2K Sports Announces the Chevy 2008 Virtual World Series Championship

2K Sports Announces the Chevy 2008 Virtual
World Series Championship on Xbox 360® with Major League Baseball® 2K8

Fans can still register to compete in online matches of Major League Baseball® 2K8 through the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft to earn a spot in the Chevy 2008 Virtual World Series Championship on July 15. Taking place at the DHL Fan Fest during this year’s MLB All-Star Game in New York, the grand prize winner will receive an exclusive all-expense paid trip for two to a 2008 World Series game this fall, courtesy of Chevy, the official vehicle of Major League Baseball.

Qualification rounds end May 31, and players must complete at least 15 online ranked games to qualify for the Virtual Season. During the qualification period, all ranked online games will count toward a player’s overall qualification ranking, and can be tracked in real-time on the tournament leaderboard. Rankings are calculated using an ELO rating system, a mathematical equation used in all 2K Sports online tournaments. Players can register by simply logging into their Xbox LIVE account and following the online instructions, or they can register at http://mlb2k8onlinetournament.2ksports.com, where they will find the complete official rules and regulations.

Full tournament schedule and key dates:

May 31, 2008
Qualification Period Complete, and Top 30 Players Announced to Check-In
The top 30 players who check-in with at least 15 completed online ranked games during the qualification rounds will advance to the 15-game Virtual Season. The check-in process is required for players to be eligible to compete in the Virtual Season, and confirmation can be found on a player’s profile page once qualification rounds are complete.

June 1, 2008
Opening Day
Teams will be assigned via a draft based on qualification round performance, including (but not limited to) wins, losses, runs scored and ERA. The Virtual Season will consist of 15 games from both the American and National League over a 4-week period.

July 5, 2008
Playoffs Begin
After the Virtual Season is concluded, the top 8 teams will participate in a single-elimination Playoff Tournament, with 4 teams from both the American and National League – consisting of the 6 division winners and 2 wildcard teams.

July 15, 2008
Chevy 2008 Virtual World Series Championship
The American and National League Playoff Tournament winners will face off in the Chevy 2008 Virtual World Series Championship at the DHL FanFest during this year’s MLB All-Star Game in New York City. As the grand prize, the Virtual World Series champion will receive an exclusive trip for two to a 2008 World Series game this fall.

As the most complete baseball experience available, Major League Baseball 2K8 revolutionizes player control in the latest installment of the popular franchise with brand-new pitching, fielding and baserunning, as well as a completely overhauled batting interface. To bring fans closer to the action than ever before, Major League Baseball 2K8 also features authentic Major League and Minor League™ stadiums that have been redesigned for accuracy, complete with the details and specific architecture of each ballpark and city. Other in-game features include a unique trading card system to reward special achievements, robust Minor League system including 90 playable teams, all-new Signature Style™ animations complete with home run celebrations and unique player walk-ups, and much more.

For more information about the Chevy 2008 Virtual World Series Championship, please visit: http://mlb2k8onlinetournament.2ksports.com. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and DC (excluding Arizona, Connecticut, Maryland, North Dakota, and Vermont), who are 18 years of age or older, and who own or have access to an Xbox Live Gold account and a copy of Major League Baseball 2K8prior to registration. Void where prohibited. Registration ends at 11:59 pm EST on 5/30/08.