Sony Computer Entertainment America has today announced that it will launch its 989 Sports Online service on August 26 to coincide with the release of NFL GameDay 2004. The service will allow players of 989 Sports games to chat using a USB headset, challenge players from all over the country, download updated statistics and rosters, and participate in online tournaments.

　　"In 989SportsOnline.com we have developed the most complete online sports gaming experience ever created," said Craig Ostrander, senior project manager, product development, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With the ability to access a single lobby via a PC or PlayStation 2, users will have unprecedented access to information about 989 Sports titles, tournaments, stats, and real-time rosters and weather updates, as well as a sports ticker to stay up to date on all the latest sports news and scores, further enhancing the online gaming experience and establishing an online community matched by no other. And, with our voice recognition (VR) and voice chat (VOIP) features, gamers will be able to experience the games at a whole new level."

　　NFL GameDay 2004 will be the first game to take advantage of the new 989 Sports Online functionality, and it will feature more than 50 VR commands, allowing players to call audibles, put receivers in motion, change coverage schemes, or call for timeouts with their voice. For more information on NFL GameDay 2004, check out our previous coverage of the game.