Sony Computer Entertainment America Announces PlayStation™HEROES, Bringing Gamers And Celebrities Together To Benefit Charitable Organizations

SAN MATEO, Calif., Feb. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) today announced PlayStation™HEROES, a new initiative connecting gamers with entertainment, sports and gaming celebrities on their PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system (PS4™), all while helping some of the world's great causes. Through PlayStation HEROES, PS4 users can purchase digital content via an official PlayStation HEROES app for PS4 to be entered for the chance to play games with or against celebrities, online via PlayStation™Network and in-person, with at least 90 percent of the purchase price going to a specific participating charity.

Make-A-Wish®, the USO and The V Foundation for Cancer Research will be the charities supported by PlayStation HEROES at launch. SCEA will donate $100,000 to each organization to kick off the initiative, in addition to dedicating resources to promote and support the initiative.

• Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
• The USO provides critical services, programs and entertainment to millions of U.S. troops and their families around the world, throughout every step of their journey.
• The V Foundation for Cancer Research funds cancer research through the best and most promising scientists and cancer centers nationwide.

"PlayStation HEROES is an incredible opportunity for gamers to play against some of the most admired celebrities and athletes in the world, all while giving back to charitable organizations," said John Koller, vice president of platforms marketing at SCEA. "We couldn't be prouder to bring together gamers, celebrities and charities, and we anticipate a tremendous response from the community who will have a meaningful way to use gaming for a good cause."      

The PlayStation HEROES app for PS4 will be the primary portal for gamers to enter and participate in events. The app will officially launch and be available for download for free via PlayStation®Store (PS Store) on February 24, enabling gamers to find information on upcoming and past celebrity gaming events, enter by purchasing digital content for a chance to win and play, view videos of gamers playing with celebrities and earn badges.

Starting today, gamers can pre-order the PlayStation HEROES app on PS4 and gain early access to themes, available for $1, $5, $10 and $15. Each dollar spent provides the purchaser with a sweepstakes entry for the first PlayStation HEROES gaming event in March, featuring world renowned snowboarder and two-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White, who will play Bungie's Destiny, published by Activision, to benefit Make-A-Wish. In addition, a special bundle encompassing all four themes will be available for a discounted price of $20 and will include 31 total entries.  

"PlayStation HEROES gives gamers the unique opportunity to help Make-A-Wish grant more and better wishes while continuing to play the games they love in the comfort of their home," said David Williams, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. "Gamers who support Make-A-Wish can take pride knowing that they have helped provide the powerful, life-changing effects of a wish-come-true to wish kids nationwide."

"Our friend and colleague Stuart Scott was a passionate voice for improving outcomes for African Americans, Hispanics and other diverse communities with cancer," said John Skipper, V Foundation board member and ESPN president. "We're very appreciative that donations from PlayStation HEROES will help continue Stuart's fight against cancer and encourage cutting edge research for diverse populations suffering from cancer through the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund at The V Foundation."

"We are proud that PlayStation has chosen us to be part of their PlayStation HEROES initiative," said Alan Reyes, USO Senior Vice President of Operations. "A partnership like this is a terrific way for Americans to support the nation's troops and families, and have fun while doing it."

PlayStation HEROES kicks off today with a private event in New York City featuring White, Golden State Warriors All-Star guard Stephen Curry, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig and multiplatinum recording artist Snoop Dogg. The event will feature beneficiaries of Make-A-Wish, the USO and The V Foundation for Cancer Research playing live on-stage with White, Curry and Puig, and a special live performance by Snoop Dogg.

For more information about PlayStation HEROES, including the official sweepstakes rules and eligibility, please visit www.playstation.com/heroes.     

About Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC

Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) has revolutionized home entertainment since the first PlayStation® console launched in 1995 in the United States, followed by the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system launch in 2000. SCEA continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system, PSN℠, PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) handheld entertainment system, and the PlayStation®4 (PS4™) computer entertainment system. Recognized as an undisputed industry leader, SCEA markets the PlayStation® family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for PSP, PS3, PS Vita, and PS4 systems in North and South America. Based in San Mateo, California, SCEA serves as headquarters for all North and South American operations. 

"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "PS4" is a trademark of the same company.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

No Purchase Necessary to enter promotion.  Making a purchase will not increase your chances of winning.  Must be a legal resident of the U.S. and at least 18 years old to participate.  Void where prohibited.  For more details including the promotion period, see the ABOUT tab in the PlayStation Heroes App or www.playstation.com/playstationheroesrules for Official Rules.

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SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC