Sony Computer Entertainment, America (SCEA) has officially announced today the beginning of an extensive media campaign for their soon-to-be-released racing opus Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec exclusively for the PlayStation2. Through television commercials that will run in primetime on all major U.S. networks, print ads in various magazines including automotive magazines (Car & Driver, Motor Trend), videogame magazines (OPM, PSM, Game Informer), as well as promotional tie-ins with sponsors, partners and retailers, Sony is putting the petal to the metal for GT3. Whether Sony will fire on all cylinders will remain to be seen.[blockquote]"With its outstanding graphics and special effects, Gran Turismo 3 A-spec is set to revolutionize the racing category yet again," said Ami Blaire,director, product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "As one of the premier titles for PlayStation 2, we're putting full marketing muscle behind Gran Turismo 3 A-spec to extend consumer awareness for the latest addition to the most popular racing series ever."[/blockquote]Sony has penned deals with all the major networks to air Gran Turismo 3 spots at all time slots throughout the day and extending into latenight tv. Male-oriented cable television channels, such as ESPN, MTV, USA, E!, and Comedy Central among others, will also received the Sony treatment. to support the rapidly growing appeal of PlayStation 2 and Gran Turismo 3 A-spec in many demographics, a massive print advertising campaign will reach more than 23.3 million readers through a wide array of national consumer print media including men's and lifestyle magazines (Maxim, Playboy), sports publications (ESPN, Sporting News) and automotive media (Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Superstreet). Targeted publications also include leading gaming magazines including GamePro, Electronic Gaming Monthly, The Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, PSM and Game Informer.

Sony has also organized a national promotional contest to coincide with the release of Gran Turismo 3 on July 11th and will run through January 31, 2002. Consumers will have the chance to enter the Gran Turismo 3 "Decode & Drive" Sweepstakes through an instant win game-piece packed in with specially marked stand-alone launch copies of Gran Turismo 3: A-spec at participating retailers. One grand prize winner from the Gran Turismo 3 "Decode & Drive" Sweepstakes will receive free car payments for one year. A national retailer support campaign will include a larger support of GT3 in PS2 kiosks around the country. Sony Computer Entertainment America will allow game fans to experience Gran Turismo 3 A-spec at the Vans Warped Tour, the X-Games in Philadelphia and the Ozzfest music tour, while the PlayStation web site, www.scea.com will feature a dedicated section for the game. Fans of Gran Turismo 3 A-spec will be able to show their support with a full merchandise line including branded long sleeved t-shirts, baseball caps and messenger bags from the "PlayStation Threadz and Accessories" catalog.

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