ELECTRONIC ARTS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE ORIGIN SYSTEMS, INC.

SAN MATEO, Calif., September 10, 1992- Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) and
Origin Systems, Inc. announced today that they have signed a definitive
agreement whereby Electronic Arts will acquire Origin Systems, Inc.
(Origin) of Austin, Texas.

In this transaction, which will be accounted for as a pooling of interests,
Electronic Arts will exchange approximately 1.3 million shares for all
outstanding securities of Origin. The value of the deal at the time of
signing was approximately $35 million.

Origin was founded in 1983 by Robert and Richard Garriott to capitalize on
the popularity of Richard Garriott's Ultima series of fantasy role-playing
games. During the past three years, Origin has experienced strong growth
in revenues and profitability. It completed its fiscal year ending
February 28, 1992, with net revenues of $13 million and pre-tax profits of
$3.2 million. Today, the 160 person company is one of the most successful
and well-known in the interactive entertainment industry. To date, Origin
has developed and published over 30 titles on multiple home computer and
compact disc (CD-ROM) platforms, and has also developed titles for key
video game platforms.

Two of Origin's properties are recognized as leaders in the fantasy
role-playing and action/simulation categories. The Ultima games combine
fully-interactive worlds with compelling storylines. The series has sold
more than 1.5 million units worldwide. The latest installment, Ultima VII:
The Black Gate, is currently on best-seller lists from surveys of software
retailers. Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss, a game with innovative
continuous-motion, 3D technology, is also among the best-sellers. Origin's
Wing Commander series set a standard for space combat simulation,
combining movie-like special effects with advanced graphics. The Wing
Commander series has sold more than 500,000 units worldwide.

Origin's unique products will complement the strength of the Electronic
Arts' entertainment line. Ultima I-VI and the Wing Commander series are
currently available on CD. These types of multimedia products, well
established on home computers, are some of the earliest available in the
CD market, and will strengthen Electronic Arts' entry into the CD
marketplace.

In the new organization, Origin will be operated as a wholly owned
subsidiary. Robert Garriott, President and CEO of Origin will continue in
this role and becomes a Vice President of Electronic Arts. Richard
Garriott, Senior Vice President/Creative Director of Origin will continue
in this role and becomes an Executive Producer of Electronic Arts.

"Origin is a highly successful publisher in the interactive entertainment
industry with a strong record of growth and profitability. They have an
excellent management team, and they have proven themselves in their
nine-year history to be a great creative force with unique products. The
acquisition of Origin by Electronic Arts is an excellent fit," said Larry
Probst, president and CEO of Electronic Arts. "It will help launch
Electronic Arts into the CD market and enhance Electronic Arts' position
as the leading worldwide independent publisher of entertainment
software."

Robert Garriott added, "We believe the acquisition of Origin by Electronic
Arts will allow us to move rapidly and to aggressively transfer the
large-scale interactive entertainment products that we develop across a
multitude of platforms around the world. We are excited about the prospect
of becoming an integral part of Electronic Arts and becoming a part of a
potentially bigger force in the future of interactive entertainment."

Richard Garriott agreed. "Origin has been an industry leader in developing
new, top-of-the-line properties and technology. When backed by Electronic
Arts' worldwide multiple-platform distribution and marketing acumen, we
believe our combined companies have an even greater advantage over the
competition."

Electronic Arts is a diversified interactive entertainment company that
develops, publishes and distributes worldwide.

Electronic Arts, 1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404
415-513-7510

Origin Systems, 110 Wild Basin Rd, Suite 230, Austin, TX 78746
512-328-5400

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