February 9^th, 2004 (12:00am) - Electronic Arts and UK-based developer Criterion Games, today announced a development and publishing partnership for the upcoming title Burnout 3. The latest title in the critically acclaimed Burnout series is slated for worldwide release in September 2004 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Burnout is already a hit arcade racing franchise and we are delighted to be working closely with Criterion to take the series to the next level in order to achieve the level of success that the series has always deserved," said Bruce McMillan, Executive Vice President, EA Worldwide Studios. "With its action-oriented game design and remarkable production values, we believe that Burnout is a perfect fit for our racing game portfolio."

Originally released in 2001, Burnout introduced thrill-seeking game players to an adrenaline-filled arcade-style racing experience. The original title was followed with the release of Burnout2: Point of Impact in 2002. Featuring racing action unlike any other title in the category, the two releases earned widespread critical acclaim and sold over 2 million units worldwide.

Burnout 3 takes the series even further, now featuring a unique ’crash and burn’ racing concept and a one-of-a-kind special effects engine that delivers spectacular visuals. The intensity heats up as players race, and often crash, their way through oncoming traffic in an attempt to claim the top spot. Boasting multiple single-player, multiplayer and online* crash and race modes, Burnout 3 offers players the opportunity to race through busy city streets and be rewarded for taking risks that result in heart-pounding action and electrifying crashes.

*PlayStation 2 only

"Working closely with EA’s European Studio on the development of Burnout 3 is exciting for Criterion and the Burnout series. We are thrilled that the game will benefit from EA’s development and publishing expertise that ensures a worldwide audience will be able to enjoy this phenomenal game," said Fiona Sperry, Studio Head, Criterion Software. "We are confident that through this partnership, this fantastic game will be made even better."