Sega America is moving up the date by a week on the release of its “NFL 2K3” football video game for the Playstation 2 and Xbox platforms to compete directly with Electronic Arts’ “Madden NFL 2003.”
The game from Sega Sports was released to dealers Aug. 13 — the same release date as the new installment of EA’s popular NFL game. Sega will release a GameCube version of the “NFL2K3” title on Aug. 20.
Both the Sega and EA titles were developed to include extensive online gaming capability, updated rosters and stadium details that elevate the sense of realism and accuracy in game play.
Additionally, Sega had earlier announced a deal with ESPN to incorporate the look and feel of ESPN’s televised game day coverage in the title to compete more directly with EA’s popular commentator — John Madden, who this year moves to Monday Night Football.
Electronic Arts is expected to intensify its planned advertising campaign to respond to Sega’s move.
