Tuesday, March 9, 2010

New Hustle Kings Update Brings Community Requested Features

Sony have detailed the upcoming update to the PSN game, Hustle Kings. They have listened to the Hustle Kings community and bought together some of the most requested features in this new update.

Game Update Brings:
  • General improvements to game stability
  • In-game Voice Chat
  • In-game Video Chat
  • Game Launching from PlayStation Home
  • More stats for the loading screens
  • The sound effect for the chalk has been turned down
  • Chalk can now be used by pressing the R3 button as well as shaking your SIXAXIS
  • Free Play mode
  • Blue chalk only online rooms
  • Online: Opponents are now allowed to change view while watching the player at the table
  • Online: The player that breaks is now randomly chosen
  • A new, “minimal” aim line
  • Dampening effect on the pockets, to stop accurate high powered shots from always bouncing out of the pockets
  • Small adjustments to the fine tune aiming to make it easier to use
Sony have also announced that soon after this update is released, a new Time Saver Pack will be released on the PSN. this pack will unlock everything in the game. Coming later will be two free Crazy Table Packs that add new shaped Pool Tables to the game.

Crazy Tables Screenshots


From USA Playstation Blog


Seven45 Studios Announce Power Gig: Rise Of The SixString For The Playstation 3 And Xbox 360

Seven45 Studios have announced Power Gig: Rise of the SixString for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. Power Gig: Rise of the SixString will become the first major band game that has a guitar peripheral that is also a functioning six string electric guitar. The Game is currently set for a Fall 2010 release and will be shown at this years GDC.

Power Gig: Rise of the SixString is set in a new universe that has its own mythology, politics, settings, heroes and villains, where music rules all.

Power Gig: Rise of the SixString features traditional gameplay mechanics similar to those found in the Guitar Hero and Rock Band series as well as a "power Gig" mode which will introduce gamers to actual Guitar Chords and, as the difficulty increases Power Chords in such away that gamers should come away from the game with a understanding of Guitar fundamentals.

Power Gig: Rise of the SixString Guitar


Press Release

BOSTON --(Business Wire)-- Mar 09, 2010 The true evolution of the band videogame experience is set to occur this fall when Seven45 Studios unleashes Power Gig: Rise of the SixString for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system. New publisher, developer and hardware manufacturer Seven45 Studios is a sister company to music instrument manufacturing giant First Act, making it uniquely positioned to introduce the first major band game for which the guitar peripheral is a functioning six-string electric guitar. The guitar features Seven45’s proprietary technology that can distinguish and recognize gamers’ input all along the guitar, making the guitars as easy to pick up and play as any other band game button controllers. They also include all the guts of an electric guitar so players can plug their SixString guitars into any standard amp to jam with their friends.

“Power Gig: Rise of the SixString is meant to be the answer for all of those gamers who have wanted to take their band game experience to the next level; we’re confident that players will agree that the transition from the existing games is both seamless and exhilarating,” said Seven45 Studios Chairman and CEO, Bernard Chiu. “We believe that there is something unmatchable about the feeling of an authentic guitar in your hands, and Power Gig brings that excitement to all gamers with an instrument that absolutely anyone can pick up and play.”

Power Gig: Rise of the SixString will transport players to an entirely new universe, with its own mythology, politics, settings, heroes and villains, where music rules all. On the gameplay front, Power Gig uses new technology that represents the next evolution of music performance games to provide all players — from casual gamers to the hardcore, from those who have never before picked up a guitar to those who play guitar on a regular basis — with a more authentic and fun experience. The game offers two overarching modes of play. In addition to traditional beat-matching that will be familiar to fans of the band game genre, Power Gig also introduces the option to switch on chording, or chord play. Chording presents the added challenge of playing the game using chords that require specific finger placement on the strings. As players progress through the game, becoming more comfortable with a genuine guitar and potentially choosing to play real power chords, they will find that the byproduct of playing the game is coming away from it with an understanding of some real-life guitar fundamentals.

Seven45 Studios’ relationship to music instrument manufacturing stalwart First Act means not only that the two share an ownership, but also that Seven45 can leverage deep expertise when it comes to the manufacturing and distribution of quality musical instruments for mass audiences. Seven45 has also put together a veritable dream team of game development talent whose collective experience includes time spent at companies such as Vivendi, LucasArts, Atari, StormFront Studios, Foundation 9, Pandemic, Capcom, Backbone Entertainment, SEGA and many more.

Power Gig: Rise of the SixString will be available for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system fall of 2010. The SixString guitar makes its public debut at the 2010 Game Developers Conference, which begins today at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. For more information, please visit http://www.powergig.com.

About Seven45 Studios
Seven45 Studios, headquartered in Boston, MA, is an innovative video Game Developer and Publisher of music games across all platforms. Composed of game and music industry veterans, the Seven45 team blurs the line between music and gaming by focusing on truly immersive experiences and character-driven storytelling to create revolutionary new games.

THQ Announce They Have launched A European E-Shop


THQ have announced that they have launched a European E-Shop. From this shop consumers can buy Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II, Company of Heroes RTS range, and Red Faction: Guerrilla. New and future titles, including Metro 2033, will also be available for download.

THQ have also announced that any users who pre-order Metro 2033 from the e-Shop will also get Red Faction: Guerrilla for free. The first 6,000 pre-order copies of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Chaos Rising will also get a exclusive Librarian Wargear Pack fro free. THQ have revealed that future promotions like these will only become available exclusively from the E-Shop.

Press Release

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. March 9, 2010 – THQ Inc. today announced the launch of the European E-Shop allowing gamers to buy, download and play a wide range of THQ PC titles including the award winning Warhammer® 40,000™: Dawn of War® II, Company of Heroes® RTS range, and explosive new titles like Red Faction®: Guerrilla™.

In addition to these time honored classics the E-Shop will also act as a distribution channel for THQ’s upcoming PC titles allowing consumers to pre-order and pre-load their games. As an added incentive in the UK any users who pre-order the atmospheric Metro 2033™ will receive a digital copy of the ground-breaking Red Faction: Guerrilla for free, while the first 6,000 pre-orders of Relic® Entertainment’s upcoming Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Chaos Rising will receive the exclusive Librarian Wargear Pack for free.

Jon Rooke, UK & European Marketing Director commented:
“Digital distribution is clearly becoming a widely accepted way for consumers to transact their PC purchases. THQ has some of the industry’s best known and critically acclaimed franchises and we are very pleased to be able to offer our consumers the ability to purchase these titles direct from THQ.”

“We plan to offer consumers added value on our key franchises with exclusive content such as the Librarian Wargear Pack, only available through the THQ E-Shop, and a range of other promotional offers on an ongoing basis so users are encouraged to check back regularly.”

About Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Chaos Rising
Set in the grim, war-ravaged world of Games Workshop’s vast Warhammer 40,000 science fiction universe, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Chaos Rising transports players into the midst of an intergalactic war between ancient enemies. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Chaos Rising introduces the Chaos Space Marines as a new playable army, continues the single player campaign from the original Dawn of War II with 15 new missions, delivers all new wargear and raises the level cap from 20 to 30. Relic Entertainment will also deliver new multiplayer maps and new units for the Orks, Eldar, Tyranids and Space Marines. For more information on Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Chaos Rising, please visit www.dawnofwar2.com.

About Games Workshop
Games Workshop is the world's largest tabletop wargames company. Based in Nottingham, UK, it designs, manufactures and distributes its range of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000 games, miniature soldiers, novels and resin models through more than 355 of its own Hobby centers, mail order, Internet and independent retail channels in more than 50 countries worldwide. Further details on the company can be obtained at www.games-workshop.com. Games Workshop, Warhammer, Warhammer 40,000, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Chaos Rising, the foregoing marks' respective logos, and all associated marks, logos, places, names, creatures, races and race insignia/devices/logos/symbols, vehicles, locations, weapons, units and unit insignia, characters, products, illustrations and images are either ®, TM and/or © Games Workshop Ltd 2000-2010. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.

About THQ
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ, Relic Entertainment, Company of Heroes, Red Faction: Guerrilla and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.
All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.


The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “THQ”), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the company’s E-Shop for PC games, including Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Chaos Rising and Metro 2033, and are based upon management’s current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ’s financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2009, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Sony Reval Final Fantasy XIII Comes With Code For A Final Fantasy XIV Item And Chance To Enter Final Fantasy XIV Beta

Sony have revealed that the Final Fantasy XIII manual, In the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, And Australia, comes with a special code. the code provides the gamer access to the Square Enix Members club. it also gives the player a exclusive in-game item for Final Fantasy XIV. The Code also gives players the chance to play in the Final fantasy XIV Playstation 3 Beta.

Final Fantasy XIV Screenshots


From EU Playstation Blog


Codemasters Officially Confirm that Bodycount Is In Development For The Playstation 3 And Xbox 360

Codemasters have officially confirmed that Bodycount is in development at Codemasters Studio Guildford. Bodycount is designed by Stuart Black, who co-created and designed Black. this first person shooter game is currently set for a Q1 2011 release on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

In Bodycount you are a Asset, someone who has to eliminated "targets" on behalf of the "network". As an Asset, you will have a arsenal of contemporary weapons to take out your targets. as part of your mission, no witness should be left.

Bodycount features destructible cover and environments, meaning your weapons can not only damage people, but they can destroy aspects of the world. The game will also feature online multiplayer modes and co-op game modes.

Bodycount is being developed using the EGO Game Technology Platform, an evolution of the award winning EGO Engine that enables Codemasters to release high quality games across many different platforms.




Press Release

Tuesday 9th March/... Set to rip apart the First Person Shooter and deliver genre-defining gun play that comes alive in an orgy of bullets and destruction, Codemasters today confirmed that Bodycount™ is the new IP in production at Codemasters Studios Guildford.

Designed by Creative Director Stuart Black (co-creator and designer of Black, 2006), Bodycount is being created by an all-star development team using the EGO® Game Technology Platform, an evolution of Codemasters’ award-winning engine, for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and scheduled for release in Q1 of 2011.

“Our core focus for Bodycount is to deliver best-in-class gun play that places the gamer at the heart of the experience,” said Executive Producer Tom Gillo. “From the jaw-dropping devastation caused by firing into enemies or shredding the world around you in a hail of bullets, Bodycount will crystallise that moment of pulling the trigger into an exhilarating sensory overload of action.”

In Bodycount players become ensnared in a clandestine global power struggle as a powerful combat asset with a green-light to eliminate enemies known only as ‘Targets’ on behalf of the ‘Network’. Equipped with a mouth-watering selection of contemporary weapons, players and opponents tear through destructible cover to execute explosive kills in a shreddable world where operatives are encouraged to leave no witnesses. Complimented by online multiplayer and co-operative game modes, Bodycount will blast outrageous action and spectacular fire-fights from both barrels.

“We’re all massive FPS fans,” said Stuart Black, Creative Director on Bodycount “and believe that there’s room for a refresh of the shooter experience. If Race Driver: GRID™ was all about the purity of racing, then everything in Bodycount is absolutely centred on the bullet and its impact on the world. Our shredding tech enables us to create a different kind of gameplay, where players and AI can’t hide behind indestructible cover and rely on whack-a-mole mechanics. Here the environment is constantly changing as the game world is shot to hell; it’s going to be a huge amount of fun.”

Bodycount is being developed using the EGO Game Technology platform, evolved from the award winning EGO Engine. Enabling Codemasters development talent to share tools and technology across its Studios and Central Technology teams, the EGO Game Technology Platform empowers Codemasters game designers to realise their creative visions across multiple platforms featuring cutting edge graphics, powerful AI and advanced physics systems and integrated network play.

“By investing extensively in our people and tools, we have attracted an exciting team of development talent to Codemasters Studios Guildford, empowered with a mandate to create innovative, original games using award-winning technology,” said Gavin Cheshire, Vice President, Codemasters development. “As our first internally produced new IP for many years, Bodycount will deliver a fresh FPS experience powered by intense combat, compelling narrative, advanced AI and engaging online multiplayer game modes.”

In the UK, Bodycount debuts with a front cover of Xbox 360: The Official Xbox Magazine, which heralds the game as ‘the ultimate shooter’; the magazine is on-sale March 11th. An extensive announcement feature is also running in PlayStation Official Magazine on-sale March 16th.

For all the latest on Bodycount follow @bodycountgame on Twitter (www.twitter.com/bodycountgame), become a fan on Facebook or visitwww.codemasters.com/bodycount

2K Sports Announce Ryan Kasler Is The Cover Athlete For NHL 2K11


2K Sports have announced that Ryan Kesler is the cover athlete for NHL 2K11. NHL 2K11 is coming out on the Nintendo Wii in the fall. The picture is of Ryan Kesler being motion captured outdoors.

Press Release

NEW YORK --(Business Wire)-- Mar 09, 2010 2K Sports announced today they have signed Ryan Kesler, star two-way forward for the Vancouver Canucks® and 2010 Winter Olympics hero, to be featured as the cover athlete and spokesman for their upcoming video game, NHL® 2K11. Kesler, a vital member of the upstart 2010 U.S. Olympic hockey team, captured the collective attention of sports fans around the world with his gritty and awe-inspiring performance, and will now look to bring the same electrifying play to NHL 2K11.

“Having the opportunity to participate in the Olympics and play in front of my home crowd was one of the best experiences of my life. To now be chosen as the next cover athlete for NHL 2K11 is another dream come true,” said Kesler, alternate captain for the Vancouver Canucks. “It was awesome to work with 2K Sports last year on the NHL 2K10 commercial shoot and the outdoor motion capture session on the Las Vegas strip was incredible to be a part of. I’m looking forward to having just as much fun again, and helping them make another great hockey game this year.”

Drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 2003 as the 23rd overall pick in the first round, Kesler has spent his entire five-year NHL career with the Canucks. As a 2009 Selke Trophy finalist, awarded annually to the top defensive player in the league, Kesler has blossomed into one of the most feared and relentless players on the ice. Best known as a two-way forward, Kesler also set personal statistical records last season with 26 goals and 33 assists. He was honored with the Cyclone Taylor award last year as team MVP and has helped to lead the Canucks this year to the top of the Northwest division.

“Ryan is one of the most talented and exciting players to watch in the NHL today and his popularity has grown exponentially since the recent success of Team USA at the Winter Olympics,” said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development for 2K. “We’re thrilled to have him represent NHL 2K11 and wish him the best of luck through the rest of this season.”

Being developed by Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio, NHL 2K11 is not yet rated by the ESRB and scheduled to be available for Wii™ in fall 2010.

2K Sports is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for PC, PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, iPhone™ and iPod® touch. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, which publishes its titles under 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play. The Company's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

About the NHL
The National Hockey League, founded in 1917, is the second-oldest of the four major professional team sports leagues in North America. Today, the NHL consists of 30 Member Clubs, each reflecting the League’s international makeup, with players from more than 20 countries represented on team rosters. According to a Simmons Market Research study, NHL fans are younger, more educated, more affluent, and access content through digital means more than any other sport. The NHL entertains more than 100 million fans each season in-arena and through its partners in national television (VERSUS, NBC, TSN, CBC, RDS, RIS, ESPN America, ASN and NHL NetworkTM) and radio (NHL RadioTM, Sirius XM Radio and XM Canada). Through the NHL Foundation, the League’s charitable arm, the NHL raises money and awareness for Hockey Fights CancerTM and NHL Youth Development, and supports the charitable efforts of NHL players. For more information on the NHL, log on to NHL.com.

NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams. All Rights Reserved. NHL 2K11 is an Officially Licensed Product of the NHL.

NHL 2K11 is an Officially Licensed Product of the NHLPA. NHLPA, National Hockey League Players' Association and the NHLPA logo are trademarks of the NHLPA. © NHLPA.
All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.
Wii is a trademark of Nintendo.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "projects," "seeks," "will," or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company's future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including: our dependence on key management and product development personnel, our dependence on our Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles for current generation platforms, the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games, the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games, our reliance on a primary distribution service provider for a significant portion of our products, our ability to raise capital if needed, risks associated with international operations, and the matters relating to the investigation by a special committee of our board of directors of the Company's stock option grants and the claims and proceedings relating thereto (including stockholder and derivative litigation and negative tax or other implications for the Company resulting from any accounting adjustments or other factors). Other important factors and information are contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009, in the section entitled "Risk Factors," and the Company's other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Audio Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)

Here is today's Audio Re-Cap of Yesterdays news.
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