EA has announced a multi-year partnership between Ken Block, action sports icon and international star motors, and Need for Speed. Block becomes, at this point, a consultant for the series, offering his unique perspective on how to bring the action and adrenaline to new levels to keep the Need for Speed at the top of the Guide for many years. The automobile series produced by EA will sponsor Block and his Ford Fiesta ST 2013 by race and, through its Web site and YouTube channel, will work with him at the exit of SIX new Gymkhana episode of the award-winning series of viral videos to Block.

---

Electronic Arts Inc. today announced a multi-year partnership between action sports icon and international star motors, Ken Block , e  Need for Speed . Block will become a consultant for the series, offering his unique perspective on how to bring the action and adrenaline to new levels to keep the Need for Speed at the top of the Guide for many years. The Need for Speed will sponsor Block and his Ford Fiesta ST 2013 by race and, through its Web site and YouTube channel, will work with him at the exit of SIX new Gymkhana episode of the award-winning series of viral videos to Block.

ESPN considers Block one of action sports athletes more influential in the world. Early in his career in rally, in 2005, he won an award as Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship. Since then, he has racked up 19 total victories and 5 medals at the X-Games. In addition to his performances in various competitions, Block has achieved global notoriety due to its video series "Gymkhana", which shows his skill in exceptional control of the car.

The first five movies have so far collected more than 250 million views, bringing the rally to the attention of the public. The next episode, Gymkhana, the SIX will be released November 11 and will raise the bar of what is possible to driving a car.

Block said: "the collaboration with EA and Need for Speed it's something that came naturally. We have the same goal, in my opinion: letting people go with the imagination beyond the limits of what you can make driving a car. To have made the success of the Gymkhana series is a combination of pure speed, rhythm and crazy fun that I think is also present in the games Need for Speed. We can't wait to show you what we have combined to bring things to an even higher level in Gymkhana SIX ".

Marcus Nilsson, executive producer Need for Speed Rivals he added: "I can think of no more exciting and perfect partner for Need for Speed. Ken is a master of drifting, car control, is capable of turning the streets into a veritable playground. In Ghost we were already big fans of his, and we know that, from now on, there will be a great help in providing gamers the most enjoyable driving experiences and adrenaline of gaming ".

From his first appearance, in 1994, the number of Need for Speed has sold more than 150 million copies. The new episode, Need for Speed Rivals , is already receiving the praise of the world press, have won 15 awards, including one for Best Racing Game of E3 2013 conferred by Game Critics Awards. Need for Speed Rivals highlights the most important road rivalry and allows players to choose whether to join the pilots or policemen. On both sides of the fence there are cars, technologies, challenges and rewards.

Set in an incredible world, created with the advanced Frostbite engine â„¢ 3, Need for Speed Rivals also introduces the revolutionary AllDrive system, which allows a player's total connection with the world of races of their friends, thus eliminating the distinction between single game, co-op and multiplayer.

Need for Speed Rivals will arrive in stores on November 19 in North America and on November 22 in Europe on PlayStation ® 3 and Xbox 360 ®, and on PC through Origin ™. Will also be available from 22 November on Xbox One and by 29 November on the PlayStation 4.