onto a Memory Card (8MB)(PlayStation®2), sold separately. Messages are also interchangeable; video messages created in EyeToy: Groove can be viewed with EyeToy: Play and vice versa. The Memory Card may also be used to save and replay photos and videos automatically captured while playing the various game modes. As the EyeToy experience is all about movement, players looking to get a little exercise can take advantage of the Calorie Counter by simply entering in their weight, then watching how many calories can be danced away.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated EyeToy: Groove (E) for Everyone. For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

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.us.playstation.com/ .

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SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Jennifer Clark, +1-650-655-5994, or
jennifer_clark@playstation.sony.com, or Tina Casalino, +1-650-655-8102, or
tina_casalino@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment
America

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