Archive for September, 2009
EA/Toy Island: Sweet Spot Sports
From/De: EA
EA SPORTS and Toy Island Line of Innovative Sporting Goods Hits Shelves This Fall
Partnership with Industry Leader Toy Island Marks Expansion of EA SPORTS Brand
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A unique new line of EA SPORTS™, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), branded sports equipment created by Toy Island will be in stores and available for purchase this fall. Designed to help young players take the excitement for sports to a new level as well as to develop core sports skills, Toy Island has begun rolling out the Sweet Spot Sports, Voice Command and Sure Shot lineup of EA SPORTS-branded products. All products will be on shelves by early October.
This is the first merchandising deal of its kind for the EA SPORTS brand under a partnership with IMG announced in February 2008. IMG Licensing, a division of global sports and entertainment company IMG, is the exclusive worldwide consumer product and brand licensing agent for the EA SPORTS brand.
“We’re expanding the brand to give young and future EA SPORTS fans a realistic and innovative experience in the real-world of sports, just as you can in the interactive world by playing an EA SPORTS videogame,” said Glenn Chin, Vice President of Brand Marketing at EA SPORTS. “In our games, EA SPORTS strives for playing experiences that are authentic and help fans enjoy and learn more about the sports they love. With these products, we’re helping young players find their passion and skills for sports as well, while also learning the proper techniques as they go.”
“We couldn’t be more pleased with our line of EA SPORTS-branded products,” added Robert Weinberg, CEO of Toy Island. “It was our intention along with EA to bring something completely different to the youth sports category and I believe we have succeeded in doing so.”
The unique and differentiated EA SPORTS-branded products are bringing classic sports activities to life in many new ways, utilizing infrared motion, touch sensors, and voice command. Each EA SPORTS-branded item helps the player become a better athlete by improving their basic throwing, fielding, kicking or basketball skills, and also offers fun game modes that bring out the thrill of competition.
EA SPORTS branded products will be available for young baseball, football, basketball, soccer and hockey players. Additional products are expected to follow this year’s launch. The initial products available in this fall include:
Sweet Spot Sports Product Line
The Sweet Spot Sports line of products comes with special electronic features that emit an audio reward when a user hits or holds the ball in the right spot, the “sweet spot” improving accuracy and hand-eye coordination. All Sweet Spot Sports products have an MSRP between $14.99-$19.99. The following Sweet Spot Sports products are designed for youth ages 5 and up:
Sweet Spot Football
Sweet Spot Baseball with Bat
Sweet Spot Hockey Stick and Puck
Sweet Spot Basketball and Hoop
Voice Command and Sure Shot Product Lines
The Voice Command and Sure Shot product lines, which have MSRPs between $69.99-$79.99, feature interactive training tools with instructional coaching to help athletes ages 5 and up hone their techniques. Whatever the sport — baseball, football, basketball, soccer or hockey — the Voice Command and Sure Shot product lines take the excitement of sports simulations out of the digital realm and into the physical world. Products include:
Voice Command Pitching Machine
Voice Command Quarterback
Sure Shot Basketball
Sure Shot Hockey and Sure Shot Soccer combo (Available Exclusively at Target Stores)
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 Mobile TM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.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.
About Toy Island
Founded in 1992, Toy Island offers value, innovation and great play through effective and highly recognizable brands for children of all ages. Key partners include EA SPORTS, Disney, Hello Kitty, Nickelodeon and Sesame Street. Toy Island specializes in a diverse mix of products ranging from preschool toys, stationery and art supplies, wood toys, plush toys, as well as room and décor lighting.
EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
From/De: Capcom
CAPCOM DELIVERS THE ULTIMATE VISION OF STREET FIGHTER WITH SUPER STREET FIGHTER® IV
The Most Popular Fighting Game of 2009 Returns In 2010 With New Characters, Enhanced Online Play, Additional Ultra Combos and Much More
SAN MATEO, CA — September 29, 2009 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced Super Street Fighter® IV, the ultimate vision of Street Fighter®, will be coming to the Xbox 360®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system in Spring 2010. The follow-up to the critically acclaimed Street Fighter® IV will further redefine the fighting game genre with classic 2D Street Fighter fighting action, a host of new and returning characters, more advanced online gameplay, new ultra combos and much more.
Super Street Fighter IV features the full roster of 25 characters from Street Fighter IV such as Ryu, Ken, Crimson Viper, Abel, El Fuerte, and Rufus, while adding about eight characters new to the world of Street Fighter IV. The impressive new roster includes classic combatants from previous Street Fighter games like T. Hawk as well as all-new characters such as the mysterious and deadly female fighter, Juri.
Super Street Fighter IV adds new Ultra Combos and advancements to the state of the art online matchmaking and online gameplay introduced in Street Fighter IV with numerous additional features. Super Street Fighter IV takes many of the groundbreaking features introduced in Street Fighter IV and refines everything to deliver the ultimate vision of Street Fighter to fans the world over.
More information about Super Street Fighter IV will be coming soon. For more information, visit the Capcom official press site at www.press.capcom.com
ABOUT CAPCOM
Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including best-selling franchises Resident Evil®, Street Fighter®, Mega Man® and Devil May Cry®. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Korea, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom can be found on the company web site, www.capcom.com.
Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc. Capcom, the Capcom logo, Resident Evil, Mega Man and Devil May Cry are registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. “PlayStation” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
From/De: EA
Need for Speed SHIFT Console Demo Available October 1
Taste the True Driver’s Experience in This Year’s Most Critically Acclaimed Racing Game
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced that the console demo of the highly-rated Need for Speed SHIFT will be available for download on October 1 on PlayStation®Network and Xbox LIVE. The demo gives players a chance to see for themselves just how SHIFT delivers on the Need for Speed promise of speed, adrenaline and precision racing. Need for Speed SHIFT has been commended by AOL GameDaily as “one of 2009′s best racing games” and as “outstanding” by IGN.
Players will sample this year’s most intense authentic racing game by pushing one of four cars to its limits on the world-famous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and the tight city circuit of London River. Players that dominate each track and collect enough stars will also unlock the ultimate racing machine; the Pagani Zonda F.
Jump into the cockpit of one of these five cars and find out how Need for Speed SHIFT combines real-world physics with perception based G-forces to deliver a supercharged on-the-track experience.
1. BMW M3 (E46)
2. 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10
3. 2006 Lotus Elise 111R
4. 2008 Nissan GT-R
5. 2006 Pagani Zonda F (unlockable)
The PC demo is currently available for download at www.needforspeed.com.
The game introduces a brutal first-person crash dynamic that creates an unparalleled immersive experience. The signature cockpit view delivers a true driver’s experience. Need for Speed SHIFT further personalizes the experience through the all-new driver profile — a unique persona based on the driving skill and style of each player. Need for Speed SHIFT is the most realistic and intensive authentic racing game ever.
With a perfect score from GameSpy.com and G4TV.com, and 90+ scores from IGN.com, Official Xbox Magazine, PlayStation: The Official Magazine, Team Xbox.com, Game Daily.com, Gametrailers.com and more, Need for Speed SHIFT is the highest rated Need for Speed game in years.
Need for Speed SHIFT is now available on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PC, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, mobile and coming soon on the iPhone™. More information can be found at www.needforspeed.com or follow us on Twitter at NeedforSpeed.
Press can download assets at http://info.ea.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 SPORTSTM, EATM, EA MobileTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, POGO and Need for Speed are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. The names, designs, and logos of all products are the property of their respective owners and used by permission. Microsoft, Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. “PlayStation” and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
From/De: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Acclaimed Off-Road Racing Franchise Hits PSP(R) (Playstation(R)Portable) as MotorStorm(R) Arctic Edge Combats the Alaskan Terrain
Multi-Player Action, Customizable Vehicles, Reversible Tracks, and Unpredictable Environments Come Together to Deliver the Wildest MotorStorm Experience Yet
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the North American release of MotorStorm® Arctic Edge, the first title of the popular MotorStorm franchise available exclusively for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and PSP®go systems. Developed by Bigbig Studios, the highly acclaimed development team renowned for its best-selling Pursuit Force(TM) series, MotorStorm Arctic Edge stays true to the signature MotorStorm style with hostile Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), multi-route tracks, and combat-style racing action where the goal is to not only win, but survive. The game introduces 12 unique and reversible racing tracks, two additional vehicle classes, multiplayer racing action, and a rugged Alaskan environment chock full of treacherous obstacles and hazardous terrain.
“We are excited to have MotorStorm Arctic Edge added to the arsenal of quality PSP titles available this holiday,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President, Product Marketing, SCEA. “MotorStorm Arctic Edge takes full advantage of PSP functionality by bringing exciting features such as eight-player online and ad-hoc modes, photo mode, and the ability to create a custom music playlist to suit your driving mood.”
Entering the latest MotorStorm Festival location, players will be greeted by a rugged Alaskan landscape featuring narrow mountain passes, giant ice caves, and slippery ice bridges showcased in 12 amazing new track designs. Players will need lightning-fast reflexes to negotiate the dangerous arctic conditions, including sudden avalanches triggered by vehicle horns, collapsing ice bridges, bobsleigh corners, and three different racing altitudes. Combat-like racing takes center stage as vehicles are treated as weapons to fight off other racers.
With dramatic forces of nature and humans colliding, MotorStorm Arctic Edge gives players more aggressive tools in their competitive arsenals. Along with six vehicle classes from the original MotorStorm, two new snow-specific classes are introduced – the nimble Snowcat and the more forceful Snow Machine. Players can personalize each vehicle in the livery by updating with a selection of wheels, exhaust, spoilers and sponsorship stickers. Also, to further simulate realistic game play, cutting-edge AI analyzes the race and surroundings and reacts to situations in real time, locating the best routes and changing the level of aggression based on cumulative player actions.
In multiplayer, MotorStorm Arctic Edge allows up to eight players to compete against each other wirelessly via Ad-Hoc Mode. Alternatively, players can compete via online multiplayer using Infrastructure mode to make it to the summit of the online global leaderboards.
Featuring a compilation of 20 licensed tracks from top artists and more, the MotorStorm Arctic Edge in-game soundtrack heightens the game’s icy off-road pandemonium, motivating players to blast through packed snow and obliterate the competition. For the PSP player who prefers custom tunes, music can be added from a memory stick.
The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates MotorStorm Arctic Edge “T” for “Teen.” For more information about the ESRB, visit www.esrb.org. For more information about MotorStorm, visit www.motorstorm-thegame.com.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game consoles, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com.
MotorStorm is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. © 2009 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “PlayStation”, “PSP” and “PS one” are registered trademarks and PS3 is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
From/De: Take-Two Interactive
Rockstar Games Announces Beaterator Now Available In Stores and For Digital Download on PlayStation Network
New York, NY – September 29, 2009 – Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce that Rockstar Games and Timbaland present Beaterator is now available in North America for Sony’s PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system in stores and for digital download on the PlayStation®Network. Developed by Rockstar Leeds, Beaterator combines the power of music creation with unparalleled ease-of-use and accessibility for people of all ages and skill levels. Beaterator will be available at retail on UMD® and digitally from the PlayStation Network internationally on October 2, 2009.
“Beaterator is a new direction for interactive music,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “What makes Beaterator truly astounding is that literally anyone can be up and making music within minutes.”
“My partnership with Rockstar Games has resulted in something amazing,” said Grammy Award-winning producer, Timbaland. “Beaterator puts studio-quality production tools in your pocket, and makes them easy enough for anyone to use.”
Beaterator is a professional-level, portable studio that guides users through the process of constructing beats and songs with thousands of loops and sounds made by both Timbaland and Rockstar. Jam in Live Play mode with genre-specific templates, or jump into Song Crafter to compose original drum beats, melodies, and even record vocals. No matter the skill level, Beaterator puts the power to make studio-quality music at peoples’ fingertips in a format that’s portable, accessible and fun.
Beaterator has received outstanding press across the board: USA Today called Beaterator “a powerful, portable music studio for your back pocket.” Wired says Beaterator “teaches children (and adults) the fundamentals of song-crafting by removing the sense of intimidation” around music creation. Top digital music site, CreateDigitalMusic claims Beaterator “could be a revelation.” MTV exclaimed that Beaterator is “one of the most interesting titles coming to the PSP this year.” Gaming site, Kotaku raves “Beaterator is digital music creation made easier.” GameSpy elaborated, stating “the difference between Beaterator and these rhythm/music games is that here you’re creating music, not imitating it.”
Beaterator is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will also be available later this fall on the iPhone™ and iPod® touch. For more information, log onto www.rockstargames.com/beaterator.
About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation®3 (PS3™) and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. 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. Take-Two also distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. 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.
All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.
“PlayStation”, “PS” Family logo, “PSP”, and “UMD” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “UMD” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
iPhone, iPod and iTunes are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
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, 2008, in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” as updated in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2009, 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.
From/De: EA/Mythic Entertainment
EA Sounds Call of WAR to Mac Gamers with Release of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning for Mac on October 28
WAR for Mac will be Available via Digital Download for $19.95; Beta Version Available Now for Download to Current Players, New Mac Users
FAIRFAX, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mythic Entertainment™, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) studio, today announced that the critically acclaimed MMORPG, Warhammer® Online: Age of Reckoning® (WAR), will be released for the Mac® computer platform on October 28, 2009. WAR on Mac will be available to new subscribers via digital download at Gametreeonline.com for $19.95 and includes 30 days of game time. Current subscribers will be able to download the Mac client at no charge for use with existing accounts.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring Warhammer Online and its enthralling Realm vs. Realm combat to the Mac community,” said Jeff Hickman, Executive Producer of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. “Come October 28th, the sides of Order and Destruction will be bolsters by a fresh recruit of Mac gamers experiencing for the first time exactly what we mean when we say that ‘WAR is everywhere!’”
The Mac version of WAR is currently being offered for beta testing and allows existing players to download the beta client to their Mac computers and play with their live game accounts. Players who do not have an existing live account, but are interested in playing WAR on the Mac, are able to participate in the beta by downloading a 10-day Mac beta trial. Players who participate in the WAR Mac beta test will receive an exclusive title and trophy reward for their characters within the game.
To download the beta version of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning for Mac or the 10-day beta trial, please visit: www.warhammeronline.com/mac.
Based on the popular tabletop war game from Games Workshop, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning features revolutionary Realm vs. Realm™ conflict that will provide players with an engaging battleground for years to come. Available now for PC and rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB, WAR will be available for the Mac on October 28, 2009. For more information about Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoningor to download the 10-day free trial, visit http://www.warhammeronline.com/.
About Warhammer® Online: Age of Reckoning®
Experience the glory of Realm vs. Realm! Declare your allegiance and join hundreds of thousands of mighty heroes on the battlefields of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, the new MMORPG from Mythic Entertainment, the creators of Dark Age of Camelot™. Enter a grim fantasy world of perpetual conflict to fight for the Realms of Order (Dwarfs, High Elves, and Empire) or Destruction (Greenskins, Dark Elves, and Chaos). Invade enemy lands, besiege imposing fortresses, and sack sprawling capital cities for the glory of your Realm. Wield devastating magic and deadly weapons, battle monstrous creatures, and join your brothers-in-arms in epic Public Quests™. Climb the Bastion Stair, carry your Guild Banner into battle, and unlock the infinite secrets of the Tome of Knowledge as you travel the world. So sharpen your blade and unleash your inner mutation. The Age of Reckoning has begun and WAR IS EVERYWHERE!
For more information about Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, visit: www.warhammeronline.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 Mobile TM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.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, Dark Age of Camelot, Mythic Entertainment, Public Quests, and Realm vs. Realm are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Games Workshop, Warhammer, Warhammer Online, Age of Reckoning, and all associated marks, names, races, race insignia, characters, vehicles, locations, units, illustrations and images from the Warhammer world are either ®, ™ and/or © Games Workshop Ltd 2000-2009. Used under license by Electronic Arts Inc. All Rights Reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective licensors.
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