No. 1 video game publisher Electronic Arts Inc. on Wednesday said its franchise "Madden NFL" football series will support the launch of online play for Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 2 later this year, but will not do so for Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox.
The two companies have touted online gameplay as the next key frontier for home video gaming because of the ongoing revenue potential as well as a way to turn the game console into an Internet gateway for the TV. Both are expected to heavily promote their services in the coming weeks.
Redwood City, California-based Electronic Arts said "Madden NFL 2003" will support the PS2's online functions, which will launch in August with the retail availability of a dual dial-up/broadband adapter for $39.99.
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