Premiere Fighting Game Franchise Debuting on the PLAYSTATION®3 System in North America and Europe in 2007

SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON (Dec. 18, 2006) – Let the global countdown begin! SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced the ship date of Virtua Fighter™ 5 will be February 20, 2007 in North America for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Complementing the early 2007 release date in North America of the highly anticipated fighting game, SEGA Europe Ltd. has confirmed that Virtua Fighter 5 will be an official launch title for the PLAYSTATION 3 system in Europe in early 2007.

“SEGA is once again blazing the trail for fighting games with the next installment in the award-winning Virtua Fighter series,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President Marketing SEGA of America. “Virtua Fighter 5 will be the first martial arts style fighting game available on the PLAYSTATION 3 system with brand new offensive moves, customizable characters, stunning graphics and highly detailed 3D fighting environments.”

Virtua Fighter 5 will deliver fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping action as players head into battle, taking on a host of popular characters. The game will introduce two new dynamic characters, El Blaze and Eileen, complete with new fighting techniques and from completely different backgrounds. Play as one of the 17 default characters in the game or customize a character. Players will be able to modify their characters by selecting from four base costumes and then decorate them by attaching a wide range of unlockable and earnable items. Players will not only achieve victory by defeating highly-skilled opponents, but also by competing for prizes and earning in-game money allowing them to buy many items at an in-game shop. Further building upon the depth of the series, players will now be able to move around their opponent using an “Offensive Move” technique, adding a new strategic element to their battles.