Friday, May 15, 2009

Sony - Free Realms Now Has Over 1 Million Users In Only 17days. - Press Release

In only 17 Days, Free Realms has had over 1 Million Registrations. In celebration all current users can get a T-shirt available for limited time, with the 1 Millionth user getting lifetime membership, a Astronaut Suit, and 10,000 Station cash.


Press Release
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 15, 2009 – Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) today announced that more than one million unique users have registered for Free Realms™, the free, family-friendly online video game that launched on April 28. To mark this milestone, SOE is rewarding all current Free Realms players with limited edition, in-game T-shirt featuring special graphics. The one-millionth player will also receive a lifetime membership to the game, a one-of-a-kind in-game astronaut suit, and 10,000 Station Cash™.

“The excitement surrounding
Free Realms, and the positive response the game has already received, is overwhelming,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “To achieve this milestone so rapidly speaks to the quality and the fun gameplay experience Free Realms offers to players of all ages.”

Along with the limited edition
Free Realms T-shirt for their character to wear, 999,999 players will receive a matching pet T-shirt for their four-legged friends, and 200 Station Cash to use toward the purchase of in-game items.

In
Free Realms, players can customize their characters, explore, quest, battle monsters, and play a wide variety of minigames in a safe, online environment, packed with stunning visuals, distinctive environments, and social networking capabilities. Players are free to do or be anything: Fight like a ninja, cook a tasty meal, raise a pet, battle goblins, set out on epic quests or connect with friends through a safe, social networking site. Also available is the Free Realms Trading Card Game: a full-featured trading card game, playable both digitally within the Free Realms online game and offline via physical card decks available wherever you buy trading cards.

The
Free Realms game starter cards and Station Cash cards, which can be used to purchase a membership, in-game items and more, are available at such stores as Target, Best Buy and 7-11.

Free Realms
is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and up with content descriptors of Crude Humor and Fantasy Violence. To play Free Realms, visit: http://www.FreeRealms.com.

About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends™, and PlanetSide®, as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies™, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin,

Activision - The Transformers Movie Tie-in Game Will Have Voice Overs By The Cast Of The Movie - Press Release

Shia LeBeouf, Megan Fox, Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime), Mark Ryan (Bumblebee), Jess Harnell (Ironhide), Charles Adler (Starscream) and Robert Foxworth (Ratchet) reprised their film roles for the game. Voice-over veterans John Di Maggio (Sideways) and James Arnold Taylor (The Fallen) also join the roster.


Press Release
SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 15, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATVI) has assembled an all-star cast for the upcoming Transformers(TM): Revenge of the Fallen video game, including the film's leads Shia LeBeouf and Megan Fox, who will reprise their starring roles in the game, and fan favorites Peter Cullen and Frank Welker, the voices of OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON from the original animated series. In the new game, developed under license from Hasbro, players are thrust into an adrenaline-pumping battle to defend Earth from a DECEPTICON attack that threatens mankind.

"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen features an extensive line-up of film actors, along with the voice talent that fans will recognize from the classic animated series," said Rob Kostich, head of marketing for licensed properties, Activision Publishing, Inc. "The diverse cast allowed us to not only capture the epic storyline from the film, but also seamlessly expand the fiction to
create a unique and authentic TRANSFORMERS experience that fans of all ages will enjoy."

In addition to Shia LeBeouf and Megan Fox, Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime), Mark Ryan (Bumblebee), Jess Harnell (Ironhide), Charles Adler (Starscream) and Robert Foxworth (Ratchet) reprised their film roles for the game. Voice-over veterans John Di Maggio (Sideways) and James Arnold Taylor (The Fallen) also join the roster.

The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game is based on the upcoming live-action feature film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures in association with Hasbro, which opens nationwide on June 24, 2009.* The game lets players
take on the role of their favorite AUTOBOTS(R) or DECEPTICONS(R), picking from the largest, most diverse range of playable Transformers - each with their own distinct abilities and weaponry. Set in unique environments across the globe such as Cairo
and Shanghai, the game allows players to instantly switch between vehicle and robot modes as they drive, fly, fight and blast their way through intense, pressure-packed levels. After engaging in single player action, players for the first time ever will be able to go online and battle friends in all-new multiplayer modes.

The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game is currently in development by Luxoflux for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, and is rated "T" (Teen -
Mild Language, Violence); the Windows PC version is being developed by Beenox Studios and is also rated "T" (Teen - Mild Language, Violence); the distinct Wii(TM) and PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system versions are being developed
by Krome Studios and are rated "T" ("Teen" - Fantasy Violence); two unique AUTOBOT(R) and DECEPTICON(R)-specific Nintendo DS(TM) versions are being developed by Vicarious Visions and are rated "E10+" (Everyone 10 and older - Fantasy
Violence); the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system version is being developed by Savage Entertainment and is rated "E10+" (Everyone 10 and older - Fantasy Violence).

For more information on the game and to receive exclusive updates about the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video
game, visit www.TransformersGame.com.

* In the highly anticipated "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," debuting June 24, 2009, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) again
joins with the AUTOBOTS(R) against their sworn enemies, the DECEPTICONS(R). Michael Bay directs from a screenplay
written by Ehren Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman. DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures Present, In
Association with Hasbro, A di Bonaventura Pictures Production, A Tom DeSanto/Don Murphy Production, A Michael Bay Film
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" starring Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson and John Turturro.
The film is directed by Michael Bay from a screenplay written by Ehren Kruger & Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman. Based on
Hasbro's TRANSFORMERS(TM) Action Figures. Produced by Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian
Bryce. Executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. This film has not yet been
rated.

About Hasbro, Inc.
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) 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, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how
we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. (C) 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE:
VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The
company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies.
PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home
Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide
Television Distribution.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and
distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden,
Spain, the Netherlands and Australia. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's
website, www.activision.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's
expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve
a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as "outlook," "will," "could," "would,"
"might," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes," "may," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimate," future," "plan," "positioned,"
"potential," "project," "remain," "scheduled," "set to," "subject to," "upcoming" and similar expressions to help identify forwardlooking
statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those
expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision
Publishing's titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and
cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing's ability to predict consumer preferences among competing
hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection,
product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing's products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related
software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, litigation
against Activision Publishing, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors and third-party developers,
domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates, integration of
recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, Activision Blizzard's success in integrating
the operations of Activision Publishing and Vivendi Games in a timely manner, or at all, and the combined company's ability to
realize the anticipated benefits and synergies of the transaction to the extent, or in the timeframe, anticipated, and the other
factors identified in Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and
Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation
to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately
prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision
Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual
results to differ materially from current expectations.

HASBRO and its logo, TRANSFORMERS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission.
(C) 2009 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. (C) 2009 DW Studios L.L.C. and Paramount Pictures Corporation. Paramount and the
Paramount logo are trademarks of Paramount. TM (C) 2009 Paramount. All Rights Reserved. Game (C) 2009 Activision
Publishing, Inc. Activision is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.
All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.
SOURCE Activision Publishing, Inc.
http://www.activision.com
Copyright (C) 2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)

  • PS3: Firmware Update 2.76 is now online.

  • Sony is predicting it will loose 110 billion Yen ($1.15 Billion) for the financial year to march 2010. http://tinyurl.com/pet6mg

  • 360: Wolfenstein 3D has a xbox.com page. still no official confermation, but it looks certain to be coming. http://tinyurl.com/q3xh7r

  • PS3: Shatter is coming to the PSN. it's being developed by Sidhe (New Zealands largest studio). out this year. http://tinyurl.com/ozvjjy

  • PSP: Gamestop has an exclusive Final Fantasy Dissdia PSP Bundle. it also comes with 2gb and FF Advent Children http://tinyurl.com/qb32sa

  • American Console sales. DS On Top with 1.04m, Wii with 340k, 360 175k, PS2 172k, PS3 127k, and PSP 116k. http://tinyurl.com/r6t8se

  • American Top 10 Game Sales. Wii Fit On top with 471k, Pokemon Platinum 433k and MArio Kart Wii 210k http://tinyurl.com/outuuy

  • PS3: The PS3 Slim Logo may have been used in the latest Home Video. It is no the same as the slim pictures. http://tinyurl.com/qnxv6q

  • Wii: there have been teases of a New Wii game, built from the ground up and mature. this is the only picture. http://tinyurl.com/qnxv6q

Thursday, May 14, 2009

EA - Brütal Legend, Facts and Pictures straight from EA

  • Action Combat! – Brütal Legend’s core gameplay is classic Action. From close quarter blows delivered by The Separator, Eddie’s blood soaked broad axe, to ranged combat from your demon-slaying guitar named Clementine, as well as vehicular attacks supplied by your hot rod, The Deuce (aka The Druid Plow), Brütal Legend delivers deep, rewarding, fun combat that will have you throwing your “devil horns” in the air.


  • A World Like No Other – Inspired by some of the most iconic album art and lyrics of all-time, Brütal Legend features a streaming, open world rich with detail, from mountains made of guitar amps to big block V8 engines rising from the ground, delivering a world truly unique and unlike anything you’ve seen before.


  • Titans of Stage and Screen – Lead by Jack Black as the voice of Eddie Riggs, the epic cast of Brütal Legend features vocal talent providing by some of Metal’s biggest names, including Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, Lita Ford and more.


  • Tim Schafer – Known for creating a level depth and humor in his characters, Tim Schafer is consistently recognized as one of the gaming industry’s premier designers and has written such classics as Full Throttle, Grim Fandango and PsychoNauts.


  • Online MultiplayerTake the Metal madness online in Brütal Legend’s Multiplayer mode that combines action combat with a strategic unit-control mechanic that allows the player to direct their army in The Battle of the Bands, where the ultimate trophy is survival


  • Upgrade Your Arsenal – Gain “Lighter Tributes” throughout the world and visit The Motorforge, where you can upgrade The Separator, Clementine and The Deuce to make them even more lethal on the battlefields


  • Fully Licensed Soundtrack - Brütal Legend will feature a fully licensed soundtrack that includes some of the greatest Metal and Rock and Roll songs ever assembled.

UK PSN Update 14/05/09

PS3 Games
Bejeweled 2 [£6.29]
Buzz Junior Robo Jam [£3.99]
Texas Cheat'em [£9.99]
Zen Pinball [£6.29]
Pain - Sore Sports [£3.99]
Pain - Daxter Pack [Free]
Street Fighter IV – Complete Alternate Costume Pack [£9.99]
Sonic Unleashed – Holska Adventure Pack [£2.39]
MotorStorm 2 – Lunar Tec Signature Livery Pack [Free]
Dynasty Warriors Gundam 2 – Additional Mission Pack 1 [Free]
Dynasty Warriors Gundam 2 – Additional Mission Pack 2 [Free]
Dynasty Warriors Gundam 2 – Additional Mission Pack 3 [Free]

Demo's
Zen Pinball

Guitar Hero - World Tour
Pop Rock Pack [£4.39]
“So What” by Pink [£1.59]
“Stop And Stare” by One Republic [£1.59]
“Everything's Magic'” by Angels & Airwaves [£1.59]

Rock Band
Social Distortion pack 1 [£2.49]
“Bad Luck” by Social Distortion [£0.99]
“Ring Of Fire” by Social Distortion [£0.99]
“Story of My Life” by Social Distortion [£0.99]
“Black Friday” by Steely Dan [£0.99]
“My Old School” by Steely Dan [£0.99]
“Radio Radio” by Elvis Costello [£0.99]
“Stricken” by Disturbed [£0.99]
“Stupify” by Disturbed {£0.99]

Videos
Pain – Sore Sports Trailer
Motorstorm 2 – Signature Livery Trailer

Wallpaper
None

Theme
Motorstorm 2 Signature Livery
Bejeweled 2
Killzone 2 – The Making Of
Killzone 2 – Conclusion of the Making Of

PS1 Classic
None

PSP
None

EA - Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince given release date - Press Release

World Wide release for Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince From June 30th (UK Release July 3rd)


GUILDFORD, UK – 14th May 2009 – Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ:ERTS) and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today confirmed that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ video game will be in stores across the world from 30th June 2009*, just ahead of the Warner Bros. Pictures’ film based on J.K. Rowling’s sixth book in the Harry Potter series.

In the game of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, players will return to Hogwarts to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. They will also have a chance to engage in exciting wizard duels, mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class and take to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron’s romantic entanglements as they journey towards a dramatic climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince.

Developed by EA Bright Light in Guildford, England - the team behind the worldwide success of the Harry Potter library of games including the most recent game released in the summer of 2007, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is scheduled for release in the UK on 3rd July 2009 for the Wii™, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo DS™, Windows PC and mobile devices.

*Will be available in the UK from the 3rd July 2009.

###

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, 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 SPORTS Freestyle TM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.eagames.com.uk. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at www.electronicarts.co.uk/press.

About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
(s09)

EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Microsoft, Xbox and Xbox 360 are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. “PLAYSTATION”, “PlayStation” and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Nintendo DS and Wii are trademarks of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

EA - NHL 10 Brings a new level of Physicality to the Franchise - Press Release

GUILDFORD, UK. – May 14, 2009 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that EA SPORTS™ has innovated a new, physical brand of hockey that includes first-person fighting in NHL® 10 to match the toughness and emotional intensity real-world NHL players endure in pursuit of a Stanley Cup™ Championship.

The franchise that has won 19 sports game of the year awards over the past two years begins a new era with gameplay innovations that deliver a new standard of toughness, the emotion of playoff hockey on the ice and in the arena, and over 200 gameplay refinements that replicate the skill and finesse that every fan sees throughout the NHL playoffs.

A new first-person fighting engine enables players to trade punches with an NHL tough guy. Feel what it’s like to be on the ice in the skates of an NHL player to throw and dodge punches. Grab and tug an opponent’s jersey to land a punch that ignites the fans and sparks your team to victory. Challenge a skill player and an opposing team tough guy will step in to settle the score.

On ice toughness and intimidation is taken to a new level in NHL 10 where winning one-on-one battles for possession of the puck along the boards becomes a test of will and skill. Utilizing an all-new board physics engine, players can use their body to shield the puck on the boards and then kick-pass it to teammates. Bigger, stronger players pin opponents to the boards while fanatical fans bang on the glass, just like real life. Fore-check defenders, pressure the puck and finish checks to intimidate your opponent into mistakes. Players fatigue, bobble passes, and avoid collisions under threat of constant physical pressure. Inspire teammates, ignite the fans and change the momentum of a game by instigating scrums, drawing penalties, and mixing it up — all after the referee blows the whistle!























“This is the most authentic simulation of hockey we have ever created,” said Producer David Littman, a former NHL and minor league goaltender now in his eighth year working on the NHL franchise. “The Stanley Cup is the most difficult trophy in all of sports to win and NHL 10 replicates the emotion, intensity and toughness players require to win the Cup.”

NHL 10 features more than 200 gameplay refinements that replicate the skill and finesse of hockey and deliver the most responsive and authentic action ever for the series. Players can one-time loose pucks, score from their knees, knock pucks out of the air and lift a leg to fake a shot on goal. A new 360° precision passing mechanic delivers control over the speed and direction of passes so players can bank passes off the boards or play the puck into space for teammates to skate on to it. Plus, all-new interactive crowds bring the emotion of playoff hockey to life with towel-waving fans, glass bangers and crowds that react to the action on the ice.

Prove you are tough enough to quiet the crowd, silence the opposition and survive a playoff run to lift the Stanley Cup in NHL 10.

NHL 10 will be available in stores this Autumn for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system. It is developed under the EA SPORTS brand by EA Canada in Burnaby, B.C. The game has not been rated.

EA SPORTS™ is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR®.

###

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, 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 SPORTS Freestyle TM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.easports.co.uk. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at www.easports.co.uk/press.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS Freestyle and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. NHL is a registered trademark of the National Hockey League. John Madden, NFL, FIFA, NBA, NCAA, and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR are trademarks of their respective owners and used with permission. Xbox and Xbox 360 are registered trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. “PLAYSTATION” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
.
NHL, the NHL Shield and the image of the Stanley Cup are registered trademarks and the word mark Stanley Cup is a trademark of the National Hockey League. All Rights Reserved.

NHL 10 is an Officially Licensed Product of the NHLPA. NHLPA, National Hockey League Players' Association and the NHLPA logo are trademarks of the NHLPA. © NHLPA.