ROAD RASH AND A&M BRANDS MERGE MUSIC, VIDEO GAMES, AND MOTION PICTURE
TECHNOLOGY

SAN MATEO, Calif., December 29, 1995 -- Electronic Arts has announced the
release of Road Rash for the PlayStation. Road Rash is one of the first
titles to integrate motion picture technology with two mainstream
entertainment formats: videogames and alternative rock music videos.

"The design challenge behind Road Rash was to merge the energy and
presentation of music videos from alternative rock bands with the action
of great videogames," explains Randy Breen, producer, Electronic Arts. 
"The result is a completely unique interactive experience that will set
new standards and meet the expectations among a broader base of
consumers."

Road Rashing is the term given to high-speed, anything-goes, outlawed
motorcycling racing, where gutsy riding and fists can make the difference
between finishing in first place or winding up chewing concrete. Players
blaze through curves on photo-realistic, texture-mapped tracks, ranging
from cities, canyon runs, to country backroads. With unbelievable frame
rates and stereo sound, Road Rash delivers the kind of involving ride
gamers have only fantasized about.

A next generation multimedia software title, Road Rash for the PlayStation
features music from six hot alternative music bands: Soundgarden, Paw,
Swervedriver, Therapy?, Monster Magnet, and Hammerbox. As part of a deal
between Electronic Arts and A&M records, each band is providing one to
three tracks with the exception of the high-profile Soundgarden which will
provide four. "The A&M Music bands chosen for Road Rash have a musical
style and attitude very similar to the feel of EA's game," Breen explains.
The game integrates video footage of the bands and several of their music
videos. The band's footage is mixed with extensive motorcycle racing
footage, adding real-world texture to the PlayStation product.

"Since there is such a strong cross over between videogame players and
music fans it makes absolute sense that A&M and Electronic Arts would join
forces to reach both audiences" Brad Pollak, a director of product
development, A&M Records, explains.

The development of Road Rash for the PlayStation incorporated
film-production techniques and integrated many Hollywood-style movie
processes with innovative interactive technology. Electronic Arts' design
team used a variety of art forms to create this un-real game world. They
combined artist rendered, stylized graphics with blue screen photographs
of real motorcycles, riders, and pedestrians for the ultimate in gritty
realism. Wrapped around the gameplay are live action video sequences using
professionally directed stunts, many filmed from on-board cameras and then
integrated to complete this unique visual experience.

"The blending of these artistic techniques in conjunction with the
ground-breaking graphical capabilities of the PlayStation system result in
a level of visual sophistication unsurpassed by any other product," Breen
said. "Professional effect editors, cinematographers and photographers
joined forces with us to add real atmosphere and enhanced player
involvement."

"The classic Road Rash game for the Sega Genesis proved to be the world's
favorite motorcycle racing game," Breen said. "The synergy of sight and
sound found in Road Rash creates a style and standard of presentation
second to none."

Electronic Arts
1450 Fashion Island Blvd
San Mateo, CA 94404
415-571-7171
http://www.ea.com
 
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