ETNIES AND ELECTRONIC ARTS MERGE REAL AND VIRTUAL WORLDS

ETNIES AND ELECTRONIC ARTS MERGE REAL AND VIRTUAL WORLDS

LAKE FOREST, Calif. (November 24, 2008) – etnies and Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) worked together to bring the etnies GvR skateboarding contest to the Skate 2 video game, and to create an etnies Skate 2 RVM shoe for real world skateboarding. The etnies RVM Skate 2 shoe will be available when the game hits stores in early 2009.

Drawing inspiration from etnies skate heritage, the RVM features the classic etnies Rap styling with a slimmed down mid-top silhouette on a vulcanized outsole and a tonal Skate 2 logo on the outer heel. The RVM also features STI System G2 gel in the heel of the outsole to absorb shock and prevent heel bruises. The shoe will be sold at Zumiez in the United States, and it will be available at select retailers internationally.

“Skate 2 is a celebration of skateboarding and it’s really amazing how this game has brought the culture of skateboarding to so many kids. I really liked being a part of the original Skate, and it’s cool that they included me in Skate 2.” said etnies team rider, Jason Dill. “The game is pretty realistic. I think it is funny to play a virtual me on a video game.”

As for the game’s story, Skate 2 picks up five years after the original Skate, a period marred by an unspeakable disaster that left San Vanelona in ruins. Within that time, Mongocorp rebuilt the city but their zealous protection of private property has put a damper on the once thriving skate population. Equipped with double the bag of tricks, gamers are tasked to rebuild their career and revive the New San Vanelona skate scene. With their ability to get off-board to move objects around and with help from a crew of locals, players will embark on a mission to take back the city, one spot at a time. Along the way, they’ll need to get coverage, earn sponsorships, own challenges and enter contests, including a coveted invite to etnies GvR competition.

For more check out ETNIES.