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Toronto, September 21 2009 - Cutting-edge independent production company, Chocolate Liberation Front (CLF), is underway with its first major development project since forming just a few months ago and already has in place a creative team of international developers, animators and writers working on the project.

 

The World of Infinite Curiosity is a far-reaching multiplatform project for family audiences, which is currently in development as a triple-A videogame with funding from Telefilm Canada and Screen Australia. In line with CLF's philosophy to think about properties across all platforms, CLF is also exploring The World of Infinite Curiosity as a prime time television series.

 

The World of Infinite Curiosity, an original property developed by CLF, is a fantasy world based on the incredible imagination of an 11-year-old boy with foundations in the astonishing inventions of Leonardo da Vinci.

 

CLF's high-calibre team of acclaimed industry specialists includes C.O.R.E Digital, which is creating the artwork. The Toronto-based creator of digital visual effects and animation for feature films and television has a string of credits including Resident Evil: Apocolypse, X-Men, Lucky Number Slevin and The Tudors. Naomi Janzen is story developer on the project. She is a TV writer-producer with more than twenty years working in L.A, Toronto and Vancouver and her credits include 7thHeaven and cult hits such as Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda, La Femme Nikita and Highlander.

 

Working on the development of the game are Tony Reed, MD of Reed Interactive (Command and Conquer, Fallout 1 & 2, Earthworm Jim and several Star Trek titles); Adrian Crook, an award-winning producer of triple-A videogames and entertainment across numerous platforms (The Outfit); and Morgan Jaffit, one of Australia's brightest stars in the game development sector with game design credits on Happy Feet, Teen Titans and Chaos Theory.

 

CLF's creative team, including of Dan Fill, Frank Verheggen, Shawn Bailey and Natalie Verheggen are working in close collaboration with these international experts.

 

Dan Fill from CLF says: "The richness of story arc, animation assets and art direction make this an absolutely perfect cross-over as a television property.  Having a feature-quality animation studio and a top television writer working on at the earliest stage of game development is adding a level of sophistication and depth to the game. This is easily the most exciting property I have worked on."

 

The World of Infinite Curiosity is a fantastical place of imagination and invention that exists only inside the head of an incredibly imaginative boy named Decklin.

 

He has dreamed up this strange land of creatures, impossible flying machines and architecture - an exciting escape where you are free to do anything and be anything. This fusion of Decklin's own day-to-day experiences, his recent studies of Leonardo da Vinci's codices and dark images from the past that haunt him unleash a world where anything is possible.

Two Free Maps Available September 17 for PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360® and Games for Windows®
Redwood City, Calif. - September 14, 2009 - Eidos Interactive Ltd. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced the Insane Night Map Pack, a free downloadable map pack for the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum™ action adventure title. Beginning September 17th, the Insane Night Map Pack will be available from PlayStation® Store, Xbox® LIVE Marketplace, and Games for Windows® LIVE Marketplace, and offer gamers two new Challenge Maps to hone their FreeFlow™ Combat skills and test their Invisible Predator™ prowess.
 
In the 'Totally Insane' FreeFlow Combat map, players' will be tested to their fullest as scores of escaped lunatics bear down upon BATMAN as they make their escape through the asylum's secure records facility. These fast-moving foes will challenge all but the most practiced players, with quick reactions and expert timing needed to fend off wave upon wave of insane inmates, bent on taking down the DARK KNIGHT. In the 'Nocturnal Hunter' Invisible Predator map, players take on a wholly different approach, practicing their predatory skills to remain in the shadows, utilizing the Arkham watchtowers and Batman's arsenal of gadgets to gain the upper hand on The Joker's army of goons patrolling below.
 
The Insane Night Map Pack will be available from September 17th for PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, and the soon to be released Games for Windows® LIVE edition.
 
In Batman: Arkham Asylum, developed by Rocksteady Studios and based on DC Comics' Batman license, the Dark Knight takes on his greatest challenge yet when he becomes trapped with all of his most dangerous villains inside the insane asylum of GOTHAM CITY - ARKHAM ASYLUM! Since its release, Batman: Arkham Asylum has garnered the acclaim of gamers and critics alike, achieving an average score of 92 from reviews around the world*, earning it a Guinness World Record for 'Most Critically Acclaimed Superhero Game Ever.'

Batman: Arkham Asylum is rated "T" for Teen and is available for PLAYSTATION3 and Xbox 360 for the suggested retail price of $59.99.  It will also be available for Games for Windows LIVE at retail outlets for the suggested retail price of $49.99 on September 15, 2009.  For more information, please visit www.batmanarkhamasylum.com.
 
*Compiled by Metacritic.com, one of the web's best resources for critical information about film, video, games, books and television.
 
About DC Comics
DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as SUPERMAN, BATMAN, WONDER WOMAN and the SANDMAN. These DC SUPER HEROES and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations.  DC Comics' Web site is located at www.dccomics.com
 
About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.
 
About Eidos Interactive Ltd.
Eidos is the creator of some of the world's leading videogame properties, consisting of several development studios including Crystal Dynamics, IO Interactive, Beautiful Game Studios, Eidos Game Studios, Eidos Hungary and Eidos Montreal, plus sales and distribution offices in Europe and the US. The Group has a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: Tomb Raider™, Hitman™, Deus Ex™, Championship Manager™ and Just Cause™. Eidos is a wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

Just Cause, Deus Ex, Tomb Raider, Hitman, Championship Manager, Eidos and the Eidos Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Eidos Interactive Ltd. All rights reserved. SQUARE ENIX is a trademark or a registered trademark of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. in the United States and/or other territories. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
 

Axis3 Plans November 2009 Release of New Heathcliff and Funny Face Applications for iPhone
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
NEW YORK - (September 14, 2009) - FitzRoy Media has awarded worldwide gaming rights for Heathcliff and Funny Face to San Diego-based Axis3 Apps in an agreement that gives Axis exclusive rights to develop and distribute games and applications for iPhones; it was announced by Fitz Roy Media CEO Hamp Hampton.
 
As part of the four-year agreement, Axis plans to release the first games this fall with the November 2009 debut of Heathcliff and Funny Face applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Both games will be available for download through iTunes.
 
"The new deal with Axis will play a key role in Fitz Roy's strategy to extend these iconic brands to our target audience of children, tweens and young adults, with innovative and fun applications from a company that is known for creating games that are immediately embraced by this all-important demographic," said Hampton.
 
"We are very excited to have secured the rights to two classic properties that are poised for success with new generations of adults and children in the 21st century," said Axis3 Apps President AJ Shaker. "I grew up with both Heathcliff and Funny Face. I am confident these properties will attract strong followings across all platforms given the technology and gaming innovation we have available now."
 
Created in 1973 by cartoonist George Gately, today's Heathcliff comic strip is written and drawn by Peter Gallagher, who took over the comic strip in 1998 after apprenticing with his uncles, George Gately and John Gallagher. Targeting an adult and tween audience, the new Heathcliff will focus on comedy set against a hip, club-music sound.
 
Funny Face, the new animated television series, presents the wry, high-spirited adventures of Loud Mouth Lime, Jolly Olly Orange, Goofy Grape and their fruit-flavored pals. The series combines memorable characters, slapstick action, smart comic dialogue and the exquisitely designed and executed animation that is a signature of Renegade Animation (Hi Hi Puffy Amiyumi, The Mr. Men Show).

Media Contact: Sabrina Propper, President  RPiPR: 818.515.5798; spropper.rpipr@gmail.com
 
About Axis3 Apps
 
Axis3 Apps is a Southern California-based game developer specializing in the design and publishing of dynamic, high-quality applications for the emerging worldwide mobile market. Axis3 Interactive is the parent company of Axis3 Apps and Axis3 Studios, its console game development branch.
 

About Fitz Roy Media LLC

Fitz Roy Media (FRM) is a media property development company specializing in children's entertainment created for a variety of new and emerging media platforms including mobile, Internet and interactive broadcast TV. FRM's flagship property, Heathcliff (created in 1973 by cartoonist George Gately)  the new comic strip is written and drawn by George Gately's nephew Peter Gallagher and is being developed for multiple mediums. FRM's other key branded properties include "Daktari Park,"  "Secret Wings," "Funny Face" and "Out of My Mind," a new series for tweens that combines live-action with animation.
 
Led by CEO Hamp Hampton, founder of The Mercer Group LLC, and formerly with  Honest Entertainment, the licensing/marketing firm behind the hit children's properties Angela Anaconda, Pepper Ann and Fido Dido, the top management team boasts more than 75 years of combined specialized industry experience. COO Terrence McCarthy is an award-winning technology and integrator consultant who founded Neoteric, Inc., a leading workflow, directory and messaging integrator, and a veteran CTO, CFO and management consultant clients including Price Waterhouse Coopers, Road Runner, American Airlines, UNICEF, Hitachi, Novell, Motorola and IBM.
 

Harmonix and MTV Games to Offer Exclusive Five-Song Preview of
The Beatles™: Rock Band™ to Participating Bars
 
New York, NY (August 31, 2009) - Harmonix Music Systems and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today announced the launch of "Rock Band Bar Nights," a ground-breaking initiative providing tools for U.S. bar owners to host their own Rock Band™ Nights.  The program gives bars a cutting-edge in-bar entertainment option to help increase foot traffic and provide Rock Band fans with the opportunity to take the stage for a true rock star experience.
 
Rock Band - featuring a full band performance with guitar, bass, drums and mic - is revolutionizing the standard karaoke night in bars. The Rock Band Bar Nights program expands the Rock Band social experience for current fans and gives new fans the opportunity to try the game in an authentic performance setting with a live crowd cheering them on.
 
To help venues host and promote their own Rock Band Bar Nights, the program offers support to registered bars with everything from exclusive Rock Band product offerings to multiplatform marketing support.  Through an exclusive e-commerce store, the program will also provide bars with a full music solution to easily rock their bar with the extensive Rock Band catalogue featuring more than 800 tracks and growing every week!
 
To kick off the program, Harmonix and MTV Games are providing bars that sign up before September 8th with an exclusive five-song preview disc from The Beatles: Rock Band, allowing their customers to experience the highly anticipated game before it hits stores on September 9th.
 
In addition to offering in-bar support for this new entertainment option, the Rock Band Bar Nights program extends online and gives members direct access to the Rock Band community with hundreds of thousands of fans, as well as the chance to stay connected on Rock Band's official Facebook and Twitter pages.  In the coming months, Rock Band fans will be able to find official Rock Band Bar Nights in their area through an online application searchable by zip code and a mobile version available for download as a free iPhone application.
 
Interested bar owners or fans can check out www.RockBand.com/BarNights for registration and more information.
 
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SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Think Services, organizers of the industry-leading Game Developers Conference (GDC), has assembled an esteemed advisory board for the 2009 Game Developers Conference (GDC) China. The advisory board includes industry executives from leading Chinese development studios including NetEase, Ubisoft Shanghai, XPEC, Shanda and many others. The 2009 event marks the second GDC China conference dedicated to the art, science and business of games by returning to the Shanghai International Convention Center, October 11-13 of this year.

The full list of advisory board members includes industry veterans Ding Yingfeng, product director of NetEase's popular Chinese free-to-play MMO Fantasy Westward Journey, Eric Chang, CTO and co-founder of XPEC Entertainment, Xu Xiao Yue, the lead engineer of Ubisoft Shanghai and Joe Zuo, vice president of Shanda Games, the Shanghai-based licensed publisher of MapleStory, Ragnarok Online, Dungeons & Dragons Online and several others.


The 2009 GDC China advisory board is:

Ding Yingfeng
Deputy Director of Online Game Department & Product Director, Fantasy
Studio (Fantasy Westward Journey) of NetEase

Raymond Neoh
Founder, TQ-Global Ltd

Billy Hsu
CEO, DJL Worldwide

Xu Xiao Yue
Lead Engineer, Ubisoft Shanghai

Eric Chang
CTO & Co-Founder, XPEC Entertainment Inc.

Joe Zuo
Vice President & Partner of "18 Fund," Shanda Games


"GDC China is the ideal venue to explore the groundbreaking frontier of Chinese game development," says Meggan Scavio, event director for GDC China, "and there's no group better qualified to act as our guides than the expert developers and executives of the GDC China advisory board. They helped craft the content that makes GDC China the must-attend event for anyone interested in the Chinese game industry."

GDC China has extended their early bird registration to September 15, 2009. For more information on the 2009 Game Developers Conference® China, please visit www.gdcchina.com.

About the Think Services Game Group
A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the Think Services Game Group offers market-defining content, and drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and research products and services. These include Game Developer Magazine, Game Developer Research, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, GameCareerGuide.com, WorldsInMotion.biz and other Gamasutra Network websites, the Game Developers Conference®, the Game Developers Conference® Austin, the Game Developers Conference® Europe, the Game Developers Conference® China, the Game Developers Conference® Canada, GDC Mobile, the Game Career Seminars, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards. To learn more, visit www.tsgamegroup.com.

About Think Services, a division of United Business Media
Think Services connects specialized communities worldwide using educational events, consulting, training, certification, membership, and innovative media. Providing comprehensive opportunities for people to learn from, network with, and inspire each other, Think Services builds strong brands and works within communities to foster a unique affinity with its products and services. The division's flagship products include the Game Developers Conference, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, Game Developer magazine, the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI), and HDI. Think Services is a subsidiary of United Business Media, a global media and marketing services company with a market capitalization of more than $1.6 billion. To learn more, visit www.think-services.com.

August 28, 2009 - Today the highly anticipated Batman: Arkham Asylum™ game has been awarded a Guinness World Record for the 'Most Critically Acclaimed Superhero Game Ever'.
 
Batman: Arkham Asylum has been given top scores across the board from National newspapers and specialist game reviewers.  The game has broken the Guinness World Record in this category by achieving the highest average score of 91.67 from reviews around the world.*
Developed by Rocksteady Studios and based on DC Comics' Batman license, Batman: Arkham Asylum offers players diverse gameplay that pushes the envelope for action, adventure and superhero games and exposes players to a unique, dark and atmospheric adventure taking them to the depths of Arkham Asylum.
 
Gaz Deaves from Guinness World Records states, "We are so pleased to be awarding Batman: Arkham Asylum a Guinness World Record. It is a fantastic new game and due to the reaction of gaming experts we believe it has a well deserved place in the Guinness World Records book."
 
In Batman: Arkham Asylum, BATMAN finds himself trapped inside the confines of Gotham's psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane, ARKHAM ASYLUM.  THE JOKER has set a trap for the DARK KNIGHT and has conspired with the deranged inmates to eliminate BATMAN once and for all.  Adding to the authenticity of the game are veteran animated Batman voice talents Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy, who reprise their roles as The Joker and Batman respectively.
 
Batman: Arkham Asylum features an original story by Paul Dini, Batman writer and five-time Emmy Award winner whose credits include Lost and Batman: The Animated Series.  Gamers will move in the shadows, instill fear amongst their enemies and confront The Joker and Gotham City's most notorious villains, including HARLEY QUINN, BANE, KILLER CROC, POISON IVY and SCARECROW, who have taken over the asylum.
 
Batman: Arkham Asylum, co-published in North America by Eidos Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, is rated "T" for Teen and is available for PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for the suggested retail price of $59.99.  It will also be available for Games for Windows® LIVE at retail outlets for the suggested retail price of $49.99 on September 15, 2009.  For more information, please visit www.batmanarkhamasylum.com.
 

Award-Winning Celebrities Featured in BioWare's Dark Fantasy Epic
                                                        
EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA - August 27, 2009 - Leading video game developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) has secured a star-studded voiceover cast for its upcoming blockbuster game, Dragon Age™: Origins.  Featuring Tim Curry, star of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Broadway's Spamalot, as well as Kate Mulgrew, well-known for her role as Capt. Kathryn Janeway in "Star Trek: Voyager", Dragon Age: Origins also includes notable cast members Tim Russ ("Star Trek: Voyager," "Samantha Who?"), Claudia Black ("Stargate SG-1," "Pitch Black") and Steve Valentine ("Estate of Panic," "Crossing Jordan").  Dragon Age: Origins marks BioWare's return to fantasy, created from the ground up to take players through a dark epic tale filled with violence, lust, and betrayal.

Tim Curry will play the villainous Arl Rendon Howe.  Howe is the calculating villain, cultured and charming, with an insatiable lust for power who never hesitates to harm anyone who gets in his way.  Kate Mulgrew will lend her vocal flair to Flemeth, a powerful witch who maintains her immortality through the darkest of means, and who plays a pivotal role in the player's survival.  Both roles provide the actors with the opportunity to bring their considerable talents to bear in their portrayal of these characters.
 
"Dragon Age: Origins has the largest cast of characters of any game BioWare has ever made," said Mark Darrah, Executive Producer, BioWare.  "By working with an incredibly talented cast of actors we are able to bring reality and depth to the characters, their back stories, motivations, and dreams that our talented writers have created for them."
 
In Dragon Age: Origins, players take on the role of a Grey Warden, one of the last of an ancient order of guardians who have served as protectors throughout the centuries.  Only they have the power to unite the shattered lands, defeat the Archdemon and drive back the darkspawn that threaten to destroy the world.  Players will interact with many interesting characters who may join them in their quest, and they will choose whether these characters become friends, foes, or even a romantic interest.  Featuring a deep and compelling story where every choice can have a dramatic impact on the game, Dragon Age: Origins is scheduled to release on November 3, 2009 in North America, for the PC and Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and later in November for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.
 
Dragon Age: Origins is rated M by the ESRB.  For more information about Dragon Age: Origins, visit www.dragonage.com.  Pre-order the game now at www.eastore.ea.com.

###

About BioWare
BioWare develops computer, console, handheld, mobile and online video games focused on rich stories and memorable characters. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world's best-selling titles, including the award-winning Baldur's Gate™ and Neverwinter Nights™ series, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™ and Sonic™ Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood (for the Nintendo DS™). Original BioWare-created intellectual properties include Jade Empire™ and the 2007 Game of the Year, Mass Effect™. With studios in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Montreal (Quebec), and Austin (Texas), BioWare is hard at work on the epic fantasy roleplaying game, Dragon Age™: Origins, Mass Effect 2™, the epic sequel to Mass Effect, and the story-driven massively multiplayer game, Star Wars®: The Old Republic™, as well as several unannounced projects. In 2008, BioWare was acquired by the world's leading electronic entertainment publisher, Electronic Arts. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com.
 
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EATM, EA SPORTSTM, EA Mobile TM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
 
BioWare, Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. in the U.S. and/or other countries. EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.  "PLAYSTATION" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment  Inc. Nintendo DS is a trademark of Nintendo.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
 

Big Fat Slabs of Metal Headed Your Way with All New Rock Band Tracks
from Motörhead, Hawkwind, Nazareth, Blue Öyster Cult and More
 
Cambridge, MA - August 13, 2009 -- Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks, (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced plans to release Rock Band® Metal Track Pack™, a thrashtastic standalone disc that will be available October 13, 2009 at retail stores nationwide for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Wii™ system from Nintendo. The suggested retail price for Rock Band Metal Track Pack is $29.99.
 
Summoning power from the metal gods on high, the Rock Band team has assembled 20 on-disc tracks exploding with bone-crushing, ear-lashing, face-melting metal including anvil-heavy cuts from Godsmack, Children of Bodom, Evile, Judas Priest, Bullet For My Valentine and more! Six of the on disc tracks are brand new to the Rock Band platform and will be exclusive to the Rock Band Metal Track Pack disc for a limited time before joining the Rock Band® Music Store as downloadable content.
 
Rock Band Metal Track Pack, like all Rock Band software, is compatible with all Rock Band instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero® and other third party music video game peripherals and microphones.
 
In addition, fans who buy the Rock Band Metal Track Pack for Xbox 360 or PLAYSTATION 3 system can play directly from the disc or download the songs onto their consoles' hard drives through a free offer with Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network or the PlayStation®Network. Once downloaded, the songs will automatically appear in the player's custom Rock Band library and can be integrated into setlists and played in all game modes. With more than 800 tracks available in the Rock Band music catalogue and regular releases of downloadable content every week, Rock Band Metal Track Pack is yet another way music-lovers can continue to expand and customize their music libraries.
 
Complete Track List:
 
 
Artist
Song Title
1.    
All That Remains
Two Weeks
2.    
At the Gates
Blinded By Fear
3.    
Black Tide
ShockWave
4.    
Blue Öyster Cult
Transmaniacon MC*
5.    
Bullet For My Valentine
Waking the Demon
6.    
Children of Bodom
Are You Dead Yet
7.    
Evile
Thrasher
8.    
Godsmack
I Stand Alone
9.    
The Haunted
D.O.A.
10.  
Hawkwind
Master Of The Universe*
11.  
I Mother Earth
Levitate*
12.  
In This Moment
Forever
13.  
Judas Priest
Screaming for Vengeance
14.  
Lacuna Coil
Closer
15.  
Lamb of God
Laid to Rest
16.  
Motörhead
Killed by Death*
17.  
Nazareth
Hair of the Dog*
18.  
Queens of the Stone Age
3's & 7's
19.  
Rage Against The Machine
Bulls On Parade*
20.  
Yngwie Malmsteen
Red Devil
 
* Denotes exclusive track
 
The Rock Band franchise is the ultimate platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before. The game challenges players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune - all while learning to master lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals. Featuring the most master recordings of any music game ever by the world's biggest rock artists, the Rock Band music catalogue includes tracks that span every genre of rock, ranging from alternative and classic rock, to heavy metal and punk.

Rock Band Metal Track Pack is rated "T" for Teen with a descriptor of Mild Lyrics by the ESRB. Rock Band and Rock Band 2 are currently available for Xbox 360,
PLAYSTATION 3 system, PlayStation 2 system and Wii.
 
 
For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.
 
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About MTV Networks
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world's leading creators of entertainment content, with brands that engage and connect diverse audiences across television, online, mobile, games, virtual worlds and consumer products.  The company's portfolio spans more than 150 television channels and 350 digital media properties worldwide, and includes MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Harmonix, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Noggin, The N, AddictingGames, Neopets, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, Atom, Gametrailers and Xfire.
 
About MTV Games
MTV Games is dedicated to creating, marketing and publishing high-quality, innovative interactive products that are relevant to the MTV audience and complement the core values of the MTV Networks brands.
 
About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc
Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and established in 1995, is the leading developer of groundbreaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix was founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more information please visit www.harmonixmusic.com.
 
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EATM, EA SPORTSTM, EA MobileTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

© 2009 Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Harmonix, Rock Band and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., a MTV Networks company. Rock Band developed by Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. MTV: Music Television, MTV Games and all related titles and logos are trademarks of MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.  EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Microsoft, Xbox. Xbox 360 and Xbox Live are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.. "PlayStation" and "PLAYSTATION" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.  Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. Guitar Hero is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
 

GameStreamer's White Label Partners Will Now Be Able Get Up to the Second Financial Data


TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- GameStreamer, Inc. today announced it will be implementing Netsirk Technologies Real-Time Payment and SAP Financial Reporting System for access by its White Label Customers.

"We are looking to work with only the Best in Breed technology providers. Netsirk Technologies was recently named SAP Business One South East Regional Partner of the Year and working with a group of such quality helps ensure that our customers are going to be well taken care of both now and in the future," stated Tim Roberts, CEO of GameStreamer, Inc.

Netsirk Technologies will allow GameStreamer the ability to offer its white label partners (WLP) a look at how their own game stores are doing in real time. Having that type of information can be a very powerful tool and will allow WLPs to adjust their sites to help maximize their revenues.

"GameStreamer's is a perfect example of how customers quickly benefit from SAP's best-fit strategy for small businesses and midsize companies. SAP Business One as an international and comprehensive business solution forms the stable basis. Businesses like GameStreamers need software that allows them to keep pace with their larger customers and suppliers, but which is affordable and easy to use for a smaller enterprise," said Quincy Faison, president, Netsirk Technologies. "With SAP Business One we were able to develop a custom fit solution that allows GameStreamers to manage its business and maintain its competitive advantages."

"GameStreamer's goal is to make the process of managing, selling and buying PC games easy and efficient. We have spent years developing this idea and with each new partner we move closer to achieving our vision of the gaming future," continued Tim Roberts.

"Unreal" Franchise Now Available to White Label Partners



TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- GameStreamer, Inc., a leading innovator in digital distribution and streaming solutions for game publishers, developers and gamers, today announced that Epic Games, Inc.'s award-winning "Unreal" series of games has been added to its rapidly growing games catalog.

Tim Roberts, CEO of GameStreamer, Inc. stated, "One of the secrets of our success is our ability to attract top-level publishers and developers, such as Epic Games, to our service. We've been able to do this due to our ability to support worldwide currencies, geo-targeting for licensing rights broken down by territory and also geo-targeting for the local currencies. We have created a simple way for publishers/developers to upload their catalogs, secure them with DRM, and create a database of loyal users. On the other side of the equation, we give our white-label partners the ability to build a gaming store customized for their clientele with super-fast downloads and streaming capabilities. It's a win-win situation for both sides."

Jay Wilbur, vice president of Epic Games, added, "GameStreamer's platform provides the high-end features we need for online distribution. From load capacity to redundancy to ease of use, we're leveraging GameStreamer's strengths to give players yet another way to access the 'Unreal' series."

Mr. Roberts continued, "We are extremely excited to add Epic Games to our list of content providers. Besides being the creators of one of my all time favorite games, their name is synonymous with great gaming and innovation. Their willingness to join our service speaks volumes for what we have been able to achieve so far. This is only the beginning."

Littleloud create slick, top-down, racer game to excite fans over the release of Paramount's summer action movie, G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra.

'Delta 6 Dash', Littleloud's high-speed action game, will take the fan experience even further for the movie that is set to be Paramount Pictures' action adventure of the summer.

Players are transported into the fast-paced world of the G.I.s- an elite team of secret agents chosen for their special skills to fight against evil. Choosing to play as either Captain Duke or Lieutenant Ripcord they arrive just in time to help save the Eiffel Tower from a deadly terrorist attack. Racing through the busy motorways of Paris, the player must dodge traffic, trains and missiles to build speed and catch up with the terrorist van. If the player sustains too much damage to their high-tech Delta 6 accelerator suit they will fail the mission.

On completing the game the player has the option to enter their high score into the global leader board and access bonus content and clips from the film. Built in Flash, this original Littleloud game recreates the futuristic feel of the movie and allows players to play their own part in the G.I. Joe adventure. Play Delta 6 Dash on the movie site http://www.gijoemovie.com/intl/racing_game/uk/.

Littleloud Studios are a BAFTA award winning creative agency producing Digital Entertainment for the film, broadcast and gaming industries. Productions are delivered to work over multiple formats including TV, Web, Mobile, Game Consoles and emerging hand held devices. Our clients include BBC, Channel 4, Nickelodeon, Paramount, Sony Entertainment and Universal Pictures. For further information and high resolution images please contact alice@littleloud.com

G.I.R.L. Scholarship Program Offers Another Educational Opportunity
 
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - August 4, 2009- Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) announced today that Rebecca Gleason of Indianapolis, IN won the 2009 G.I.R.L. Scholarship. This marks the second year of the scholarship program, encouraging students toward career paths in the creative and applied arts, ultimately resulting in the development of video games that are more enticing for women to play.
 
Gleason, a Game Art & Design student, was awarded a $10,000 scholarship to be applied toward tuition and other educational expenses at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and an optional paid internship of up to 10 weeks at SOE's headquarters in San Diego, working on the newly released and highly successful free to play game, Free Realms™.
 
"I feel so honored to be given this opportunity," said Gleason.  "I can't wait to make the most of it by really diving in, absorbing what I learn and working to promote the mission of the G.I.R.L. program."
 
Gleason was one of more than 160 applicants vying for the scholarship.  Finalists were asked to submit original concept art depicting a new game environment and new characters for Free Realms, and compose two essays discussing their art and views on women in the video game industry.
 
"The invaluable combination of education and experience is the exact formula Rebecca needs to become successful in this competitive video games industry," said Torrie Dorrell, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, SOE. "We are thrilled to open yet another door for a female gamer and we plan to continue to expand the presence of women in gaming by carrying on the tradition of the G.I.R.L program for years to come."
 
Julia Brasil, the first-ever G.I.R.L. Scholarship recipient, recently returned to SOE's Seattle studio for another internship.  Brasil will graduate from The Art Institute-San Francisco in 2010.
 
For more information about G.I.R.L., please visit girl.soe.com. To follow G.I.R.L. on Twitter, go to https://twitter.com/SOE_GIRL.
 
About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends™, and PlanetSide®, as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies™, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; Tucson, AZ and Taiwan, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development.

SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest and PlanetSide are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. Untold Legends and Legends of Norrath are trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.
 

A panel of experts will choose the best games from a total of four categories in Cologne

At the premiere of this year's gamescom - the trade fair and event highlight for the international interactive entertainment industry - Koelnmesse will be calling the gamescom Award 2009 into being. The award distinguishes the best games introduced at gamescom and presented to the general public for the first time.

Categorised according to platforms, the games submitted by the exhibiting companies will be assessed, distinguished and awarded a prize by a panel of experts. The gamescom Award will thus distinguish outstanding products in the computer and video games segment. All companies exhibiting at gamescom are eligible to participate and can submit their games for the gamescom Award until 7 August. A panel of six experts from the publishing and media industries will evaluate the entries and award the prizes. Exhibitors can choose from a total of four categories: PC games, console games (PS2, PS3, Xbox, Wii), mobile games (Gameboy, PSP, PSP Go, NDS, NDSi, iPhone, mobile phones) and online games. In addition, a platform-independent "best of gamescom" award will be announced. All entries must be full products.

The 2009 jury comprises Michael Trier, Editor in Chief, IDG Entertainment Media; Petra Fröhlich, Project Manager, Computec Media; Christian Bigge, Deputy Editor in Chief, Computer Bild Spiele; Jürgen Hilse, Permanent Representative of the Oberste Landesjugendbehörden [Supreme Youth Authorities of the Federal States], Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (USK) [German Self-Monitoring of Entertainment Software]; Oliver Hartmann, Project Manager, spieletipps.de (Brot und Spiele); and Bernhard Schneider, Central Buyer, Multi Media Müller.

Fans of All Ages Will Sing and Play Their Way to Superstardom with the Chart-Topping Singer, Songwriter and Guitarist This November
 
Fan Sweepstakes Will Award Tickets and Opportunity to Meet Taylor Swift in Person
 
Santa Monica, CA - August 4, 2009 - Taylor Swift, global music sensation and best selling artist of 2008, will ascend an all-new virtual stage this November in Band Hero™, the ultimate party game featuring a wide assortment of today's popular hits and most recognizable pop anthems, created by Guitar Hero® and Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI).  Budding music stars, their families and friends, will all live their musical fantasy on the Band Hero stage, playing as Taylor Swift or alongside the singer/songwriter and guitarist, as she performs her smash-hits "Love Story" and "You Belong With Me" from her latest album Fearless as well as "Picture to Burn" from her self-titled debut record.
 
"Anything that encourages people to pick up an instrument and play, I'm fully behind. And, I'm really excited about Band Hero, because not only are fans getting to play my songs, but I'm actually in the game," said Swift. "There are so many awesome things that go into being in Band Hero, like getting to customize my band to look like my touring band, and it's so cool for people to feel like they are experiencing one of my concerts.  This is one of the closest things out there to going to see me perform!"
 
Taylor Swift and Band Hero will award 20 lucky fans the opportunity to see a Taylor Swift Concert and four of those fans will win the opportunity to meet Taylor Swift in person. Watch for more details on this sweepstakes this summer at BandHero.com.
 

Optical Technology Developer Sets Sights on Q4 Launch of V-Screen for PSP®
 
Los Angeles, Calif., (July, 2009) - RealView Innovations Ltd., a developer of optical technology located in Ireland, has announced that it will launch its V-Screen for the Sony™ PSP® handheld video game console in time for the Q4 Christmas buying season. The V-Screen is a consumer-friendly attachment that enhances the perceived depth of the 2D screen image on the PSP®.
 
Founded in 2001, RealView Innovations (RVI) has developed a unique 3 dimensional screen technology that enhances the perceived depth of 2 dimensional screen images. Currently the company is focused on providing this technology to the personal entertainment and video game accessory market.
 
RVI has developed optical technology that does not rely on software or electronics, but rather offers a simple attachment that renders a fully 3 dimensional experience from the PSP screen.
 
"The innovation uses special optical components in unconventional ways," states Eamonn Ansbro, an Optical Engineer who is co-Executive Director of RVI. "No software, electronics or headgear is required. Nonetheless, the optical results are astonishing." Continued Ansbro: "The video game industry is a perfect fit for our technology. The V-Screen offers consumers a tremendous leap forward in optical enhancement."
 
RVI has been working with a variety of US-based companies in preparation of the V-Screen launch, including Red Lion Interactive (http://www.redlioninteractive.com), and plans to deliver the V-Screen to retail in time for the Holidays.
 
About RealView Innovations, Ltd.
Founded in 2001, RealView Innovations Ltd. is a privately owned research & development company based in Ireland. RVI's management team has specialized in high-volume production and optics, advanced industrial and military optics, and scientific instrumentation.
Presently, RVI's focus is on applications in the personal entertainment and video game markets. Its technology will also be integrated into other areas including mobile phones, televisions, arcade games, ATM's, and flight simulators. Since 2009, RealView Innovations Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of RealView Manufacturing Ltd. 
 

Realms Comic Book Also Hits Stands

Free Realms™ launches its latest game update, Speedway Thunder featuring fast cars, new profession progression and two new thrill-a-minute tracks to shakedown guaranteeing epic crash and draft action!
 
Kart Racers and Demo Derby Drivers can put the pedal to the metal and level up in more than 40 new quests per job, and earn cool trophies and quest rewards like wearables and car parts. Two new car models and 18 new karts available for purchase in the Station Marketplace will help players push the limit on the leaderboards and smash the competition.
 
To give your vehicle a boost, new parts can be acquired and installed in the all new Garage! Not only will your karts go faster and turn better, but you can make them look even more awesome with mods and other sweet visual parts.
 
And Card Duelists, don't forget you get the exclusive 'Cardie Racer' as part of the items included with the Free Realms Trading Card Game Passport to Free Realms Starter Deck, available at select retailers.
 
 

Other actors from the film to lend voice to the game include Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi and Stephen Lang

July 24, 2009 - Today Ubisoft announced that Hollywood actress Sigourney Weaver will voice the role of Dr. Grace Augustine for Ubisoft's video game, James Cameron's Avatar: The Game. Weaver's character will be featured in the versions of the game released on Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Wii(TM) system from Nintendo and PC. Other actors from the film that will appear in the game include Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi and Stephen Lang. 

Rodriguez's character, Trudy Chacon, functions as the player's chopper pilot throughout the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system and PC versions of the game. Ribisi reprises his role as the arrogant Parker Selfridge, appearing exclusively in the Wii version of the game.  The film's antagonist, Col. Quaritch, played and voiced by Lang, will appear in the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system and PC versions.

"We are very excited to have actors from the film provide voiceover work for the different versions of the video game," said Patrick Naud, executive producer for James Cameron's Avatar: The Game. "Having the characters from the film voiced by the actors that portrayed them appear in the game adds a level of authenticity you just can't get any other way."

James Cameron's Avatar: The Game will be available this Holiday season 2009 for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Wii, PC, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and Nintendo DSi(TM) system.  For more information, please visit http://www.avatarmoviegame.com .

LOS ANGELES - July 23, 2009 - Casual games developer and publisher Legacy Interactive® today announced a licensing agreement with CBS Consumer Products that will expand their growing roster of TV-licensed games.   Legacy will develop a video game based on the popular CBS drama series Ghost Whisperer.

Available in early 2010, Ghost Whisperer: Shadowlands will debut on the PC and include characters and themes from the hit television series.  Players will take on the role of Melinda Gordon, a young woman living in Grandview, who has inherited the gift of being able to see and communicate with the dead.  These earthbound spirits have unfinished business in our world preventing them from "crossing over" into the light. While trying to live as normal a life as possible with her paramedic husband, Jim, and as an owner of the antiques shop, Same As it Never Was, Melinda helps ghosts find resolution and pass over to the other side.  

With its stories penned by Emmy award-winning television writer Lance Gentile, Ghost Whisperer: Shadowlands combines light adventure and hidden object-style game play where players need to help the recently departed move on to the afterlife and provide closure to loved ones left behind. Gamers must collect objects for their inventory to solve challenging puzzles while unraveling the mysteries of five enthralling stories with more than 30 hauntingly beautiful environments.  
 
 "Legacy Interactive is pleased to work with CBS Consumer Products to bring Ghost Whisperer to the gaming world," said Ariella Lehrer, President and CEO of Legacy Interactive. "Ghost Whisperer has an incredible and enthusiastic fan base and we will strive mightily to exceed their expectations."
 
About CBS Consumer Products                                                                    

CBS Consumer Products, a unit of CBS Entertainment, manages worldwide licensing and merchandising for a diverse slate of television brands and series from CBS, CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution, as well as from the company's extensive library of titles.  Additionally, the group oversees the CBS Retail Store and online sales of programming merchandise.  For more information, visit www.CBS.com .

About Legacy Interactive

Legacy Interactive® is a leading developer and publisher of casual games. Entertaining customers since 1998, the company has built a reputation for developing intelligent, realistic, and engaging games for a broad audience.  Located in Los Angeles, Legacy has introduced new interactive genres, including its Hollywood Hits™ series of games based on popular TV dramas such as Law & Order®, Murder She Wrote, and House M.D. Legacy is also known for its RealLife GAMES ® medical simulations that include such titles as Pet Pals®, Emergency Room® and Zoo Vet. Through Legacy's casual game network at www.legacygames.com and on Facebook, http://apps.facebook.com/gamesharecompare/, customers can learn about and play thousands of casual games and share with their friends. Legacy's games are distributed worldwide, in more than 15 languages, through its publishing partners Ubisoft, Mindscape, Majesco, 505 Games, and JoWood.

Resources:
Twitter: http://www.legacygames.com/twitter
Facebook: http://apps.facebook.com/gamesharecompare
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/legacygames
Blog: http://www.legacygamesblog.com

 
 

GORMLEY, Ontario, Canada - July 23, 2009 - Now's your chance to see what all the excitement has been about! This "Lite" release of Don Bluth's legendary animated arcade game features the first level of Space Ace to try out!

In the full version of Space Ace, you play the heroic Ace who must stop the evil Commander Borf from taking over the Earth! Borf plans to reduce all of humankind to infants and take over the planet.  Only two people have the courage and strength to stop Borf and save Earth: the beautiful Kimberly and the heroic Ace.  But as they approach Borf's stronghold, Ace is hit by the Infanto Ray, changing him into a child, and Kimberly is kidnapped by the evil madman! Armed with only a laser gun, Ace must find and destroy the Infanto Ray, rescue Kimberly and save the Earth!

The fate of Earth is in your hands!

Simply press on the direction pad to guide Ace in the right direction or fire your laser gun and blast those aliens away! It's that simple!

Don Bluth and his production teams are the creative genius behind such beloved classics as The Secret of NIMH, An American Tail and Anastasia to name but a few.

Dragon's Lair LLC and Digital Leisure look forward to bringing many of the classic arcade games you've come to enjoy to the palm of your hands. Use your iPhone or iPod Touch to visit our website at www.digitalleisure.com for exciting updates and exclusive upcoming releases.

We hope you enjoy Space Ace Lite!

Click Here to Check out Space Ace Lite!

COMIC BOOK LEGEND STAN LEE MAKES HIS FIRST EVER ONSCREEN VIDEOGAME APPEARANCE IN
ACTIVISION'S MARVEL™: ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 2
Santa Monica, CA - July 22, 2009 - Activision Publishing, Inc. announced today that beloved comic book legend Stan Lee will make his first onscreen videogame cameo in the highly anticipated Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, slated for release this September. Lee lends his likeness and voice to a character whose role is significant to the game's storyline, which incorporates elements of the acclaimed Marvel Civil War comic book series.

"I am thrilled to be making my first onscreen videogame cameo in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2," said Stan Lee, Publisher Emeritus, Marvel Comics. "It's such a kick to see characters that I've helped create come to life in the game and now I'm a part of the Marvel videogame universe!"

"With Activision's long-standing history of bringing so many of Stan Lee's co-creations to life, it's great to be able to incorporate him into Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2," said Rob Kostich, head of marketing for licensed properties, Activision Publishing, Inc. "Stan is a legend in the comic world and his appearance is yet another special treat that fans can look forward to when we bring back the largest army of playable Super Heroes and Super Villains this Fall."

The Rock Band Network Gives Artists and Record Labels Tools to Author, Promote and Sell Music for Download via the Rock Band Platform

CAMBRIDGE, MA and NEW YORK, NY - July 17, 2009 - Harmonix Music Systems and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today announced the Rock Band Network, a ground-breaking initiative that gives musicians and record labels the ability to author their own original recordings into gameplay files and sell their music as playable Rock Band tracks through the newly-created Rock Band Network Music Store. The introduction of the Rock Band Network marks a fundamental shift in the exposure music games can give emerging and established artists through innovative technologies that will open new revenue streams and promotional avenues.

"Our goal with Rock Band has always been to go beyond making music games and create a true music platform," said Alex Rigopulos, CEO and co-founder of Harmonix. "With the Rock Band Network, we've evolved the platform to its next logical step, giving players access to an incredible amount of new music by putting the professional tools we use in the hands of the artists themselves."
 
"The Rock Band Network enables songwriters and musicians - at any stage of their careers - to create their own paths through the interactive music realm," said Paul DeGooyer, Senior Vice President, Electronic Games and Music, MTV Networks Music Group. "Our download store has been an extraordinary success, and it's exciting for us to provide access to our platform through this uniquely elegant solution."
 

On August 14th and 15th hundreds of the worlds best Pokémon Video Game and Trading Card Game (TCG) players will descend upon San Diego for the Pokémon World Championships after almost a year of regional gameplay qualifying tournaments around the globe!  

We invite your media coverage and your attendance of the first-ever Pokémon Video Game World Championships in which 32 of the top American players (ages 7-44 - divided in two age brackets) will take on the best video game players from Japan, France, Germany and the UK to battle for a chance to compete for the title of world champion.   The winners from the TCG and Video Game Tournaments will receive a variety of prizes, trips and customized merchandise including scholarship awards totaling over $100,000.   

This is a great free, family spectator event with beloved costumed Pokémon characters Pikachu, Chimchar, Piplup, and Turtwig in attendance along with family and friends to lend their support to the hundreds of competitors from six continents out to prove they are the best.  Details are below.  

What:       Pokémon  World Championships
Who:         32 American players (ages 7 to 44) will battle it out with Japanese and European competitors in the Video Game Championships while more than 350 players (divided into three age brackets) from nearly 30 countries will vie for a chance to be named the ultimate World Champions of the Pokémon Trading Card Game
When:     Friday August 14- Saturday August 15th, Beginning at 9 AM!
Where:    Hilton San Diego Bayfront
                  1 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101

 
 For more info. go to PokemonVGC.com 
 

Anime Leader and Major Amusement Game Operator Introduce Game Featuring Dragon Ball Z Figures

Flower Mound, Texas (July 15, 2009) - FUNimation Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, Toei Animation, Ltd., and Namco Cybertainment Inc., one of the largest amusement game operators in the U.S. and Caribbean, are bringing the Z-fighters to more than 780 amusement centers around the country.

Already available, these centers house a new crane game containing figures of Goku, his friends and foes.  The Dragon Ball Z figure crane game will offer an entirely new experience for those who are familiar with the old crane concept. Instead of directing a crane claw to a random and, hopefully, substantial grip on a desired prize, crane players are able to utilize their skills to line up the claw fingers with one or more of the eight holes in the custom figure packaging for a precise hook on their favorite Dragon Ball Z figures. These collector edition figure prizes are designed and manufactured by Banpresto Co., Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan and cannot be found in retail stores.

Created by Akira Toriyama and produced by Toei Animation, the anime series "Dragon Ball Z" has taken millions of fans around the globe in search of adventure and the chance to put Goku's skills to the test. A valiant warrior, he has saved the Earth as he faced powerful villains. Now, Dragon Ball Z fans can then test their own agility and hand-eye coordination in playing the crane game.

Fans can visit this online store locator to find the nearest game at an amusement center near them.

Trinigy and Havok join forces to bring more creative freedom and technological power to game developers across the globe

ENINGEN, GERMANY / SAN FRANCISCO, CA - July 13, 2009 - Trinigy, an industry leading 3D game engine provider with over 100 licensees and offices in Germany and Austin, TX, and Havok™, the premier provider of interactive software and services to digital creators in the games and movie industries, announced today that they will form a technological partnership focusing on the integration of their products in order to advance workflow efficiencies. This union marks the first partnership Havok has created with a game engine developer for its current suite of middleware.

Trinigy has deliberately designed the Vision Engine to improve workflow across the pipeline with better interoperability. The company has developed an array of integrations with many other world-class game technologies, and its software ships with all the code developers need to easily write their own in-house integrations. This flexibility eases the Vision Engine's overall implementation into a variety of game pipelines.

After preliminary talks at this year's Game Developer's Conference, and an extensive evaluation of the Vision Engine, Havok agreed to enter into a middleware partnership with Trinigy. The Havok partnership will further expand creative and technical possibilities for game developers by coupling Trinigy's innovative game engine with Havok Physics™, Havok's leading solution for real-time collision detection and physical simulation.

Developed by Deadline Games A/S and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Watchmen: The End is Nigh is a hardcore mature action brawler featuring bloody visceral combat in settings reminiscent of the film.  Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 1 takes place more than a decade before the film's main story, delving into the partnership of urban vigilantes Rorschach and Nite Owl before the hero-banning Keene Act.  In Part 2, the duo team up again as Rorschach contacts Nite Owl to help solve the case of a missing girl, Violet Greene.
 
Providing Watchmen fans with a variety of purchase options, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is proud to announce that Watchmen: The End is Nigh will be offered in the following formats:
 
·         Watchmen: The End is Nigh The Complete Experience is an innovative, retail Blu-ray Hi-Def game and film hybrid which will include Watchmen: The End is Nigh Parts 1 and 2 and the Watchmen: Director's Cut on Blu-ray. This new cut of the action-packed blockbuster includes an additional 25 minutes of footage not seen in theaters, available only on Blu-ray and DVD.  The two-disc collectible set will also feature exclusive artwork in a premium package. The game will be playable on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system which can also play the Blu-ray disc of Watchmen:  Director's Cut.  The Watchmen: The End is Nigh The Complete Experience will be available on July 21 for a suggested retail price of $49.99.
 
·         Watchmen: The End is Nigh Parts 1 and 2 will be released as a single game available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft on July 21 for a suggested retail price of $29.99.
 
·         Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 2 will be available for download on PC on July 29 and PlayStation®Network on July 30 for a suggested retail price of $14.99 and on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft on August 26 for 1200 Microsoft Points.
 

- Company releases international gaming survey showing gamer trends against activities including sex, watching television and playing sport   -

SYDNEY, Australia - 1 July, 2009 - 3RD Sense, Australia's leading independent casual games developer today celebrates its second birthday and announces the results of its 'Fizzy Global Gaming Survey'.

When 3RD Sense set out two years ago to create the world's most vibrant online games community for anyone who is passionate about play, little did they realise how quickly Fizzy.com would take off. Now an 'online toddler', the site holds over 535 casual games and attracts a monthly global audience of over 1 million visitors.

Colin Cardwell, CEO of 3RD Sense comments, "To better understand the audience and celebrate Fizzy's birthday we surveyed over 1,200 of our members to determine trends amongst the Fizzy faithful.

"We thought it would be fun to explore the favourite past times of our international gaming community. There were some surprising findings to say the least."

Key Findings:

A Game With Appeal

The findings revealed that participants in the survey seemed more excited about stroking their key board and spending some intimate time with their PC rather than indulging in any hanky panky, with 75 per cent of respondents deciding to spend more time playing games than having sex.

The Move Away From TV And Sport Towards Online Entertainment

As you might expect, the idiot box is losing ground to new forms of interactive entertainment with 84 per cent of respondents deciding to spend more time playing games than watching TV.

Playing games also proved more appealing than participating in sport with 72 per cent of people deciding to spend more time playing games than sport.

Casual Gaming Becoming Key Leisure Time Activity For Young Women

Women under 24 proved to be big fans of casual game entertainment with 64 per cent of the female audience falling into the 9 - 24 age bracket. Interestingly, this contradicted the usual trend that casual gaming is more popular with women over 35.

Scoring A High Priority

In a real turn for the books, the survey revealed that the 'most satisfying activity' for males under 16 was going on a date (49%) followed by 'Getting the high score on your favourite computer game'. While women under 16 would rather achieve a high score with their PC (51%), turning the stereotype of boys being the ones obsessed with games upside-down.

Cardwell, says, "There is clearly a demographic shift occurring when it comes to online behaviour. Many people are spending more time online discovering they are passionate about play and really enjoying themselves. The under 16's in particular prefer games to traditional activities such as watching television as they can challenge their brains, their friends and their coordination skills. There is even recent evidence to show that casual games provide good stress relief."

To share these benefits and celebrate its second birthday Fizzy will be offering members the chance to download any game at 20 percent off. The offer will be available from today until July 31.

ENDS

Advisory Board of Esteemed Industry Experts Announced for Both Summits
 
SAN FRANCISCO, July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, the Game Developers Conference® Austin (GDC Austin) hosts the Independent Games Summit and the all-new iPhone Games Summit.  The iPhone Games Summit will bring together top game developers from around the world to share ideas, best practices and discuss the future of the bourgeoning iPhone and iPod touch mobile platform.  Making its Austin debut, the Independent Games Summit features lectures and postmortems from some of the most notable indie game creators in the country.  Presented by Think Services, GDC Austin returns with two day Game Writers, Game Audio, iPhone Games and Independent Games Summits proceeded by three days of main conference content focused on connected games; online games, virtual worlds, and social networking game play.  The event takes place at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas September 15-18, 2009.
 
The iPhone Games Summit highlights the best of iPhone development covering business, marketing and key design tenets behind successful iPhone games. The two day summit will provide overviews and deep-dive technical sessions with expert advice on topics ranging from app optimization and touch interface lessons through iPhone OS 3.0 features, Objective-C tips and more.  Sessions will be announced early July.  The Advisory Board for the Summit include local Austin-area iPhone developer Brian Greenstone, founder and president of Enigmo creator Pangea Software, Snappy Touch's Noel Llopis, creator of notable iPhone app Flower Garden as well as Simon Carless, Editorial Director of Gamasutra.com and Game Developer Magazine.
 

Activision and Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising Deliver an Exciting New Game Where Kids Control Their Favorite Sub-Zero Heroes in an All New Adventure
 
Santa Monica, CA - June 30, 2009 - It's time for gamers around the world to embark on an all-new incredible adventure with their favorite sub-zero heroes in Ice Age™: Dawn of the Dinosaurs from Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising (Fox Licensing).  Based on the highly anticipated 3-D animated feature from Twentieth Century Fox, which debuts worldwide on July 1, the game allows players to command their favorite movie characters, including Sid, Manny, Diego, Scrat and the relentless one-eyed Dino hunting weasel, Buck, and venture into a mysterious underground world of dinosaurs, while solving puzzles and platforming through more than 15 exciting levels.
 
"Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs allows kids to play as some of their favorite movie characters on their own, or, for the first time in the series, with their family and friends in multiplayer mini-games," said Rob Kostich, head of marketing for licensed properties, Activision Publishing, Inc.  "Family game night will take on a whole new meaning as you compete in hilarious challenges like Sloth Throw, Dino Targets and Sloth Chase using your Wii Remote™ or gamepad."
 
"The Ice Age franchise is so successful because the characters are extremely engaging and the story is fantastic - two elements that are perfect for a video game," said Gary Rosenfeld, Senior Vice President of New Media for Fox Licensing. "This game is fun for the entire family and will provide hours of entertainment."
 

THQ  Leverages  Gamebryo and Gamebryo LightSpeed to Create Their
Next Generation Line-Up  
 
CALABASAS, Calif. - June 3, 2009 - Emergent™ Game Technologies today announced that THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) has signed a master licensing agreement for the use of Emergent™ development products, including Gamebryo® and Gamebryo LightSpeed™. The deal will allow THQ's internal and external developers to effectively create high-quality titles for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Wii™ video game system and PC.
 
"We were impressed by Emergent's approach of providing a single development environment that we can use to create any title on our product schedule," said Roy Tessler, senior vice president, production and worldwide studios, THQ. "Their technologies will allow us to reduce the time we spend in redundant recreation of core technology.  Through rapid prototyping and rapid iteration, we can build better games with less risk by redirecting development resources to allow our designers to concentrate on innovating original game play."
 
"THQ's new license for Emergent's development tech speaks to one of the main advantages of using Gamebryo and LightSpeed, which is the ability to quickly integrate game specific custom tech," said Scott Johnson, president, Emergent. "Once developers and publishers realize they can spend their time on creating better entertainment and minimize risk by having the ability to create games in all genres and popular platforms on the same core development engine, they choose our technologies again and again."
 

NEW YORK -  June 26, 2009- GamersGate, a leading platform for digitally
distributed PC games, today announced a distribution deal with indie
videogame publisher Rockin' Android.  GamersGate will offer a lineup of
localized indie videogame titles officially licensed from Japan. The first
title available will be the Japanese fan-favorite hybrid shoot'em up,
fighter SUGURI, scheduled for availability at the end of June. Additional
titles from Rockin' Android will soon follow.
"I'm thrilled with this partnership," said Rockin' Android President Enrique
Galvez.  "The rock solid reputation and wide-reaching, user-friendly
platform of GamersGate will tremendously help to expose some of Japan's best
indie PC games to an even wider global audience."
"We have always placed a high importance on offering high-quality indie
titles," said Theodore Bergquist, CEO of GamersGate.  "Rockin' Android has
made a name for itself by finding some fantastic indie titles and brining
them to market.  We're very pleased to help deliver these titles to the
GamersGate community."
For more information, please visit www.GamersGate.com
<http://www.gamersgate.com/>  and follow @GamersGate on twitter.
About SUGURI:
Experience the rush of battle as you wage intensive aerial duels in the
fan-acclaimed SUGURI, one of the most unique hybrid shooter/fighter titles
ever created by Japan indie game developer Orange Juice.   Showcasing
beautifully rendered designs, innovative weaponry, rapid-fire combat
gameplay action and a cool techno-trance soundtrack, SUGURI is a must-have,
must-play indie game.
About GamersGate:
GamersGate is a leading digital distribution platform creating easily
accessible gaming experiences for gamers worldwide - anytime, anywhere.
Viewed as a strong contender in the digital download arena, GamersGate
continues to redefine the download industry and future strategies including
the launch of several accompanying services and comprehensive tools, in
addition to an aggressively growing product portfolio from a wide range of
internationally recognized publishers. http://www.gamersgate.com.
About Rockin' Android:
Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, Rockin' Android is a newly formed
electronic entertainment publisher specializing in doujin videogames and
online downloadable games that feature a combination of highly stylized
anime visuals and stunning character designs with easy-t-follow interface
controls.  Rockin' Android launched in 2009 with the PC game release titled
SUGURI PERFECT EDITION as well as with downloadable games, including titles
such as GUNDEMONIUM, FLYING RED-BARREL-A DIARY OF A LITTLE AVIATOR-,
GUNDEMONIUM and CHELSEA AND THE SEVEN DEVILS.  More information can be found
at www.rockinandroid.com <http://www.rockinandroid.com/> .

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - Ignition Entertainment, a relative newcomer to the bustling videogame industry, is now among the most honored game companies of the year.  Ignition's lineup of breakthrough games including, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, The King of Fighters XII and Samurai Shodown: Edge of Destiny stood out among hundreds of highly-anticipated video game titles and swept up nine 'Best of' awards at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2009.
 
Muramsa: The Demon Blade took the Wii and action game categories by storm with its revolutionary take on the classic 2D side scroller and artistically rendered characters, enemies, fight sequences and deep and extraordinarily detailed environments.  Muramsa: The Demon Blade blew away stiff competition, including perpetual powerhouse Nintendo, and won:
·         Three Best Wii Game of E3 2009 awards from G4 TV, GameSpy and GameFocus.ca
·         Three  Best Wii Game of E3 2009 runner-up awards from IGN, GameSpot and 1UP
·         Two Best Artistic Design of E3 2009 awards from IGN and GameSpy
·         Best Action Game of E3 2009 from IGN
·         Best Platformer of E3 award from GameSpy
 
The King of Fighters XII, the latest installment in the storied The King of Fighters series, continues the epic martial arts showdown and reemerges with a complete graphical overhaul with 22 gorgeous hand-drawn 2D characters.  The King of Fighters XII won:
·         Three Best Fighting Game of E3 2009 awards from IGN, GameTrailers.com and GameFocus.ca
·         Finalist in the Best Fighting Game of E3 2009 category from GameSpot, 1UP and GameSpy
 
The North American debut of the revered weapons-based game Samurai Shodown: Edge of Destiny didn't go unnoticed, notching up nominations for Best Fighting Game of E3 2009 from GameTrailers.com and GameFocus.ca.
 

Recommends New Tech Strategy to Address Health and Educational Needs
 
New York and Washington, June 23, 2009 - As the President and Congress seek to reform the health care system and address the glaring gaps in our nation's educational performance, the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop released a report today that specifies how increased national investment in research-based digital games can play a cost-effective and transformative role.  The report Game Changer: Investing in Digital Play to Advance Children's Learning and Health provides recommendations for the media industry, government, philanthropy and academia to harness the appeal of digital games to improve children's health and learning.  Supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Pioneer Portfolio, it was unveiled today at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C.
 
Children as young as four are immersed in a new gaming culture, but many parents, educators and health professionals, concerned over violence, sexual content and reports of addiction, do not consider games to be a positive force in children's lives.  Based on a synthesis of market and scientific research and interviews with industry and academic leaders, the report addresses this critique.  It offers a new framework to use games to help children learn healthy behaviors, traditional skills like reading and math, and 21st century strengths such as critical thinking, global learning and programming design.
 
The report focuses on the vital connections that games and digital media can make in promoting children's potential.  Among the promising games reviewed are Sesame Street's Color Me Hungry, featuring the Muppet Cookie Monster and Dance Dance Revolution, a mass-market game used in hundreds of schools nationwide.  These efforts are helping young children learn about nutrition, healthy habits and exercise.  The report highlights the role that games have played in other sectors, such as in transforming military training regimens, and how academic centers like MIT's Education Arcade and non-profit labs like the Institute of Play are pioneering R&D for educational video games.
 

LOS ANGELES, CA  (PRWEB)- May 29TH - It has been announced that Spike Spencer is to revise his role as the voice of the character Shinji in the English dubbed version of Evangelion 1.0.

Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, as the film is officially titled, is a 2007 Japanese animated film written by Hideaki Anno. It is the first of four films released in the Rebuild of Evangelion, a tetralogy based on the original anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. Hideaki Anno wrote the first movie and is the general director and manager for the entire project. It was produced and co-distributed by Anno's Studio Khara in partnership with Gainax.

The English voice project was completed late last year in 2008 and was kept under wraps by FUNimation studios in Dallas, Texas. The dubbing was done under the guidance of veteran Director and Voice Actor Mike Mc Farland and stayed true to the concepts and character of the original series. The official announcement was made at Anime Boston over the Memorial Day weekend. Spike made his own personal announcement at the Animazement convention in North Carolina the same weekend to loud cheers of support and excitement. FUNimation's website currently lists November 10, 2009 as the film's release date.

The plot is an adaptation of episodes one through six of the original series containing some new or omitted scenes, some with newly-available 3D CG technology. Hideaki Anno himself called it a "faithful remake of the original series". The next in the series is Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance. No word has been given as to whether Spike will continue to be the defining voice of the uber emotionally distraught lead character, and he probably couldn't tell you if he was, but it is hoped that he will continue on in subsequent parts of this series.

Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone received the 2008 Tokyo International Anime Fair award for anime of the year and Anno received best director. The film was also nominated for Animation of the year at the 2008 Japan Academy Prize. The film also won the Harayasa Tōkaimura Award at the 7th Annual Japanese Otaku Awards on January 5, 2008.

ABOUT SPIKE SPENCER:    An accomplished actor, Spike Spencer has worked onscreen with such notable stars as Tommy Lee Jones, Sandra Bullock, Frank Langella, Tia Carrere, and Scott Glenn.

In the realm of voice acting he has voiced hundreds of episodes of Anime including Evangelion, Spriggan, Nadesico, Mar, Pre Tear, Code Geass 2, Buso Renkin  and Bleach as well as numerous video games including World of Warcraft-The Burning Crusades, Tales of Vesperia, Trauma Center, Steambot Chronicles, and Star Ocean 2. Spike has lent his voice to many radio and television commercials and campaigns.

Spike is also an author/screenwriter and is in pre-production on his first feature film that he scripted, "Dwindle Down." Learn more about Spike at www.worldospike.com and at www.myspace.com/spikespencerfrickingenius.

FRANCHISE PLANS INCLUDE GAMES ACROSS MULTIPLE GENRES AND PLATFORMS
 
Burbank, Calif. - May 28, 2009 - Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced a long-term partnership with The Saul Zaentz Company and New Line Productions, Inc. for literary and film rights to develop and publish games based on The Lord of the Rings trilogy.  As part of the game franchise, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will publish multiple games across many genres designed to appeal to a wide range of unique gamers, including hard-core RPG fans and families. The first game will be The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest, a new third-person action adventure videogame offering an authentic gameplay experience based on The Lord of the Rings that all ages can play together on Wii™, Nintendo DS™, PlayStation®2 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system in Fall 2009.
 
"The Lord of the Rings franchise is world renowned for its captivating adventures, and we are creating new experiences in the game space designed to appeal to a wide array of consumer tastes from core to casual," said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest is the first of many different types of games we will be developing with the film and literary rights. It is also the first game allowing kids and their families to interact in their favorite locations and stories from The Lord of the Rings with accessible gameplay."
 
"We are looking forward to continuing The Lord of the Rings' amazing legacy with new videogames that capture and expand upon elements from the trilogy," said Fredrica Drotos, Business Affairs, The Saul Zaentz Company. "The first title with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest, is set in a colorful, action-filled rendition of Middle-earth that will appeal to new and dedicated fans." 
 

LOS ANGELES (May 27, 2009) - Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in North America announced today that both Yosumin!™ LIVE  for Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Yosumin! for Windows PC are now available globally via Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 and Windows PC content digital distribution sites including STEAM® and Big Fish Games®.
 
Yosumin! LIVE and Yosumin! are the latest renditions of the innovative puzzle game Yosumin, previously released only for the Japanese market. Players must give a colorful panel of yosumin a sweeping glance, locate a square or rectangle with four corners of the same color and click on the corresponding yosumin to make them disappear. Enjoy an engaging puzzle-game experience just by following these simple rules.

While the basic rules and system remain the same, the latest releases include unique modes specific to each platform version. In the Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 version, players can compete against the computer or with friends, and when online, with other players around the world. In the Windows PC version, players can collect pieces of stained glass as they clear the puzzles in the "Yosumin! Adventure mode," enjoying the best of both the puzzle and item-collecting experiences.
 
A free trial version is available for both platform releases.
 

TAITO Delivers Fan-Favorites to Nintendo DS and WiiWare This Summer and Beyond
 
LOS ANGELES (May 27, 2009) ―TAITO Corporation (TAITO), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd., announced today that it is bringing six addictively fun, classic titles to Nintendo's WiiWare™ service and Nintendo DS™ in the coming months. These all-new sequels and revamps of fan-favorites will provide endless fun for the entire family this summer and beyond.
 
Launching first is BUBBLE BOBBLE Plus! for WiiWare, now available for download. The hit arcade game BUBBLE BOBBLE has been adapted for home and handheld consoles alike since its 1986 release, but now for the first time the game offers a four-person multiplayer mode and a global ranking system with BUBBLE BOBBLE Plus!.   
 
In addition, TAITO will be releasing BUST-A-MOVE Plus!, Rainbow Islands™: Towering Adventure! ™ and ARKANOID Plus! for WiiWare. With a total of 135 all-new stages and a two-person multiplayer mode, BUST-A-MOVE Plus! provides non-stop bubble-popping entertainment, while Rainbow Islands: Towering Adventure! invites players to continue the adventures of Bubby and Bobby as they use Rainbow Magic to climb the tower through exciting new vertical stages. ARKANOID Plus! is the newest addition to the ARKANOID legacy and more addictive than ever before. An old-school classic with a new and colorful twist, players can even test their ARKANOID Plus! mastery against others via the two-player battle and co-op modes.
 
TAITO will also be offering two new releases for Nintendo DS: SPACE BUST-A-MOVE and Space Invaders Extreme™ 2. SPACE BUST-A-MOVE is a new adventure for iconic heroes Bub and Bob, who battle intergalactic bosses in order to save the galaxy. The game offers improved graphics, customization options, intense multiplayer competition and mini-games for an exhilarating puzzle-solving experience. Also set in outer space, Space Invaders Extreme 2 is a follow-up to the hugely popular SPACE INVADERS EXTREME released last year. A must-have follow-up for arcade fans everywhere, Space Invaders Extreme 2 offers an enhanced battle system, a challenging new time attack mode and an expanded gameplay progression that goes beyond Fever Time to SUPER FEVER TIME!
 
Please see below for product details:
 

Trinigy sharpens its focus on North American video game market, and appoints experienced middleware executive to head up sales

AUSTIN, TX, - May 27th, 2009 - Trinigy, an industry leading 3D game engine provider with over 100 licensees and offices in Germany and Austin, TX, announced today the expansion of its North American operations as a result of increased demand for its Vision game engine in the US and Canadian video game markets.

Trinigy, which in the past month has signed deals with JoWood Productions, Spellbound Entertainment, Nitro Games and MunkyFun, has experienced enormous interest and a number of commitments from developers and publishers in North America. To meet the growing demand for its technology, Trinigy has moved to larger offices in Austin, TX to accommodate the increase in necessary engineering, support and sales staff.

Trinigy has also appointed David Ripka as director of sales and business development for North America. Ripka is a veteran sales and middleware executive with extensive experience in the games industry. Before joining Trinigy, Ripka served as sales executive at two other middleware companies: Emergent Game Technologies and Criterion. 

LOS ANGELES (May 26, 2009) - TAITO Corporation (TAITO®), a wholly-owned subsidiary of  Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd., today announced that action puzzle title Super Puzzle Bobble® and cooking action game Cooking Mama® will be available today at the launch of Nokia's mobile phone software sales channel by Ovi®.
 
TAITO has been working with Nokia in connection with mobile phone content distribution programs since the earliest channels launched in 2002, and the launch date release of Super Puzzle Bobble and Cooking Mama by way of Ovi is the latest example of TAITO's long-standing support.
 
Popular since its initial arcade release in 1994, home console editions of the Puzzle Bobble series have shipped more than a million units worldwide. While the game's mechanics are simple--link three or more identical bubbles to clear them from the screen--a great degree of skill and strategy (banking shots off walls, erasing several bubbles at once, etc.) is required to gain a truly high score. It is this depth that is the secret of Puzzle Bobble's enduring appeal. Super Puzzle Bobble for Ovi includes both a 50-level Round Mode and the potentially endless, random-bubble generating Challenge Mode, allowing players to choose their play style according to their preferences.
 

Saga for the First Time on the Nintendo DS

LOS ANGELES - May 21, 2009 - TOMY Corporation today announced that the next installment in the hit Ninja Council series, NARUTO™ Shippuden: Ninja Council® 4, has gone gold and will be available at retail outlets nationwide on June 2 for Nintendo DS™. NARUTO Shippuden: Ninja Council 4 allows dedicated franchise fans and new Naruto fighters alike to experience the NARUTO Shippuden storyline for the first time on the handheld device with a host of playable characters sporting their updated NARUTO Shippuden looks and wireless multiplayer battles for up to four players.

"NARUTO Shippuden: Ninja Council 4 will allow DS owners the opportunity to experience the Naruto storyline for the very first time through the game before it actually airs on television," said Laura Yoshioka, director of consumer software at TOMY Corporation. "An all-new storyline, brand-new modes and non-stop battles are just a few of the features that make this title a classic action-adventure game."

Episodic Street Brawler Based on 'Watchmen' Film
available in Multiple Formats for All Gamers
 
 
Burbank, Calif. - May 21, 2009 - Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has announced that the Watchmen: The End is Nigh videogame, based on the Watchmen film, will be offered in a retail Blu-Ray Hi-Def game and  film hybrid, as well as additional retail and downloadable formats in North America. Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 2, the second of two long-form, episodic action games will be released in conjunction with the Blu-ray Hi-Def and DVD of the Watchmen: Director's Cut in July 2009. 
 
Providing Watchmen fans with a variety of purchase options, the game will be offered in the following formats.
 
Watchmen: The End is Nigh The Complete Experience is an innovative, retail Blu-ray Hi-Def game and film hybrid which will include Watchmen: The End is Nigh Parts 1 and 2 and the Watchmen: Director's Cut on Blu-ray. This new cut of the action-packed blockbuster includes an additional 25 minutes of footage not seen in theaters only available on Blu-ray and DVD.  The two-disc collectible set will also feature exclusive artwork in a premium package. The game will be playable on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system which can also play the Blu-ray disc of Watchmen:  Director's Cut.
 
Watchmen: The End is Nigh Parts 1 and 2 will now be available for the first time as a single game available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
 
Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 2 will be available for download on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and for PlayStation®Network.  
 

Popular Videogame Series Based on Cartoon Network's Hit Televison Series,
BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE, Returns this Holiday Season with an All New Intergalactic Adventure
 
LOS ANGELES - May 19, 2009 - D3Publisher announced today that it will bring BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE™: Vilgax Attacks, the latest game in the multi-million unit selling Ben 10 videogame franchise based on Cartoon Network's hit television series, BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE, to Xbox 360™ game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo Wii™, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™ system, and the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.  In an original storyline developed exclusively for the game, Ben and the Omnitrix will journey to outer space and distant never-before-seen planets for the first time ever in the series.  As in the show, Ben will use 10 of his alien forms and their special powers to battle his greatest enemy, Vilgax, and an extreme team of fearsome foes in an effort to thwart a grand scheme to conquer the universe one planet at a time.  BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE: Vilgax Attacks is slated to ship to retail outlets across North America in fall 2009.
 
 "The best of the Ben 10 franchise is rolled into one big adventure in BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE: VILGAX ATTACKS, showcasing eleven playable characters as well as favorite enemies, allies and locations from throughout Ben's world," said Kim Motika, vice president of worldwide sales and operations, D3Publisher. "With an original storyline, BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE: VILGAX ATTACKS will take players on an intergalactic journey in never-before-seen alien home worlds that is sure to please both fans of the television series and videogames. "
 

Hollywood, CA (May 14, 2009) -- Frantic Films VFX, a division of Prime
Focus Group, announced it has brought on board award-winning Art Director
and Motion Graphics Supervisor Neil Huxley. Huxley's experience working in
feature film titles design and motion graphics sequences -- he recently
completed the opening title sequence for Zack Snyder's "Watchmen" and was
lead art director for motion graphics on Neveldine/Taylor's upcoming movie
"Gamer" -- is already being put to use on a high-profile stereoscopic 3D
feature film project currently in the Frantic Films production pipeline.

Said Chris Bond, President & Creative Director, Frantic Films, "I've been
closely following Neil's career for years. In addition to being an
immensely talented designer, Neil has a deep knowledge of visual effects
and as a live-action filmmaker himself, understands every aspect of the
production process. He's passionate, a perfectionist and a natural leader
-- qualities I look for in anyone who joins the Frantic team."

Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah and Josh Peck
Reprise Their Film Roles in All-New Ice Age Game
 
Santa Monica, CA - June 1, 2009 - The talent from Twentieth Century Fox's highly anticipated Ice Age™: Dawn of the  Dinosaurs feature film will reprise their roles in the upcoming video game from Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI).  The game features the voices of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah and Josh Peck as members of an unlikely herd of prehistoric pals on a rescue mission across the tundra and beyond as they meet new friends and discover a mysterious world teeming with lush vegetation and fierce dinosaurs.  
 
"The actors have brought life and familiarity to these admired prehistoric Ice Age characters," said Rob Kostich, head of marketing for licensed properties, Activision Publishing, Inc.  "Their presence in the game brings authenticity to the experience, immersing players in the Ice Age movie universe."
 
 
For the first time in an Ice Age game, players take on the roles of multiple characters such as big-hearted Manny the mammoth (Romano), the earnest but goofy Sid the sloth (Leguizamo), Diego the saber-toothed tiger, fan favorite Scrat and more.  Gamers also get gameplay tips from the wacky possum duo, Crash and Eddie (Peck), and Ellie the mammoth (Latifah).  Each character features its own strengths and abilities, resulting in a wide variety of gameplay experiences as players work through more than 15 action-packed levels.  Players can also team up with friends and family in eight competitive multiplayer mini-games, another first for the game franchise.
 
The Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs video game is being developed by Eurocom for the Xbox® 360 video game entertainment system from Microsoft, Games for Windows®, Wii, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The Nintendo DS version is being developed by Artificial Mind & Movement.
 
The console and Games for Windows versions are rated "E10+" (Cartoon Violence) and DS is rated "E" (Mild Cartoon Violence) by the ESRB.  The Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs video game will debut at retail outlets nationwide this summer.
 
For more information on the Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs video game, please visit www.IceAgeGame.com. 
 

Digital art exhibition honors talented artists, their work
created for video games
 
 
LOS ANGELES - June 1, 2009 - 16 works of art have been selected from a field of more than 200 submissions from around the world for the 2009 Into The Pixel Art collection.  In its sixth year, Into the Pixel (ITP) is the only juried digital art exhibition that brings together experts from the traditional fine art world and the interactive entertainment industry to display and discuss the art of the video game.  Into the Pixel is a joint effort of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, the Entertainment Software Association and the Prints & Drawings Council of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The 2009 ITP collection will be discussed and celebrated tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2, during E3 Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
 
 "Into The Pixel is strong evidence that videogames are an integral part of today's contemporary art scene," said Joseph Olin, president of The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. "The talented artists, whose works make up the collection, demonstrate why interactive entertainment's influences are so prevalent. The Academy looks forward to the continued evolution of our medium's artists."
 
"The Into the Pixel exhibition is the premiere event celebrating the creative achievements of computer game artists as selected by their peers, the public and the fine art world," said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO, Entertainment Software Association. "Into the Pixel provides a visionary platform that both elevates and supports the often artistic genius of the interactive entertainment industry."
 
"I am impressed not only by the breadth of imagination and depth of skill but also by the fact that every year we receive many dozens of images that could rightly qualify for a place in the top 16., said Louis Marchesano, Getty Museum. "From the beautifully sublime to the ironically humorous-- it's all here."
 
Art in this year's collection features a wide array of genres, including landscape and anime to fantasy. For more information about Into the Pixel art, artists and jurors, please refer to www.IntoThePixel.com.
 

Pinky and Perky CD Rom game from Avanquest set for production

PPC Enterprises has revealed that phenomenally successful porcine pair Pinky and Perky are due to appear in their very own CD Rom game from Avanquest - one of the biggest publishers of computer games in the UK.

The Pinky and Perky Show has proved to be a huge smash hit since debuting on CBBC in November 2008. Ratings were so high that the show had a rapid transition onto BBC1 and the first series is now available on DVD, with repeats stripped across the BBC this spring/summer. The show is set to air on France 3 and ABC in Australia later this year, with sales also confirmed in the Nordics.

The pair have proved to be just as much of a hit in licensing terms - licensing agent PPCE has already signed up Martin Yaffe to produce a wide range of superb Pinky and Perky toys that are set to hit the market in autumn/winter 2009 - these include a Pinky and Perky megaphone, Pinky and Perky walkie-talkie headsets, a sing-a-long microphone, joke sets, inflatable chairs, and a remote controlled car.

Cambridge, MA - May 19, 2009 -- Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks, (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced the release of Rock Band® Track Pack™: Classic Rock.  The standalone software is available now at retail stores nationwide for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Wii™ system. The suggested retail price for Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock is $29.99.
 
Featuring an outstanding mix of favorite classic rock hits, Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock features 20-songs from mega artists such as The Who, Rush, Boston, Police Steve Miller Band, George Thorogood and more!
 
Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock, like all Rock Band software, is compatible with all Rock Band instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero® and other music instrument controllers.
 

Activision's Newest Brand Marries Intense Wheel-to-Wheel Racing Action with Spectacular Power-Ups and Real-World Cars and Locations

Santa Monica, CA - May 19, 2009 - Activision Publishing (Nasdaq: ATVI) is set to revolutionize the racing genre with the debut of Bizarre Creations' newest project, Blur™ -- the ultimate wheel-to-wheel racing action experience.

The game drops players into heart-pumping, electrified racing action with 20 cars on a track all targeting the finish line and battling each other as they trade paint and collect intense power-ups, including the ability to blast other cars out of the way with huge bursts of energy, boost their speed, and more.

While controlling photo realistic cars, gamers can use offensive and defensive attacks as they battle for the lead and careen through real-world track locations ranging from L.A. and San Francisco to the streets of Hackney, UK and the treacherous roads of Barcelona, Spain.

Cambridge, Mass. - May 18, 2009 - Harmonix and MTV Games today announced an onslaught of rock coming this week to the Rock Band® Music Store catalogue of downloadable content for Wii™ system, with 25 new tracks, including six songs from the eclectic and legendary Grateful Dead. This week's music update also includes songs from The Knack, Coheed & Cambria, the B-52s, Buzzcocks, The Runaways, T-Rex, At the Gates, Evile and The Haunted. Wii Rock Band 2 owners will also gain access to tracks recently released to other gaming consoles, including Franz Ferdinand, The Allman Brothers Band, The Distillers, Prong, Luscious Jackson and Alien Ant Farm.  

Wii fans can expect a rollout of previously released downloadable Rock Band content until the entire back catalogue of more than 670 songs is available.  

Release Date:        Tuesday, May 19, 2009    

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change **

LOS ANGELES - May 18, 2009 - D3Publisher announced today that it will bring Cartoon Network's hit orginal action-adventure television series THE SECRET SATURDAYS™ to video game systems for the first time this fall with THE SECRET SATURDAYS: BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN for Wii™, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.  In THE SECRET SATURDAYS: BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN, players take control of Zak Saturday and the rest of the Saturday family, a group of scientific explorers dedicated to discovering and protecting the secret artifacts and mysterious creatures known as Cryptids.  Using Zak's unique powers and The Claw to battle enemies and swing through action-packed environments, players will find and collect more than 30 never-before-seen Cryptids and face off against a number of the television series' most notable villains.
 
 "THE SECRET SATURDAYS: BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN offers a new and original storyline based on the THE SECRET SATURDAYS television series that will have gamers traveling to very unique locations around the globe to discover and protect lost Cryptids,"  said Alison Quirion, vice president of marketing, D3Publisher.  "A perfect mix of combat, puzzles and platforming mechanics, THE SECRET SATURDAYS: BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN adds up to a truly fun and authentic gameplay experience. "
 

Take Rock Band On-the-Go With Tracks From Mega Artists Nirvana, Pearl Jam, The Police, Jackson 5, Tenacious D and More!  
 
Cambridge, MA - May 18, 2009 - Harmonix, the world's leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced the full setlist for Rock Band™ Unplugged, the music videogame based on the award-winning Rock Band series of games, coming exclusively to the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system in North America and Europe on June 9, 2009.  
 
Based on the award-winning Rock Band series of games, Rock Band Unplugged features 41 songs on-disc that encompass popular tracks from the Rock Band music library, as well as nine songs exclusive to Rock Band Unplugged for a limited time before becoming available as downloadable content on other console versions. 
 
Staying true to the Rock Band franchise, the Rock Band Unplugged soundtrack spans all genres of rock, from punk and metal to alternative and classic rock.  
 

Tony Hawk: RIDE Set to Redefine Gaming by Offering
Unparalleled Hands-Free Gaming Experience
 
Santa Monica, CA - May 18, 2009 - This fall players will be able to experience skateboarding like never before in Tony Hawk: RIDE from Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI).  For the first time, players will have the ability to physically play the game using an innovative motion sensing skateboard controller, allowing for unprecedented freedom and movement. Tony Hawk: RIDE focuses on innovation and fun, bringing the #1 best-selling action-sports franchise to the forefront with cutting-edge technology for the hardcore fans and accessibility for the mass audience.
 
"Tony Hawk: RIDE is a massive step forward for the franchise and the gaming industry as a whole," said Rob Kostich, head of marketing, global brand management, Activision Publishing, Inc.  "The skateboard controller will redefine sports games by offering players a true skateboarding experience, hands-free, playing with friends and family at home or online in a variety of different locations."
 

Racing Game Gives Viewers The Chance To Take Out Jesse James In A Series Of Deadly Driving Environments
 
NEW YORK, May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Spike.com is offering users a chance at simple survival as, in honor of "Jesse James Is A Dead Man," it unveils the "Demolition Death Race" online game. "Jesse James Is A Dead Man" premieres on Spike Sunday, May 31 (10:00 - 11:00 PM, ET/PT).
 
(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060322/NYW096LOGO )
 
In this racing experience, gamers will try to endure a succession of deadly environments inspired by Spike TV's new series "Jesse James Is A Dead Man" with two objectives in mind: to win the checkered flag and to take out Jesse James by smashing, crashing and exploding to the finish line. In succeeding, gamers will unlock not only new levels, but also acquire new virtual vehicles that have been customized by Jesse James himself to use in subsequent races, among them a custom Camaro and Nitro bike. Users will also unlock new weapons to use on the road in smiting their opponents.
 

730 Gathered in the Southeast's Game Development Hotbed for Triangle Game Initiative's Inaugural Event, TGC 2010 Dates Set for April 7-8


RALEIGH, N.C., May 13, 2009 -- Leaders in entertainment software, game technology, serious games and games research gathered in Raleigh, N.C. April 29-30 for the inaugural Triangle Game Conference (TGC) hosted by the Triangle Game Initiative, a trade association for the Raleigh-Durham interactive entertainment industry. The conference showcased the region's depth and breadth as the East Coast leader in game development in a two-day event featuring industry-leading companies, including Epic Games, Insomniac Games, Red Storm Entertainment, Atomic Games, Themis Media and Emergent Game Technologies. More than 730 attended the event, nearly doubling attendance expectations of conference organizers.

Set in the third largest gaming hub in the U.S. and the game engine capital of the world, the conference helped further advance the Triangle's game development cluster by providing a forum for networking and collaboration with top industry experts. Representatives from leading game engine companies including Epic Games, the largest game studio in the area and developer of the Unreal Engine, and Emergent Game Technologies, maker of Gamebryo LightSpeed, were present to interact with students and professionals looking to build careers in the gaming business.

Nintendo joins the list of exhibitors at Cologne's trade fair centre

When Koelnmesse's doors open for the premiere of gamescom from
19-23 August 2009, the European games industry - ranging from A for Activision Blizzard to X for xaitment - will invite visitors to enter the fascinating world of interactive entertainment. Today another global player, namely Nintendo, has signed up to participate in Cologne. gamescom's trade fair concept impressed Dr. Bernd Fakesch, General Manager of Nintendo Germany: "gamescom offers the ideal platform for the presentation of our games and product portfolio to a large audience in an attractive setting. We are looking forward to the start in August." The community of gamescom exhibitors and partners today includes national and international, online and offline, as well as global and medium-sized companies. The games industry's entire value chain, from developers to traders, will be represented in Cologne. Three and a half months before the start of the event, Oliver P. Kuhrt, Managing Director of Koelnmesse GmbH, and Olaf Wolters, Managing Director of the German Trade Association of Interactive Entertainment Software (BIU), can rejoice in successful interim results: "Nintendo's pledge is a further clear signal. The industry's leading trade fair is on road to success."

3RD Sense, Australia's Largest Independent Producer
of Online Games, Launches the Fourth Instalment of World's Most Popular Online Gladiator Game

- Over a Million people turn to Fizzy.com for their entertainment every month -

SYDNEY, Australia - May 13, 2009 - 3RD Sense, which operates the successful play platform Fizzy.com, and develops games and online apps for consumers and innovative brands worldwide, today announced the release of Swords & Sandals IV : Tavern Quests, the latest instalment in the world's most popular online gladiator game.

Swords & Sandals IV: Tavern Quests introduces a new twist on the original role playing game series. Instead of players building a gladiator from the ground up and battling online to become the ultimate champion in the arena, the gameplay has now been shifted to a series of board game conflicts in a tavern.  

Legendary Survival Horror Franchise Debuts on iPhone and iPod touch

LOS ANGELES and LONDON - May 12, 2009 - Capcom®, a leading developer and publisher of mobile games, today announced that Resident Evil: Degeneration(TM), a survival horror game based on the movie of the same name, is now available on the Apple App Store.

In the game, players take control of Leon S. Kennedy and an arsenal of bone-shattering weapons in order to combat a horde of zombies and horrific tyrants. Featuring high-resolution 3D graphics and intuitive context sensitive Multi-Touch controls, Resident Evil: Degeneration fully utilizes the accelerometer functionality of iPhone and iPod touch. Tilting the device will reload weapons, and a shake helps shrug off infected enemies.  Action takes place from a third-person over the shoulder perspective, and in-engine cut scenes help propel the engaging story forward.

Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Rogers,
Shania Twain and More Join the Rock Band Platform July 21, 2009
 
Cambridge, MA - May 12, 2009 -- Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks, (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced plans for a July 21, 2009 North American release of Rock Band™ Country Track Pack™ for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, and Wii™ system from Nintendo.
 
"Rock Band loves country music too, and these tracks are among the most fun to play of any we've released to date," said Paul DeGooyer, Senior Vice President of Electronic Games & Music for MTV Networks Music Group. "We've received a ton of requests from fans to bring more country to the game, and our artist partners responded. We're very excited to be able to offer this set, featuring some of the greatest songs ever recorded."
 

SAN FRANCISCO - May 11, 2009 - Peanut Labs Media, the leader in market research survey based monetization for social media and online games, today announced an exclusive partnership with Acclaim Games, the developer of popular massively multiplayer online games, to monetize the virtual currencies across their product line.

Brought back by gaming comeback king Howard Marks in 2006, Acclaim Games expands the audience for MMO games with MMORPG games like The Chronicles of Spellborn and music based game RockFREE. With the Peanut Labs Media monetization engine, players can participate in market research surveys to earn virtual currency. The surveys take 5-10 minutes to complete, are completely anonymous, and provide a fun way for players to support their favorite games.

7th Annual Leading Online Game Developer Event Returns with Stronger Focus and Added Advisory Board Members
 
SAN FRANCISCO, May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The Game Developers Conference® Austin (GDC Austin) returns this September with three days focused on connected games including online games, virtual worlds, and social networking.  Now in its 7th consecutive year, GDC Austin will continue as the mecca for online game developers worldwide to convene and share best practices, new perspectives, and business opportunities in connected games.  GDC Austin conference tracks focus on the disciplines of Business and Marketing, Design, Social Networking and Community, Services, Production and Programming.  Presented by Think Services, organizers of the industry-leading Game Developers Conference® (GDC), GDC Austin is a four-day event taking place at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas September 15-18, 2009.
 

Littleloud studio's first iPhone game is now available for iPhone and iPod Touch users to buy.
 
In Carpl players must trail the tip of their finger through the game's cool water, gathering the lotus flowers floating on the pond's surface while avoiding getting bitten by the natural inhabitants who live there.
 
The longer you survive, the more creatures will become attracted and the harder it becomes to harvest petals for points.
It's a game of skill and stamina, designed to test your concentration, dexterity and accuracy. If your finger is bitten by an enemy, pulled off the screen or brushed the side of the pool, you will lose a life.
 

Cambridge, Mass. - May 8, 2009 - Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that three tracks from American punk rockers Social Distortion will be added to the Rock Band®Music Store of downloadable content next week for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Wii™ system. Also coming in next week's lineup is music from Steely Dan, Disturbed, Elvis Costello and The Replacements.

Social Distortion is recognized as one of the biggest names in American punk rock with six full-length studio albums to date and considerable commercial success. The "Social Distortion Pack 01" will feature "Ring of Fire" and "Story of My Life," both from the band's 1990 self-titled third album, and "Bad Luck" from the band's fourth album Between Heaven and Hell (1992).Social Distortion made its Rock Band debut with "I Was Wrong" featured on the Rock Band 2 soundtrack.

Video Game Wins Parents' Choice Gold Award

LOS ANGELES - (May 8, 2008)--Legacy Interactive® announced today that the latest title in their award winning Pet Pals® series, Pet Pals: New Leash on Life, is now available at retail as a hybrid disc for the PC and Mac.  The software has been awarded a prestigious Parents' Choice Gold Award, the highest level of recognition, for spring 2009. The awards have been handed out by the Parents' Choice Foundation since 1978, and are meant to direct parents to the best software, games, DVDs, toys, books, music, magazines and websites.
 
Previously only available for download on the PC via legacygames.com, Pet Pals: New Leash on Life is now available for the first time to Mac gamers as well.   In the simulation-vet game players experience what it is like to play as an actual veterinarian by diagnosing, operating, taking care of, feeding and playing with virtual pets. In the game players will encounter more than 30 different animal cases, derived from practicing veterinarians, and will have access to more than 45 realistic medical tools including a stethoscope, EKG machine, scalpels, and an ophthalmoscope. These tools allow the player to gather samples, palpitate and examine the animals, and even perform surgery.
 

Procedural Texturing Middleware Reduces Download Size, Boosts Productivity and Offers Unparalleled Visual Content

CLERMONT-FERRAND, France - May 7, 2009 - With more games moving online and digital distribution becoming an increasingly important business strategy for publishers, improving visual quality and allowing user-generated content while containing client size and broadening the audience has become a critical challenge. Allegorithmic, an emerging 3D technology company developing advanced texturing tools for real-time 3D content creation, is filling this immediate market need through the worldwide availability of Substance Air.

A new texturing middleware poised to redefine the development and distribution of rich content for online, retail and downloadable games (MMOs, Free2Play and XBLA/PSN), Substance Air was created to help game developers generate and customize assets that are lightweight, dynamic and infinitely versatile.

Beloved arcade classic revamped with new gameplay, HD graphics and four-player multiplayer modes for 30th Anniversary

EMERYVILLE, CA (May 6, 2009) - Taito Corp. today announced that Space Invaders Extreme™ is now available on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the original 1978 Space Invaders™ arcade shooter, gamers can now experience a complete reimagining of the classic for the first time in high definition with exclusive new Xbox 360 features. Developed by Backbone Entertainment, Space Invaders Extreme now offers four-player co-op and competitive multiplayer modes, dazzling new graphics with colorful visualizer backgrounds, modernized gameplay features, and vibrant synchronized music and sound effects for a more intense and addictive gameplay experience.

"We are proud to celebrate 30 years of continued Space Invaders popularity, and bringing the game to Xbox LIVE Arcade is a critical step to the next evolution of the game," said Seiji Kawakami, Producer, Taito Corporation. "In Space Invaders Extreme for XBLA, we retain the vintage 2-D look and classic gameplay of the original, while taking advantage of the HD graphics and sound capabilities, as well as expanding the
multiplayer functionality to allow for even more people to play and enjoy the game together."

Tandem Events today announces the line-up of keynote speakers for each of the tracks at this year's Develop Conference.

Subjects include: Art - a look at the art of LittleBigPlanet; Audio - making a run-time studio for game audio; Business - moving from boxed product to online games; Design - MMO development and working with licensed properties; Production - agile project management. Companies taking part are Media Molecule, Microsoft Studios, Nokia, Traveller's Tales, Mythic Entertainment, Hansoft and Ubisoft.

David Jones - creator of legendary titles Lemmings and Grand Theft Auto, and founder of Realtime Worlds one of the most successful developers in Europe - will give the overall conference keynote.

"The concept of individual track keynotes was successfully introduced at last year's event in recognition of the increasing sophistication of the varying disciplines within games development," commented Andy Lane managing director of Tandem Events.

"This year, there will also be a keynote presentation dedicated to mobile games development - a look at personalised content from Nokia and two keynote addresses for the brand new Evolve conference - a guide to the future of casual gaming and how to succeed with digital distribution."

Taking place on Tuesday 14 July, Evolve will focus on how to develop games for new platforms including mobile devices, iPhone and XBLA, new technologies and growing markets like social and casual gaming.

LOS ANGELES - May 7, 2009 - D3Publisher (D3P), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, today announced that it will bring Imagi Studios' new CG-animated movie, ASTRO BOY, to Wii™, Nintendo DS™, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.  Based on the upcoming feature film which itself is inspired by one of the most beloved characters of all time, ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME will allow players to become Astro Boy, a young boy robot with incredible powers.  ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME is slated to ship worldwide this fall to coincide with the North American and international release of the movie in October 2009 from Summit Entertainment.
 
"We are confident that the ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME will be a faithful adaption of the movie by successfully blending action gameplay with immersive storytelling," said Alison Quirion, vice president of marketing, D3Publisher.  "Players of all ages will interact with the much-loved characters from the movie and square off against powerful foes from the movie for a rock solid gameplay experience from start to finish."     
 

Hamburg/Germany, May 7th, 2009 - Wii™, PC and the Xbox 360®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft are the systems on the starting blocks for Summer Athletics 2009. The sports game will be available on all three platforms this summer. The Wii version even incorporates some of the physical elements of track and field thanks to the Wii Balance Board™.
 
In Summer Athletics 2009 the controls are individually designed for each platform and discipline, taking maximum advantage of each formats' unique strengths. This makes Summer Athletics 2009 easy-to-learn sports fun with a huge variety of gameplay.
 
While Wii players imitate the natural breaststroke of swimming, it is about rotating the left and right sticks in correct speed on Xbox 360. PC players either choose classical retro style keyboard controls or plug in their gamepad or Xbox 360 controller. Due to several years of experience with multiplatform sports titles, developer 49Games is known for creating intuitive and comfortable controls.
 

Trion to Unveil Highly Anticipated 'Heroes of Telara™'

 

Redwood City, Calif. - May 6, 2009 - Trion World Network will unveil its first videogame, Heroes of Telara™, at E3 2009.  Heroes of Telara™ is a fantasy Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) where everyday gamers are forged into legendary heroes.  In Heroes of Telara™, players are challenged to conquer the unknown in an epic, ever-changing world.  Heroes of Telara™ will feature an unprecedented level of rich and dynamic gameplay, driven by recurring events, unexpected challenges and limitless new content. 
 
"Trion is excited to share what we have been working on and to reveal the universe of Heroes of Telara™," said Russ Brown, vice president, Channel One, Trion.  "The team is producing a magnificent new universe in which players can immerse themselves in endless adventure."
 
Trion will be located at Suite #405, Concourse Hall, Los Angeles Convention Center, June 2-4, 2009.
 

Beloved arcade classic revamped with new gameplay, HD graphics and four-player multiplayer modes for 30th Anniversary

EMERYVILLE, CA (May 6, 2009) - Taito Corp. today announced that Space Invaders Extreme™ is now available on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the original 1978 Space Invaders™ arcade shooter, gamers can now experience a complete reimagining of the classic for the first time in high definition with exclusive new Xbox 360 features. Developed by Backbone Entertainment, Space Invaders Extreme now offers four-player co-op and competitive multiplayer modes, dazzling new graphics with colorful visualizer backgrounds, modernized gameplay features, and vibrant synchronized music and sound effects for a more intense and addictive gameplay experience.

"We are proud to celebrate 30 years of continued Space Invaders popularity, and bringing the game to Xbox LIVE Arcade is a critical step to the next evolution of the game," said Seiji Kawakami, Producer, Taito Corporation. "In Space Invaders Extreme for XBLA, we retain the vintage 2-D look and classic gameplay of the original, while taking advantage of the HD graphics and sound capabilities, as well as expanding the
multiplayer functionality to allow for even more people to play and enjoy the game together."

EVE Online celebrates its 6th year of existence today--May 6th. That's six strong years of continuous growth thanks to tireless integration of user feedback into game design and pushing to release around two major free expansions per year. Our single-shard world, where everyone plays on the same shared server, has seen tremendous benefit from having each player able to interact and affect each other player in a persistent manner. From massive fleet battles to individual bonds of trust, every pilot in EVE has the potential to rock the ship of hundreds of thousands of others by their actions.

At one population milestone we saw agreements form between alliances. At another we were able to fully turn over the economy to the players. As the population of New Eden has grown, so have the instances of emergent behaviors of its pilots. A 6 year persistant history. A living history where truly brilliant strategies have unfolded. Truly terrible betrayals unveiled. We are excited to see what will happen next.

This year has been very successful for EVE Online, thanks in large part to our latest free expansion EVE Online: Apocrypha and a return to retail. We started out the year with around 244,000 subscribers and in five short months we've had a 22% growth in subscribers. In the past couple days we surpassed the impressive milestone of 300,000 active subscribers. That doesn't include trial accounts. We've broken our peak concurrent user record 3 times this year alone, standing now at an impressive 53,850 in the same universe. That is exponential growth. We couldn't think of a better birthday present than having more people playing EVE Online than ever before. It is another sweet reminder of EVE's boundless potential.

As always, we encourage you to bring your friends, family and even enemies to New Eden by visiting www.eveonline.com and downloading a free trial or by heading to your local retailer and purchasing a copy of EVE Online, which includes 60 days of game time.

The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club Goes Live Today, May 5th
 
 
New York - May 5, 2009 - Harmonix Music Systems, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced today that replica Rickenbacker 325 and Gretsch Duo Jet™ guitars will be made available as standalone music peripheral controllers for The Beatles: Rock Band. In addition, The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club also goes live today in the U.S. and Canada[1] giving fans exclusive news and access to exclusive game elements from the eagerly awaited game set for release worldwide on 9/9/09.
 
The Rickenbacker 325 and Gretsch Duo Jet guitars are hailed as two of the signature, most celebrated instruments played by John Lennon and George Harrison throughout their careers, respectively. They will be made available for MSRP $99.99 in the U.S. and in continental Europe for MSRP €99.99 and for MSRP £89.99 in the UK. These wireless instrument controllers join the previously announced Höfner bass controller, a large-scale replica of the bass famously used by Sir Paul McCartney, and the Ringo Starr inspired and Ludwig-branded Rock Band 2 drums, with a classic pearl finish and vintage replica Beatles kick drum head. All controllers will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION® 3, Wii™ and will be compatible with all Rock Band titles.