Sony Computer Entertainment announces launch of its first-ever gaming title in Arabic

The new game will be available at retail outlets across the Middle East from the 24th of March, 2004.

Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) at its studios in Soho, London, the new game incorporates cutting-edge game play, graphics and features and is designed to appeal to the large number of football aficionados in the Middle East. Depending on the user's linguistic preferences, English or Arabic commentary can be selected during any match played.

Addressing a press conference in Dubai today to announce the launch of the new game, Mr. Masaru Tamagawa, Managing Director, Sony Gulf FZE, said: "Sony has yet again broken new ground within the Middle East gaming industry with the launch of its first-ever Arabic PlayStation gaming title. The launch of the Arabic version of TIF 2004 will serve to galvanize the Middle East entertainment market by offering the most compelling interactive content adapted to suit the linguistic needs of the regional market."

TIF 2004 is the ultimate football fan's video game. The user controls all aspects of the team, playing against the CPU or up to 7 other users. Ultimate dream teams can be made using the unique 'transfer market' feature of the game. Alternatively, one can begin with a novice team and by playing through the leagues and carefully buying and selling players, eventually progress to the Euro League, taking on the best club sides in the world.

Mr. Tamagawa further said, "As a global company operating within the heart of the local community Sony is committed to expanding the community of gaming enthusiasts in the Middle East. With other Arabic games in the pipeline we are further committed to the growth and development of the gaming industry in the Middle East region."

"Going by the continuing growth in the regional computer gaming market, which has been fueled by the introduction of superior gaming concepts, we are extremely upbeat about the Arabic version of TIF 2004, and are sure that it will be extremely well received within the region," he added.

TIF 2004 has totally revamped game play for a more immersive and compelling experience. With technically brilliant graphics coupled with new animation and dynamics providing the most realistic gaming experience, the Arabic title will include over 300 photo-realistic players from around the world, 22 leagues with 30 divisions, over 800 teams and over 17000 players for an unmatched gaming experience.

Mr. Tim Stokes, the Dubai-based Sales and Marketing Manager, SCEE, predicted that with the launch of TIF 2004 a new wave of gaming trends would emerge across the Middle East.

Addressing the media at the conference Mr. Stokes said "We have seen a tremendous response for the 2003 English version of the game. This unprecedented demand coupled with the huge popularity that football enjoys within the Middle East region has inspired the launch of the Arabic title TIF 2004."

"Developing our first game in Arabic has been a challenging experience. A dedicated development team has been working round-the-clock to create this new title. To make the game as realistic as possible we have used the services of Hamada Imam, one of the leading football commentators in the region, to lend his voice to the game" he added.

PlayStation has an installed base of more than 3.3 million units in the Middle East. With the largest software library ever introduced for a home entertainment product and a gamut of new gaming titles to be launched, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system aims to bring together games, sports, music and movies to enhance consumer entertainment lifestyles and redefine the landscape of the Middle East gaming sector.