Ultima Onlines 8th Expansion, Stygian Abyss, Now Available

EA Has Announces the release of the eighth expansion for Ultima Online, Stygian Abyss. for existing and former account holders, the expansion will cost $29.99, and $39.99 for new accounts.
Stygian Abyss brings a new playable race, The Gargoyles, as well as the Gargoyles homeland, Ter Mur.
If you buy the expansion between September 8th – 29th, you get a multi-use Alteration Token which you can use to change as many characters as you like into Gargoyles, as well as a gargoyle craftable pet.

Press Release

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Business Wire)-- Sep 08, 2009 Mythic Entertainment™, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) studio, today released Ultima Online™: Stygian Abyss™, the 8th expansion to one of the longest-running MMORPGs in the genre’s history. Stygian Abyss is available exclusively via digital download from UOGameCodes.com and EA Store™.

Ultima Online: Stygian Abyss revolves around the introduction of the playable Gargoyle race. Players will also find expansive new areas to explore, including Ter Mur, the Gargoyle homeland, and the Stygian Abyss – the largest dungeon area ever introduced to Ultima Online. This sprawling dungeon contains new boss monsters of unparalleled difficulty, including the Medusa, Primeval Lich and the Stygian Dragon, as well as Player vs. Player zones where adventurers are turned against one another.

“We could not be more proud to release Stygian Abyss as the 8th expansion of the storied Ultima Online franchise,” said Jeff Hickman, Executive Producer for Mythic Entertainment. “As the 12 year anniversary of Ultima Online approaches, we are thrilled to offer a brand new Ultima adventure, including the new Gargoyle race and the massive Stygian Abyss dungeon, to both new and existing players.”

Ultima Online: Stygian Abyss will be available via UOGamesCodes.com and the EA STORE:
Stygian Abyss Expansion: $29.99 (EXISTING & FORMER ACCOUNTS ONLY)
Stygian Abyss Expansion & 30-Day game-time: $39.99 (NEW ACCOUNTS ONLY)

Additionally, consumers who purchase Ultima Online: Stygian Abyss from September 8th – 29th will receive a multi-use Alteration Token to transform current characters into Gargoyles, an exclusive gargoyle craftable pet, and decorative Stygian Abyss mob boss statues.*

Last month Mythic announced that Ultima Online™: Mondain’s Legacy, the 7th expansion of UO which introduced the playable Elven race and several expansive dungeons, is now available at no charge to existing subscribers, and to new players as part of the Ultima Online 14-day free trial.

Ultima Online: Stygian Abyss expansion requires the original Ultima Online game to play and will be available via digital distribution only. To download Ultima Online at no charge or to find out more information about Ultima Online and the additions from Mondain’s Legacy and Stygian Abyss, please visit:http://www.uo.com or http://www.uoherald.com/stygianabyss.

*Offer expires September 29th, 2009. Good only for new purchases of ULTIMA ONLINE™: STYGIAN ABYSS™. Valid only at the EA STORE atwww.eastore.ea.com and at participating online retailers. Limit one offer per purchase. Customers will be emailed the code with the email notification of product release. Download code expires December 31, 2010 days. Valid only in U.S. Offer may not be substituted, exchanged, sold or redeemed for cash or other goods or services. May not be combined with any other offer, gift card, rebate or discount coupon. Retailers, distributors and employees of Electronic Arts Inc. and their agencies/affiliates are not eligible. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law.

About Ultima Online
Released in September 1997, Ultima Online is one of the longest-running games in MMORPG history. The first widely successful graphical online role-playing game, Ultima Online has thrived for over a decade, with armies of devoted followers around the world. Fans of the game continue to experience an epic storyline set in an ever-growing world of magic and fantasy. Ultima Online has spawned seven expansions and dozens of content updates, making it one of the deepest, largest MMORPGs ever created.

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: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, 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.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, POGO, Ultima, Ultima Online, Stygian Abyss, Mythic Entertainment and EA Store are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Microsoft Announce A Unique “The Beatles: Rock Band” Xbox 360 Console With Proceeds Going To Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Microsoft have announced that USA residents have the chance to buy a The Beatles Rock band Xbox 360 Console. it's available at ebay. this is the first of the consoles that are going to be sold, with all profits going to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

The Beatles Rock Band Xbox 360

*pictures from items ebay listing.

Press Release

Beginning Sept. 9, 2009, download “All You Need Is Love” exclusively on Xbox LIVE or purchase a unique “The Beatles: Rock Band” Xbox 360 console today, and proceeds will benefit Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

A very special edition Xbox 360 console professionally customized to honor The Beatles will be auctioned for charity this holiday with proceeds benefiting Doctors Without Borders. The first of these limited consoles is available for auction starting today on eBay*, (item number 120467388504). Each console is numbered and adorned with illustrations from the eye-popping intro for “The Beatles: Rock Band.” The cinematic was created by Harmonix with the Oscar winning film and animation company Passion Pictures.

Starting Sept. 9, Xbox 360 will also give its more than 20 million Xbox LIVE members the opportunity to give to charity and support the Beatles’ eternal message of peace and love. “All You Need Is Love,” the Beatle’s iconic anthem of peace, will be released exclusively on Xbox 360 as a downloadable song for the game through Xbox LIVE with Apple Corps Ltd, MTV Games, Harmonix and Microsoft proceeds benefitting Doctors Without Borders.

Good deeds never go unnoticed: purchasing and downloading the “All You Need Is Love” track for 160 Microsoft Points for charity will also register you for the “The Beatles: Rock Band” Download & Win* for a chance to win one of the limited edition “The Beatles: Rock Band” Xbox 360 consoles and a Rickenbacker 325 replica guitar controller.

Doctors Without Borders is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971 working in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe. Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison personally selected the charity as the beneficiary of these proceeds.

More Ways to Experience the Beatles on Xbox LIVE
In addition to providing families a platform for social change, Xbox 360 offers more ways for music fans and gamers to relive Beatlemania from inside out with music videos, documentaries and movies inspired by the Fab Four on Xbox LIVE. From classic tunes from the band members to the best of the Mersey’s music from today, and the critically acclaimed documentary, “Imagine: John Lennon,” it’s all there at the touch of a button.

“The Beatles: Rock Band” owners will also be able to download the full “Abbey Road” album beginning on October 20, along with “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Rubber Soul” following in November and December respectively.

For more information about everything related to the program, the “Fab Four Mystery Tour” at www.xbox.com/thebeatlesrockband also offers visitors an interactive look at the Beatles and the many twists and turns of their career. The Web site was created with the same fanciful artwork and animations by Passion Pictures used in the design of the special edition Xbox 360 “The Beatles: Rock Band” consoles. The site is a visually stunning look at everything you need to know about the Beatles, from their humble beginnings in the confines of Cavern Club to their legendary rooftop concert atop Saville Row.
*eBay listing at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120467388504&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.com%3A80%2F%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm38%26_nkw%3D120467388504%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1

** NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the 50 US (and DC) 18+. Game ends at 11:59 PM ET on 12-9-09. For full details, including free method of entry, see Official Rules at http://xbox.com/tbrbsweep

Monopoly City Streets Goes Online September 9th And Monopoly City Hits Retail This Fall

Hasbro has announced two new Monopoly titles. Monopoly City is a new board game and will have more than 80 real life buildings as 3D models. the game has an approximate retail price of $34.99 and is currently set for a Fall release.

Monopoly City Streets is an online title that will go live September 9th. it is a limited time free version of Monopoly that has Google Maps integrated in to it. you can choose to play with real streets in your neighbourhood, city, or town, or choose somewhere else in the world. however, each street can only be owned by 1 player but you are able to trade with other players.
You start the game with $3 Million Monopoly Dollars and earn rent based on the streets and properties you own.
Head to www.monopolycitystreets.com to start playing.


Monopoly City Streets


Press Release

EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. --(Business Wire)-- Sep 08, 2009 Have you ever wanted to own the entire street where you live? Starting tomorrow (September 9), aspiring MONOPOLY moguls can take over the globe with MONOPOLY CITY STREETS, a limited-time online free version of the world’s most popular board game that allows players to “buy” streets based on Google Maps, competing against participants all over the world.

The MONOPOLY CITY STREETS instant-play online platform brings MONOPOLY to life by letting competitors play with the actual streets that are special to them. including their very own neighborhood, town or city. Or, players can choose to set up their property empire in a city where they would like to own property. It’s easy to get started -- players create a profileon www.monopolycitystreets.com and begin to acquire properties each day through purchases and trades. Each player starts the game with $3 million MONOPOLY dollars and earns rent based on streets and properties owned at the time competitors log into the game.

Each street in the world is available for purchase by only one player, increasing the opportunity for trading and interaction among players. Players can instantly set up houses, hotels, skyscrapers and other buildings quickly after acquiring streets to increase property values.

The online game is launching in celebration of the release of MONOPOLY CITY, a new board game where players build a 3-D city in the center of the game board. For the first time since MONOPOLY was invented in 1935, game play has changed, removing the need to collect an entire property group before players can build structures on their properties, so a city can be built from the ground up from the first roll of the dice. Additionally, just like in real life, the value of property and players’ incomes can rise and fall. Players can build structures to increase property values, such as schools or eco-friendly wind farms, or they can sabotage opponents by building sewage plants or prisons on the competition’s property.

“The online experience for MONOPOLY CITY STREETS emphasizes the exciting dealing and negotiating elements of MONOPOLY,” said Sarah Hoskin, Senior Marketing Manager for U.S. Marketing at Hasbro Games. “Both MONOPOLY CITY STREETS and MONOPOLY CITY bring new creativity to MONOPOLY that goes beyond the traditional property streets, green houses and red hotels.”

MONOPOLY CITY STREETS will launch online in English, French, Spanish, Dutch and German on September 9, 2009. MONOPOLY CITY will be available at mass retail stores nationwide in Fall for the approximate retail price of $34.99. The board game includes more than 80 3-D buildings, district property cards, MONOPOLY money, “Chance” and “Dodge Rent” cards, and a Trading unit that requires two AAA batteries.

ABOUT MONOPOLY
Since 1935, more than 250 million copies of MONOPOLY have been sold in 106 countries and 40 languages. More than 200 different editions of the game have been published, but the most popular continues to be the classic "Number Nine." Affectionately known by its original product number, "Number Nine" is based on the streets of Atlantic City and is nearly identical to Charles Darrow's original submission to Parker Brothers. The MONOPOLY name and logo, the distinctive design of the game board, the four corner squares, the MR. MONOPOLY name and the character, as well as each of the distinctive elements of the board and playing pieces are trademarks of Hasbro for its property trading game and game equipment. © 2009 Hasbro, All Rights Reserved.

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

New Screenshots For Defence Grid On The Xbox 360

Microsoft has released new screenshots for their upcoming XBLA tower defence game, Defence Grid. the screenshots are gameplay and show many of the levels, weapons, and enemies in the game.

Defence Grid

New Screenshots For Sonic And Knuckles On The Xbox 360

Microsoft have released new screenshots for their upcoming XBLA release, Sonic And Knuckles. the game is coming out this week for 400 MS Points. if you own either Sonic 1, Sonic 2, Or Sonic 3, you can take advantage of Sonic And Knuckles cartridge combination feature. you can play as Knuckles in Sonic 2+3 and play the sphere bonus levels with Sonic 1.

Sonic And Knuckles

Microsoft Announces That Age of Empires III And Its Expansion Packs Are Available In One Retail Package Now

Microsoft Games Studios have annoucned that the Age Of Empires III Collection is out now. the pack features the original Age Of Empires III game as well as the Asian Dynasties and War Chiefs expansions.


Press Release

Microsoft Game Studios today announced that one of its most critically acclaimed Games for Windows franchises, “Age of Empires III: Complete Collection” is coming to retailers Worldwide. the collection has a estimated retail price of $49.95 or 54.99 Euro's.

The “Age of Empires® III: Complete Collection” includes the original game plus two expansion packs, “Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties” and Age of Empires III: War Chiefs”, developed collaboratively by Big Huge Games and Ensemble Studios for the Games for Windows platform. Leading and innovating the RTS genre through exciting and revolutionary gameplay features, “Age of Empires® III” is one of the fastest-selling titles in the franchise history. The “Age of Empires® III: Complete Collection” will be offered at the estimated retail price of $49.95 (€54.99)

“Age of Empires® III: Complete Collection” lets players lead various civilizations from Europe to the New World, explore over 15 Asian Wonders, play random map styles that feature remixes of classic “Age of Empires”, and provides solo experiences that engage in strategic combat.

“Age of Empires® III”, “Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties”, and Age of Empires III: War Chiefs” are rated “T” for teens ages 13 and older. The use of the expansion packs requires installation of the “Age of Empires III” core software included in the bundle.

For more information about “Age of Empires III: Complete Collection” please visit www.ageofempires3.com.

Mario And Sonic At The Winter Olympic Games Skiing And Snowboarding Trailer For The Nintendo Wii

Sega has released a new trailer for the upcoming Nintendo Wii game, Mario And Sonic At The Winter Olympic Games. the trailer shows gameplay for skiing and snowboarding, as well as single and multiplayer modes and the use of the Nintendo Wii Board.

Sponsored Post - Domino’s UK & Irl have launched the Domino’s Pizza Facebook Fanpage

Domino’s UK & Irl have launched the Domino’s Pizza Facebook Fanpage

This is the place to go to get special offers, exclusive competitions, store locater and you can ask the Domino’s guys anything you want! If you saw the Domino’s pizza truck at any festivals this summer, and have a picture of you with your pizza, uploaded to the page and you can win a free pizza!

Glu Mobile Announce The Release Of Super K.O. Boxing 2 For Mobile Handsets

Glu Mobile Inc have annoucned that Super K.O. Boxing 2 is now available worldwide for mobile handsets, and will be available for High End Handsets later in the month. the game is a sequel to Super K.O Boxing, which was releasd in 2006 and has sold 1.6 million units to date.

the game has 10 fighters, some like 15 cent and Snake Bomb who are from the original game, new moves to use and patterns to recognise, and multiple game modes.


Press Release

SAN MATEO, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Sep 08, 2009 Glu Mobile Inc. (Nasdaq:GLUU), a leading global publisher of mobile games, today announced the launch of Super K.O. Boxing 2 for mobile handsets. The game is available now on carriers worldwide and will be available on high-end handsets later this month. Super K.O. Boxing 2 is the follow-up to Glu’s 2006 smash hit, Super K.O. Boxing, which has sold over 1.6 million units to date.

“We are excited to bring ‘round two’ of one of our biggest hits, Super K.O. Boxing, to mobile phones,” said Jill Braff, senior vice president of global publishing, Glu Mobile. “Super K.O. Boxing 2 contains some of the most memorable, over-the-top and entertaining personalities from the original, while adding some of the funniest cartoon visuals ever seen on mobile to create a full gaming experience.”

Reflecting the trend of increased online interaction and distribution, Glu has taken a comprehensive marketing approach to the Super K.O. Boxing 2 promotional campaign. The campaign initiated with Glu’s “Name a Tough Guy Contest” held on Facebook, allowing fans to submit and vote on their favorite names for a new Super K.O. fighter, which helped increase traffic on Glu’s Facebook fan page. Additionally, through the Super K.O. 2 microsite, superkoboxing2.com, fans can access a hilarious video by Go Remy tinyurl.com/neko55, “posterize” themselves in an online Super K.O. Boxing 2 poster and enter to win two tickets to Las Vegas to see one of the most anticipated boxing matches of the year, Pacquiao vs. Cotto. Other initiatives include a social media push utilizing the Twitter platform to engage and drive fans to partake in upcoming Super K.O. Boxing 2 contests and promotions.

Super K.O. Boxing 2 packs a punch with fun arcade boxing and outrageous opponents that appeal to both core gamers and more casual gamers. Favorite boxers from the original game, Sake Bomb and 15 Cent, return to the ring with new fighters, including ladies man El Bulli and half-man half-pig Big Gip, adding even more hilarity to the cast.

Features Include:
New Fighters – Go toe-to-toe against a cast of 10 outrageous boxers with unique personalities and hard-hitting moves

New Ways to Fight – Perform devastating hook punches, dizzy opponents, and unleash charged super punch combos to knock ‘em out. Figure out each opponent’s special pattern to land a lightning KO

Multiple Game Modes – Box in circuit, versus, challenge, and endurance modes for tons of gameplay variety

For more information, go to www.glu.com or www.superkoboxing2.com. For live updates, follow Glu on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/glumobile or become a Glu Mobile fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/glu.mobile.

About Glu Mobile
Glu (NASDAQ:GLUU) is a leading global publisher of mobile games. Its portfolio of top-rated games includes original titles Bonsai Blast, Brain Genius, Glyder, Stranded, Super K.O. Boxing! and titles based on major brands from partners including Activision, Atari, Fox Mobile Entertainment, Harrah's, Hasbro, Konami, Microsoft, PlayFirst, PopCap Games, SEGA, Sony and Warner Bros. Founded in 2001, Glu is based in San Mateo, Calif. and has offices in Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, England, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Russia and Spain. Consumers can find high-quality, fresh entertainment created exclusively for their mobile phones wherever they see the 'g' character logo or at www.glu.com.

BONSAI BLAST, BRAIN GENIUS, GLU, GLU MOBILE, STRANDED, SUPER K.O. BOXING! and the 'g' character logo are trademarks of Glu Mobile Inc.

Namco Networks And Red i Studio's Announce Solitaire: Deck Of Cods For iPhone, iPod Touch and PCs

http://www.redistudios.com/images/DOC.jpg

Namco Networks and Red i Studio's have announced that they are brining Solitaire: Deck of Cods worldwide to the iPhone, iPod touch and PCs. this will be the first Worldwide release of a Namco Networks game. the game has an estimated iPhone/iPod Touch price of $0.99, whilst the PC version will be a free to play flash game.

Solitaire: Deck of Cods is a twist on the classic game Solitaire. in the game, Players move cards from the playing field to the deck below in sequential order. The more cards you move in succession the larger the fish you catch. Wildcards, such as Lure, Fish Finder and Feeding Frenzy, help increase the size of the catch. Each level challenges players to bring in a different size catch or multiple catches.

The iPhone version includes Facebook Connect, Achievements and a trophy room, Ability to access the music library, and Bluetooth Connect (connect with a friend to compete for biggest catch). The PC version has some different features, and includes 18 levels with different layouts, 24 unique fish to catch, and Wildcards help increase the catch.

Press Release

SAN JOSE, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Sep 08, 2009 Break out the fishing poles and tackle boxes and practice your Solitaire skills. Namco Networks, a leading publisher and developer of mobile, iPhone and PC games for mass-market casual gamers, today announced the upcoming worldwide availability of Solitaire: Deck of Cods for iPhone, iPod touch and PCs.

Deck of Cods is the first game Namco Networks has simultaneously launched on multiple platforms. The launch of Deck of Cods also marks the first time the new Apple Games Group at Namco has partnered with an external developer to create an iPhone game.

In Deck of Cods, players are challenged with a fun twist on the classic card game Solitaire. Players move cards from the playing field to the deck below in sequential order. The more cards you move in succession the larger the fish you catch. Wildcards, such as Lure, Fish Finder and Feeding Frenzy, help increase the size of the catch. Each level challenges players to bring in a different size catch or multiple catches.

Namco worked closely with Red i Studios to develop the title for both iPhone and PC. For more than 8 years, Red i Studios has been developing games for various platforms. The game was initially developed for the PC Flash platform but Namco was eager to catch it and bring the game to the iPhone.

“As a huge fan of Namco properties and a self-confessed Ms. PAC-MAN addict, we jumped at the opportunity to develop for their Flash games portal,” said Jenny Martin, the Fearless Leader at Red i Studios. “Working with major publishers like Namco is a great way for us to see our games reach larger audiences. The resources and support Namco offers is unmatched.”

“This is the first time the new Apple Games group has utilized external resources; we definitely plan to continue doing so,” said Jon Kromrey, general manager of Apples Games for Namco Networks. “Working with external developers is a great way for us to offer more variety to App Store customers. We want to make sure players can find what ever type of game they are looking for—puzzle, action/adventure, arcade—at the price point that’s right for them.”

Namco anticipates the game being live in the App Store shortly at a $.99 price point. The iPhone and iPod touch version of the game includes:
Facebook Connect
Achievements and a trophy room
Ability to access the music library
Bluetooth Connect (connect with a friend to compete for biggest catch)

The PC version of the game, which is a free-to-play Flash game, will be available at www.namcogames.com later this month. Similar to the iPhone/iPod touch version of the game, the flash version includes:
18 levels with different layouts
24 unique fish to catch
Wildcards help increase the catch

“The PC Flash version of the game is a fun, addicting twist on the traditional Solitaire,” said David Schwartz, general manager of PC games for Namco Networks. “Bringing Solitaire: Deck of Cods to multiple platforms allows us to entertain people where ever and whenever they choose to play and on whatever device they have on hand.”

For more information on Solitaire: Deck of Cods or other games by Namco, please visit www.namcogames.com or NAMCO NETWORKS on Facebook.

About Namco Networks
Namco Networks America, Inc., a subsidiary of Namco Bandai Holdings (USA) Inc., is a worldwide leader in cutting-edge, digitally distributed casual entertainment including mobile, iPhone and casual PC games. More information about Namco Networks products can be found at www.namcogames.com or atwww.twitter.com/namconetworks.
Namco, Solitaire: Deck of Cods, and all related logos, designs, and elements are the trademarks and © of Namco Networks America Inc. 2009. All rights reserved.

About Red i Studios
Formed in 2001 by game industry veterans, Red i Studios develops online, iPhone, social media and download games. More info can be found atwww.redistudios.com.

Disney Interactive Studios Announces It Has Agreed To Acquire Wideload Games Inc.

Disney Interactive Studios has announced that it has agreed to buy Wideload Studios. as part of the agreement, Wideload Games Founder and CEO Alexander Seropian will Join Disney Interactive Studio's in the newly created role of vice president of creative. Alexander Seropian was the founder Bungie Software and one of the creators of the Halo series.

Press Release

BURBANK, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Sep 08, 2009 Disney Interactive Studios announced today it has agreed to acquire Wideload Games Inc., a Chicago-based producer and developer of original interactive entertainment. As part of the agreement, industry veteran and creative visionary Alexander Seropian, Wideload Games founder and CEO, will join Disney Interactive Studios in the newly created role of vice president of creative, leading the company’s global creative efforts. Seropian, who is relocating to Glendale, Calif., is renowned as the founder of Bungie Software and was among the creators of the highly successful Halo® series – one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. Seropian will report directly to Global Product Development Senior Vice President Jean-Marcel Nicolai, and be tasked with overseeing creative development across Disney Interactive Studios’ portfolio of video games.

“Wideload Games is among the premier small creative game development studios in the world. Wideload Games will be a great fit for our portfolio of internal studios, and Alex joining the global product development team provides the entire Disney game portfolio with a strong creative influence,” said Graham Hopper, executive vice president and general manager, Disney Interactive Studios. “Alex has built his reputation around the power of original thinking. In leading the studio that created Halo, he helped turn great storytelling, exceptional design and polished gameplay into the ‘killer app’ for Xbox. Alex’s leadership of our creative community will enhance our ability to be a magnet for the best talent in the industry and enable the company to take an even more significant role in developing industry leading products.”

Seropian began his career in 1991 as founder and CEO of Bungie Software, which created the Marathon and Mythcomputer game series. Seven years later, Bungie Software made the Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing private U.S. companies. In 2000, Seropian negotiated the acquisition of Bungie Software by Microsoft Corp., and then oversaw the development, production and delivery of the critically acclaimed and highly successful game, Halo, the flagship title for the 2001 launch of the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft. In 2003, Seropian founded Wideload Games, which has released the games: Stubbs the Zombie™ in Rebel Without a Pulse™, Hail to the Chimp™,Texas Cheat ’Em™ andCyclomite.

“Joining Disney is an ideal next step, both for our studio and me,” Seropian said. “At Wideload, we’ve conscientiously built a forward-looking approach to game development that borrows many techniques from the film industry. Now, Wideload will be a part of one of the largest, most respected entertainment companies in the world. I’m looking forward to Wideload’s continued success as a part of Disney and I’m eager to bring all my experience to the creative community at Disney Interactive Studios.”

Wideload Games president Tom Kang will continue to lead the studio as studio director. As part of Disney Interactive Studios’ network of global internal development teams, Wideload Games will focus on creating new intellectual properties for Disney that target a broad audience. The studio, which will remain in its current Chicago location, is developing an unannounced original family console game scheduled for release in 2010 from Disney Interactive Studios.

Wideload’s focus will continue to be developing original video game properties using an innovative development approach that requires developing prototypes with small core creative teams and ramping up for product development with globally outsourced talent. To complement its console team and expand its portfolio of original intellectual properties, Wideload Games established Wideload Shorts in 2007 for the emerging online and handheld platforms. As part of Disney Interactive Studios, Wideload Shorts will continue to create original properties for casual, downloadable and mobile games.

Founded in 2003, Wideload Games’ core team of 25 full-time employees is comprised of many industry veterans and executives, including former Bungie Software personnel. In 2006, Tom Kang joined Wideload Games as president. Kang previously was president and CEO of CSMG Inc., one of the fastest growing sports management firms in the United States, which was acquired by Interpublic Group and Creative Artists Agency.

Terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.

About Disney Interactive Studios
Disney Interactive Studios, part of Disney Interactive Media Group, is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). Disney Interactive Studios self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games, mobile games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with other interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. Disney Interactive Studios is based in Glendale, California, and has internal development studios around the world. For more information, log on tohttp://www.disneyinteractivestudios.com.
© Disney

Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)

• QTE Blog: Re-Cap of The Weekends News (oldest to newest) http://ow.ly/olOw

• QTE Blog: Audio Re-Cap of The Weekends News (oldest to newest) http://ow.ly/15O2Jl

• UK game Charts top 5, Batman Arkham Asylum, Wii Sports Resort, Call Of Duty 4, Wii Fit, Ashes Cricket 2009. http://ow.ly/olOH

• PS3: its being reported that the PS3 has sold 150.252 units in three days in Japan. http://ow.ly/olOP

• PS3: UK PS3 Slim sales are up over 1000%. it is the top selling console for week 36, outsellling the 360 3:1. http://ow.ly/olPg

• 360: Microsoft have said there is currently no plans for Halo ODST DLC. http://ow.ly/olPB

• PS3: Mod Nation Racers Devs chose the PS3 because the PSN is free. http://ow.ly/omGU

• 360: Firefight could be added to Halo Reach "If people love it" in Halo ODST http://ow.ly/oneQ

• 360: Sonic & Knuckles is out on XBLA this week for 400 MS Points. http://ow.ly/onf0

• PSP: its rumoured that Sony is considering offering PSP dev kits for free in the future. http://ow.ly/onfe

• PS3: Coca Cola is launching vending machines in Home. they offer avatar items and digital codes for real life machines http://ow.ly/onfV

• QTE Blog: QTE Posts in Video - Please Try And Comment http://ow.ly/15O50T

• iPhone: a Commodore 64 Emulator has been approved for the App Store. it comes with 5 games, with more expected later. http://ow.ly/ongv

• PS3: a add on Japanese Youtube has said that Final Fantasy XIII is coming out December 17th in Japan. http://ow.ly/onNp

• PS3: Sony EU announce Motorstorm Pacific Rift, Resistance 2, Killzone 2, And Metal Gear Solid 4 will be platinum games. http://ow.ly/onMC

• PS3: a rumoured list of PS3 bundles has Gran Turismo 5 release at December 4th, Assassins Creed II November 19th http://ow.ly/onOc

• PSP: NIS say the Holy Invasion Of Bad Man Demo demo will be re-released on Thursday, firmware 6.0 should be out by then http://ow.ly/ooMc

• 360: Lips mic's will work with The Beatles Rock band. a patch for Rock Band 2 is coming later. http://ow.ly/ooMY

• QTE Blog: New Gameplay Trailer For Wacky World Of Sports On The Nintendo Wii http://ow.ly/15O6uK

• QTE Blog: New Trailer For MAG On The Playstation 3 http://ow.ly/op5x

• QTE Blog: New NHL 10 Tough Guys Trailer http://ow.ly/15O6Kb

• QTE Blog: Two New FIFA 10 Video's From EA http://ow.ly/15O6US