>
November 13, 2007
Beowulf Achievements unveiled
Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 ships
Tomb Raider Revisioned finished
Cooking Mama 2 bakes Nintendo DS
MAJESCO ENTERTAINMENT TURNS UP THE HEAT
WITH THE RELEASE OF ‘COOKING MAMA™ 2: DINNER WITH FRIENDS’ FOR THE
NINTENDO DS™
Sequel to Award-Winning Series Offers
Fun New Features and Enhanced Gameplay
EDISON, N.J., November 13, 2007 – It’s
time to get back in the kitchen and learn some new recipes as Majesco
Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of video
games for the mass market, today announced the release of Cooking Mama™
2: Dinner with Friends for the Nintendo DS™. Developed by Office Create,
Dinner with Friends is the follow-up to the award-winning Cooking Mama
game that has sold more than 600,000 copies, making it the best-selling
new intellectual property among all third party DS titles.
“Cooking Mama’s fun game play and
unique premise continue to resonate with DS owners nationwide,” said Gui
Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. “With an
abundance of new additions and enhancements, Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with
Friends is a second piece de resistance in a series that has already
turned so many players into Mama’s cooking protégés.”
In Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends,
players use the stylus as the ultimate kitchen utensil in 150 different
cooking mini-games across 80 new recipes that range from cultural
delicacies like shark fin soup to the all-American apple pie. However,
this time around players actually have hungry mouths to feed since nine
finicky dinner friends will taste and judge each meal! A new Cooking
Contest Mode lets up to four friends compete in a wireless cook off with
only one game card, while players can fully customize their kitchen—and
even Mama!—in the fresh Design Mode.
Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends for
the Nintendo DS™ is rated E for Everyone and currently available for a
suggested retail price of $29.99. To download a playable demo, drop by any
of 10,000 Nintendo kiosks at major retailers nationwide. To watch the game
play trailer, dress up Mama and customize your online kitchen, visit the
official game site at www.cookingmama2.com.
Details on Cooking Mama 2 for the Wii
console will be forthcoming.
About Majesco Entertainment Company
Headquartered in Edison, NJ, with an
international office based in Bristol, UK, Majesco Entertainment Company
(NASDAQ: COOL) is an innovative provider of video games for the mass
market, with a focus on publishing video games for leading portable
systems and the Wii™ console. Product highlights include Nancy Drew™,
Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends and Zoo Hospital™ for the Nintendo
DS™ and Cooking Mama: Cook Off for the Wii™ console. More information
about Majesco can be found online at www.majescoentertainment.com.
GAMETAP LAUNCHES RE\VISIONED: TOMB
RAIDER JIM LEE FINALE
Announces Season Two will explore the
worlds of Activision
GameTap launched today “A Complicated
Woman,” the final episode in the premiere season of its new animation
series “Re\Visioned” which features story and art from legendary comic
book illustrator Jim Lee of Wildstorm/DC Comics.
Launched in late August, the first
season of “Re\Visioned” features ten episodes focusing on the
legendary Tomb Raider franchise and the adventures of popular video game
heroine Lara Croft. Academy Award-nominated actress Minnie Driver provides
her unique voice for leading lady Lara Croft, while Jim Lee, Warren Ellis,
Peter Chung, Brian Pulido, Gail Simone, Michael Stackpole, Ivan Reis,
Cully Hamner, Christos N. Gage, Louie Del Carmen, David Alvarez, and Six
Point Harness, have provided their ‘Re\Visioned’ view of the famous
video game heroine.
GameTap has also announced that the
second season of “Re\Visioned” will feature six animated episodes that
spotlight games from the golden age of Activision. For the new season that
launches in December, GameTap has partnered with The Hero Initiative to
develop episodes that will feature the work of top industry writers,
including Mark Waid (Flash, Kingdom Come, Legion of Superheroes), John
Ostrander (X-Men, Punisher, Star Wars Republic) and Paul Jenkins
(Spectacular Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk, Civil War: Front Line).
The Hero Initiative is a not-for-profit
organization dedicated to helping comic book creators in need. “We’re
thrilled that GameTap is continuing to support comic book creators with
this second season of the ‘Re\Visioned’ series, especially since so
many creators are video game fans,” said Jim McLauchlin, President of
Hero.
Episodes in Season Two will revolve
around the worlds and characters featured in Activision’s most iconic
titles such as Pitfall, Kaboom and Pressure Cooker.
“Re\Visioned” is exclusive to
GameTap and visitors can watch the finale and previous episodes from the
first season absolutely free. For more information and to see the latest
episode of Re\Visioned: Tomb Raider, visit www.gametap.com/tombraider.
UBISOFT ANNOUNCES RAYMAN RAVING
RABBIDS(TM) 2 HAS SHIPPED TO STORE SHELVES
The Sequel to One of Last Year's
Best-Selling Wii(TM) Games is Available Now Exclusively for the Wii(TM)
and Nintendo DS(TM) Systems
Download Materials Here: http://files.us.ubisoft.com/RRR2_Launch_Trailer.zip
http://files.us.ubisoft.com/RRR2_Wii_DS_art.zip
SAN FRANCISCO – NOVEMBER 13, 2007 –
Today, Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers,
announced Rayman Raving Rabbids(TM) 2 has shipped exclusively for the
Wii(TM) and Nintendo(TM) DS systems. Those mischievous bunnies are back in
a hilarious sequel, a party comedy game that is guaranteed to be even
crazier and funnier than the first one, with even more insane games to
play. Developed by Ubisoft's Paris studio, Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 will
push the envelope of the Wii gameplay experience by continuing to make
innovative use of the Wii Remote(TM). The game is rated "E10” for
Everyone 10 and over, and has an MSRP of $39.99 for the Wii and $29.99 for
the Nintendo DS.
"Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 is the
perfect party game for the Holiday season that can be enjoyed by the whole
family,” said Adam Novickas, director of marketing for Ubisoft.
"The game features a variety of 50 unique mini-games that are sure to
be addicting – how can you not fall in love with those wacky Rabbids?”
About Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 After
invading the world of Rayman, the insane Rabbids have a new objective: THE
INVASION OF PLANET EARTH! Setting their home base at a shopping mall, the
Rabbids try to study human behavior and mimic everything humans do in
funny, illogical ways. As part of their training, the Rabbids must carry
out several missions around the globe to prepare themselves for world
domination. Rayman will attempt to infiltrate the Rabbids, disguised as
one of them, in a mission to foil their crazy plans and save Earth. Game
features include:
• New wacky games - 50 brand-new games
that spoof popular culture and are even wackier than those featured in the
first Rayman Raving Rabbids game.
• Unique use of the Wii Remote(TM) –
Discover new, innovative ways to play, with eight types of gameplay,
including shaking, precision, dexterity and balance.
• Travel around the world - Take
Rayman on a world tour to defend Earth from the Rabbids invasion. Travel
to five different regions such as the USA, Europe and Asia, where players
will challenge the Rabbids in the local environments.
• Customize Rayman and the Rabbids -
Use more than 110 items (skins, hats, accessories and clothes) to dress
Rayman and create your own Rabbids. Unleash your creativity with over
540,000 customization combinations.
• Multiplayer experience – Play in
co-op mode or battle up to three friends in all the games unlocked in the
single-player campaign.
About Ubisoft: Ubisoft is a leading
producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products
worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified
lineup of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries
and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to
delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers.
Ubisoft generated sales of 680 million Euros for the 2006-07 fiscal year.
To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.
© 2007 Ubisoft Entertainment. All
Rights Reserved. Rayman, Rayman Raving Rabbids, the character of Rayman,
Ubisoft, Ubi.com, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft
Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. Nintendo DS and Wii are
trademarks of Nintendo. © 2006 Nintendo.
Beowulf(TM) the Game - *Monsters Within
Trailer / Achievements Revealed!*
November 13, 2007– Ubisoft, one of the
world's largest video game publishers, today announced the release of the
new "Monsters Within” trailer for Beowulf(TM), an action combat
video game based on Paramount Pictures' and Shangri-La Entertainment's
Beowulf, the upcoming feature film from Academy Award®-winning director
Robert Zemeckis. The Beowulf(TM) video game is being developed by the
award-winning team that created the original Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon
Advanced Warfighter® in Ubisoft's Tiwak studio and is scheduled for
worldwide release in conjunction with the movie's opening in November
2007.
Beowulf(TM) - Monsters Within Trailer:
Beowulf is an ageless hero with the strength of 30 men in his arms. What,
exactly, will you have to do with all of that power at your fingertips you
ask? Battle monsters….big, bad, giant, menacing monsters…that's what.
From giant sea serpents, to wicked trolls to the infamous Grendel himself…this
new trailer gives you more monster goodness then you can shake a severed
arm at. Take a peek at a collection of the bosses and beasts you will face
in the Beowulf video game.
Beowulf(TM) - Achievements:
"Achievement Unlocked” – If you find this phrase familiar (and
you know you do), you will no doubt be interested in checking out what new
achievement points await to help jack up your gamer score in the upcoming
Beowulf video game. Check the included package for a full run-down of
achievements with accompanying images and all! Achievement addicts…this
is a must.
About the Movie Groundbreaking director
Robert Zemeckis offers a vision of the Beowulf saga that has never been
told before. In a time of heroes, the mighty warrior Beowulf slays the
demon Grendel and incurs the wrath of its monstrous, yet seductive, mother
in a conflict that transforms a king into a legend. Beowulf stars Ray
Winstone in the title role and Anthony Hopkins as the corrupt King
Hrothgar, as well as John Malkovich, Robin Wright Penn, Brendan Gleeson,
Crispin Glover, Alison Lohman and Angelina Jolie as Grendel's mother.
Paramount Pictures, in association with Shangri-La Entertainment, Presents
an ImageMovers Production of a Robert Zemeckis film, Beowulf. Neil Gaiman
& Roger Avary adapted the legend for the screen. The film is produced
by Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis and Jack Rapke. The executive producers
are Martin Shafer, Roger Avary and Neil Gaiman.
> November 12, 2007
Halo 3 soundtrack out
Shrek rocks Xbox Live
More To Be Thankful For This Year
- Xbox LIVE Arcade Launches 100th Title This Wednesday As "SHREK N
ROLL" and "Screwjumper!" Join the Platform
Join “Shrek®,” “Fiona,” “Donkey,”
“Puss in Boots” and 20 other twisted fairy tale friends in “SHREK N
ROLL,” a puzzle game designed for ogres of all ages on Xbox LIVE Arcade.
Navigate through 16 challenging mazes
across four unique environments in Far Far Away’s newest competitive
tournament. Test your tilting and rolling skills in Single Player mode,
challenge others in Versus mode, or work together with friends and family
in 2-player local Co-op mode. The game will be available worldwide with
the exception of Korea and Japan this Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00
a.m. PST) for 800 Microsoft Points, and is rated “E” (Everyone –
Comic Mischief) by the ESRB.
• For more details on “SHREK N ROLL,”
please visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/shreknrollxboxlivearcade/
Also this Wednesday, Xbox LIVE Arcade
launches its 100th title with “Screwjumper!.” Published by THQ and
developed by Frozen Codebase, players take the plunge in “Screwjumper!”
and free-fall into the depths of a chaotic underworld, driving aliens back
to their home world by destroying their precious mining equipment. The
free-falling action takes place on four different planets and features a
total of 20 mines.
“Screwjumper!” allows players to
compete with friends locally via a split-screen mode, as well as over Xbox
LIVE. The game will be available worldwide with the exception of Korea and
Japan this Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PST) for 800 Microsoft
Points and is rated “E 10+” by the ESRB.
• For more details on “Screwjumper!,”
please visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/screwjumperxboxlivearcade/default.htm
SUMTHING ELSE MUSIC WORKS
ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF THE HALO 3 ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK FROM THE BLOCKBUSTER
XBOX 360 VIDEO GAME
FROM THE MOST SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINMENT
LAUNCH IN HISTORY, COMES THE MOST ANTICIPATED VIDEO GAME SOUNDTRACK OF
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
New York - October 17th, 2007 - Sumthing
Else Music Works, Inc., through its licensing relationship with Microsoft
Game Studios, proudly presents Halo® 3 Original Soundtrack. The highly
anticipated original soundtrack comes in a 2-CD set featuring the game’s
original music score and will be released on November 20th to US retail
outlets through Nile Rodgers’ Sumthing Else Music Works label
www.sumthing.com and via digital download at Sumthing Digital
www.sumthingdigital.com.
Halo 3 is the conclusion to the epic
trilogy and picks up where Halo 2 left off, answering questions about the
fates of the beloved protagonist Master Chief™ and his artificial
intelligence sidekick Cortana as they struggle to save humankind from
destruction at the hands of the alien coalition known as the Covenant.
The official Halo 3 Original Soundtrack
features the new symphonic compositions by Martin O’Donnell and Michael
Salvatori, the award-winning composers behind the best-selling Halo:
Combat Evolved, Halo 2 Volume One and Halo 2 Volume Two soundtracks. In
addition to new original tracks written for the Halo 3 video game, the
Halo 3 Original Soundtrack also includes new arrangements of the game’s
musical themes that Bungie’s audio director and composer Martin O’Donnell
recorded with a full live orchestra and chorus. The 2-CD set amounts to
two hours of original music from the game Halo 3.
Developed by Bungie Studios and
published by Microsoft Game Studios, the critically acclaimed Xbox 360®
exclusive, which was released worldwide on Tuesday, Sept. 25, is the
fastest-selling video game ever and already one of the most successful
entertainment properties in history. The Xbox 360 title beat previous U.S.
sales records set by blockbuster openings for entertainment events such as
the release of “Spider-Man 3” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly
Hallows.” Halo 3 was released in 37 countries and 17 languages. To date,
more than 20 million copies of the games in the Halo trilogy have been
sold worldwide. For more information visit www.halo3.com.
About Sumthing Else Music Works, Inc.
Nile Rodgers started Sumthing Else Music
Works (SEMW) as a nationwide record label and creative outlet for
independent artists and unique musical projects. Through its affiliated
company, Sumthing Distribution, SEMW prides itself on its ability to
rapidly and effectively deliver to the marketplace many innovative
products. In view of the successes of its previous game soundtrack
releases, the company is now recognized as the leader in this newly
emerging musical genre. Accordingly, SEMW has bolstered its commitment to
enhancing gamers’ overall experience by acquiring many new titles to
complement its current catalog of releases. For more information visit
www.sumthing.com and www.sumthingdigital.com.
Sumthing Else Music Works and Sumthing
Distribution logos are copyright of their respective companies. All other
names of products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their
respective owners.
The names of actual companies and
products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective
owners.
> November 9, 2007
Jowood reveals Universe bundles
Beowulf game composers named
Uncharted, Motorstorm pack on PS Store
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Demo,
Motorstorm Devil's Weekend add-on and Guitar Hero III music packs
highlight this week's Playstation (TM) Store update
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune Demo (free)
Download the exclusive demo of the highly anticipated Uncharted: Drake’s
Fortune! File size: 1.17 GB ESRB Rated T
College Hoops 2K8 Demo (free) College
Hoops 2K8, the #1 selling college basketball game last year and the #1
rated college basketball game five years running returns to the
PLAYSTATION3 computer entertainment system. This year’s game gets the
deepest feature enhancements in the history of the franchise and is sure
to be a contender to repeat as what Operation Sports crowned “Basketball
Game of the Year” for 2006. File size: 578 MB ESRB Rated E
Add-on Game Content
MotorStorm Devil’s Weekend Add-On
($5.99) The MotorStorm festivals continue with a new lineup of brutal
events to battle through. Devil’s Weekend is packed with new content
that includes: • New track – Devil’s Crossing • The Devil’s
Weekend festival with 9 new races • 5 new vehicles with 3 styles each
available immediately File size: 90.5 MB
Guitar Hero III Foo Fighters Pack
($6.25) “The Pretender” off of the “Echoes Silence Patience &
Grace” album, “All My Life” off of the “One by One” album, and
“This Is A Call” off of the “Foo Fighters (self titled)” album, as
performed by the Foo Fighters. File size: 60.7 MB
Guitar Hero III Velvet Revolver Pack
($6.25) “She Builds Quick Machines” off of the “Libertad” album,
“Slither” off of the “Contraband” album, and “Messages” off of
the “Libertad (Deluxe Version)” album, as performed by Velvet
Revolver. File size: 45.9 MB
Game Videos
MotorStorm Devil’s Weekend Video
(free) In this video, Jed Ashforth, Gameplay Manager for MotorStorm
Downloadable Content, describes the fantastic features found in the Devil’s
Weekend pack. File size: 125 MB (SD)
Ratchet & Clank Future: ToD Launch
Trailer (free) An orphan of the universe, Ratchet has never known anything
of his Lombax origins. When an alien tyrant driven by an unexplainable
hatred for Lombaxes attacks Ratchet and Clank’s home, they are thrust
into an epic adventure where they will discover that Ratchet’s past is
the key to the galaxy’s future. File size: 23.7 MB (SD), 55.87 MB (HD)
Devil May Cry 4 TGS Trailer 2 (free) The
extended version of the Devil May Cry 4 trailer unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo
Game Show! Already causing a stir all over the world, this version
contains cut scene footage added to the ‘Stylish Action’ previously
shown in the short trailer! Get a glimpse into the world of DMC4! File
size: 214 MB (HD)
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Trailer
(free) Official WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Trailer. File size: 40.4 MB
(HD)
Burnout Paradise “Carson GT” Trailer
(free) The new generation of American muscle cars is here. The Carson GT
Concept. File size: 61.3 MB (HD)
Burnout Paradise “Manhattan” Trailer
(free) There’s only one reason you’d be driving around downtown in a
bright pink car and that is … showing off! It might not be the fastest
racer, it might not be the nimblest mover and it might not be the toughest
fighter; but when you’re sailing through the air doing a double-barrel
roll, you will at least get noticed! File size: 51.9 MB (HD)
Movie and Blu-ray Disc Trailers
One Missed Call Trailer (free) What will
it sound like when you die? In the supernatural thriller “One Missed
Call,” a chain of people receive terrifying cell phone messages of their
own final, fatal moments. Though the messages can be deleted, their number
is up. File size: 27.6 MB (SD), 105 MB (HD), 143 MB (1080)
Sweeney Todd Trailer (free) Johnny Depp
and Tim Burton join forces again in a big-screen adaptation of Stephen
Sondheim’s award-winning musical thriller “Sweeney Todd.” Depp stars
in the title role as a man unjustly sent to prison who vows revenge, not
only for that cruel punishment, but for the devastating consequences of
what happened to his wife and daughter. File size: 94 MB (1080) File size:
29.3 MB (SD), 109 MB (HD), 145 MB (1080)
Hostel Part II Trailer (free) Presented
by genre master Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill, Vol. 1 & 2) and directed
by Eli Roth (Hostel, Cabin Fever), Hostel Part II is the shocking and
gruesome sequel of the underground torture ring where rich businessmen pay
to torture and murder their victims. File size: 162 MB (1080)
PS3 Wallpaper
(5) Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Wallpapers (free) Customize the background of your PS3 system with this
new Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Wallpaper File sizes: 623 KB - 1.36 MB
Note: 3 free themes are also now
available for download (Classy Pink, Pixel and Nature).
UBISOFT'S BEOWULF(TM) VIDEO GAME TO
FEATURE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK COMPOSED BY SASCHA DIKICIYAN AND CRIS VELASCO
Acclaimed Composers Provide Epic
Orchestral Score for Game Based on Paramount and Shangri-La's Upcoming
Feature Film
Download audio clips and recording
session images here: http://files.us.ubisoft.com/Beowulf_Music_11.8.07.zip
SAN FRANCISCO – November 8, 2007 –
Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced
that top video game composers Sascha Dikiciyan and Cris Velasco have
created an original orchestral music score for Beowulf(TM), the new action
combat video game based on Paramount Pictures' and Shangri-La
Entertainment's upcoming feature film Beowulf(TM). The Beowulf(TM) video
game is scheduled for worldwide release in conjunction with the movie's
opening in November 2007.
Created by the industry's most in-demand
composer team in Dikiciyan and Velasco, the Beowulf(TM) video game score
is an epic musical journey featuring anthemic choral/orchestral
compositions and bombastic action cues driven by heavy brass and
thunderous percussion. The grand orchestral score was recorded with many
of San Francisco's best symphony musicians at the world famous Skywalker
Sound studios.
"The biggest challenge we had for
Beowulf's soundtrack was that the music not only had to support and
enhance the game's actions, but it also had to follow the evolution of
Beowulf universe; starting as a very heavy middle age Barbarian music and
ending as a modern and powerful Hollywood score,” stated Manu Bachet,
Music Supervisor at Ubisoft. "Within a very aggressive schedule, Cris
Velasco and Sascha Dikiciyan managed to compose the most refined barbarian
soundtrack ever heard on this side of the Danes kingdom."
"Working with Ubisoft on Beowulf
reminds me of why I love being a game composer; it was an amazing
experience from start to finish,” said Cris Velasco. "We began by
meeting with all the creative teams from around the world to review the
incredible visuals and game play that we would use as inspiration for the
music. The score was recorded using top players and singers from the San
Francisco area, and over the course of two days we had a great time both
working in the studio and hanging out at the Skywalker Ranch."
The Beowulf(TM) video game takes players
deep into Academy Award®-winning director Robert Zemeckis' vision of the
classic saga, Beowulf. Gamers live the life of Beowulf, the legendary
Norse warrior with the strength of 30 men who is torn between the nobility
and brutality within him. Arrogant, self-serving, and lustful for gold and
glory, Beowulf will journey to Denmark to destroy a bloodthirsty beast
wreaking havoc on a frigid land. But evil persists, and Beowulf succumbs
to its lure of even greater fame, quietly maneuvering to claim the Danish
throne. As King, Beowulf must face the consequences of ambition, even as
war descends on the realm. As Beowulf, players lead their men, called
Thanes, into battle, slay the Titans of a dying age, and crush the enemies
that threaten to annihilate both their kingdom and people. Only then, when
Beowulf looks Destiny in the eye, will he know what kind of hero he has
truly become
JOWOOD PRODUCTIONS TO RELEASE UNIVERSE
EDITIONS OF THEIR MOST SUCCESSFUL BRANDS
„SpellForce“, „Gothic“ and „The
Guild“ - Soon to be Available as Brand-Bundles
Liezen, Austria, November 9th 2007;
JoWooD Productions is ready to start this year’s Christmas season with
the release of a great new gaming series Top Brands such as “SpellForce”,
“Gothic” and “The Guild” will soon be available as Universe
Editions.
“Our Universe Editions will combine
all parts of the most successful JoWooD brands in separate packages. This
means that JoWooD will release “SpellForce Universe Edition”, “Gothic
Universe Edition” and last but not least “The Guild Universe Edition”
in their own brand bundles, explains Johannes Natterer, Senior Marketing
Manager JoWooD Productions.
About “SpellForce”: SpellForce is
one of the most famous genre-mixed series in gaming history. The game
combines real time strategy with role play gaming and guarantees an
exciting mix full of magic, mystic and power.
Universe Edition contains: SpellForce
– The Order of Dawn
SpellForce – The Breath of Winter
SpellForce – Shadow of the Phoenix
SpellForce 2 – Shadow Wars
SpellForce 2 – Dragon Storm
About Gothic: Nameless but also a hero
– For many years the nameless hero of the Gothic series has fascinated a
worldwide community. Cold and bleak with a mystic charm, the Gothic brand
has become one of the most successful brands in the role playing genre.
Universe Edition contains: Gothic 1
Gothic 2
Gothic 2 – Night of the raven
Gothic 3
About The Guild (Europe 1400): The 14th
century makes its great appearance in the entire The Guild series. Players
experience the hard and fascinating life of the medieval time. To be good
or evil – it all depends on player’s decision.
Universe Edition contains: Europe 1400
– The Guild
Europe 1400 – The Guild AddOn
The Guild 2
The Guild 2 – Pirates of the European
Seas
Release: November 2007
About JoWooD Productions Software AG
JoWooD Productions Software AG (ATXPrime: JWD) is listed in the Prime
Market segment of the Vienna stock exchange. JoWooD is a leading publisher
of computer- and videogames, releasing international acclaimed,
high-quality titles for all existing and future gaming systems. JoWooD
games are distributed worldwide by an efficient net of distribution
partners. Visit http://corporate.jowood.com for more information.
> November 8, 2007
Trend Micro adds PS3 security
SimCity donated to laptop project
Sony outlines Holiday titles
Sony Computer Entertainment
America Announces 2007 Holiday Software Line-Up for PLAYSTATION(R)3, PSP(R)
(PlayStation(R)Portable) and PlayStation(R)2
More than 100 First- and Third-Party
Games and Limited Edition Hardware Bundles to Launch in time for the
Holidays
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/
-- Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today unveiled its 2007
holiday line-up, including a rich first-party and third-party software
offering for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)), PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable)
and PlayStation(R)2 and a variety of hardware bundles for all
PlayStation(R) platforms. PlayStation systems' robust first and
third-party software line-up demonstrates a continued commitment from both
SCEA and third-party developers to the PlayStation family of products and
aims to appeal to enthusiast and casual gamers alike.
"This holiday season we are offering our largest line up of quality
software and hardware products to meet every taste, lifestyle and
budget," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing,
SCEA. "Triple-A masterpieces such as Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction and bundles such as the
Daxter(TM) PSP(R) Entertainment Pack and the SingStar PlayStation(R)2
Pack, will demonstrate SCEA's commitment to providing consumers with the
most diverse software and hardware on the market today." SCEA's
strong holiday first-party line-up includes PS3 heavy hitters, Heavenly
Sword(TM) from Ninja Theory Ltd; the action-adventure Uncharted: Drake's
Fortune(TM) from Jak & Daxter(R) developer Naughty Dog; Ratchet &
Clank(R) Future: Tools of Destruction(TM) from the highly acclaimed
Insomniac Games; the trading card based THE EYE OF JUDGMENT(TM), produced
in conjunction with Hasbro(R) and its Wizards of the Coast subsidiary and
NBA 08 featuring the most realistic basketball gameplay available in Full
HD at 1080p and 60 fps (frames per second). On the PSP front, bundles like
the Daxter(TM) PSP(R) Entertainment Pack and the limited edition Star Wars
Battlefront(R) PSP(R) Entertainment Pack will show off the
multi-functionality of the newly-designed PSP system. SCEA also brings a
strong portable first-party software line-up to consumers including new
IP's like Jeanne d'Arc and established franchises, Syphon Filter(R):
Logan's Shadow, and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike. For those
planning holiday parties, PlayStation(R)2 is getting a social makeover
with limited edition ceramic white hardware, SingStar(TM) Pop and festive
price point of $149.99 (SRP) when the SingStar PlayStation(R)2 Pack
launches this November. In addition to the vast library of existing titles
for PlayStation(R)2, SCEA will be launching holiday games geared towards
the social and casual gamer including Buzz!(TM) The Mega Quiz, Buzz!(TM)
Junior: Jungle Party, SingStar(TM): Amped and SingStar (TM): '80s.
SCEA's 2007 holiday line-up will
include: PLAYSTATION(R)3 First-Party: THE EYE OF JUDGMENT(TM) Heavenly
Sword(TM) NBA 08 Lair Folklore(TM) Ratchet & Clank(R) Future: Tools of
Destruction(TM) Uncharted: Drakes Fortune(TM) Warhawk(TM) Third-Party:
Call of Duty(R) 4: Modern Warfare(TM), Activision Guitar Hero(TM) III:
Legends of Rock, Activision Tony Hawk's Proving Ground, Activision
Jericho(TM), Codemasters Kane & Lynch: Dead Men(TM), Eidos FIFA 08, EA
Medal of Honor Airborne(TM), EA Rock Band(TM), EA Orange Box, The, EA
Simpsons(TM) Game, The, EA Bladestorm(TM): The Hundred Years' War, Koei
LEGO(R) Star Wars(TM): The Complete Saga, Lucas Arts BlackSite(TM): AREA
51(R), Midway John Woo Presents Stranglehold(TM) Collector's Edition,
Midway Unreal Tournament(R) 3, Midway Time Crisis(R) 4, NAMCO BANDAI SEGA
Rally Revo(TM), Sega College Hoops 2K8, Take 2 Interactive WWE(R)
SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2008, THQ Juiced(TM) 2: Hot Import Nights(TM), THQ
MX vs. ATV(TM) Untamed, THQ Assassin's Creed(TM), UbiSoft Blazing Angels(R)
2: Secret Missions of WWII, UbiSoft Haze(TM), UbiSoft TimeShift(TM),
Vivendi Elder Scrolls IV: OBLIVION(R) - Game of the Year Edition, Zenimax
PLAYSTATION(R)Network High Velocity
Bowling(TM) PAIN Everyday Shooter Go! Sports Ski(TM) Go! Sports
Skydiving(TM) Mesmerize 1 Trials of Topoq MotorStorm(TM) Christmas Livery
Toy Home(TM) Twisted Metal(TM) 2 (PS One) MotorStorm(TM) Premium Pack 2
Resistance: Fall of Man(TM): Map Pack 2 Operation Creature Feature(TM)
Aquatopia Snakeball(TM) flOw Download Pack MotorStorm(TM) Vehicle and
Livery Pack PixelJunk(TM) Monsters Folklore(TM) Download Packs 1 and 2
PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable)
First-party: Jeanne d'Arc NBA '08 SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike
Syphon Filter(R): Logan's Shadow Third-party: Spider-Man 3(TM), Activision
Tony Hawk's Proving Ground, Activision Atari Classics Evolved, Atari
Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law(TM), Capcom Ben 10(TM): Protector of
Earth, D3 FIFA 08, EA The Sims(TM) 2 Castaway, EA The Simpsons(TM) Game,
EA Castlevania(R): The Dracula X Chronicles(TM), Konami Silent Hill(R)
Origins, Konami
PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable)
Third-Party Continued: Metal Gear Solid(R): Portable Ops Plus, Konami Star
Wars Battlefront(TM): Renegade Squadron(TM), Lucas Arts Sonic Rivals(TM)
2, Sega The Golden Compass(TM), Sega Final Fantasy Tactics(R): The War of
the Lions(TM), Square-Enix WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2008, THQ MX vs.
ATV(TM) Untamed, THQ Beowulf(TM), Ubisoft SWAT(R): Target Liberty(TM),
Vivendi Aliens vs. Predator(TM) Requiem, Vivendi
PlayStation(R)2 First-Party: Buzz!(TM)
The Mega Quiz Buzz!(TM) Junior: Jungle Party Hot Shots Tennis(TM) NBA '08
SingStar(TM): Amped SingStar (TM): 80's Syphon Filter(R): Dark Mirror
Third-Party: Cabela's(R) Monster Bass, Activision Guitar Hero(TM) III:
Legends of Rock, Activision Tony Hawk's Proving Ground, Activision Dragon
Ball(R) Z: Budokai Tenkaichi(TM) 3, Atari High School Musical: Sing It,
Disney Need for Speed(TM) ProStreet, EA Rock Band(TM), EA Aqua Teen Hunger
Force(TM): Zombie Ninja Pro-Am, Midway .hack(R)//G.U.(TM) Vol. 3:
Redemption(TM), Namco Bandai PopCap(TM) Hits! Vol 1, Popcap Phantasy Star
Universe(TM): Ambition of the Illuminus, Sega Fatal Fury Battle
Archives(TM) Volume 2, SNK Final Fantasy(R) XI: Wings of the Goddess(TM),
Square-Enix College Hoops 2K8, Take 2 Avatar: The Last Airbender(TM) --
The Burning Earth, THQ SpongeBob's(TM) Atlantis SquarePants, THQ MX vs.
ATV(TM) Untamed, THQ Crash(R) of the Titans, Vivendi The Legend of
Spyro(TM): The Eternal Night, Vivendi Looney Tunes: Acme Arsenal(TM),
Warner Bros.
About Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to
redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R)
game consoles, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the
PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and the ground-breaking
PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system. Recognized as the
undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes,
markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the
PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3
system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony
Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North
American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc. Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com.
"PlayStation",
"PLAYSTATION", "PSP" and "PS one" are
registered trademarks and "PS3" and "UMD" are
trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. LucasArts and the LucasArts
logo are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd. (C) 2007 Lucasfilm
Entertainment Company Ltd. or Lucasfilm Ltd. (R) & TM as indicated.
All rights reserved. Full HD 1080p requires an HDMI cable and a 1080p
native display with an HDMI input supporting HDCP
Trend Micro Total Web Security
Service for PLAYSTATION 3 Available Worldwide
Free “Trend Micro Web Security for
PS3TM” to be provided as the first*1 service built for a gaming system
to block malicious Web sites using URL filtering combined with Web
reputation
Tokyo, Japan – November 7, 2007 –
Trend Micro, Incorporated (TSE: 4704), a leader in network antivirus and
Internet content security software, today announced a new total Web
security service for PLAYSTATIONÒ3 (hereinafter referred to as PS3TM)
released by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Trend Micro Web Security for PS3 is
expected to be available on November 8, and will be free of charge until
the end of April 2008*2.š This service is the first globally supported
Web security service for a home game system. The service provision starts
on November 8 as part of PS3’s system software update version 2.00 for
PS3s sold worldwide with the user interface in 16 languages*3.
Overview of “Trend Micro Web Security
for PS3”
Home game systems with Web site browsing
capabilities will continue to proliferate, and Web browsing via a game
console is expected to become more and more popular. With the growing
trend, users may also become more susceptible to malicious Web sites
through the game system, or may have a chance to become the victim of
cybercrime that targets monetary transactions such as shopping, banking,
and securities trading through Web sites.
This service is developed as a module
especially for PS3 using Trend Micro’s own Web reputation and URL
filtering technology. By using this service, a wide range of PS3 šusers
can feel safe to browse the Internet.
¦ Function: Blocks malicious and
harmful websites
Access to websites that are classified
into specific categories (Adult/Sex, Alcohol/Tobacco, Crime, Cults/The
Occult, Gambling, Hacking/Proxy Avoidance, Illegal Drugs, Sex Education,
Violence/Hate/Racism, Weapons/Military,š etc.) can be blocked simply by
going to the PS3 Internet Browser menu,*4 selecting “Tool,” and then
selecting “Trend Micro Web Security for PS3 ” from “Browser
Security.”š A password will be needed.š
¦ Blocking Mechanism: Web reputation
combined with URL filtering
When a website is accessed from PS3 ,
Trend Micro in-the-cloud databases are looked up. The URL filtering
database classifies Web sites into categories, and the Web reputation
database is highly immediate in evaluating Web pages, domains and IP
addresses. By using both capabilities together, malicious Web pages and
Web sites that were previously difficult to handle only with URL filtering
can also be blocked.
¦ Service provision begins on: November
8, 2007
The service is provided by updating the
PS3 šsystem software to Version 2.00, available starting on November 8.
¦ Service Charge: The service will be
provided free of charge until the end of April 2008*5.
Footnotes
*1š Source: Trend Micro. The first
total web security service combining URL filtering & Web reputation.š
*2š It will be provided free of charge
until the end of April on a trial basis. The date and method to switch to
a pay service and the price will be announced as soon as a decision is
made.
*3š Same as PS3 language support.
*4š The categories to be blocked are
predetermined. Users cannot select a category.
*5š The service will be provided free
of charge until the end of April on a trial basis. The date and method to
switch to a pay service and the price will be announced as soon as a
decision is made. For service overview, see http://webclassify.trendmicro.com
About Trend Micro
Trend Micro Incorporated is a pioneer in
secure content and threat management. Founded in 1988, Trend Micro
provides individuals and organizations of all sizes with award-winning
security software, hardware and services. With headquarters in Tokyo and
operations in more than 30 countries, Trend Micro solutions are sold
through corporate and value-added resellers and service providers
worldwide. For additional information and evaluation copies of Trend Micro
products and services, visit our Web site at www.trendmicro.com
EA DONATES ORIGINAL CITY- BUILDING GAME, SIMCITY, TO “ONE LAPTOP PER
CHILD” INITIATIVE
Genre-Defining Game Provides Children with Fun and Educational Way
To Engage with New Laptops
REDWOOD CITY—November 8, 2007—Today Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS)
announced the company will donate the original SimCity™ — the
blockbuster 1989 game credited with giving rise to the city-building game
genre—to each computer in the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative.
OLPC is a not-for-profit humanitarian effort to design, manufacture and
distribute inexpensive laptops with the goal of giving every child in the
world access to modern education. By gifting SimCity onto each OLPC
laptop, EA is providing users with an entertaining way to engage with
computers as well as help develop decision-making skills while honing
creativity. This is the first time a major video game publisher has gifted
a game to the world.
In SimCity, the player takes on the role of mayor of a new municipality—responsible
for building and maintaining a place where citizens can work and live
happily. Doing so requires laying out essentials such as housing,
transport links, schools, factories and shops. The job also requires an
ability to choose wisely—for example, some power sources pollute, while
others do not but are more expensive. Players must also be financially
savvy—raising taxes enough to guarantee an income that can be allocated
to public services such as policing and road repair, but not so high that
business growth is hampered or that citizens revolt. The mayor must always
be prepared for emergency situations as well, as earthquakes, floods and
fires can wreak havoc on the town and require an immediate response so
that fallout can be contained.
OLPC will begin distributing laptops in countries such as Uruguay, Peru,
Mexico, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Haiti, Cambodia and India by the end of 2007.
The idea to connect SimCity with OLPC came from internet pioneer, activist
and OLPC advisor John Gilmore who knew the game’s history and recognized
its potential relevance to the not-for-profit project. Not long after its
1989 release, SimCity became a phenomenon, winning more than 24 domestic
and international awards.
The game soon made its way into more than 10,000 classrooms as an
educational tool and became part of the annual Future City Competition, a
contest that still runs in seventh and eighth grade classrooms today. “SimCity
is entertainment that’s unintentionally educational. Players learn to
use limited resources to build and customize their cities. There are
choices and consequences, but in the end, it’s a creativity tool that’s
only limited by the player’s imagination,” said Steve Seabolt, vice
president of global brand development, The Sims Label. “The game should
prove to be an incredibly effective way of making the laptop relevant,
engaging, and fun, particularly for first time players. We are thrilled to
be making this contribution to OLPC to help meet their goal of educating
the children of the world.”
The SimCity franchise is one of the most popular PC gaming franchises in
history, having sold more than 18 million games worldwide to date since
the SimCity launch in 1989. Subsequent base game releases include SimCity
2000™ (1993), SimCity 3000™ (1999) and SimCity™ 4 (2003). The fifth
installment of the series, SimCity Societies, features an all-new,
revolutionary feature set that allows players to construct not only the
cities they desire, but to create their cultures and societal behaviors as
well. It is being published by Electronic Arts and developed by Tilted
Mill Entertainment for release across North America and Europe in November
2007.
> November 7, 2007
> November 7, 2007
New PS3 firmware detailed
Mass Effect plans mass launch
Language Coach titles hit Wii
New PLAYSTATION(R)3 Firmware
Update Adds PS3(TM) Remote Start Via PSP(R) and New Information Board That
Delivers PLAYSTATION News Updates Directly to the XMB(TM) Screen
Other New Upgrades Include the Ability
to Use Customized XMB Themes, Build Photo and Music Playlists, and the
Creation of New PLAYSTATION(R)Network Category Icon
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Nov. 7 /PRNewswire/
-- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that the
next system software update for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer
entertainment system, firmware version 2.00, will be available on
Thursday, Nov. 8, and will add several features that enhance the user
experience. Firmware 2.00 will deliver exciting new features such as
Remote Start, which upgrades the Remote Play feature by enabling users to
turn on a PS3 system remotely with their PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable)
system from an Internet hotspot, and a new Information Board, where users
will find the latest PlayStation(R) news and updates in a scrolling window
on the XMB(TM) (XrossMediaBar) menu screen. Other new features include the
addition of custom themes that personalize the XMB interface, the ability
to build music and photo playlists, and the creation of a
PLAYSTATION(R)Network category on XMB. "PLAYSTATION 3 is constantly
evolving and this latest firmware is a great example of how we can make
existing features such as Remote Play even more user-friendly. We're also
delivering entirely new offerings that increase our touchpoints with
consumers through the new Information Board," said Eric Lempel,
director, PLAYSTATION Network Operations, SCEA. "These types of
updates show the value of PS3 goes beyond your initial purchase, and we're
continuing to evaluate new technology upgrades and consumer interests to
develop future firmware updates throughout PS3's lifecycle."
Remote Start Since May 2007, the Remote
Play feature has enabled users to stream photos, videos, and music stored
on their PS3 hard drive or PC onto a PSP system, whenever their PSP system
is connected to a wireless Internet access point (or hotspot). Consumers
have also been able to use PS3 system as a gateway to remotely access
media files stored on their PC with their PSP system, all through PS3's
Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) capability. Now users no longer
have to leave their PS3 system on when they leave home, as the new
firmware update adds Remote Start, allowing a PSP system to remotely turn
on a PS3 system from a hotspot. Once they're done using Remote Play, users
can also turn off their PS3 with their PSP. This delivers greater
flexibility to the Remote Play feature and makes accessing media files
on-the- go easier than ever.
Information Board A new Information
Board enables SCEA to communicate directly with PS3 users, delivering
information to XMB on a regular basis about new content added to
PLAYSTATION(R)Store, software releases, hardware news, firmware details
and other updates. The Information Board consists of a window on the upper
right corner above the XMB that scrolls through the headlines of each
item. Users can read the entire "story" or update by clicking on
the Information Board icon under the Network category. Some Information
Board updates will include a Web site link for more information, which the
user can click on to view using PS3 system's browser. Moving forward, the
Information Board will be a valuable communications tool that allows SCEA
to push real-time news and updates to PS3 owners. Users can turn the
scrolling window on or off by clicking on the Information Board icon under
the Network category and changing the setting.
Other Feature Upgrades -- Custom themes
-- Users can now personalize their XMB by choosing custom themes, which
change wallpapers and icons at one time. A variety of themes will be
available for download from PLAYSTATION Store and http://www.playstation.com,
including themes related to specific titles or franchises. Users can also
create their own themes and share them with their friends. Instructions on
how to build personalized themes will be posted soon on http://www.playstation.com.
-- Music and photo playlists -- Users can now create playlists for photos
and music stored on their PS3 system. This new feature makes it simple to
create personalized soundtracks of favorite songs or share slideshows of
favorite photos, all grouped according to the user's preference. --
PLAYSTATION Network category -- A PLAYSTATION Network category icon has
been added to XMB, where users will now access PLAYSTATION Store and
Account Management settings. PLAYSTATION Network continues to evolve and
this dedicated category reflects SCEA's focus on current PLAYSTATION
Network offerings, primarily PLAYSTATION Store, and several new
initiatives planned for the future. The current Network category icon will
continue to include the Remote Play feature, Internet browser, Folding@home(TM),
and online instruction manuals.
To install the latest system software on
your PS3 system, you can select the System Update feature when your system
is connected to the Internet; use a PC to download the update data and
transfer it to the PS3 system through storage media or a USB mass storage
device; or install it using update data included on an upcoming game disc.
Further details are available at http://www.playstation.com.
About Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to
redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R)
game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R)
(PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system, the
ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system,
and its online and network services, the PLAYSTATION(R)Network and
PLAYSTATION(R)Store. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony
Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of
products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for
the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system,
the PSP system and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in
Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as
headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
"PlayStation,"
"PLAYSTATION," "PSP," "PS one" are
registered trademarks and "PS3" and "XMB" are
trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Countdown Begins for Launch of “Mass
Effect” with Exclusive Debut of TV Spot, SCI FI Channel Special,
Micro-Site and Official Soundtrack
Microsoft, Yahoo! and SCI FI Channel
celebrate the upcoming release of the holiday’s most anticipated new
action role-playing game with two weeks of exclusive special programming
and events
As the Nov. 20 launch date for “Mass
Effect” for Xbox 360 draws nigh, the threat of an alien rogue force
looms ever closer. To help unlock some of the secrets and mysteries of the
vast universe in the highly-anticipated action RPG, Microsoft and Yahoo!
will debut the exclusive television trailer for the upcoming game on
Thursday, Nov. 8. On Monday, Nov. 12, the SCI FI Channel and Microsoft
will continue its countdown for the retail release of “Mass Effect” by
premiering the all-new, two-hour extended episode of “Battlestar
Galactica: Razor” in select movie theaters. For those lucky enough to
attend the Seattle premiere, Jamie Bamber, who plays Apollo in “Battlestar
Galactica,” and show creator and executive producer Ronald D. Moore will
be in attendance.
On Tuesday, Nov. 20, the SCI FI Channel
will celebrate the launch of “Mass Effect” with the debut of a
30-minute special entitled “Sci vs. Fi: Mass Effect.” Scheduled to air
at 11 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, the special will feature more in-depth
information about the game, exclusive interviews and exciting behind-the
scenes footage.
In conjunction with the special, fans
are encouraged to go to http://www.scifi.com/masseffect to find all the
show times and sign up for the “Mass Effect” sweepstakes, starting
Nov. 13, for a chance to win the coveted limited collector’s edition of
“Mass Effect.”
Also fueling anticipation for the game
is the new “Mass Effect” micro-site on Xbox.com, which launched today
at http://www.xbox.com/masseffect. The micro-site offers a wealth of “Mass
Effect” content in one convenient portal, including the latest news and
events on the game, as well as screenshots and special promotional items
that no space traveling enthusiast should be without. Music fans will also
find the “Mass Effect” Original Game Soundtrack, now available for
presale and at retailers on Nov. 20.
From the creators of the
critically-acclaimed “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” and “Jade
Empire” comes an epic space saga exclusively for the Xbox 360 that spans
the entire galaxy. Combining a rich and engaging narrative with intense
sci-fi tactical combat, “Mass Effect” features an immersive and
cinematic gameplay experience rarely seen before in video games.
For additional information on “Mass
Effect,” please visit http://masseffect.bioware.com. “Mass Effect”
is rated “M” for Mature.
About BioWare
BioWare Corp. is an electronic
entertainment company which develops computer, console, handheld 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, as well as the 2003 Game of the Year, Star Wars®: Knights of the
Old Republic™. Original BioWare-created IPs include the 2005 RPG of the
Year, Jade Empire™, with next-generation titles Mass Effect™ and
Dragon Age™ currently in development. Mass Effect will ship to retailers
globally in November, 2007. The game has received more than 50 awards,
including the 2007 Game Critics Awards for “Best Console Game” and “Best
RPG” at the Electronic Entertainment Expo. With studios in Edmonton,
Canada, and Austin, Texas, BioWare is also hard at work on a new title for
the Nintendo DS™ based on Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as several
unannounced projects including a massively multiplayer online game. For
more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com.
*BioWare, BioWare Corp., Mass Effect,
Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or registered trademarks owned
by BioWare Corp. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks and
copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights
reserved.
About Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is a leading
worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox® and Xbox 360
video game systems, the Windows® operating system and online platforms.
Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is
committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows
(http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as “Age of
Empires®,” “Flight Simulator” and “Zoo Tycoon®”; Xbox and Xbox
360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as “Gears of War” and
franchises such as “Halo,” “Fable®,” “Project Gotham Racing®”
and “Forza Motorsport®”; and MSN® Games (http://www.games.msn.com),
the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as
“Bejeweled” and “Hexic®.”
UBISOFT ANNOUNCES THAT THREE "MY
COACH” GAMES HAVE SHIPPED TO STORE SHELVES
My Word Coach, My Spanish Coach and My
French Coach Teach Players Vocabulary and New Language Skills
SAN FRANCISCO — November 6, 2007 —
Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced
that My Word Coach (Wii(TM) and Nintendo DS(TM) systems), My Spanish Coach
and My French Coach (Nintendo DS) have all shipped to retail stores. The
"My Coach” series of games allows players to improve themselves and
learn in an interactive and stimulating way, while having fun at the same
time.
My Word Coach, developed under the
guidance of a linguist, is a game that anyone can play to improve
vocabulary and increase confidence in verbal expression. The game consists
of a variety of training exercises, four "Coach” personalities and
a database of more than 16,800 words to master. My Word Coach helps
players in a number of ways in their daily lives, whether it's writing an
email, interviewing for a job or taking a test.
My Word Coach features include: •
Robust catalogue of definitions: With a dictionary of over 16,800 words to
master, players will never run out of fun. • Adaptable lessons for all
skill levels: Activities are customized depending on each player's
abilities, making My Word Coach a game for everyone! • Multiplayer mode:
Players can challenge their friends to a vocabulary competition using one
of five multiplayer games – such as Safecracker and Cereal Letter.
My Spanish Coach and My French Coach for
Nintendo DS teach players the basics of word use, grammar and construction
of phrases through fun and easy-to-play mini-games. Designed under the
guidance of Spanish and French teachers, the games are equipped with over
1,000 interactive lessons, complete with almost 10,000 words and 400
phrases to master.
My Spanish/French Coach features
include: • Interactive lessons: Tutorials cover almost 10,000 words and
400 phrases, providing students with a comprehensive tool to language
mastery. • Traveler's guide: With the ability to search for phrases by
list, category or keyword, players won't find themselves at a loss for
words anymore. • Pronunciation tests: Players can use the DS' built-in
microphone to strengthen their speaking skills.
My Word Coach for the Wii has a MSRP of
$49.99 and My Word Coach, My Spanish Coach and My French Coach, all for
the Nintendo DS, have MSRPs of $29.99.
About Ubisoft Ubisoft is a leading
producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products
worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified
line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries
and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to
delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers.
Ubisoft generated sales of 680 million Euros for the 2006-07 fiscal year.
To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com or www.mycoachgames.com.
© 2007 Ubisoft Entertainment. All
Rights Reserved. Ubisoft, Ubi.com, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of
Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. Nintendo DS and
Wii are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2006 Nintendo.
> November 6, 2007
> November 6, 2007
SOCOM: Tactical Strike hits PSP
Classic teams hit College Hoops
World Heroes sets PS2 return
Gears of War smashes Windows
SNK PLAYMORE USA Announces World Heroes
Anthology for PlayStation®2 system
Wall, NJ -- Nov. 6, 2007 -- SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, the U.S.
publishing arm of the SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION, today announced WORLD
HEROES ANTHOLOGY for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.
WORLD HEROES ANTHOLOGY is a complete
compilation of the WORLD HEROES series, one of SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION's
most popular 2D-fighting series. Included in the collection are WORLD
HEROES, WORLD HEROES 2, WORLD HEROES 2 JET and WORLD HEROES PERFECT.
In WORLD HEROES ANTHOLOGY, players
battle through history in a tournament facilitated by a time machine, so
many of the game's dozens of characters are based on actual historical
figures. WORLD HEROES ANTHOLOGY includes hand-to-hand combat as well as
weapons-based fighting, and super-human abilities allow characters to
perform powerful special attacks. "WORLD HEROES ANTHOLOGY puts a
twist on the tried-and-true 2D-fighter formula," said Ben Herman,
president of SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION. "The time-travel element
allows for the inclusion of characters inspired by figures ranging from
ancient philosophers to modern-day athletes."
WORLD HEROES ANTHOLOGY will be available
for the PlayStation®2 system in spring 2008.
About SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION
Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, SNK
PLAYMORE CORPORATION (SNK) develops, publishes and distributes interactive
entertainment software in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Founded
in 1978, SNK is one of the largest privately held interactive
entertainment content providers in the world. Known for such franchises as
THE KING OF FIGHTERS, METAL SLUG, and SAMURAI SHODOWN SNK continues to be
an industry leader by focusing on their rich arcade history. More
information on SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION can be found at
www.snkplaymore.co.jp SNK PLAYMORE USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of SNK
PLAYMORE CORPORATION with offices in Wall, NJ. It handles operations in
North America including publishing, marketing, development and
localization. More information on SNK PLAYMORE USA can be found at
www.snkplaymoreusa.com
Michael Meyers PR Michael Meyers email:
michael@mmpr.com phone: 925.551.8080
Locust Horde Shudders as “Gears of
War®” for Windows Releases to Retailers
Critically hailed and wildly popular
Xbox 360 blockbuster arrives on Windows and will be on store shelves this
week.
Microsoft Game Studios announced today
that the eagerly-awaited “Gears of War” for Windows (Windows
XP/Windows Vista) has shipped to retailers worldwide and will be in stores
this week. After launching exclusively for the Xbox 360 last November, “Gears
of War” is now bringing the fight to Windows, featuring five new
campaigns, new multiplayer modes and full Games for Windows – LIVE
support for online multiplayer gameplay sessions.
With the Xbox 360 version of the game
selling more than 4 million copies to date, “Gears of War” has been
lauded by critics for its gripping campaign and fast-paced multiplayer
action. Windows gamers can look forward to the “Gears of War”
experience for the very first time, and will get to choose between doing
battle via mouse and keyboard, or using the Windows-enabled Xbox 360
controller. From renowned developer Epic Games, “Gears of War” for
Windows will engage gamers in hyper-realistic combat, allowing players to
fight for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of
creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet.
In addition to retaining all of the
content from its Xbox 360 counterpart and all previously released
downloadable content (seven multiplayer maps and the Annex game mode), “Gears
of War” for Windows will feature exciting original content, all-new
Achievements to unlock and ultra-high resolution visuals, including
support for DirectX 10. Five new campaign chapters expand upon the
riveting story (including an epic battle with the fearsome Brumak), and
the action-packed multiplayer offering is bolstered with three exclusive
multiplayer maps, a “King of the Hill” game type and Games for Windows
– LIVE support to deliver online matchmaking for LIVE members. A new
game editor will allow users to develop an unlimited number of
user-created levels with complete access to the Unreal® Engine 3 Editor.
Players can get their hands on “Gears
of War” for Windows for the estimated retail price of $49.99 in the U.S.
“Gears of War” for Windows is rated “M” for mature audiences ages
17 years and older. For more information, please visit http://gearsofwar.com/news/.
About Epic Games
Epic Games, Inc., based in Cary, NC and
established in 1991, develops cutting-edge games and game engine
technology for PC and console. The company has created multiple
million-selling, award-winning titles in their Unreal series and their
latest game, Gears of War, broke sales records on Xbox 360 selling more
than 3 million copies worldwide in the first ten weeks and awarded overall
Game of the Year for 2006 by the Academy of Interactive Arts &
Sciences, Game Developers Choice Awards, GameSpot, GamePro and many
others. Epic is also responsible for the Unreal Engine, which is the
underlying technology for a wide range of games including Console Game of
the Year winner "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell " by Ubisoft; PC
Gamer's Game of the Year "Deus Ex" from Ion Storm/Eidos;
"America's Army: Special Forces" by the United States Army; and
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (PC) by Electronic Arts.
Epic's Unreal Engine 3 is the current holder, and three-time consecutive
winner, of Game Developer magazine's Front Line award for Best Game
Engine. Epic Games was also awarded Studio of the Year at the 2006 Spike
TV Video Game Awards and Developer of the Year by Official Xbox Magazine.
Additional information about Epic can be obtained through Epic's Web site
at www.epicgames.com
About Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is a leading
worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox® and Xbox 360
video game systems, the Windows® operating system and online platforms.
Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is
committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows
(http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as “Age of
Empires®,” “Flight Simulator” and “Zoo Tycoon®”; Xbox and Xbox
360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as “Gears of War” and
franchises such as “Halo,” “Fable®,” “Project Gotham Racing®”
and “Forza Motorsport®”; and MSN® Games (http://www.games.msn.com),
the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as
“Bejeweled” and “Hexic®.”
About Games for Windows
Microsoft Windows is the most popular
operating system in the world for games, delivering the widest range of
titles, the most gaming hardware choices, and advanced gaming technology
for players of all types. With Windows as the cornerstone, the Games for
Windows platform offers publishers and gamers the most enjoyable and
innovative gaming experiences available on a PC. More information can be
found online at http://www.gamesforwindows.com and http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Live/Pages/AboutLive.aspx.
About Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows
— LIVE
These LIVE services for gaming provide
the first and a fully comprehensive cross-platform gaming experience,
uniting players on Xbox 360 and select Games for Windows titles. These
LIVE services make it easy for members to find friends, games and
entertainment regardless of their preferred platform. LIVE connects
millions of members across 25 countries, allowing them to easily
communicate with each other and to enjoy the convenience of a single gamer
profile, Gamerscore and Friends List while playing hundreds of multiplayer
games. When accessing Xbox Live from an Xbox 360, members can download a
wide variety of content that includes games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and
premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows and movies as well as
new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favorite retail
games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live
and http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/live/aboutLive.aspx.
2K SPORTS ANNOUNCES 90 CLASSIC TEAMS IN
COLLEGE HOOPS 2K8
Novato, CA – November 5, 2007 - 2K
Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
(NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that College Hoops 2K8 will contain 90
classic teams for gamers to play. College Hoops 2K8 is the best rated
college basketball game for five straight years* and best selling college
basketball video game series this past season**.
By having the choice to play as a
historically famed college team or as one of the current favorites,
College Hoops 2K8 is delivering the most comprehensive college basketball
experience available. Within the 90 classic teams, 69 consist of teams
from years past including the 1982 North Carolina Tarheels and the
high-scoring 1990 Loyola Marymount Lions. In addition, gamers can choose
to play from six all-time conference teams or 15 all-time school teams
such as All-Time Duke and All-Time Michigan State.
College Hoops 2K8 will be available in
November for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from
Microsoft, and the PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer
entertainment systems.
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike
for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) Releases on November 6 to Stores
Nationwide
Sony Computer Entertainment America and
Slant Six Games Introduce New Gameplay Format to Multimillion-Unit-Selling
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Franchise
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/
-- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced today the launch
of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike exclusively for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable)
handheld entertainment system. Released in time for the holidays and
developed by Slant Six Games, this unique title brings a new gameplay
format to the SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs franchise, letting players take
tactical command of an entire SEAL team and experience a true combat
simulation. With more than 20 hours of gameplay in single-player mode
alone, established and new fans of the franchise alike will find that
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike builds on the strength of its
multi-million unit selling predecessors to create a new and exciting
approach to tactical warfare. Gamers will play their way through SOCOM:
U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike's nine main non-linear missions and 18
instant action missions as the tactical commander of an entire four-man
SEAL team who react to commands given in real-time. Evaluating their
situation from their team's perspective, players will plan their approach
and execute their strategy using the innate expertise of their four-man
team.
Another first for the SOCOM: U.S. Navy
SEALs franchise, players will also be given the option to play as
international Special Forces from the UK, Australia, France, Italy, Spain,
Germany, South Korea and the Netherlands, all supported with native
languages. "We are very excited by what we have accomplished with
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike," said Seth Luisi, Director of
Development, SCEA. "This PSP exclusive title offers the most
realistic portrayal of Special Operations' team tactics and strategy seen
to-date, while continuing to deliver the kind of excitement that the SOCOM
franchise is known for. We feel strongly that established and new SOCOM
fans alike will find that this game delivers an exhilarating experience
enhanced by some of the most impressive graphics seen on PSP so
far."
The storyline has players commanding a
four-man SEAL team set in the midst of rising instability in South America
after having been called on to rescue the ambassador to Panama who has
been abducted by radical insurgent forces. With consent from the
Panamanian government, players will guide their team as they are drawn
through the country's urban and industrial centers, and then into the lush
jungle surrounding the Panama Canal. Marking the seventh SOCOM: U.S. Navy
SEALs title to hit the PlayStation(R) family of platforms exclusively; the
realism that players can expect to experience with SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs
Tactical Strike is second-to-none with no hidden turns or unrealistic
rules. Maintaining long-standing relationships with U.S. Naval Special
Warfare Command, both SCEA and Slant Six Games took careful steps to
ensure that this PSP title offers the most realistic scenarios and
approaches throughout gameplay. While planning, evaluation and execution
play an important role in mission success, players will also need to have
a solid grasp of coordination, field tactics and equipment use to achieve
their campaign objectives. The title's open play style invites replay, and
improvement is rewarded with command equity, allowing players to upgrade
their skills, weapons and equipment. Building upon SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs
Fireteam Bravo and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 2's legacy of
online play, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike gives players the
opportunity to engage in multiplayer games of up to four players in both
Ad Hoc and online Infrastructure modes. The title's innovative new
gameplay format gives each player control of a team of four soldiers
delivering a truly unique multiplayer experience. The independent
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated SOCOM: U.S. Navy
SEALs Tactical Strike T for "Teen." For more information about
the ESRB visit http://www.esrb.org.
About Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to
redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R)
game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R)
(PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system, and the
ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops,
publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console,
the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the
PS3 system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif.,
Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all
North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony
Computer Entertainment Inc. Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com
> November 5, 2007
Sony launches PS2 Singstar pack
ESPN shows on Xbox Live
Austin Conf. founder goes to China
Command & Conquer Saga ships
Marbles & more crack Xbox Live
Sony Computer Entertainment
America Announces Nationwide Availability of Limited-Edition SingStar(TM)
PlayStation(R)2 Pack
New Bundle Delivers Social Gaming Right
Out-of-the-Box with Ceramic White PlayStation(R)2, SingStar(TM) Pop and
Two USB Microphones
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/
-- With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, Sony Computer
Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that its limited-edition
SingStar(TM) PlayStation(R)2 pack is now available nationwide for $149.99
MSRP. The new bundle delivers a social gaming experience out-of-the-box,
including a limited-edition Ceramic White PlayStation 2 computer
entertainment system, SingStar(TM) Pop, the second release in the
multi-million selling SingStar(TM) franchise, and two high-quality
microphones. "The SingStar PlayStation 2 pack delivers great value to
consumers, giving them a new, limited-edition color PlayStation 2 and a
hit game that the entire family can enjoy together, all at an attractive
price point," said Peter Dille, senior vice president, marketing and
PLAYSTATION(R)Network, SCEA.
"Consumers can then add to their software library choosing from a
great variety of nearly 1,500 games available for PlayStation 2, including
additional titles from the SingStar franchise -- SingStar(TM) Rocks!,
SingStar(TM) Amped, and SingStar(TM) 80's -- as well as the recently
released interactive quiz game, Buzz!(TM) The Mega Quiz." The new
limited edition Ceramic White PlayStation 2 features the same ultra-sleek
design and features of the current Charcoal Black and Satin Silver
PlayStation 2. This includes DVD and CD playback capabilities, digital
surround sound, two memory card slots, and an integrated Ethernet port for
network gaming. Bundled with the Ceramic White PlayStation 2 are SingStar
Pop and two microphones, enabling players to take center stage in their
living rooms with their favorite artists, singing along to real songs and
real music videos in duets, one-on-one battles, and even a "Pass-the-Mic"
party game with up to eight players. Social gaming is now more affordable
than ever with the SingStar PlayStation 2 pack, whether you're looking for
a centerpiece for family fun during the holidays or simply need a gift for
a loved one. PlayStation 2, which recently celebrated its seventh
anniversary, continues to be the all-time best-selling gaming system with
more than 120 million hardware units and more than a billion units of
PlayStation 2 software sold worldwide.
About Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to
redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R)
game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R)
(PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system, the
ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system,
and its online and network services, the PLAYSTATION(R)Network and
PLAYSTATION(R)Store. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony
Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of
products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for
the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system,
the PSP system and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in
Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as
headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
EA’S THE COMMAND & CONQUER
SAGA IN STORES NOW
Massive Compilation Including Thirteen
Command & Conquer Titles
LOS ANGELES, Calif., November 5, 2007 – Three generations of the popular
Command & Conquer™ series are now available in one bundle!
Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced The Command &
Conquer™ Saga is on store shelves today in North America for the PC.
This massive compilation of over a dozen Command & Conquer games
includes the award-winning Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars™ and
all the titles featured in Command & Conquer™ The First Decade. The
Command & Conquer Saga marks the largest PC franchise compilation to
date.
With 25 million copies sold worldwide, the Command & Conquer franchise
has defined the Real-time strategy (RTS) genre with its signature fast and
fluid gameplay, cutting-edge visuals, epic storylines, and rich campaign
missions. The series has evolved over a decade, spawned over a dozen
titles, and continues to be the genre benchmark by which all RTS games are
measured. With its explosive style of warfare, the Command & Conquer
franchise has grown over the years to span multiple fictional genres,
including the science fiction Tiberium Universe, the revisionist history
of the Command & Conquer Red Alert Universe, and a twist on modern
warfare with Command & Conquer™ Generals.
The Command & Conquer Saga contains the following titles:
• Command & Conquer™ (August 1995)
• Command & Conquer The Covert Operations™ (April 1996)
• Command & Conquer Red Alert™ (October 1996)
• Command & Conquer Red Alert Counterstrike™ (March 1997)
• Command & Conquer Red Alert™ The Aftermath™ (September 1997)
• Command & Conquer™ Tiberian Sun™ (August 1999)
• Command & Conquer™ Tiberian Sun™ Firestorm (February 2000)
• Command & Conquer Red Alert™ 2 (October 2000)
• Command & Conquer™ Red Alert™ Yuri’s Revenge™ (October
2001)
• Command & Conquer Renegade™ (February 2002)
• Command & Conquer™ Generals (February 2003)
• Command & Conquer™ Generals Zero Hour (September 2003)
• Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars™ (March 2007)
The Command & Conquer Saga has a US MSRP of $49.99. All games included
in the compilation are rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. For more
information on The Command & Conquer Saga or the Command & Conquer
series, please visit www.CommandAndConquer.EA.com.
###
About Command & Conquer
The Command & Conquer franchise celebrated its 12th anniversary in
August 2007. The groundbreaking franchise was one of the first to
introduce players to the modern RTS genre, has spawned over a dozen PC
titles, and ranks in the top 5 best-selling PC franchises of all-time
according to the NPD Group. Additionally, Command & Conquer Red Alert™
2 and Command & Conquer Generals were the number one best-selling* PC
RTS titles in 2000 and 2003 respectively. Collectively, the series has
sold 25 million units worldwide to date. The demo release for Command
& Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars reached an amazing 1 million downloads in
its first week. The franchise boasts one of the largest and most active
fan communities in the world. For more information on Command &
Conquer series, please visit www.CommandAndConquer.EA.com.
ESPN and Microsoft Offer Sporting
Events and Programming On Demand for Xbox 360
New agreement adds weekly events and
ESPN shows via Xbox LIVE.
BRISTOL, Conn., and REDMOND, Wash. —
Nov. 5, 2007 — ESPN and Microsoft Corp. today announced an agreement
that will add high- and standard-definition full-length games, television
shows and video game programming to Xbox LIVE, the online games and
entertainment network on Xbox 360. Effective immediately, fans of all ages
can access a growing catalog of marquee sporting events and timely
programming, including full-length NCAA college football and basketball
games, Summer X Games 13, “World Series of Poker,” “The Contender,”
“Madden Nation” and much more on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, the leading
high-definition video download service.
“Establishing this relationship with
Microsoft on Xbox 360 provides an innovative way to reach our target
demographic through this dynamic next-generation entertainment console,”
said Matt Murphy, senior vice president, Digital Video Distribution,
Disney and ESPN Media Networks. “This agreement embodies our mission to
deliver the best sports content to fans, and does it through an exciting
and robust platform that reaches millions of people.”
Through this agreement, Xbox LIVE users
can download a variety of popular events and shows available on Xbox LIVE
Marketplace each week, highlighted by the best matchups from the world of
college football and basketball.
For video gamers, ESPN content on Xbox
LIVE will include the 2006 and 2007 seasons of “Madden Nation,” an
ESPN reality series taking fans inside the world of Madden NFL football
competitive gaming. Additional programming will include the 2007 “World
Series of Poker,” the 2007 season of “The Contender,” the
full-length high-definition surfing documentary “Down the Barrel” and
some of the best college football bowl games.
“This is a natural fit for us, as so
many Xbox 360 owners are huge sports fans,” said Ross Honey, senior
director of the media and entertainment group at Microsoft. “We are
dedicated to providing our diverse community of Xbox LIVE users the
premium entertainment content they want, and partnering with ESPN is a
great example of our continued dedication in the video-on-demand space,
especially in high definition.”
Currently offering more than 3,200 hours
of premium entertainment content from more than 30 studios and networks,
Xbox LIVE Marketplace is the only online service offering downloadable
movies and TV shows in high definition. More information about the great
ESPN content being offered on the service is available at http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/marketplace/moviestv/?WT.svl=nav.
About ESPN
ESPN, Inc. is the leading multinational,
multimedia sports entertainment company with over 50 business entities.
Sports media assets include ESPN on ABC, six domestic cable television
networks, ESPN Regional Television, ESPN International, ESPN Radio,
ESPN.com and other growing businesses, including ESPN360.com (Broadband),
ESPN Mobile Products (wireless), ESPN On Demand, ESPN Interactive and ESPN
PPV.
About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a superior video game and
entertainment system delivering the best games, unique entertainment
features and a unified online gaming network that revolve around gamers.
Xbox 360 will have a portfolio of more than 300 games and will be
available in nearly 40 countries by the end of 2007. More information can
be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.
About Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE is the first and most
comprehensive unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated
throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to
find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they
power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox LIVE connects millions of members
across 25 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable
games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music
videos, TV shows and movies in the United States as well as new game
levels, characters and vehicles for all their favorite retail games. More
information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”)
is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help
people and businesses realize their full potential.
Don't Lose Your Marbles or Fumble
for Words this Week as "Switchball" and "Word Puzzle"
Launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday!
Boost your brain power with “Word
Puzzle,” a new spin on the classic word search game, and make Sir Isaac
Newton proud as you embrace the laws of physics with “Switchball” on
Xbox LIVE Arcade. Both games will be available this Wednesday, November 7,
2007 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PST).
The traditional pen and paper word
search game is taken to a whole new level this week as InterServ brings
“Word Puzzle” to Xbox LIVE Arcade. This brain-busting game features
intricate 3D boards, exploding word bombs and a whole host of synapse
melting challenges and special effects. With five unique game modes, LIVE
support for up to four players and Xbox LIVE Vision Camera support, “Word
Puzzle” will keep you playing with friends and family for hours. The
game will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E.
In “Switchball,” players conquer
breathtakingly beautiful labyrinthine mazes as they manipulate the unique
physical properties of an ever-changeable ball to solve clever puzzles.
Morph into the Metalball and ram objects out of your way, charge the
Powerball to dash up ramps and jump over obstacles, switch to the Airball
to float over physics based death traps or use the Marbleball for speedy
rolling around action. Created by Sierra Online, “Switchball” empowers
players to harness the laws of physics and triumphantly roll their way
through five elegantly detailed 3D environments or they can join friends
in 2 player co-op or 8 player competitive racing fun through Xbox LIVE.
The game will be available worldwide (with the exception of Korea) for 800
Microsoft Points and is rated E.
AUSTIN GAME CONFERENCE FOUNDER CEO
CHRISTOPHER V. SHERMAN TO SPEAK AT LAUNCH OF CHINESE VIRTUAL ECONOMY
Virtual Worlds Expert to Give Blessing
at the Ceremony for Initiating the Chinese Virtual Economy and Discuss the
State of the Industry
AUSTIN, Texas - November 5, 2007 -
Virtual Worlds Management (VWM), the leading provider of trade media for
the virtual worlds industry, announced today that the China Recreation
District has selected its Founder and CEO Christopher V. Sherman to
present the blessing at the opening ceremony to launch the Chinese Virtual
Economy. Christopher is a recognized expert on virtual worlds industry and
has helped significantly expand the market through his efforts. In 2003 he
created the Austin Game Conference and last year he created a series of
event focused on Virtual Worlds where an estimated $25 million was
transacted in New York and San Jose in 2007.
The opening ceremony takes place at the
China International Cultural & Creative Industry Expo (ICCIE) this
week. More than 200,000 people attended last year's China International
Cultural & Creative Industry Expo. This year's ICCIE Summit speakers
include Sir Howard Stringer, CEO, Sony Corporation; Lloyd Blankfein,
Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs Group USA; Ken Livingstone, Mayor of
London; Rupert Murdoch, President and CEO, News Corp. and others.
Christopher will have the honor of
delivering the blessing at the opening ceremony to launch the Chinese
Virtual Economy. He will also participate in a panel conversation on the
emerging virtual economy. On November 10, Christopher will present a
special lecture on the State of the Virtual Worlds Industry at the offices
of the China Recreation District (CRD), a partnership between the Chinese
government and private industry charged with building the country's
national infrastructure for a virtual worlds economy.
This infrastructure will enable China to
integrate existing real world business operation technologies with new
virtual world technologies. China envisions being able to use virtual
world technologies to simulate business operations, environments,
communities, as well as social interactions and collaborative education.
With more than 17 years experience,
Christopher is one of the world's foremost experts on the virtual worlds
and video game industries. He currently helms Virtual Worlds Management,
which produced the industry-defining Virtual Worlds Conference and Expo
held in October in San Jose and is organizing the upcoming Virtual Worlds
2008 scheduled to take place April 3-4, 2008, in New York City. He also
serves as the managing editor of VirtualWorldsNews.com, the industry's
leading information source.
In 2003 Christopher founded Show
Initiative, the parent company of Virtual Worlds Management, and created
the Austin Game Conference (AGC). In October 2006 AGC and the company's
the game industry conference portfolio was sold to CMP Technology in order
to focus on the Virtual Worlds media and events. Last century, Christopher
founded UGO Networks, which was recently sold to Hearst Corporation. He
was also a contributor to the launch of the now defunct E3 Expo.
About Virtual Worlds Management
Virtual Worlds Management (VWM) is the
leading provider of trade media and events for the emerging virtual worlds
industry. VWM services include the industry defining Virtual Worlds
Conference and Expo event series, Virtual Worlds 2008, the Virtual Worlds
Weekly email newsletter, VirtualWorldsNews.com, Virtual Worlds Connect,
Virtual Worlds Passport and VirtualWorldsJobs.com. Virtual Worlds
Management is a division of Show Initiative, LLC. More information about
Virtual Worlds Management can be found at http://www.VirtualWorldsManagement.com.