New Screenshots for The Beatles RockBand

EA Has released new screenshots for their upcoming game The Beatles RockBand. They show some of the venues, gameplay and ingame movies in the game.

The Beatles RockBand

Konami Announces Original Jackson 5 Tracks For Karaoke Revolution

Konami has announced that their upcoming game, Karaoke Revolution, is getting original Jackson 5 tracks. additional bonus content like themes and photo's will be on the discs also.
The game features 50 songs, from master recordings, and online modes for up to 8 players to battle with or against each other on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 versions also can download master tracks, share exclusive venues and clothing and accessories.
You can use the Playstation 3/Xbox 360 cameras to upload pictures of yourself to create yourself in the game.

Karaoke Revoltuion


Press Release

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – July 21, 2009 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced it has secured the licensed music of the Jackson 5 from Universal Music Enterprises (Ume) to be featured in Karaoke Revolution® for Wii™, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Players will be able to sing to original music of Jackson 5 classics including the number one hits “I’ll Be There,” and “ABC.” The Jackson 5 content will be featured on the final disc at launch along Jackson 5 themes and photos. This original Jackson 5 content and themes will further distinguish Karaoke Revolution in the marketplace by being the first karaoke game to feature licensed music of the Jackson 5 across all next-generation gaming consoles.

“The music of the Jackson 5 is timeless,” said Careen Yapp, Vice President of Licensing and Business Development. “We are thrilled to partner with UMe and EMI to pay homage to the American institution known as the Jackson 5 in Karaoke Revolution. The Jackson 5 was the first group to have four consecutive number one singles, and to have those iconic hits like ‘I’ll Be There’ or ‘I Want You Back’ will give fans both old and new a chance to experience their music in a way they have never before.”

“Konami are the pioneers of the karaoke gaming genre, in the same way that the Jackson 5 were
pioneers for many of the pop groups and artists that have followed in their path. We’re pleased to be able to have been able to provide fans of the Jackson 5 with a new way to experience the classic music that made them such worldwide stars.” adds Rod Kotler, Vice President of Music Resources at EMI Music Publishing Additionally, the game will let karaoke fans sing and compete against friends with expanded multiplayer modes, 50 all-new hit songs from master recordings, as well as an endless amount of customizable venue options and newly enhanced customizable characters, including dramatic facial and body morphing.

Karaoke Revolution’s expanded multiplayer modes allow players to throw karaoke parties with their friends, or perform solo in a single-player career. If you want to hear your favorite songs in succession, just create a playlist, pick up the microphone and jump in at anytime! Players can sing to a wide variety of contemporary hits and classic favorites from licensed master recordings. In addition, those using either the Xbox 360® or the PLAYSTATION®3 can utilize the co-op Party Mode with online game modes for up to 8 players or battle with or against each other in the ultimate competition.

Also new to this year’s version are the enhanced customizations that allow singers to design and
personalize their venues and characters in ways that are guaranteed to catch the attention of the crowd. Karaoke Revolution offers singers the opportunity to create a virtual representation of themselves with theabundance of character customization and body manipulation options. Players can record themselves with the Xbox LIVE Vision Camera or the PLAYSTATION® Eye to incorporate themselves right on screen inside their custom venues! While Xbox 360 and PS3 gamers can also select and download licensed master tracks, share exclusive venues and additional clothing and accessories Like all versions from this acclaimed franchise, Karaoke Revolution features a proprietary voice recognition technology which accurately recognizes and scores vocal pitch and rhythm.

Real-time Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. 2381 Rosecrans Ave. El Segundo, CA 90245 310-220-8100 Fax 310-220-8200
feedback is offered by the dynamic crowds that fill each virtual venue. The game comes packaged with a microphone providing players ready-to-perform access. Karaoke Revolution will be released in the fourth quarter of 2009. For more information on the game, please visit: http://www.konami.com/games/karaokerevolution/

About Konami
Konami is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties. Konami's titles include the popular franchises Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill, DanceDanceRevolution and Castlevania, among other top sellers. The latest information about Konami can be found on the Web at www.konami.com. KONAMI CORPORATION is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. in the United States and Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH in Frankfurt, Germany. KONAMI CORPORATION is traded in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KNM. Details of the products published by Konami can be
found at www.konami.com.
###
KONAMI is a registered trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION.
Wii and the Wii logo are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2006 Nintendo.
Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

StarCraft II Accessories Announced by SteelSeries

SteelSeries, a manufactourer of peripherals and accessories, has announced that they are releasing a series of gaming surfaces with art from StarCraft II. The pads are designed for mice with laser and optical tracking, and have a non slip rubber base.
They are set for a July 2009 release at Amazon.com and GameStop for $14.99.



Press Release

CHICAGO --(Business Wire)-- Jul 21, 2009 Today, SteelSeries, a leading manufacturer of game peripherals and accessories, unveiled a new line of gaming surfaces featuring art from Blizzard Entertainment’s highly anticipated StarCraft® II. The QcK Limited Edition Terran Marine and Kerrigan vs. Zeratul editions are designed with a non-slip rubber base which prevents the pads from sliding, no matter what surface the mousepad is placed on, and is optimized for optical and laser technology providing an overall more reliable gaming experience.

“StarCraft and its expansion have together sold more than 11 million copies worldwide, and we believe StarCraft II will prove equally influential and popular, making this a great opportunity to provide gamers with surfaces that help to improve performance and game play,” said Brian Stech, SteelSeries President of the Americas. “We are incredibly excited to have an opportunity to continue our partnership with the designers from Blizzard Entertainment and develop surfaces that we know StarCraft players will enjoy.”

The SteelSeries QcK Limited Edition Terran Marine and Kerrigan vs. Zeratul gaming surfaces are made of high quality cloth material and optimized textured surface which guarantees both smoothness and glide. The special surface graphic on each mousepad depicts characters from the upcoming StarCraft II, which will pick up where the events of StarCraft: Brood War left off, following familiar characters and new heroes through the next chapter of the series’ epic story.
The gaming surfaces will be available in July 2009 and will be sold for $14.99 from GameStop and Amazon.

About SteelSeries
SteelSeries is a leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, including headsets, keyboards, mice, software and gaming surfaces, selling in more than 75 countries. SteelSeries has been on the forefront of professional gaming gear since its inception in 2001, thanks to continued innovation and product development in cooperation with leading professional gamers. All SteelSeries products are developed in cooperation with professional gamers to ensure optimum performance and durability. SteelSeries supports the growth of competitive gaming and electronic sports through professional team sponsorships and community support all over the world. For more information, please visit www.SteelSeries.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 eleven #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.

Jumpgate Evoltuion Has Over 250,000 Beta Sign Ups.

Codemasters online has announced that Jumpgate Evolution currently has over 250,000 Beta Sign-Ups making it Codemasters Online biggest Beta.
Head to www.jumpgateevolution.com to sign up.

Press Release

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jul 21, 2009 Codemasters Online and NetDevil announced that Jumpgate Evolution, the eagerly anticipated new space combat MMO, has reached a landmark 250,000 Beta sign ups in North America and Europe and has subsequently become Codemasters Online’s biggest ever Beta campaign.
Jumpgate Evolution is currently in the Friends and Family testing phase, already providing select gamers with a chance to experience the game’s sci-fi thrills first-hand. NetDevil’s aim is that these tests will provide the community with the opportunity to change the game, on the basis of producing a highly enjoyable and quality experience.

“This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved with Jumpgate Evolution,” said David Solari, Vice President, Codemasters Online. “We have received overwhelming support for the game since the commencement of its Beta sign up last year and our fans have been clamoring for the Beta. We expect our fans to agree that it was well worth the wait.”

“Our players’ enthusiasm continues to exceed our expectations at every milestone and we are extremely excited to achieve such fantastic support,” said Scott Brown, President of NetDevil. “We have thoroughly enjoyed obtaining some valuable feedback from the people in our Friends & Family test, helping us to take the next major step towards launch.”

Developed by the highly experienced US-based MMOG developer NetDevil, Jumpgate Evolution is an exhilarating space combat MMO, set in a vast expanding universe, that allows players to choose from one of three playable Nations and engage in an intense action-packed gaming experience. While embarking on an immersive and accessible space adventure, players can trade valuable commodities, take part in awesome intergalactic battles, meet and play with friends and live out the dream of an elite hero. The game features a rich and varied universe to explore and has been designed for experienced and novice MMO players alike.

For more information on Jumpgate, or to sign up for BETA, visit: www.jumpgateevolution.com

ABOUT CODEMASTERS
Codemasters is a leading developer and publisher of best-selling interactive entertainment products for a global audience across multiple gaming platforms and channels. Established in 1986, the company’s dominant brands include DiRT, Race Driver GRID, Overlord and Operation Flashpoint; the company recently secured the exclusive worldwide video game rights to FORMULA 1. Codemasters is headquartered in Warwickshire UK, with North American operations based in Universal City, California. The company also maintains operations in Germany, France, Spain, Benelux and Malaysia. Codemasters receives over two million visitors to its web site every month, discover why at www.codemasters.com

ABOUT CODEMASTERS ONLINE
Codemasters Online is a leading global publisher / operator of online persistent world games. Established in 2005 and part of the wider Codemasters organisation, in a short time Codemasters Online has become one of the west’s leading gaming companies specialising in persistent world services. With a suite of successful persistent games including the hugely popular The Lord of the Rings Online™, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE®, ArchLord and forthcoming space based MMO Jumpgate Evolution, Codemasters Online is one of the fastest growing specialists in massively multiplayer online games in the world.

ABOUT NETDEVIL, LTD
NetDevil is a leading independent game development company that specializes in the development and construction of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs). Founded in 1997, under the inspiration of Jumpgate(TM), the world’s first massively multiplayer space simulator, the company carries on a commitment to creating interactive, virtual worlds in unique and elaborate settings. Currently, the company is developing two major MMO titles – Jumpgate Evolution and LEGO Universe. Led by a development team of talented and experienced industry veterans, NetDevil has grown to over 100 employees. All NetDevil employees share a common vision to bring the mysteries of new and exciting worlds to life as immersive online universes. For more information about the company, visit www.netdevil.com
NetDevil is a part of Gazillion Entertainment.

Disney Book Group Have announced A Graphic Novel Anthology Based On The New Prince Of Perisa Movie

http://disneybooks.disney.go.com/images/logo_disney_books.jpg

Disney book group has announced a Graphic novel anthology based on The Prince Of Persia. the first book is 128 pages, 6 stories, all a prequel to the Movie, Prince Of Persia The Sands Of Time, and is currently set for a April 2010 release. It will have an initial Hardback run of 125,000.
The novel will be written by Jordan Mecher, he wrote the Movie script, and will also have cover art by Todd McFarlane, Spawn and Spider-Man. the rest of the art will be done by talented comic book artists.
There will be a discussion at Comic Con regarding the new Prince Of Persia Graphic Novel with Jordan Mechner, Todd McFarlane, Bernard Chang, Tommy Lee Edwards, and Cameron Stewart.

Press Release

LOS ANGELES --(Business Wire)-- Jul 21, 2009 Disney Book Group announced today the Prince of Persia graphic novel anthology, the first-ever graphic novel written by the creator of Prince of Persia, Jordan Mechner. Todd McFarlane (Spawn, Spider-man) created exclusive art to be featured on the cover, and interior art will include some of the most talented names in comics.

The 128-page graphic novel, a full-color action-adventure anthology featuring six original stories, is a prequel to “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,” the feature film to be released by Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films on May 28, 2010. The Prince of Persia graphic novel anthology will publish in April 2010 simultaneously in hardcover and paperback with a 125,000 first print run.

“We are thrilled to publish Jordan Mechner’s book debut,” said Jon Yaged, vice president, U.S. publisher, Disney Book Group. “We have developed a fantastic publishing program for the Prince of Persia film release and this graphic novel is an incredible cornerstone.”
At San Diego Comic-Con on Friday, July 24, 2009 Jordan Mechner, Todd McFarlane, Bernard Chang, Tommy Lee Edwards, and Cameron Stewart will discuss the Prince of Persia graphic novel anthology for the first time at Disney Press’s panel (11:30am-12:30pm, room 3) at the San Diego Convention Center.

Jordan Mechner
Jordan Mechner is one of the videogame industry's most respected creators. His titles, including Prince of Persia, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Karateka and The Last Express appear frequently in critics' lists of the best games of all time.

Mechner's achievements in the videogame field are complemented by his work as a film writer and director. His documentary “Chavez Ravine: A Los Angeles Story” won the 2003 IDA award for Best Short Documentary, was shortlisted for an Academy Award®, and received its broadcast premiere on PBS Independent Lens in 2005.

Among his current projects, Mechner wrote the screen story and is an executive producer of the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures/Jerry Bruckheimer Films feature film “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.” Mechner recently signed on to write the feature film adaptation of the comic book Fathom for 20th Century Fox, which is set to star Megan Fox.
Mechner is currently collaborating with artists LeUyen Pham and Alex Puvilland on an original graphic novel trilogy for First Second Books.
Mechner received his B.A. from Yale University.

Todd McFarlane
Film director, artist, writer, and producer Todd McFarlane is widely recognized as one of the most influential comic book creators of the last two decades, McFarlane is best known as the creator of Spawn. That title’s hugely popular 1992 debut sold an amazing 1.7 million copies – an unprecedented feat in independent comics. The comic became an Emmy Award®-winning animated series on HBO and a live-action feature film from New Line Cinema.
McFarlane is the also the founder of McFarlane Toys, an international award-winning company and one of America’s top action figure manufacturers.

About The Movie
From the team that brought the “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy to the big screen, Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films present “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,” an epic action-adventure set in the mystical lands of Persia. A rogue prince (JAKE GYLLENHAAL) reluctantly joins forces with a mysterious princess (GEMMA ARTERTON) and together, they race against dark forces to safeguard an ancient dagger capable of releasing the Sands of Time—a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world. Directed by Mike Newell (“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”) from a screenplay by Doug Miro & Carlo Bernard and a screen story by Jordan Mechner and Boaz Yakin with a cast that includes SIR BEN KINGSLEY and ALFRED MOLINA, “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,” hits theaters Memorial Day Weekend, 2010.

About Disney Press
Disney Press is an imprint of Disney Book Group (DBG); additional DBG imprints include Disney Editions, Disney-Hyperion, and Disney-Jump at the Sun. DBG is part of Disney Publishing Worldwide, the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines, with over 300 children's magazine titles published and over 3500 children's books published each year. Headquartered in White Plains, NY, Disney Publishing Worldwide publishes books and magazines in 85 languages in 75 countries, reaching more than 100 million readers each month.

Super Monkey Ball Step And Roll Announced For Nintendo Wii, With Trailer.

Sega has annoucned a new Super Monkey Ball for the Nintendo Wii. the game is set for a early 2010 release and will make use of the Wii Fit Board.

Watchmen The End Of Nigh Pt2 Is To Be Released On Blu-Ray With Watchmen: Directors Cut Movie.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announces that Watchmen the End is Nigh Part 2 is being released in N.America on the same disc as the Blu-Ray movie, Watchmen: Directors Cut. the game will also be offered via PC on July 29th and the PSN on July 30th for $14.99. it's set for a Xbox Live Release on August 26th for 1200 Microsoft Points. Watchmen The End Is Nigh Parts 1 and 2 is available now on Xbox Live for $29.99.

Press Release

BURBANK, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jul 21, 2009 Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 2, the second of two episodic action videogames based on the Watchmen film, launches today on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and as a Blu-ray Hi-Def game and film hybrid - Watchmen: The End is Nigh The Complete Experience - in conjunction with Warner Home Video’s Blu-ray Hi-Def and DVD of the Watchmen: Director’s Cut. Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 2, published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, is offered in an innovative retail Blu-Ray Hi-Def game and film hybrid, as well as additional retail and downloadable formats in North America.

Providing Watchmen fans with a variety of purchase options, the game will be offered in the following formats.

Watchmen: The End is Nigh The Complete Experience is a distinct, retail Blu-ray Hi-Def game and film hybrid which will include the Watchmen: The End is Nigh Parts 1 and 2 video game and the Watchmen: Director’s Cut on Blu-ray. This two-disc collectible set of the action-packed blockbuster includes an additional 25 minutes of footage not seen in theaters and exclusive artwork in a premium collector’s package. Both the game and Blu-ray disc are playable on the PLAYSTATION®3 entertainment system. Watchmen: The End is Nigh The Complete Experience launches today for a retail price of $49.99.

Watchmen: The End is Nigh Parts 1 and 2 is available today for the first time as a single game on Xbox 360 for $29.99.

Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 2 will be available for download on PC on July 29 and PlayStation®Network on July 30 for a retail price of $14.99, and on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360 on August 26 for 1200 Microsoft Points.

Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 2 is a hardcore mature action brawler featuring bloody visceral combat in settings which are reminiscent of the film. Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 1 takes place more than a decade before the film’s main story, delving into the partnership of urban vigilantes Rorschach and Nite Owl before the hero-banning Keene Act. In Part 2 the duo teams up again as Rorschach contacts Nite Owl to help solve the case of a missing girl, Violet Greene.

The game features a split screen co-op multiplayer option in addition to a single-player experience with an A.I. partner. Staying true to the tone of the Watchmen world, Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 2 features stunning graphics in gritty settings. Players can battle as many as twenty enemies at the same time in bloody, intense street-fighting action. Watchmen: The End is Nigh Parts 1 and 2 feature nine chapters of gut-wrenching action, including locales from the film, allowing for hours of intense gameplay and a fully developed storyline.

About WATCHMEN
Released nationwide on March 6, 2009, Watchmen is a complex, multi-layered mystery adventure, set in an alternate 1985 America in which costumed superheroes are part of the fabric of everyday society, and the Doomsday Clock—which charts the USA’s tension with the Soviet Union—moves closer to midnight. When one of his former colleagues is murdered, the outlawed but no less determined masked vigilante Rorschach uncovers a wide-ranging and disturbing conspiracy with catastrophic
consequences for the future.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures present, in Association with Legendary Pictures, a Lawrence Gordon/Lloyd Levin Production, a Zack Snyder Film, Watchmen. The film stars Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Carla Gugino, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Patrick Wilson. Watchmen is directed by Zack Snyder and produced by Lawrence Gordon, Lloyd Levin and Deborah Snyder. The screenplay is by David Hayter and Alex Tse, based upon the graphic novel co-created and illustrated by Dave Gibbons and published by DC Comics. Herbert W. Gains and Thomas Tull are the executive producers, with Wesley Coller serving as co-producer.

About DC Comics
DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC Super Heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics’ Web site is located at www.dccomics.com

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

WATCHMEN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics. (s09)

Mind Controll Software Announce Mind Twist.

Mind Control Software have announced a new online strategy game called Mind Twist. the game is a collaboration between Mind Control, Richard Garfield and Skaff Elias, creators of Magic: The Gathering and Pro Tour respectively.
The game is free to play, with microtransactions, and can be played on different platforms like Facebook and iPhone. other platforms can be added over time.

Press Release

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jul 21, 2009 Award-winning video game developer Mind Control Software announced today that it has joined forces with Richard Garfield and Skaff Elias — creators of Magic: The Gathering and its Pro Tour — to develop a revolutionary online strategy game, code-named Mind Twist (www.themindtwist.com).

Since Garfield invented his genre-creating product, Magic: The Gathering, the market for tabletop strategy games has consistently passed the billion dollar mark each year. In his work with Mind Control Software, Garfield plans to bring the elements of tabletop gaming to the digital realm, using the same gaming expertise and creative genius that devised one of the biggest tabletop franchises in history.

“We couldn’t be more excited about our partnership with Richard and Skaff, and the genuine rock star talent they bring to our team,” said Andrew Leker, CEO, Founder, and Chief Designer of Mind Control Software. “These guys have been delivering compelling social entertainment experiences in the tabletop realm for years, and it’s only now in this new era of social media that the same experiences are possible online.”

“The potential of digital games fascinates me and I left Wizards of the Coast to pursue them,” said Richard Garfield. “Mind Control has the expertise to bring my designs to a new generation of gamers, and the platform technology to build the right ‘meta-game’ around them.”
Both Garfield and Elias have also joined Mind Control Software’s advisory board and will be involved with several other projects at Mind Control, in addition to the development of Mind Twist.

Mind Twist is a free-to-play game with a microtransaction-based business model built on Mind Control Software’s state-of-the-art Orbital Game Platform. Orbital is a soup-to-nuts game engine at the heart of dozens of shipped games, and now, in addition, it supports play across different gaming devices. Mind Twist will launch on Facebook and iPhone, with other platforms added over time. Players can currently follow the game on Twitter (@TheMindTwist) and Facebook.

“We are proud that our technology will be bringing Richard’s vision to life,” Leker continued. “We are confident that the man who rebuilt tabletop games into a billion dollar industry will be instrumental in leading a new age of online gaming.”

About Mind Control Software
For over a decade Mind Control Software (www.mind-control.com) has developed games and online game technologies for the industry's leading game publishers. During this time Mind Control Software won multiple prestigious awards for its unique and compelling designs, including Best Computer Role-Playing Game of the Year award from the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) Magazine and Independent Game of the Year awards from the Independent Games Festival (IGF). Chief designers, Andrew Leker and Marc LeBlanc, have over 30 years of game design and development experience between them, and are frequently featured as speakers at developer workshops and conferences. In addition to its work on the Mind Twist Initiative, Mind Control Software is currently engaged in a variety of design and development projects for top tier publishers.

About Richard Garfield
Richard revolutionized the hobby gaming industry and launched an entirely new category when he designed the world's first trading card game - Magic: The Gathering. Magic has continued to thrive for 15+ years while Richard has also published a steady stream of other award-winning card games and board games.

About Skaff Elias
Skaff has been responsible for the design of many games (both at Wizards of the Coast and elsewhere), including Magic, but his biggest contribution came from his invention of the revolutionary system of "organized play" which included a Pro Tour, allowed Magic to transition from fad into evergreen brand, and later fueled the Pokemon CCG phenomenon.

August 25th See's BattleForge Expand With BattleForge Renegade Edition

EA Has annoucned that BattleForge is getting an expansion on August 25th called BattleForge Renegade Edition. the expansion brings 60 new cards, which will be available in booster packs in the in-game store. 2 new playable factions will also be revealed, bandits and Stonekin, as well as new legendary creatures.
This week also sees the release of Oracle, a new PvP renegade map.

Press Release

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jul 21, 2009 Phenomic™, an Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ:ERTS) studio, today announced that the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game, BattleForge™, is now expanding with the BattleForgeTM Renegade Edition card set beginning August 25th. Players will have access to legendary units and monumental buildings from the Southern Wastes region of Nyn with over 60 additional cards that will be available through “Renegade Booster Packs” in the in-game store.

Two new playable factions will be revealed, the Bandits and Stonekin, along with a host of innovative new legendary creatures. With over 60 new units and buildings being added to the BattleForge card pool, players will now be able to make their army even stronger. BattleForge is also adding dual orb cards and special affinities that will deepen and enrich the strategic possibilities for the players’ decks and combat.

Also this week, the Renegade map campaign continues with the release of Oracle, a new single player PvE scenario. In this new map, Moon provides a prophecy that will guide players to unite the fire tribes. While Moon delivers a terrible performance as an oracle, players need to provide impressive effects. When Blight’s Witch Doctor senses your plot, he interferes and will add some unforeseen challenges to the goal of uniting the fire tribes.

BattleForge is a Play4Free game that combines strategy, fantasy, trading cards and magical spells in a dynamic online environment. Combining the strategic, real-time gameplay of classics such as Command & ConquerTM with a fully enabled, online collectible community, BattleForge pioneers strategy gaming with its online multiplayer design and community features set. The collectible cards in the game are the tools of war -- each representing a spell, unit or building that is conjured directly onto the battlefield real time in stunning 3D graphics. BattleForge features single-player scenarios and cooperative scenarios supporting 2-12 players, as well as Player vs. Player (PvP) ranked and unranked duels. With co-op play, chat rooms, and a robust marketplace featuring direct trade, an auction hall and in-game mail, BattleForge is the first RTS to combine the social and community aspects of an MMO with an exciting RTS.

The new BattleForge Renegade Booster Packs are available at the in-game store and can be purchased for 250 BattleForge points or $2.50. To download the Play4Free version of BattleForge, players can visit www.battleforge.com and click Play4Free. Players can also follow the game on Twitter at @battleforge. BattleForge is available exclusively for the PC. There is no subscription fee. Developed at Phenomic Studio, BattleForge has been rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB and 12+ for PEGI. For more information about BattleForge, visit www.BattleForge.com.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EATM, EA SPORTSTM, EA MobileTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, POGO and Battleforge are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.

EA Announces That The Saboteur Is Set For EU Release Of December 4th 2009

EA Has announced the EU release date for The Saboteur. It's currently set for a December 4th 2009 on the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.
EA has also announced that the game will be playable at this years Comic-Con.


Press Release

Guildford, UK., July 21, 2009 – Enter the seedy underground world of The Saboteur™, where the women are sexy, the action is epic and revenge is sweet. Today Pandemic™ Studios, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced that its open-world sandbox action game – The Saboteur – will be available in Europe on December 4, 2009. The Saboteur has been recognized by critics everywhere for beautifully integrating a unique artistic style with a dramatic storyline and intense action to deliver a truly engaging gaming experience. The Saboteur has recently won various art awards, including Best of E3 2009 for Artistic Design for Xbox®360 video game and entertainment system by IGN.com.

Inspired by a true story, The Saboteur stars Sean Devlin, a street-tough Irish race car driver trapped behind enemy lines in 1940s Nazi-occupied France. Motivated by personal revenge, Sean fights, climbs, and races through open-world Paris, sneaking into the heart of the Nazi operations and sabotaging their every move. With the help of the French Resistance, the British intelligence, an arsenal of weaponry, street smarts and brawn, players will exact revenge on those who aim to destroy Sean’s life. From derailing trains and blowing up zeppelins to scaling famous Parisian landmarks and more, this action hero uses a broad range of weapons, explosives and vehicles to get the job done.

“The Saboteur is an entirely new take on WWII action gaming. Instead of putting players in the role of a soldier, they’ll experience one man’s quest for vengeance through an incredible story and an epic range of explosive action. Every street of Paris is alive with options, every block is teeming with action,” said Josh Resnick, President of Pandemic Studios. “We’re extremely proud of The Saboteur. The art style, intense story, and grand acts of defiance against the Nazis will deliver the one-of-a-kind experience that Pandemic fans have been waiting for.”

As Sean takes down enemies, the citizens of Paris are empowered to resist the tyrannical Third Reich and their eyes open to the colorful world around them. This innovative mechanic, called the ‘Will to Fight,’ will change the way Paris is seen and felt – from a dark and oppressed policed state to a bright and inspired world where the citizens fight back. As the player executes acts of sabotage against the occupying force, color returns to the stylized black and white world – both figuratively and literally. The ‘Will to Fight’ spawns an underground resistance that takes players not only through Paris, but across various parts of France.

The Saboteur will be available for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox360, and the PC and has not yet been rated by the ESRB or PEGI. For more information on The Saboteur, please visit http://www.thesaboteurgame.com or get the latest news from the production team on www.twitter.com/pandemicstudios. Visitors of the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con International, July 23 – 26, will be able to experience The Saboteur for the first time at EA’s show booth, stall #5213 in the San Diego Convention Center.

About Pandemic Studios
Pandemic Studios is one of the world’s premier developers of console and PC entertainment and a wholly owned division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS). Over its 11-year history, Pandemic has established a reputation for producing top-selling, award-winning original content and enhancing the value of existing intellectual properties. The studio’s hits include the record-selling Star Wars Battlefront™, Star Wars Battlefront™ II, and three original Pandemic created entertainment properties: Mercenaries™, Destroy All Humans™, and Full Spectrum Warrior™. Following the 2008 release of Mercenaries 2: World in Flames™, Pandemic is developing a number of new titles including The Saboteur™, at its Los Angeles, California, studio location. For more information on Pandemic Studios and its games, please visit: http://www.pandemicstudios.com.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA™, EA SPORTS™, EA Mobile™ and POGO™. 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, Full Spectrum Warrior, Mercenaries, Mercenaries 2: World in Flames, Pandemic, and Saboteur are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. “PlayStation” and “PLAYSTATION” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

EA Announces 15 More Songs In The Beatles RockBand

EA Has announced 15 more tracks in their upcoming The Beatles RockBand Game. the songs and the venues where they are featured are:

• Twist And Shout / Cavern Club
• Do You Want To Know A Secret / Cavern Club
• Can't Buy Me Love / Ed Sullivan Theater
• I Wanna Be Your Man / Ed Sullivan Theater
• Eight Days A Week / Shea Stadium
• Paperback Writer / Budokan
• And Your Bird Can Sing / Budokan
• Yellow Submarine / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band* / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• With a Little Help from My Friends* / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• Within You Without You / Tomorrow Never Knows / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• Revolution / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• Birthday / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• Dig A Pony / Rooftop Concert
• I've Got A Feeling / Rooftop Concert

Press Release

Guildford, UK – July 21, 2009 – MTV Games and Harmonix, the world’s leading developer of music-based games and a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today revealed 15 more of the 45 on-disc tracks that will be featured in The Beatles™: Rock Band™. A gameplay trailer featuring eight of the 15 newly announced songs can be viewed by visiting www.thebeatlesrockband.com.

Following the world premiere of The Beatles: Rock Band at the Microsoft press briefing at the 2009 E3 Media & Business Summit last month, the newly announced 15 songs represent a cross-section of hits and favorites that span The Beatles’ storied career from Can’t Buy Me Love and Paperback Writer to With A Little Help From My Friends and Yellow Submarine, bringing the total number of announced songs to 25.

The 15 new songs for The Beatles: Rock Band and the venues they are featured in are:

• Twist And Shout / Cavern Club
• Do You Want To Know A Secret / Cavern Club
• Can't Buy Me Love / Ed Sullivan Theater
• I Wanna Be Your Man / Ed Sullivan Theater
• Eight Days A Week / Shea Stadium
• Paperback Writer / Budokan
• And Your Bird Can Sing / Budokan
• Yellow Submarine / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band* / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• With a Little Help from My Friends* / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• Within You Without You / Tomorrow Never Knows / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• Revolution / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• Birthday / Abbey Road Dreamscape
• Dig A Pony / Rooftop Concert
• I've Got A Feeling / Rooftop Concert

Additional on-disc songs will be announced at a later date.

The Beatles: Rock Band allows fans to pick up the guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles’ extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career. From the early touring days in 1963 Liverpool to the immortal, final performance on the Apple Corps rooftop, fans can follow in The Fab Four’s footsteps as they traverse the globe during the height of Beatlemania.

Additionally, for the first time in a music videogame, The Beatles: Rock Band introduces three-part vocal harmonies to gameplay, allowing gamers to revel in the unparalleled vocal stylings of The Beatles.

As previously announced, the entire Abbey Road album will be available for future download purchase. In addition, “All You Need Is Love” will be released Sept.9, 2009, exclusively through Xbox LIVE for a limited time as a downloadable song for The Beatles: Rock Band, with all Apple Corps Ltd, MTV Games, Harmonix and Microsoft proceeds benefitting Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

In conjunction with the release of the entire, original, digitally re-mastered Beatles CD catalogue, The Beatles: Rock Band will be available Sept. 9, 2009, simultaneously worldwide in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories for the Xbox®360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI), and the Wii™ home videogame console from Nintendo. The game will be compatible with all Rock Band instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero® and other authorized third-party music video game peripherals and microphones.

North American and European fans who pre-order any version of the The Beatles: Rock Band at a participating retailer will be given an access code to officially join the Pre-Order Club. After entry of the code, consumers will gain access to breaking news and exclusive behind-the-scenes elements. For a list of participating retailers or to learn more about The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club, please visitwww.thebeatlesrockband.com/preorderclub/.

The Beatles: Rock Band marks the first time that Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Harrisongs Ltd, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing, has agreed to present The Beatles music in an interactive video game format. The Beatles: Rock Band will be published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game company and creators of the best-selling Rock Band®. Electronic Arts will serve as distribution partner for the game. In addition, Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE album project, is providing his expertise and serving as Music Producer for this groundbreaking Beatles project.

For more information on The Beatles: Rock Band, as well as art and video assets, please visit http://www.thebeatlesrockband.com/press.

About Apple Corps. Ltd.
Apple Corps Ltd. was founded by The Beatles in 1968 to look after the group’s own affairs. The London-based company has administered the catalogue of The Beatles releases of the 1960s that have sold to date more than 600 million records, tapes and CDs. Since the 1990s, Apple has piloted new Beatles projects that have become benchmarks for pioneering accomplishment and which have included The Beatles Anthology projects, the 28-million selling album The Beatles 1 and The Beatles LOVE show and CD. Further information on The Beatles’ projects can be found at www.thebeatles.com.

About MTV Networks
MTV Networks, a division of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B) is one of the world’s leading creators of entertainment content, with brands that engage and connect diverse audiences across television, online, mobile, games, virtual worlds and consumer products. The company’s portfolio spans more than 150 television channels and 350 digital media properties worldwide, and includes MTV, VH1, CMT, LOGO, Harmonix, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Noggin, The N, Addicting Games, Neopets, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, Aton, GameTrailers and Xfire.

About MTV Games
MTV Games is dedicated to creating, marketing and publishing high-quality, innovative interactive products that are relevant to the MTV audience and complement the core values of the MTV Networks brands.

About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and established in 1995, is the leading developer of ground-breaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix was founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more information please visit: www.harmonixmusic.com.

About Electronic Arts Inc.
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: EATM, EA SPORTSTM, EA MobileTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

© 2009 Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Harmonix, Rock Band, Rock Band 2 and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., an MTV Networks company. Rock Band, Rock Band 2, and The Beatles: Rock Band are developed by Harmonix Music Systems, inc. MTV: Music Television, MTV Games and all related titles and logos are trademarks of MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Guitar Hero is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. Microsoft, Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. “PlayStation” “PLAYSTATION” and the “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Wii and the Wii logo are trademarks of Nintendo. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

‘Höfner ' and the design of the Höfner bass guitar are the trademarks of KARL HÖFNER GmbH & Co. KG, Germany. All rights reserved.

Ludwig is a registered trademark of Conn-Selmer, Inc.

Rickenbacker, the Triangular Name Crescent Design, and logotypes are among the trademarks and service marks in the United States and other countries of Rickenbacker International Corporation.

GRETSCH, BIGSBY, and DUO JET are the trademarks of Fred W. Gretsch Enterprises, Ltd. and used herein under license. All rights reserved.

Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)

• UK Game Charts, Harry Potter, Transformers, Tiger Woods 10, Wii Fit, Fight Night Round 4 are top 5. http://tinyurl.com/nz2w3b

• QTE Blog: Re-Cap of The Weekends News (oldest to newest) http://bit.ly/q6s6z

• 360: Adverts have begun appearing on some 360's. some have video and sound. NXE rumored to be designed for adds. http://tinyurl.com/npvej9

• Carlos Santana is in Guitar Hero 5 as a virtual character, as well as a liver version of "No One To Depend On." http://tinyurl.com/lk9nhv

• Team 17's Alien Breed will hit XBLA first, PS3/PC later. this is cause Microsoft showed "..alot of faith in us.." http://tinyurl.com/lorc23

• PS3: The eu.playstation.com has been updated. new trophy features live, such as comparing trophies with friends and new portable ID themes.

• RT @majornelson:Blog post:Xbox LIVE Update Preview program now open. Sign up & get an early look at the dash update: http://tr.im/tb68

• NBA Jam nearly had a secret Mortal Kombat themed level. http://tinyurl.com/ks5fj2

• Monolith has revealed a video of what was cut from the F.E.A.R. 2 end credits. http://tinyurl.com/mgs66b

• QTE Blog: EA Announces Dantes Inferno Comic Book Mini Series And Dantes Inferno Animated Feature. http://bit.ly/1278RN

• QTE Blog: Namco Networks Announces PAC-MAN REMIX for iPhone http://bit.ly/gD7K1

• RT @majornelson:If you have not signed up for the Xbox LIVE Update Preview program yet,we've got a lot of room don't worry http://tr.im/tb68

• Call of Duty World At War is getting its third Map pack in august. http://tinyurl.com/ltsw29

• DSi: Rabbids Go Home announced for the DSi, which has extra functionality compared to DS. Holiday release. http://tinyurl.com/nxmwmm

• RT @majornelson: To my Japanese followers, you can get into the Preview Program here: http://tr.im/tcA6

• PSP: Half Minute Hero is rumored to be a PSN Downloadble exclusive. a demo is coming in August. http://tinyurl.com/lgxjt4

• Star Trek Online has microtransactions. most are aesthetic, a few are account tools (changing characters name) http://tinyurl.com/mgs58a

• DSi: 2 new Pokemon Gold/Silver vid's. Ho-Oh, Lugia, Arceus battles. Poke Walker battles and 2 on 2 battles shown. http://tinyurl.com/nqdvbh

• 360: Article suggests that the 360's strict Directx guidelines could be hampering the consoles performance. http://tinyurl.com/nt4sw5

• PS3:Retro/Grade game announced for PSN. a shooting game but in reverse. can use guitar controller. trailer in link http://tinyurl.com/n6w4ow

• UK Advertising Standards Agency will publish new guidelines for advertisements aiming to tone down violent ads. http://tinyurl.com/kjen49

• RT @Naughty_Dog: If you’re at Comic-Con, drop by the PlayStation booth (5200) to check out #UNCHARTED2. We’ll be showing something BRAND ...

• PS3: Housemarque have said that one thing they could add to Super Stardust HD would be to add a new Dimension. http://tinyurl.com/kvkvwj

• PC: Dantes Inferno is not coming out on PC's. http://tinyurl.com/kwf5yg

• The budget for making Ghostbusters is rumored to be around $15 Million -$20 Million. http://tinyurl.com/ll7am8

• QTE Blog: Sega Announces Daisy Fuentes Pilates On The Nintendo Wii http://bit.ly/CEG7L

• 360: The Madden Demo, Steelers vs Cardinals, is coming a week earlier to the 360 for Gold Subscribers. http://tinyurl.com/krubr6

• PS3: Uncharted 2 is rumored to be coming out in September. Resistance 2, Killzone 2 + others next greatest hits. http://tinyurl.com/kspyql

• Wii: only 1 Wii game released this year made it into the top 5 selling games so far for 2009. http://tinyurl.com/lmg7sr

• Metalocalypse Deathgame is coming out on the PSN/XBLA by Konami. it's based on the cartoon. http://tinyurl.com/myxlyc

• Infinity Ward maybe working, with someone unknown, on a controller for Modern Warfare 2. http://tinyurl.com/n4sjuh

• The First Movie poster for Prince Of Persia, The Sands Of Time, has been released. http://tinyurl.com/mqjsk6