Sony Computer Entertainment America to Offer Downloadable Game Content for SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs Exclusively on PlayStation®2 Computer Entertainment System

Downloadable Map Packs Expand Playability of Number One Online Console Game With Both Old Favorites and Brand New Maps Playable Online for SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs

PRNewswire
FOSTER CITY, Calif.
02/21/2006

Sony Computer Entertainment America announced today that beginning in March 2006, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs Map Packs will become available exclusively for online download on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Expanding the playability of the top PlayStation 2 online game, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs Map Packs can be downloaded from the SOCOM 3 servers and allow fans to play updated versions of their favorite maps from previous installments of the franchise as well as brand-new, never before seen maps.

Each SOCOM 3 Map Pack can be purchased online for $5.99 per pack by logging into a SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs online account. Using either a compatible USB Mass Storage Device (such as a USB Flash/Thumb drive), internal hard disk drive (40GB) (for PlayStation®2) or a PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) system with Memory Stick Duo Media (minimum 32MB) as storage, SOCOM fans can download any of the SOCOM 3 Map Packs, take them anywhere and access them online using their SOCOM 3 account for all-new tactical military action.

"SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs Map Packs allows for the millions of SOCOM fans to experience updated versions of their favorite maps from earlier SOCOM titles or take on competitors in all-new environments simply by purchasing and downloading the SOCOM 3 Map Packs from their SOCOM 3 online account," said Seth Luisi, senior producer, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With the release of the SOCOM 3 Map Packs, the SOCOM franchise will expand with even more online environments, adding to the SOCOM experience you can only get on PlayStation platforms."

The first SOCOM 3 Map Pack will be available in March 2006, and will feature updated fan favorite SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs maps After Hours, Last Bastion and Liberation which were previously only available for play by internal hard disk drive (40GB) (for PlayStation®2) owners. These maps have been re-worked to add the latest SOCOM 3 features including multiple game types per map, respawn modes, day and night options and weapon customization. The second and third map packs will follow over the next several months and will feature classic maps from the original title that launched the hit franchise, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs, as well as innovative SOCOM 3 maps never before seen for an all-new combat experience.

Sony Computer Entertainment America's blockbuster hit, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs, is available exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Zipper Interactive, Inc. and produced by Sony Computer Entertainment America's Foster City Studio in association with the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs offers the most realistic SEAL gameplay and mission designs of any military shooter.

With combined worldwide franchise sales totaling more than 7 million units, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs builds on the success of its predecessors offering new single-player and multiplayer game experiences, including 32-player online gameplay, player-controlled interactive vehicles, more than 900 different weapon combinations and mission maps five to six times larger than in previous SOCOM titles. SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs is currently one of the top online games available for any console, with more than 23,000 simultaneous players during peak hours, and registering in 60,000 unique players per day. For the first time ever, the SOCOM franchise is also available on a handheld with SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo exclusively for the PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable).

About Zipper Interactive, Inc.

Zipper Interactive, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., develops cutting-edge technology, graphics and online gameplay for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Additional information can be found on the company's web site at http://www.zipperint.com/ .

About Sony Computer Entertainment America

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one™ game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) 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. PSP system is a new entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio.

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, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the PSP 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/ .

NOTE: PlayStation and the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PSP is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

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

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

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

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