Tuesday, August 3, 2010

EA Reveal NBA Elite 11 Will Come With 3 NBA Jam Modes On The Playstation 3 And Xbox 360


EA Have announced that the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of NBA Elite 11 will come with 3 exclusive NBA Jam modes for those who buy the game new. These 3 game modes are Play Now, Classic Campaign and Online and they will be available for download from the PSN and Xbox Live. The Only way gamers will be able to play the HD Versions of NBA Jam game modes will be by buying NBA Elite 11 new and using the download codes that come in the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 versions of the game.

From USA Playstation Blog And EA Press Release

Press Release

GUILDFORD, UK.,. – August 3, 2010 – Electronic Arts Inc. (Nasdaq: ERTS) announced today that all new copies of NBA ELITE 11 will include a one-time download code that will enable users to access three modes of NBA JAM – Play Now, Classic Campaign and Online. Already set to revolutionize the way basketball simulation games are played with new Hands-On Control, the inclusion of the NBA JAM modes will make NBA ELITE 11 the ultimate basketball videogame experience available, on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, when it is released on October 5, 2010.

“NBA ELITE 11 is going to change the way basketball videogames are played,” says Jordan Edelstein, Vice President, Marketing, EA SPORTS, “The addition of three free downloadable modes of the award winning NBA JAM is an unprecedented value add to a product that is already set to revolutionize the basketball videogame category”

Winner of eight ‘Best Sports Game of E3’ awards, including the coveted Game Critics Award, NBA JAM has been optimized for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 to truly deliver a next-gen experience of the classic franchise. With Play Now, Classic Campaign, and Online modes included, the downloadable version of NBA JAM, that is available with purchases of NBA ELITE 11, will include a robust single player and multiplayer experience. NBA JAM allows fans to challenge the world, or their friends on the couch, with Online and Play Now, respectively, or climb from worst to first as they take their favorite NBA team through a ladder tournament through the league.

NBA ELITE 11 featuring three modes of NBA JAM will be available for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360®video game and entertainment system with an MSRP of $59.99. It is developed by EA Canada in Burnaby, B.C. The game has not yet been rated by the ESRB or PEGI.

EA SPORTSTM is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, global videogame competitions and breakthrough digital experiences. EA SPORTS delivers personal access to the emotion of sports through industry-leading sports simulation videogames, including Madden NFL football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA ELITE basketball, NCAA® Football, Fight Night boxing, EA SPORTS MMA and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® golf, and EA SPORTS Active.

For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com to connect, share and compete.

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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 MobileTMand POGOTM. In fiscal 2010, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.7 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million units. 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 Mobile and POGO are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications reproduced on this product are trademarks and copyrighted designs, and/or other forms of intellectual property that are the exclusive property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA Properties, Inc. John Madden, NFL, NHL, NCAA, Tiger Woods and PGA TOUR are trademarks of their respective owners and used with permission. Microsoft, 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.

Sony Reveal The Playstation Plus Content for August And September

Sony's EU Playstation Blog has detailed some of the Playstation Plus Coming to the UK and Europe between August and September. Sony also say they want to here more suggestions as to what content should be included for Playstation Plus, they cite that Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee and Sam and Max: The Devil’s Playground (the entire season were included because of user opinion.

Here’s what will be available to Plus members from Aug 4th – Aug 31st

PSN:
Zen Pinball
minis:
Blast-Off
Alien Zombie Death
PSOne Classic:
Medievil
Full Game Trial:
Infamous
Mushroom Wars
Exclusive Discounts:
Zen Pinball Earth Defense Table – 20%
Warhawk Triple Combo Pack – 50%
GT Club PS3/PSN – 50%
WipeOut HD Fury – 20%
DLC:
MotorStorm Pacific Rift: Adrenaline Pack
Automatic download demo:
Pixel Junk Shooter
Mafia 2
Dynamic themes:
Exclusive PlayStation Plus Theme
Exclusive ‘Clock’ Theme
Premium avatars:
Heavy Rain characters x 2

And here is what you can expect to see from the 1st Sept – 30th Sept

PSN:
Sam and Max: Devil’s Playground (entire season)
minis:
Vector Tower Defense
Echoes
PSOne Classic:
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee
Full Game Trial:
Warhawk (with exclusive 50% discount for Plus members on purchase)
Inferno Pool
Exclusive Discounts:
LBP: Ico and Shadow of Colossus costume pack – 50%
Metal Gear Solid (PSOne) – 50%
Warhawk – 20%
Pixel Junk Shooter – 20%
DLC:
Exclusive UFC Undisputed 2010 DLC
Dynamic themes:
Exclusive PlayStation Move theme
Exclusive ‘Fish Tank’ theme
Premium avatars:
Eye Pet Blue Goalie Avatar
Eye Pet DJ Avatar

From EU Playstation Blog


Blizzard Entertainment Announce StarCraft II: Wings Of Liberty Sold More Than 1 Million Units In Just 24 Hours

Blizzard Entertainment have announced that StarCraft II: Wings Of Liberty sold over 1 Million units in just 24 hours, and over 1.5 Million units in just 48 hours. This means StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty now holds the record for the fastest selling strategy game of all time.

Press Release

IRVINE, Calif., Aug 03, 2010  - Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced that StarCraft®II: Wings of LibertyTM achieved a day-one sales milestone of more than 1 million copies sold worldwide, making it the best-selling PC game of 2010 within its first 24 hours of availability.* The game went on to sell a total of more than 1.5 million copies in its first 48 hours, setting the record for fastest-selling strategy game of all time.*

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty was released simultaneously in North America, Europe, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau on July 27. More than 8,000 stores throughout the world opened their doors at midnight to celebrate the release, and Blizzard Entertainment developers were present at several locations to commemorate the event with players and sign copies of the game.

"We launched StarCraft II in 11 different languages and on 5 different continents because we wanted to make sure as many players as possible were able to log on and play on day one," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "We're pleased that so many people around the world have already picked up a copy of the game, and we look forward to welcoming even more players to Battle.net® in the weeks and months ahead."
"GameStop had more than 3,000 stores open at midnight, so our StarCraft players got a jump start on playing the epic experience Blizzard consistently delivers with its games," said Bob McKenzie, senior vice president of merchandising at GameStop. "StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is officially GameStop's fastest-selling PC game since Blizzard launched World of Warcraft®: Wrath of the Lich King® in 2008."

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is the sequel to Blizzard Entertainment's 1998 hit StarCraft, which has been hailed by players and critics worldwide as one of the top real-time strategy games of all time. Sporting a vibrant 3D-graphics engine, StarCraft II once again centers on the clash between the protoss, terrans, and zerg, with each side deploying legions of veteran, upgraded, and new unit types. Unparalleled online play for StarCraft II is available through a new version of Battle.net, Blizzard Entertainment's world-renowned gaming service. Battle.net has been redesigned from the ground up to be the premier online gaming destination for Blizzard gamers, with several enhancements and new features, such as voice communication, cloud file storage, leagues and ladders, achievements, stat-tracking, and more.

The solo campaign for StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty continues the epic saga where it left off in StarCraft: Brood War®. The story line chronicles the exploits of marshal-turned-rebel-leader Jim Raynor and features both familiar faces and new heroes. Players are able to tailor the experience, choosing their own mission path and selecting technology and research upgrades to suit their playing style throughout the 29-mission campaign. Several challenge-mode mini-games are also included, with focused goals designed to ease players into the basics of multiplayer strategies.
For more information on StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, visit the official website atwww.starcraft2.com.

About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment's track record includes twelve #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active users.
*Based on internal company records, public data, and/or reports from key distribution partners.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Blizzard Entertainment'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. Blizzard Entertainment 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 forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Blizzard Entertainment'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 of Blizzard Entertainment's titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Blizzard Entertainment'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 Blizzard Entertainment'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 Blizzard Entertainment, 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. Other such factors include additional risk 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 Blizzard Entertainment and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Blizzard Entertainment 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 Blizzard Entertainment 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.

EA Reveal The Sims Medieval And Announce Its Coming To PC's And Macs In Spring 2011

EA Have revealed The Sims Medieval is currently in development at EA Play. The Sims Medieval is a Sims game set in the Medieval Period were you can create heroes and venture on quests, build and control a kingdom. The Sims Medieval is currently set for a Spring 2011 release on PC and Mac.

EA Are calling The Sims Medieval a new Sims series that has the potential for limitless stories to be told in. RPG and Strategy elements have been added into the series for the first time and yet designed in such a way that they'll appeal to The Sims players. In The Sims Medieval you can control a variety of characters, including Queens, kings, Knights, Wizards, Blacksmiths, and Bards. each of these different characters have their own unique story that you play.

The Ability to build a kingdom through either expansion, domination, or conquering is partnered with the quests that give the player new stories to play in every game. The Sims Medieval has an authentic medieval look to it in every part of the game.

Screenshots


Press Release

GUILDFORD, UK., August 3, 2010 – Go back in time and get medieval! The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced The SimsTM Medieval, a new series currently in development that places the popular SimsTM characters from The SimsTM game into the Middle Ages and brings players robust, compelling gameplay never seen before in the history of The Sims. For the first time, players can create heroes, venture on quests, build and control a kingdom, and play every Hero Sim TM character in the land. Creativity will soar as players tell stories like never before full of drama, romance, conflict, and comedy.

“The Middle Ages is a time of intrigue, legend, and excitement. It offers a perfect backdrop for a brand new series from The Sims studio due to the limitless stories that can be told,” said Scott Evans, General Manager of The Sims Studio at EA. “The Sims Medieval offers a new way for players to experience The Sims which we hope fans will enjoy, and it features gameplay that fans of strategy and role-playing games will find appealing such as controlling an entire kingdom and quest-based gameplay mechanics.”

The Sims Medieval offers players a chance to build up a medieval kingdom, controlling characters from all walks of life, from Kings and Queens, to Knights and Wizards, Blacksmiths and Bards. It provides a host of storytelling possibilities in the form of quests, from crafting a legendary sword to arranging a royal wedding, to protecting the kingdom from an evil sorcerer, to finding the fountain of youth. Every quest plays out differently depending on which Hero Sim the player is controlling.

The destiny of the kingdom rests in the players’ hands. Will players build up their kingdom through internal expansion, or perhaps look for a more imperial type of domination, expanding their rule by conquering territories? Will they take on quests in pursuit of fame, or focus on the health and wellbeing of their people? The choice is theirs! With the start of every new game, players will be able to select a new ambition for their kingdom, and embark on a new set of stories.

Everything in The Sims Medieval is crafted to create an immersive medieval world, from the quest-based gameplay, to the medieval objects such as swords and stocks and thrones, right down to the warm look of the characters, and the painterly approach to the world itself. Players can choose to customize every new Hero that comes to the kingdom, including selecting their traits and their fatal flaw. Players get close to their characters, not only sending them on epic quests, but also making sure they carry out their daily responsibilities such as healing the sick, trading for exotic goods, or forging armor. From having a baby to competing in a royal tournament, what happens to their Sims is up to the player. The time of romance and chivalry is back with The Sims Medieval.

Developed by The Sims Studio, The Sims Medieval for PC/Mac will be available in spring 2011 and has not yet been rated by PEGI.

About The Sims
The SimsTM, the groundbreaking franchise that allows players to create and live a virtual, simulated life on a computer, celebrates its ten year anniversary in 2010 with an impressive more than 125 million units sold since its launch in February 2000. Now translated into 22 different languages and available in 60 different countries, The Sims has quickly become a universal gaming and cultural phenomenon. Since its June 2009 launch, The Sims 3 has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide to date and was the #1 best-selling PC title for 2009 in North America and Europe. Fan intensity is evidenced through the 150 million downloads of player created content including: Sims, houses, stories and more. The Sims 3 community site,www.thesims3.com, welcomes up to four million unique visitors monthly, handles nearly 300 content downloads every minute and more than 2.5 million uploads have been made to date, including 15 movies each hour. The Sims 3 YouTube Channel is within the top 10 most viewed sponsored channels of all time with more than 32 million video views. Visit The Sims 3 official website to see what the players are creating at www.TheSims3.com or the official YouTube Channel for The Sims at http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSims. The Sims 3 is currently available for PC, Mac, iPhone®, iPod touch® and mobile devices and in the fall 2010 on Nintendo DSTM, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and WiiTM and in 2011 the Nintendo 3DS.

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 MobileTMand POGOTM. In fiscal 2010, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.7 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million units. 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://www.electronicarts.co.uk.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, POGO, and The Sims are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Mac, iPhone, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Wii and the Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox and Xbox 360 are registered trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Sony Have Released An Updated Firmware 3.41 For Those Having HDD Issues

Since Sony released the latest firmware, 3.41, there had been some complaints on the internet. most of these complaints come from people unable to install a new HDD to the system. In response Sony has released a new version of 3.41, minor changes have been made to it so it doesn't need a different number. If you have been experiencing issues since the original firmware 3.41 was released sony suggests you try this updated firmware.

Sony finishes off by saying "e apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused, and appreciate your understanding and continued support."

From EU Playstation Blog


Hit X: The News Recapping Podcast For Monday 2nd August

This is all the news from Monday 2nd August.

You can subscribe to the Hit X: The News Recapping Podcast on iTunes and if you do or are already a subscriber, it would be very helpful for me if you can rate and review the podcast.

A podcast is available on iTunes from:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=328547861

A RSS Feed from Podbean:
http://qtegamers.podbean.com/feed

And on qtegamers.blogspot.com:
http://qtegamers.blogspot.com/search/label/Audio Re-Cap


The Re-Cap: News From QTE Gamers From Monday 2nd August


  • QTE Blog: The Re-Cap: News From QTE Gamers From Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August http://ht.ly/18ouZG
  • QTE Blog: Hit X: The News Recapping Podcast For Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August http://ht.ly/18oxFV
  • WP7: Microsoft's Kevin Turner reveals Windows Phone 7 is coming to EU in October, November in USA http://ht.ly/2jJnZ
  • Clyde Drexler, Kevin MacHale, Dennis Rodman, Hakeem Olajuwan, Detlef Schrempf, and James Worthy, all NBA Jam characters http://ht.ly/2jKbw
  • Angry Birds is coming to the Nintendo DS, PS3 and PSP, presumably as a DSiWare and Playstation Mini title http://ht.ly/2jKf8
  • 360: Bungie reveal all the requirements to obtain all the achievements in Halo Reach http://ht.ly/2jKht
  • EA have registered a website domain for Dead Space: Sabotage. its unknown what its for http://ht.ly/2jKkU
  • QTE Blog: EA Announce Create And Reveal Its Coming Out In November On The Wii, Xbox 360, PC, MAC, And PS3 With Move Support http://ht.ly/18oDCh
  • PS3: its rumoured that a new feature for Playstation Plus will be the ability to chance your Username http://ht.ly/2jLXy
  • 360: Mercury Steam's Dave Cox says the lack of BluRay will result in more games shipping on more than 1 disc http://ht.ly/2jM1q
  • QTE Blog: Atlus Have Released A New Gameplay Video For Etrian Odyssey III: The Drowned City http://ht.ly/18oGDS
  • QTE Blog: EA Announce The Medal of Honor Limited Edition Will Come With A Battlefield 3 Beta Invitation http://ht.ly/18oGDT
  • Guerrilla Games' Herman Hulst has revealed that the studio has already begun work on a New IP. its in the concept stage http://ht.ly/2jPJ6
  • BlazBlue: Continuum Shift producer Toshimichi says the series won't go to 2.5D or 3D as he loves 2D so much. http://ht.ly/2jPMa
  • QTE Blog: Codemasters Have Released The Final F1 2010 Dev Diary And Shown Off 2010 F1 Cars In The Game http://ht.ly/18oJl6
  • QTE Blog: Sega Have Released A New Trailer For Shogun 2:Total War http://ht.ly/18oJl5
  • UK Game Charts, StarCraft II, Toy Story 3, Red Dead Redemption, Dance On Broadway, Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 top 5 http://ht.ly/2jRa8
  • Its reported Android shipments have grown from Q2 2009 to Q2 2010 by 885.9%. Apple also up by 61.4% http://ht.ly/2jReo
  • QTE Blog: Pokémon Sunday Have Revealed New Pokémon Black And White Gameplay Footage And A Teaser For The Pokémon: Best Wishes Anime http://ht.ly/18oN4M
  • QTE Blog: Sony Reveal The Madden NFL 11 PSP Bundle Will Cost $169.99 And It Comes Out 10th August http://ht.ly/18oN4L
  • 360: MTV/Harmonix says Kinect can achieve 1:1 tracking, Dance Central achieves it. http://ht.ly/2jVsY
  • Tomonobu Itagaki reveals he's moved way from pursing technical strengths, the focus is on interesting and fun http://ht.ly/2jVx5
  • QTE Blog: Sony Announce ModNation Racers Update 1.02 Is Coming Out On The 4th August http://ht.ly/18oPLN
  • QTE Blog: Sony Announce God Of War: Ghost Of Sparta Is Coming Out On 2nd November And Reveal Pre-Orders And Bundles http://ht.ly/18oPLO
  • Yusuke Hashimoto reveals that there will be new Bayonetta Information this week http://ht.ly/2jVym
  • Rare reveal that they were bought by Microsoft to give Xbox "a softer face", to broaden the appeal of the machine http://ht.ly/2jVBf
  • QTE Blog: JoWooD Entertainment Announce They Are Brininig Runis Games' Torchlight To Mac's In August http://ht.ly/18oS8X
  • QTE Blog: 6th Mega Reveal Puff Puff And Announce 10% Of Proceeds Go To Organisations That Protect Coral Reefs http://ht.ly/18oS8W
  • Sega's Takashi Iizuka says Sega is trying to please Veteran Sonic fans by releasing 2D and 3D Sonic Games http://ht.ly/2jVFx
  • Activision have announced that sales of Map Packs for Call Of Duty games have now past 20 Million units sold http://ht.ly/2jZWr
  • QTE Blog: This Weeks WiiWare, DSiWare, And Virtual Console Releases http://ht.ly/18oV1g
  • 3DS: Masahiro Sakurai says Kid Icarus is being designed to reduce the amount of stress on eyes http://ht.ly/2k0ha
  • PSP: XSEED Games announce Ys SEVEN is coming out on 17th August on PSN/UMD http://ht.ly/2k0jp
  • 360: Microsoft's Kuda Tsunoda says Kinect Development isn't cost Prohibitive, XBLA and Indie Devs can make Kinect games http://ht.ly/2k0y2