Microsoft has been planning on expanding its Xbox Live  to devices other than its gaming console and operating systems. As a successful gaming network, XBL would be a great addition to the company’s mobile plans. People at Microsoft believe it’s time to offer games for its Windows Mobile devices. Would this mean that the idea of playing games on selected devices is not that far away? For now, MS says it needs “a Principle Program Manager who can help drive the platform and bring Xbox LIVE enabled games to Windows Mobile.”

Microsoft ha estado planeando en la ampliación de su Xbox Live a los dispositivos que no sean su consola de juegos y sus sistemas operativos. Como una exitosa red de juegos, la XBL sería una gran adición a los planes móviles de la compañía. Personas en Microsoft creen que es hora de ofrecer juegos para sus dispositivos de Windows Mobile. ¿Significaría esto que la idea de jugar juegos en dispositivos seleccionados no se encuentra tan lejos? Por ahora, Microsoft dice que necesita “un administrador de programas que pueda ayudar a impulsar la plataforma y traer los juegos habilitados de Xbox Live a Windows Mobile”.

Sources/Fuentes: A Little More Info On Xbox Live For Mobile Phones [http://kotaku.com/5436923/a-little-more-info-on-xbox-live-for-mobile-phones]; Principal Program Manager – LIVE Engagement Job
 [http://www.microsoft-entertainment-jobs.com/job/REDMOND-Principal-Program-Manager-LIVE-Engagement-Job-WA-98052/700217/].

From/De: EA/Bioware

“Return to Ostagar” Downloadable Content for Dragon Age: Origins Coming January 5

“We are thrilled at the way the fans have embraced Dragon Age: Origins and we’re excited to welcome them back into the game”

“We are thrilled at the way the fans have embraced Dragon Age: Origins and we’re excited to welcome them back into the game,” said Aaryn Flynn, General Manager and Vice President, BioWare Edmonton. “Return to Ostagar represents BioWare’s commitment to providing a steady stream of compelling post release content as we continue to expand the Dragon Age universe.”

Return to Ostagar summons players to a new quest in which they will return to the fateful battleground in Ostagar where the Grey Wardens were nearly wiped out. Players will discover King Cailan’s top-secret political agenda and go behind enemy lines to revisit a place that many feared had been lost to history.

Return to Ostagar will be available for 400 BioWare Points on the PC and 400 Microsoft Points on the Xbox 360 on January 5. It will be available for $4.99 on the PlayStation® Store later in the month. Dragon Age: Origins is rated M by the ESRB and 18+ by PEGI.

For more information on Dragon Age: Origins, please visit www.dragonage.com.

About BioWare

BioWare develops high quality console, PC and online role-playing games, focused on rich stories, unforgettable characters and vast worlds to discover. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world’s most critically acclaimed titles, including Baldur’s Gate™, Neverwinter Nights™, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™, Jade Empire™ and Mass Effect™. BioWare operates in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Montreal (Quebec) and Austin (Texas). BioWare’s announced projects include the dark heroic fantasy game Dragon Age: Origins, as well as Mass Effect 2™, the epic sequel to Mass Effect, and the story-driven massively multiplayer online game, Star Wars®: The Old Republic™. In 2008, BioWare was acquired by Electronic Arts, a leading global interactive entertainment publisher. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com; to join the millions of fans already registered on our community, go to http://social.bioware.com.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), 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^TM, EA SPORTS^TM, EA Mobile ^TM and POGO^TM. 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.

BioWare, Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or registered trademarks of EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. in the U.S. and/or other countries. EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

From/De: Nintendo

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD: PREPARE FOR ‘10 WITH 10 NEW DOWNLOADABLE GAMES FROM NINTENDO

Dec. 28, 2009

With only a few days left until the end of 2009, Nintendo is already uncorking 10 new games to help you ring in the New Year. Thanks to the ever-expanding WiiWare™ service, you can keep it spooky with a captivating Castlevania title, bulk up sumo-style with Eat! Fat! FIGHT! or customize crazy creatures with RABBIDS LAB. The Virtual Console™ service welcomes the high-flying classic PilotWings™, while a new edition of the timeless pioneer adventure The Oregon Trail® arrives on the Nintendo DSiWare™ service. No matter which of these 10 terrific titles you choose, hoist your Wii Remote™ controller or Nintendo DSi™ stylus and join us in a toast to a fabulous 2010. Cheers!

WiiWare

Castlevania The Adventure ReBirth
Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points™
Description: Another 100 years have passed since the death of Count Dracula, but his curse has emerged once again within the realms of Transylvania. Play the role of the ultimate gothic hero from the long lineage of vampire hunters, the Belmont clan, and rid the universe of Dracula’s legion of darkness and doom. Based on the classic 1989 original Castlevania: The Adventure, this WiiWare version will allow players of a new generation – and older fans – to experience one of the most popular games within the storied Castlevania timeline from a new perspective.

Eat! Fat! FIGHT!
Publisher: TECMO
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief
Price: 1,000 Wii Points
Description: Forget about being healthy. Here’s a game that celebrates eating, getting fat and fighting. Hold the Wii Remote controller horizontally and tilt it left, right, up or down to perform all kinds of lifts and throws just like in real sumo. There are also hidden moves like suplexes and scrapbusters thrown in for fun. Use all the moves you learn in tournaments around the world to reach the peak of sumo and become a yokozuna. In ONE PLAYER mode, play eating or sparring mini-games to make your wrestler stronger and change his look. You can also use your own Mii™ character’s face on your wrestler. In TWO PLAYER mode, take on another person using default wrestlers or the wrestlers that you have created. (Additional accessories are required for two-player mode and are sold separately.) Chow down, bulk up and fight on to become the strongest sumo wrestler ever.

RABBIDS LAB
Publisher: Ubisoft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: A raving Rabbid is stuck inside the Wii Remote controller. Come play with him. First, try interacting with him by moving the Wii Remote or pressing the buttons and seeing how much he loves it. Once you’ve gotten to know the crazy guy, it’s time to change his appearance in the Lab. Mess with his head and place seasonal accessories on him, or change his look entirely with the painting module. When you’ve made your raving Rabbid completely unique, you can take a photo and send it in a Wii™ message to show your Wii Friends (broadband Internet connection required).

The Magic Obelisk
Publisher: GAME ARTS Co., Ltd.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: The Magic Obelisk is an action-adventure game in which you become Popo, a light spirit. Your mission is to guide Lukus, a tree spirit, to each stage’s goal while moving only within the shadow. You can help him do this by shining your light near the mysterious magic obelisks, allowing you to create and connect shadows to solve tricks and gimmicks along the way. Join Lukus as he travels through a light-filled realm filled with quirky creatures and spirits, trying to find the perfect spot to become a tree. Experience meaningful encounters and partings, climb hills, cross rivers and traverse a vast desert on your way to the very edge of the world.

Virtual Console

PilotWings
Original platform: Super NES™
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Join the Flight Club to take to the skies and experience a variety of aerial activities. Take off and pilot a biplane through rings along a predetermined flight path, or drift serenely in a hang glider, catching thermal currents to gain altitude. In either case, just be sure to stick the landing. Looking for more speed? Strap on the rocket belt to blast your way around an obstacle course. If that’s not enough, reach maximum velocity as you tackle a skydiving lesson at 3,800 feet. Complete specific objectives within a set time limit to score points (and maybe even a bonus chance) and obtain certification in eight different lessons. Your goals will become more challenging, and weather conditions will make controlling your vehicle more difficult as you progress. If you succeed, you will be rewarded with the opportunity to pilot an attack helicopter on a daring rescue mission. It’s time to earn your wings.

Nintendo DSiWare

The Oregon Trail
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence, Use of Tobacco
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: Westward, ho! Your favorite pioneering adventure game takes you on an exciting, historic, side-scrolling adventure with your Nintendo DSi™ system. Take the Oregon Trail experience further than ever before with all of the decision-making and problem-solving fun of the original game plus additional challenges. Leave your mark on America’s history. Take a picture of yourself at each landmark with the Nintendo DSi system’s built-in camera. You’ll have your portrait and party’s name printed in the Daily Oregon Trail newspaper in the game. Play eight skill-based mini-games that will impact your resources: Hunting, Fishing, River Crossing, Rafting, Wagon Repairing, Telegraph, Berry Picking and Gold Panning. Random events faced by real pioneers – such as disease, bandits and hitchhikers – and side missions add more excitement to your westward trek.

SUDOKU SENSEI
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Introducing 100 “Super Hard Puzzles” for the hardened sudoku veteran. All puzzles are skillfully designed for a level of satisfaction that computer-generated puzzles just can’t offer. You can play through puzzles to learn about rules and controls in Tutorials mode. Other handy features include Write Mode and Temp Number for an easier, more enjoyable sudoku experience.

Glow Artisan
Publisher: Powerhead Games
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Solve mind-bending puzzles in this unique and colorful game. Use your wits and ingenuity to solve more than 100 puzzles and earn more than 300 medals. Play Time Trial, Randomizer and Multiplayer modes for an endless supply of new challenges. Create new puzzles with the built-in editor or use the Nintendo DSi Camera application to turn your photos into puzzles.

Master of Illusion™ Express: Psychic Camera
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Master of Illusion Express titles include mind-boggling magic tricks that you perform with your Nintendo DSi system. Learn the illusions, practice them and amaze your friends. Your audience will never look at your Nintendo DSi system the same way again after Master of Illusion Express: Psychic Camera proves that it has psychic powers. Astound others by taking their picture and revealing an item (such as a card, picture, letter or number) that they’re thinking about.

Arcade Hoops Basketball
Publisher: Skyworks Interactive, Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: From Skyworks comes the slickest basketball game for the Nintendo DSi system. See how many baskets you can sink in a fast-moving 45 seconds, using only your stylus and, of course, your lightning-fast hand-eye coordination. Arcade Hoops features your choice of three rockin’ soundtracks, state-of-the-art 3-D graphics and thrilling, high-speed game play for the most fun possible in under a minute. Advanced hoopsters can move on to the progressive level, where a moving basket provides an additional challenge – plus the chance to rack up even more points. For the real pros, there’s 3 Point mode, where speed and accuracy are a must as you shoot “threes” from downtown.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com.

English | Español

Poké Fables turned out to be a very fun show with lots of content you will never expect to see in the actual video games or anime this show is based on. It seems like it was inspired by Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken due to the stop-motion animation, sexual innuendo and adult language used in the show. Starting on January 1st, it will be Mario and his friends’ turn to enter into the insane and absurd world of Fables created by the people at Insurd. Super Mario Fables will make its debuts at http://www.youtube.com/insurd.

Español | English

Poké Fables (Fábulas Pokémon) resultó ser un show muy divertido con un montón de contenido que nunca se espera ver en los verdaderos juegos de vídeo o anime este espectáculo se basa en. Parece que fue inspirado por Robot Chicken de Adult Swim debido a la animación stop-motion, insinuaciones sexuales y el lenguaje adulto utilizado en el show. A partir del 1ro de enero, será el turno de Mario y sus amigos de entrar al mundo loco y absurdo de las Fábulas creado por la gente en Insurd.  Super Mario Fables hará su debut en http://www.youtube.com/insurd.

Posted in Anime/Manga/Comics, Internet, Juegos/Games Tagged: Adult Swim, anime, cuentos, fábulas, games, Insurd, jeux, juegos, Luigi, Mario, nintendo, Poké Fables, Pokemon, Robot Chicken, SMB, super mario bros, Super Mario Fables, Yoshi, YouTube ]]> http://elmundotech.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/insurd-super-mario-fables/feed/ 0 elmundotech http://elmundotech.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/ismar-2009-sonys-eyepet/ http://elmundotech.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/ismar-2009-sonys-eyepet/#comments Sun, 27 Dec 2009 05:56:09 +0000 elmundotech http://elmundotech.wordpress.com/?p=9352 ]]>

English | Spanish | Videos

This PS3 augmented reality game at ISMAR had the attention of many people waiting to try out this game. With the use of the PlayStation Eye camera, players are able to interact with the virtual pet by placing objects in its environment. What you can expect a real-life pet to do, this one can do the same. A player can interact with the virtual animal by petting it, tickling it as well as giving it a shower and drying him up. One of the most interesting games was the one in which the pet draws the simple 2D drawing of a car and becomes a virtual 3D object drivable by the player. The pet effectively reacts to the player’s interaction by motion and/or sound.

The game is already available in Europe, but its US release has been delayed and will be on sale within the first half of 2010. Even though this AR game is mostly for casual gamers, this was a very entertaining experience nonetheless. I’m glad to see Sony participating in the augmented reality arena.

Español | English | Videos

El juego ya se encuentra disponible en Europa, pero su lanzamiento estadounidense se ha retrasado y saldrá a la venta dentro de la primera mitad de 2010. Aunque este juego AR es principalmente para los jugadores casuales,  este fue una experiencia muy entretenida, no obstante. Me alegro de ver a Sony participando en el campo de la realidad aumentada.

Videos

From/De: Full Sail University

Full Sail University Named First School to House a Dolby Digital Print Master Facility in the State of Florida

Full Sail University (www.fullsail.edu), an award winning media institution, is pleased to announce our professionally designed postproduction Dubbing Stage has now received the honor of being the first school named as a Dolby® Digital print master facility in the state of Florida. Full Sail joins an exclusive list of professional facilities approved for Dolby Digital print masters.

Winter Park, FL (PRWEB) December 25, 2009 — Full Sail University (www.fullsail.edu), an award winning media institution, is pleased to announce our professionally designed postproduction Dubbing Stage has now received the honor of being the first school named as a Dolby® Digital print master facility in the state of Florida. Full Sail joins an exclusive list of professional facilities approved for Dolby Digital print masters.

“Dolby Digital print master facilities provide the highest quality results and exceed expectations set by industry standards,” said Bill Allen, Senior Director of Production Services, Dolby Laboratories, Inc. “Housing a facility of this caliber on their campus is a testament to Full Sail’s commitment to educational excellence and an enhanced student experience.”

To achieve this status from Dolby, the Dubbing Stage went through an extensive approval process including: verifying speaker positions relative to mix position, tuning the mixing studio to match Dolby specifications, and matching Dolby required speaker levels. Dolby Applications Engineer Steve Smith visited Full Sail to commission and approve the Dubbing Stage as a Dolby Digital print master facility, and to complete the print master for the film, Letters to God, which used the Dubbing Stage to mix the film’s final soundtrack.

Full Sail’s Dubbing Stage features an up-to-date Harrison MPC3-D mixing desk, high-definition video and 35mm projectors, and multiple Pro Tools HD systems, as well as theater seats for private screenings and an Academy Award-winning theater surround sound system from JBL.

“This is great accomplishment for Full Sail University,” said Michael Orlowski, Dubbing Stage Engineer. “As a Dolby approved mix facility, we can offer Florida Filmmakers more opportunities to keep films in Florida and further expand our position as an educational leader in the entertainment industry.”

About Full Sail University:

Since 1979, Full Sail University, located outside of Orlando, FL, has been an innovative educational leader for those pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. With over 33,000 alumni, graduate credits include work on OSCAR®, Emmy® and GRAMMY®-winning projects, best-selling video games, and the #1 grossing U.S. concert tours. Full Sail’s 191-acre campus and online education platform proudly welcomes over 8,000 students from 50 states and 57 countries.

Full Sail currently offers a total of 26 degree programs including: Associate of Science Degree in Graphic Design; Bachelor of Science Degrees offered in: Computer Animation, Digital Arts & Design, Entertainment Business, Film, Game Art, Game Design, Game Development, Graphic Design, Internet Marketing, Music Business, Recording Arts, Show Production, and Web Design & Development; Master of Science Degrees in Education Media Design & Technology, Game Design, Entertainment Business, and Internet Marketing; and Master of Fine Arts Degrees in Creative Writing and Media Design.

Full Sail was most recently named “Best Company” in the 2009 Orlando Business Journal’s Reader’s Choice Awards, as well as the 2008 “School/College of the Year” by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges. The university has also been previously named: The Harvard of Game Schools by Tips & Tricks Magazine; one of the top three New Media Schools by Shift Magazine (alongside the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and New York University); one of the Top Five Game Degree Programs in the world by Electronic Gaming Monthly; one of the Best Music Programs in the country by Rolling Stone Magazine; one of the Best Music Business Departments in the Schools That Rock: The Rolling Stone College Guide; and one of the Best Film Programs in the country by UNleashed Magazine.

For more information about Full Sail, please visit www.fullsail.edu.

###

English| Español

Back in late October of this year, I went to the International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality that took place here in Orlando, FL. I might not have had a chance to attend had it been somewhere else (as in Tokyo or LA), but luck was on my side this time. I had previously seen augmented reality at events such as OTRONICON (Orlando Electronic Interactive Convention), and I wanted to see what’s new about this technology.

In the last few years, people have made the switch from desktop PCs to laptops, from MP3 players to the iPod, and from DVDs to downloads. Now it seems like we are on the horizon for a new generation of technology. The Nintendo DSi, the Wii, the PS3, the Xbox 360 and the iPhone are bringing AR to our gaming experience, and even the NFL and Burger King have tried this. But you may be asking yourself, what is augmented reality (AR)?

According to Wikipedia, AR is is “a term for a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are merged with (or augmented by) virtual computer-generated imagery – creating a mixed reality.”

In simpler words, AR is the combination of real-world live video with computer-generated graphics that creates a mixed world, or in other words, a mixed reality, in your devices. To achieve this, AR relies on knowing and understanding the location and the movement of the user. You may have already seen AR in actual live NFL games seen on TV. You may have seen a graphic or animation with something like “3rd and 4″ on the field. It’s called the “First Down Line” created by SportVision. It looks as if the graphic has been painted over the field. It looks real. Even when there is a camera zooming in or out, the graphic zooms in or out as well. It provides information in real-time. The Burger King AR online ad, which can be found at sites such as GameTrailers.com, is also fun to watch and interact with (as long as you got a web camera).

There was a great variety of MR/AR devices for different purposes at ISMAR 2009. MR/AR for the military ? Yes, there’s an MR/AR for that. MR/AR for kids and learning? Put a Spell was a very fun app to play with. Another one was Sony’s EyePet, a game which is already out in Europe and will make its US debut in the next few months. If you are on vacation and visiting a city, AR applications can give you information about places by pointing your device to them (think of brief Wikipedia-style info by pointing to the Statue of Liberty or Yankees Stadium), or it can give directions to go to other places.

ISMAR is really much more than fun and games. Not only there were many applications that can be used in fields such as science, education, media, marketing and others,  influential people of this technology were also at the event. Think of ithis as the Game Developers Conference for augmented reality. I met great people in the world of MR/AR and attended some workshops and tutorials which were truly fascinating (sorry Spock!) in order to understand some more about their work in the development of this brilliant technology.

Because Christmas is here and there won’t be that many news during this holiday season, I’ll take the opportunity to post more information about mixed and augmented reality starting today.

Español | English

A fines de octubre de este año, fui a el Simposio Internacional de realidad mixta y aumentada (ISMAR, en inglés), que tuvo lugar aquí en Orlando, FL. Yo no podría haber tenido la oportunidad de asistir si hubiera sido en otro lugar (como en Tokio o Los Angeles), pero la suerte estaba de mi lado esta vez. Ya había visto la realidad aumentada en eventos como OTRONICON, y yo quería ver qué hay de nuevo sobre esta tecnología.

En los últimos años, la gente ha hecho el cambio de PC de escritorio a portátiles, de reproductores MP3 al iPod, y de los DVDs a las descargas por Internet. Ahora parece que estamos en el horizonte de una nueva generación de la tecnología. El Nintendo DS, el Wii, el PS3, el Xbox 360 y el iPhone  están trayendo AR a nuestra experiencia de juegos, e incluso la NFL y Burger King han intentado esto. Pero usted debe estar preguntandose, ¿qué es la realidad aumentada (AR)?

Según Wikipedia, AR es “es el término para definir una visión directa o indirecta de un entorno físico en el mundo real, cuyos elementos se combinan (o se aumentan) con elementos virtuales para la creación de una realidad mixta a tiempo real.”

En palabras más sencillas, AR es la combinación de vídeo en vivo en tiempo real con gráficos generados por un ordenador que crea un mundo mixto, o en otras palabras, una realidad mixta, en sus dispositivos. ¿Por qué una realidad mixta (RM)? Sólo puede ver los gráficos y las animaciones a través de su(s) dispositivo(s). Para lograr esto, AR se basa en conocer y comprender la ubicación y el movimiento del usuario. Puede ser que ya hayan visto AR en verdaderos partidos en vivo de la NFL vistos en la televisión. Usted puede haber visto un gráfico o animación con “3ro y 4″ en el campo. Se llama la “First Down Line” creada por SportVision. Parece como si el gráfico ha sido pintada sobre el campo. Parece real. Incluso cuando hay una cámara de acercar o alejar el zoom en el gráfico o fuera así. Provee información en tiempo real. El anuncio AR de Burger King en línea, que se puede encontrar en sitios como GameTrailers.com, es también divertido due to its interactivity (con tal que tengan una cámara web).

In simpler words, AR is the combination of real-world live video with computer-generated graphics that creates a mixed world, or in other words, a mixed reality, in your devices. To achieve this, AR relies on knowing and understanding the location and the movement of the user. You may have already seen AR in actual live NFL games seen on TV. You may have seen a graphic or animation with something like “3rd and 4″ on the field. It’s called the “First Down Line” created by SportVision. It looks as if the graphic has been painted over the field. It looks real. Even when there is a camera zooming in or out, the graphic zooms in or out as well. It provides information in real-time. The Burger King AR online ad, which can be found at sites such as GameTrailers.com, is also fun due to its interactivity (as long as you got a web camera).

Hubo una gran variedad de dispositivos MR / AR dispositivos para diferentes fines en ISMAR 2009. ¿MR / AR para los militares? Sí, hay una MR / AR para eso. ¿MR / AR para los niños y el aprendizaje? Put A Spell era una aplicación muy divertida con la cual jugar. Otra fue el EyePet de Sony, un juego que ya salió en Europa, y hará su debut en EE.UU. en los próximos meses. Si se encuentran de vacaciones en una ciudad que quizás no conozcan muy bien, las aplicaciones AR les pueden dar información acerca de lugares públicos señalando el dispositivo hacia aquellos (ej. apuntando su iPhone hacia la estatua de la libertad o el estadio Yankees). Tales aplicaciones también pueden dar direcciones sobre como llegar hacia aquellos lugares desde donde se encuentren.

ISMAR es realmente mucho más que diversión y juegos. No sólo hubo muchas aplicaciones que pueden ser utilizados en campos como la ciencia, la educación, los medios de comunicación, marketing y otros, personas influyesntes de esta tecnología también estuvieron en el evento. Piense en ello como la Game Developers Conference de realidad aumentada. Conocí a grandes personas en el mundo de la IM / AR y asistió a algunos talleres y tutoriales que fueron verdaderamente fascinante (Spock, lo siento) con el fin de comprender un poco mas acerca de su trabajo en el desarrollo de esta tecnología brillante.

Porque la Navidad ya llegó y no habrá muchas noticias de que durante esta temporada de vacaciones, voy a tener la oportunidad de publicar más información acerca de la realidad mezclada y aumentada a partir de hoy.

While on YouTube last night, I found this great special effects video of a robot army invading Montevideo. It seems so real, and it reminded me the one I saw some weeks ago about the UFO flying over Spain. For more cool videos: www.aparato.tv.

From/De: SCEA

PlayStation Network Features Great Sports Action

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) is giving sports fans even more reason to cheer with the addition of a large selection of downloadable classic and must-see games from some of the biggest leagues in sports to the PlayStation®Network video delivery service. A variety of National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Hockey League (NHL) video content is now available for purchase from PlayStation®Store. These additions further enhance the rich library of standard definition and high-definition sports related video entertainment currently available through the PlayStation Network video delivery service, including recently added content from Major League Baseball (MLB) and action from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling and more. 

From/De: Capcom

From/De: Xbox Press

New “Halo Legends” episode, “Origins,” and “Red vs. Blue” holiday special available exclusively on Halo Waypoint and Xbox LIVE

Relive epic moments from the “Halo” franchise in the final preview episode of the anime saga, “Halo Legends.” Created by Studio 4^oC, part one of “Origins” will be available exclusively on Halo Waypoint for only 24 hours on Saturday, Jan. 2. Be sure to check into Halo Waypoint for your last chance to see “Halo Legends” before its DVD release in Feb. 2010.

“Halo Legends” Episode, “Origins”

In “Origins,” fans of “Halo” lore will witness Forerunner battles with the Flood, through the present day ending of the “Halo” trilogy. The episode will shed light on some of the main events of the “Halo” universe, which set the stage for the beloved series of “Halo” games.

“Red vs. Blue” Holiday Special

343 Industries invites you to celebrate the holidays with the galaxy’s dumbest recruits!  Visit Halo Waypoint on Dec. 24 – Dec. 26 for an exclusive, all-new three-part “Red vs. Blue” holiday special. “Red vs. Blue” is a video series created by Rooster Teeth Productions, loosely based on the “Halo” franchise.

Don’t forget to tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of “Origins” on Saturday, Jan. 9, in which the team at Studio 4^oC recount their work on “Halo Legends.” The remaining schedule for all upcoming “Halo Legends” 24-hour exclusive previews is below:

Episode                                                                                                           Airing Date (24-hour)

 “Origins” Part 1                                                                                           Jan. 2, 2010

Making of “Origins”                                                                                   Jan. 9, 2010

Trailers of upcoming episodes                                                              Feb. 2, 2010

Produced by 343 Industries and created by a group of renowned anime studios, “Halo Legends” will be distributed by Warner Home Video on DVD, Blu-Ray and digital formats on Feb[E1] . 16, 2010.

For updates on the “Halo Legends” previews, visit http://halolegends.com. For details about the full anthology, visit http://www.halolegendsdvd.com.

Follow the “Halo” franchise on Twitter and Facebook at @HaloWaypoint and http://www.facebook.com/HaloWaypoint.

From/De: Full Sail University

Full Sail University Congratulates Winning and Nominated Graduates at the 2009 Video Game Awards

WINTER PARK, FL, December 22, 2009 – Full Sail University (www.fullsail.edu) is proud to announce that ten graduates worked on four winning games at the 2009 Video Game Awards. The former students are graduates from three Bachelor of Science Degree Programs: Recordings Arts (RA), Computer Animation (CA), and Game Development (GD). In addition, another ten graduates worked on a total of four nominated games. 

The winners include:

Best Shooter:                    
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2                   
Chance Glasco (CA – Weapon Animator)    
   
Best Action/Adventure:
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Joseph Thomas (GD – Tools Programmer)             
Rodrigo Gonzalez (CA – Animator)
Justin Falgout (CA – Cinematic Animator)

Best RPG:         
Dragon Age: Origins                
Jonathan Logsdon (CA – QA Tester)       
Clark Smith (GD – Programmer)        
Michael Ramos (CA – Modeler) 
Kyle Gaulin (CA – Animator)

Best Racing Game:
Forza Motorsports
David Finlay – (CA – Vehicle Artist)
Mark Kilborn – (RA – Sound Design)

The nominees include:

Best Music Game:        
The Beatles: Rock Band                
Mike Lattiak (GD – QA Tester, Wii)        
Michael Helms (CA – Artist, Wii)        

Band Hero
Michael Masterson (GD – QA Tester)
Alejandro Garcia-Tunon (GD – Software Engineer)

Best Shooter:                    
Boarderlands                    
Joshua Davidson-RA07 (Sound Design)    
Justin Miller-CA03 (QA Lead)        
Mark Kilborn-RA04 (Audio Lead)
 

Best Action/Adventure:
Assassin’s Creed II 
Justin D. Scott-RA08 (End Credits Music)
Peter Jackson (CA – Facial Animation)

Best Platformer:
Scribblenauts    
Nathan Hernandez (CA – Animator)    
    
“It is always rewarding to hear about graduates working on gaming titles such as these, and to have a total of ten graduates contributing to four winning titles at the Video Game Awards is simply remarkable,” said Rob Catto, Program Director for Game Development. “This truly shows the hard work and dedication that our student body possesses as our current students attempt to reach the level of success that these exceptional graduates have achieved.”

About Full Sail University:

Since 1979, Full Sail University, located outside of Orlando, FL, has been an innovative educational leader for those pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. With over 33,000 alumni, graduate credits include work on OSCAR®, Emmy® and GRAMMY®-winning projects, best-selling video games, and the #1 grossing U.S. concert tours. Full Sail’s 191-acre campus and online education platform proudly welcomes over 8,000 students from 50 states and 57 countries.

Full Sail currently offers a total of 26 degree programs including: Associate of Science Degree in Graphic Design; Bachelor of Science Degrees offered in: Computer Animation, Digital Arts & Design, Entertainment Business, Film, Game Art, Game Design, Game Development, Graphic Design, Internet Marketing, Music Business, Recording Arts, Show Production, and Web Design & Development; Master of Science Degrees in Education Media Design & Technology, Game Design, Entertainment Business, and Internet Marketing; and Master of Fine Arts Degrees in Creative Writing and Media Design.

Full Sail was most recently named “Best Company” in the 2009 Orlando Business Journal’s Reader’s Choice Awards, as well as the 2008 “School/College of the Year” by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges. The university has also been previously named: The Harvard of Game Schools by Tips & Tricks Magazine; one of the top three New Media Schools by Shift Magazine (alongside the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and New York University); one of the Top Five Game Degree Programs in the world by Electronic Gaming Monthly; one of the Best Music Programs in the country by Rolling Stone Magazine; one of the Best Music Business Departments in the Schools That Rock: The Rolling Stone College Guide; and one of the Best Film Programs in the country by UNleashed Magazine.

For more information about Full Sail, please visit www.fullsail.edu.

###

From/De: Xbox Press

Home for the Holidays with Xbox Live

You’ve wrapped your gifts, put the finishing touches on decorations, and created your version of frosty the snowman in the front yard. Whether you’re spending the Holidays with your (crazy?) extended family, close friends, or just that special someone this year, Xbox LIVE has lots to keep you entertained (and sane) at home during the Holidays. So grab a blanket, a hot cup of cider, and let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

The Gift of Holiday Knowledge

There’s always that one know-it-all in every family, so challenge Aunt Connie or Cousin Johnny to a special Holiday trivia showdown. Tune into a special “1 vs 100 Live” Holiday episode on December 26 at 6:00 pm PT which will feature Holiday-themed trivia, a decked out set, and laughs with Chris Cashman. Didn’t get an Xbox LIVE Gold membership in your stocking this year? No problem. From December 24, 9:00 am PT – December 28, 9:00 am PT, Xbox LIVE Silver members in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, France and Germany can enjoy the “1 vs 100” premium entertainment experience reserved exclusively for Gold members. If you enjoy making your Avatar bust a move, you can also cast a vote for your favorite dance in the “1 vs 100” Dance Contest (www.avatardancecontest.com) from now until December 26. The winner will be notified on January 4, and have their moves immortalized as an Avatar dance in “1 vs 100.” And, to ring in 2010, tune into another special “1 vs 100 Live” episode on January 1 at 7:00 pm PT, which will test your knowledge of the New Year.

The Gift of Rocking Out

Sick of caroling? Do the jingle bell rock! The new Xbox LIVE Music Games Stores open December 22 making it easier than ever to find and choose from more than 1300 tracks for your favorite music games: “Rock Band” (MTV Games), “Rock Band 2” (MTV Games), “The Beatles: Rock Band” (MTV Games),“Lego Rock Band” (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment), “Guitar Hero® 5” (Activision), “Guitar Hero® World Tour” (Activision/Red Octane), “Band Hero™” (Activision), “Lips” (Microsoft Game Studios), and “Lips: Number One Hits” (Microsoft Game Studios). There’s no need to argue between Metallica and the Beatles – search, sort, and preview clips from songs in one convenient place on the new Music Marketplace on Xbox LIVE.

The Gift of Fame

We all need a little action (and humor) to snap us out of the Holiday dinner coma. On Sunday, December 27 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm PT, funny man and actor, Dane Cook, will play against Xbox LIVE Gold members in “Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2” (Infinity Ward/Activision.) If you want to go head-to-head with the comedian, then Oscar Mike and send a friend request to the Gamertag DCook GwF. Be on LIVE 30 minutes (6:30 pm PT) before the Game with Fame session starts and you might receive an invite to play. It can be your claim to fame this Holiday. For more information, please visit: 

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/calendar/gamewithfame/2009/1227-danecook.htm.

With so much entertainment to keep your Holiday merry and bright, remember to dress your Avatar to the nines (or in an ugly Holiday sweater) and check out Major Nelson on Twitter from now until December 31 as he unveils daily deals that will be sure to bring you cheer.

Happy Holidays from Xbox LIVE! Assets for Xbox LIVE Music Games Stores can be found here: http://edelmanadmin.psni.com/public/Xbox%20LIVE%20Music%20Games%20Stores/

From/De: Namco Bandai Games America

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES AMERICA ANNOUNCES PLAN TO EXPAND DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION PRESENCE

Renowned Publisher to Make Back-Catalog and Future Releases Available via Download

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (Dec. 22, 2009) — Leading video games developer and publisher NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., announced today their intent to increase its digital distribution presence. This overall strategy will ensure consumers have access to hard-to-find gems and the latest best-selling content available at their fingertips.  Expanding its presence on Xbox LIVE® Games on Demand, additional NAMCO BANDAI titles will soon be available and present a value offering of the company’s hit titles for the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.  Also, PS One™ catalog classics and current PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system content will further enhance its already robust library of games on the PlayStation®Network,  

“Expanding our digital distribution presence across all major platforms is an essential part of our worldwide corporate strategy,” said Robert Stevenson, vice president of online development at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “Through this initiative, our consumers will have access to our latest releases, bestsellers and hard to find classics with the press of a button.”

Titles currently available and upcoming include:

Xbox LIVE Games on Demand

• Ridge Racer® 6, E for everyone, now available for 1600 Microsoft Points
• Beautiful Katamari™, E for everyone, available Q1 2010

 PlayStation Network for the PSP system

• SOULCALIBUR®: Broken Destiny, T for teen, now available for $39.99
• TEKKEN® 6, T for teen, now available for $39.99
• Ridge Racer®, E for everyone, now available for $14.99
• Me & My Katamari™, E for everyone, available Dec. 22 for $19.99

 More titles to be announced in the coming months.

# # #

About NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. is a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer based in Santa Clara, CA.  The company is a part of the NAMCO BANDAI group of companies known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises including the PAC-MAN®, SOULCALIBUR®, Naruto™ and Tekken® brands.  For more information about NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. and our products log onto www.namcobandaigames.com.

Beautiful Katamari™ & © 2007 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.

Me & My Katamari ™&© 2003 2005 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. 

RIDGE RACER®   © 1996 2002 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.   

RIDGE RACER® 6 & © 1996 2006 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.

SOULCALIBUR®: Broken Destiny & ©1995-2009 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.  God of War is a registered trademark and the God of War logos and characters, names and all related properties are the Trademarks & ©  of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

TEKKEN®6 & © 1994-2009 NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Press Release © 2009 NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.

From/De: EA Mobile

EA Mobile Makes Five Exciting New Games Available on the App Store

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–EA Mobile™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), today announced that five new apps are now available on the App Store^SM: On-the-go gamers can create harmony in Auditorium, save the princess in Dragon’s Lair®, or be whoever they want to be in Surviving High School. Fans can also build a real estate empire in MONOPOLY and be the first to drop four in a row in CONNECT 4 with popular Hasbro-inspired games. Combined, these games show the breadth of experiences available through EA Mobile games on the iPhone® and iPod touch®.

“Once again EA Mobile capitalizes on the unique features of the iPhone and iPod touch”

“Once again EA Mobile capitalizes on the unique features of the iPhone and iPod touch,” said Travis Boatman, VP Worldwide Studios, EA Mobile. “Taking advantage of the WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, both MONOPOLY and CONNECT 4 allow for a fun multiplayer experience. Surviving High School also takes In App Purchase to a new level allowing players to purchase additional episodes to extend their high school game experience.”

Auditorium

As fans of this unique, award-winning puzzle game know, Auditorium for the iPhone and iPod touch is all about the experience. The game is a tranquil yet tantalizing, puzzling but peaceful audio-visual experience on a mobile device. Key features include:

• Synchronize Sight and Sound - To play, guide a “Flow” of particles into audio containers. The objective? Create a harmonic convergence of color, light, and music. It’s a simply captivating challenge.
• Direct and Protect your “Flow” - Utilize intuitive touchscreen controls to attract, repel, or deflect your Flow. Avoid obstacles that can disrupt.
• Explore, Engage, Escape - Explore the game. Engage with the artful graphics and high-quality audio. Grasp Auditorium’s sophisticated simplicity. Strategize or relax; orchestrate your own little escape.
• Play, Replay and Master the Challenge - Play through five acts with up to seven levels in each. With several solutions to all 25 levels, Auditorium is richly enjoyable.
• Want to Keep the Harmony Going? - Purchase additional Movements for a great, low price from the in-game store. Each new Movement features more challenging Acts, new concepts, colors and themes.

Dragon’s Lair

For the first time ever, experience animation legend Don Bluth’s beautifully enhanced classic Dragon’s Lair on the iPhone and iPod touch. Rediscover the groundbreaking arcade game that became a cultural phenomenon. Key features include;

• A Past Worth Repeating – Become immersed in the visually stunning world of hand-drawn animation adapted from the original game. Prepare for an authentic arcade experience and an unforgettable adventure!
• A Classic Tale of Good vs. Evil – Play as valiant knight Dirk the Daring and attempt to accomplish the noble but precarious quest to rescue Princess Daphne from the lair of Singe, a fire-breathing dragon who lurks in the foreboding castle of an evil wizard.
• Challenges of a Primitive Kind - Battle through menacing forces and bizarre monsters including The Giddy Goons and The Lizard King. Forge through a maze of mysterious caverns and treacherous barriers, stopping at nothing to save the fair lady.
• You Control the Story- Use skills to safely navigate through medieval obstacles like the bone-crushing Boulder Trench and the flesh-searing Fire Room.
• Choose the Path - Play in Arcade Mode for all of the fun and adventure of the freestanding original. Experience the authentic laserdisc version of this fan-favorite in Home Mode and check out additional scenes.

Surviving High School

One of EA Mobile’s best selling mobile games, Surviving High School, is now available on the App Store. Experience high-school the way you want. Become a jock or a nerd, a popular kid or an outsider. Change the story with each decision made, but remember that some choices are wiser than others. Key features include:

• Bend the Story Any Way you Choose - With multiple people to date, tons of quiz questions, and secret scenes, you’ll want to play more than once to see how things could turn out differently.
• Tune In For More Every Week - Just like a good TV show, “tune in” each week for new episodes at no additional cost! Find out what happens to your favorite characters as the school year continues.
• You Cause All the Drama - Your choices twist and turn your story in different directions. Easy and intuitive touch- control action sucks you right into the mix.
• You’ll Like the Look - Comic-style graphics, funny dialogue, and mini-games combine to make this the best Surviving High School ever.
• School’s Always in Session On Demand - Get even more great Surviving High School stories when you purchase Episodes On Demand. Go back to school whenever you want with:

• Never-before-seen episodes
• Episodes you missed
• Upcoming episodes

MONOPOLY

Play EA Mobile’s MONOPOLY for the iPhone and iPod touch and build a real estate empire from the ground up. Use savvy business strategies to buy, sell, trade and manage the famous holdings from the classic version of the game. Key features include:

• Have Fun while Making Money - Cruise around the interactive board with animated tokens and 3D dice and collect popular properties for profit.
• Hands on Excitement - Shake the iPhone to roll the dice. Tap the screen to buy, trade, and upgrade properties with houses and hotels.
• Feeling Competitive? - Play with up to four friends on the same network with WiFi and Pass ‘n Play and up to two people with Bluetooth Multiplayer.
• Endless Possibilities - Play through three levels of difficulty and save games in progress for non-stop fun.
• MONOPOLY is 3.0 ready! - Listen to and control music from your iTunes library without interrupting your game.

CONNECT 4

EA Mobile brings the timeless, globally beloved checker-dropping game, CONNECT 4, to the iPhone and iPod touch. Play the original board game on the go and experience so much more with multiple game modes, multiplayer options, and a host of enhancements available only in this version. Key features include:

• Go Solo with Single Player - Test row-making talent in Classic, Challenge, and Advanced Modes with all-new Powerchips, Max Score and PopOut.
• Play Against Family and Friends - Go head-to-head with the competition using Bluetooth, WiFi, or Pass ‘N Play Multiplayer.
• Stay Ahead of the Competition - Build up your high score and unlock 25 achievements for smart plays. Block and counter your opponent’s moves and be the first to get four tokens in a row to win.
• Eye Candy - Check out new cut scenes, slow motion gameplay, and cool special effects like exploding chips.
• Listen while you Play - Listen to and control music from the iTunes Library while playing CONNECT 4 for hours of addictive fun.

Auditorium, Dragon’s Lair, Surviving High School, MONOPOLY and CONNECT 4 are currently available from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch, or atwww.itunes.com/appstore. For more information please visit www.eamobile.com. To follow EA Mobile on Twitter visit http://twitter.com/eamobile.

About EA Mobile

EA Mobile™, is the world’s leading wireless entertainment publisher with award-winning games such as Tetris®, Bejeweled®, The Sims™, and Need for Speed™. The EA Mobile portfolio also includes casual games based on the company’s partnership with Hasbro, Inc. including MONOPOLY, YAHTZEE and SCRABBLE (in the U.S. and Canada) as well as sports blockbusters from the EA SPORTS™ brand, including Madden NFL Football, EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR®. EA Mobile develops games for multiple mobile platforms including mobile phones, smartphones, the iPhone™ and iPod®. For more information about EA Mobile, please visit www.eamobile.com.

About Hasbro

Hasbro, Inc. is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com.

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 SPORTS™, EA™, 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, The Sims, Need for Speed and Surviving High School are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Tetris is a registered trademark of Tetris Holding, LLC. Bejeweled is a registered trademark of PopCap Games, Inc. CONNECT 4, MONOPOLY, YAHTZEE and SCRABBLE (in the United States and Canada) are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. John Madden, NFL, FIFA, Tiger Woods and PGA TOUR are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. iPhone and iPod are trademarks of Apple, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

From/De: Activision

Call of Duty(R): World at War Map Pack Bundle Now Available

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec 22, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ — Fans of one of the most-popular online multiplayer games ever can now get the entire collection of Call of Duty: World at War downloadable maps in one shot with the Call of Duty: World at WarMap Pack Bundle. Available starting today in North America on Xbox LIVE(R) Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 2000 Microsoft Points and on the PlayStation(R)Store for the PlayStation(R) 3 computer entertainment system for $24.99, the bundle from developer Treyarch and Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) features the complete collection of nine multiplayer maps and three co-op Zombie maps from Call of Duty: World at War Map Packs 1-3.

Fight through war-torn Berlin in “Nightfire,” battle through the jungle and waterfalls of “Banzai,” and defend an armored island in “Battery.” Zombies and Hell Hounds attack in “Verruckt” (Zombie Asylum), “Shi No Numa” (Zombie Swamp), and “Der Riese” (Zombie Factory). Survive against the onslaught of Zombies with the help of Perks-a-Cola machines, Monkey Bombs, and the powerful Wunderwaffe DG-2.

The release of the bundle begins today with worldwide availability on Xbox LIVE and in the United States and Canada on the PlayStation 3 system. It will launch in Europe on the PlayStation 3 system starting on January 7th.

Call of Duty: World at War is rated “M” (Mature) by the ESRB, 18 by the PEGI and 15 by the BBFC for Intense Violence, Strong Language, Blood and Gore. For more information and exclusive updates about Call of Duty: World at War, visit www.CoDWaW.com.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

From/De: Capcom

Dark Void History Lesson #1

From/De: SCEA

ROADRUNNER RECORDS TO RELEASE DIGITAL EXTENDED PLAY (EP) FOR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) BLOCK BUSTER GOD OF WAR® III

December 21, 2009 – ROADRUNNER RECORDS today announced plans to release an exclusive digital extended play (EP) soundtrack for the highly anticipated PlayStation®3 (PS3™) exclusive videogame, God of War ®III.  The EP, titled God of War®: Blood & Metal, will be released in March as a part of the God of War III® Ultimate Edition, and will feature five exclusive unreleased songs from Roadrunner artists, including KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, DREAM THEATER, TRIVIUM, OPETH and TAKING DAWN.

Consumers who purchase the God of War III Ultimate Edition will receive a voucher code to download the tracks, as well as downloadable music in the form of the God of War Trilogy soundtrack.  Fans will also receive a special code to download a director’s cut of  God of War: Unearthing the Legend, a full-length movie documentary depicting the history of the God of War franchise, access to an exclusive God of War Challenge Arena environment with up to seven unique challenges, an exclusive Kratos skin, and a limited edition art book.  The God of War III Ultimate Edition will retail for $99.99 (MSRP).

“I have played the previous God of War releases,” said Killswitch Engage vocalist Howard Jones.  “To be a part of this game in any fashion is amazing!  Let the rivers flow red with blood; there is vengeance to bestow!  Bring me more new finishing blows to my enemies!”

“Music has always been an important part of videogames and can help bring titles to life,” said Stig Asmussen, God of War III Game Director.  “Our goal is to make God of War III a special release in all areas and this just another way to offer fans and newcomers a worthwhile experience.”

“This is the first time in 24 years that we’ve written and recorded a song for anything other than one of our own albums, so we’re up for the challenge and excited to have been asked,” said Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy about recording an exclusive instrumental track for the soundtrack.

“When we were initially asked to write an original song for the game, we were slightly perplexed since we’ve never actually written a track for something other than a Trivium record,” said Trivium, vocalist Matt Heafy.  “But we answered the call as we are fans of the game.  Writing the song was a fun experience.  We started piecing riffs together on tour and then we really put time into the song when we got home and had the chance to go into the practice space to work on our ideas as a group. This new song captures a certain energy we’ve been trying to harness on record as well, as it will show all our fans worldwide where Trivium is heading musically in the future.”

Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Santa Monica Studio, God of War III is set in the realm of Greek mythology and is a single-player game that allows players to take on the climatic role of the ex-Spartan warrior, Kratos, as he treads through the intimidating heights of Mt. Olympus and the dark depths of hell to seek revenge on those who betrayed him.  Armed with double-chained blades, Kratos must take on mythology’s darkest creatures while solving intricate puzzles throughout his merciless quest to destroy Olympus.

Earlier today, a picture and a video were released on Kotaku and Joystiq about a live streaming demo of Super Street Fighter IV. It’s the game every fighting game fan wants to play. Now, we can see there will be more characters that haven’t been announced by Capcom yet. Take a look at those four empty circles. Who could those missing fighters be? Ibuki, Makoto, Dudley & Hakan?

Hoy mismo, una foto y un vídeo se publicaron en Kotaku y Joystiq una demostración de transmisión en vivo de Super Street Fighter IV. Es el juego que todos los aficionados de los  juegos de lucha quieren jugar. Ahora, podemos ver que habrán más personajes que no han sido anunciados aún por Capcom. Echen un vistazo a los cuatro círculos vacíos. ¿Quiénes podrían ser los combatientes que faltan? ¿Ibuki, Makoto, Dudley & Hakan?

Source/Fuente: Rumor: Super Street Fighter IV getting 10 new characters in total [http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/20/rumor-super-street-fighter-iv-getting-10-new-characters-in-tota/], Rumor: Four More Characters Coming to SSFIV – Updated [ http://tinyurl.com/yhktygu ].

From/De: EA Mobile

Need for Speed SHIFT Now Available on the App Store

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–EA Mobile™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), today announced the availability of Need for Speed™ SHIFT on the App Store^SM. Specifically engineered for iPhone® and iPod touch®, this aggressive, high RPM game is back to invigorate screens with adrenaline pumping driving simulations, pixel perfect cars and a range of pro circuits from around the world. The Need for Speed SHIFT app allows players to enjoy an engine roaring multiplayer experience using innovative Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and includes brand new features guaranteed to provide the most exciting racing experience on the iPhone and iPod Touch.

“Need for Speed SHIFT brings the power and thrill of high-performance racing to iPhones and iPod touches everywhere”

“Need for Speed SHIFT brings the power and thrill of high-performance racing to iPhones and iPod touches everywhere,” said Travis Boatman, VP of Worldwide Studios at EA Mobile. “The game delivers the full throttle racing and drifting that players have come to expect from the Need for Speed series, while offering intuitive controls, deep customization options and incredibly realistic graphics, optimized for 3GS devices.”

Racers can hop into the driver’s seat in 20 of the fastest, hottest, most powerful cars in the world in Need for Speed SHIFT, and compete on stretches of asphalt in Chicago, London, and Tokyo in up to 28 street and pro racing events. Players can also enjoy upgrade features, such as top speed, handling, acceleration, and nitrous boosts. The all-new driver profile is the ultimate extension of the true driver’s experience, giving each player a unique persona based on their racing skills and style. Driver profiles can impact a player’s overall career progression, even affecting how they unlock cars. In Need for Speed SHIFT, it’s all about being in control while pushing yourself to the edge. How you drive is who you are behind the wheel.

The Need for Speed SHIFT app is available globally from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch, or at http://www.itunes.com/appstore.

For information on pricing for all EA Mobile games, visit www.eamobile.com. To follow EA Mobile on Twitter visit http://twitter.com/eamobile.

Need for Speed SHIFT is also available on the PlayStation3, Xbox 360, PC, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. More information can be found at www.needforspeed.com or follow us on Twitter at NeedforSpeed.

About EA Mobile

EA Mobile™ is the world’s leading wireless entertainment publisher with award-winning games such as Tetris®, Bejeweled®, The Sims™, and Need For Speed™. The EA Mobile portfolio also includes casual games based on the company’s partnership with Hasbro, Inc. including MONOPOLY, YAHTZEE and SCRABBLE (in the U.S. and Canada) as well as sports blockbusters from the EA SPORTS™ brand, including Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer and NASCAR®. EA Mobile develops games for multiple mobile platforms including mobile phones, smartphones, the iPhone™® and iPod®. For more information about EA Mobile, please visit www.eamobile.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, The Sims and Need for Speed are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Tetris is a registered trademark of Tetris Holding, LLC. Bejeweled is a registered trademark of PopCap Games, Inc. MONOPOLY, YAHTZEE and SCRABBLE (in the United States and Canada) are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. John Madden, NFL, FIFA, Tiger Woods and PGA TOUR are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. iPod, iPod touch and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.

From/De: Capcom

CAPCOM^® UNVEILS MEGA MAN^TM 10 FOR DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

The Amazing Cybernetic Dynamo Returns to the Downloadable Space for WiiWare^TM, Xbox LIVE and PlayStation^®Store

SAN MATEO, Calif. — December 17, 2009 — Capcom® Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that Mega Man™ 10 is coming to Nintendo’s WiiWare™ service, Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network, and PlayStation®Store in March 2010. Mega Man 10, the latest entry in Capcom’s long-running series, will return gamers to the nostalgic perfection of classic 2D Mega Man gameplay, embracing retro platform action and NES-inspired old-school graphics.

The year is 20XX and a suspicious outbreak of Roboenza, a Robot Flu, has broken out. It spreads through the world like wildfire bringing down robots everywhere. Infected robots have rampaged out of control, destroying the city and holding it hostage! Who’s behind this mess? It’s up to Mega Man to take on this sinister threat and get to the bottom of this viral mystery.

Through-out Mega Man’s adventure he’ll take on the malfunctioning infected robots and classic-style bosses that can only found in Mega Man games. Each one has their own unique weapons and vulnerabilities. Of course the creator of the original Mega Man, Keiji Inafune, is in charge of directing and supervising those boss character designs and delivers the wildest villains the series has seen yet.

Great new additions to Mega Man 10 include the option to play as fan-favorite character Proto Man from the start, as well as an all new “Easy Mode” which will allow more fans to indulge in the challenges that make the series great. Additionally, “Mega Man Challenges” mode will allow players to practice their skills and prepare for the hair-raising adventures ahead of them.

Launching March 2010 for all three gaming platforms, Mega Man 10 is the must- have download for Capcom fans both young and old. The retro elements will make this a delicious treat for those who long for the days of nail-biting platform experiences and the new difficulty mode will definitely allow more gamers to enjoy this incredible skill-based romp.

For more information, please visit: http://press.capcom.com and http://capcom-unity.com.

From/De: SCEA

Newly Crowned 2009 American League Most Valuable Player Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins Announced as Cover Athlete of MLB(R) 10 The Show(TM) for PlayStation(R)3, PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable), and PlayStation(R)2

All-Star Catcher Set to Knock One Out of the Park for Latest Installment of Best-Selling Baseball Game Franchise

Sheva

Chris

Source/Fuente: Up Close and Personal with New Street Fighter IV Stages [http://www.capcom-unity.com/s-kill/blog/2009/12/16/up_close_and_personal_with_new_street_fighter_iv_stages]

From/De: Sony Computer Entertainment America

BUZZ!™ TAKES THE QUIZ SHOW ON THE ROAD THIS HOLIDAY WITH BUZZ!™ QUIZ WORLD FOR PSP®

December 17, 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today announced the release of BUZZ!^TM Quiz World, available exclusively on PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) go systems. Developed by Curve Studios, BUZZ! Quiz World takes the interactive quiz show experienceintroduced with BUZZ!^TM Master Quiz to the next level, offering an updated single player mode, online infrastructure support and access to new methods of expanding the extensive library of over 3,000 questions that comes stock with the download-only title.

“BUZZ! Quiz World delivers a robust BUZZ! gameplay experience in a pocket-sized package for the gamer on-the-go,” said Scott Steinberg, Vice President, Software Marketing, SCEA. “In an increasingly digital landscape, SCEA continues to deliver a diverse catalog of downloadable content to the PSP and PSPgo, putting the highest quality digital entertainment in the palm of your hand.”

BUZZ! Quiz World makes the full quiz show experience more accessible than ever, giving players access to additional quiz content from any wireless hotspot. Previously only available for use with BUZZ! titles for PlayStation®3 (PS3™), a variety of PSP-specific downloadable quiz packs featuring hundreds of new questions will now be available to download via the PlayStation®Store for use with BUZZ! Quiz World on PSP.

Players can expand their gameplay experiences even further by adding free MyBUZZ! content to their question banks for the first time ever on PSP. Users can visit the MyBUZZquiz.com Web site to create and share their own quizzes or select quizzes created by BUZZ! fans from around the country to play on-the-go withBUZZ! Quiz World.

Building on the franchise’s reputation for social gaming innovation, BUZZ! Quiz World incorporates more ways for players to connect with friends and compete in multiplayer challenges than ever before. An all-new infrastructure mode takes multiplayer online for the first time, allowing up to four players to join in an online competition. Players can also utilize the Game Sharing option to take on up to three additional PSP owners while connecting into a local ad hoc multiplayer challenge, using just one copy of the game. For additional local multiplayer gaming, users can compete in a six player ‘Pass Around’ game.

Including an updated single player mode and new rounds, solo quizzing becomes a fresh experience with BUZZ! Quiz World. While testing their trivia knowledge in new rounds like Defuse and High Stakes, players can participate in a series of quiz challenges, elevating through a succession of four quiz boards to earn new trophies and unlockable characters.

BUZZ! Quiz World has an ESRB rating of “T” for Teen. For more information about the ESRB, visit www.esrb.org.

From/De: Sony Computer Entertainment America

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that PSP (PlayStation®Portable) system owners in the United States can now purchase and enjoy hundreds of classic and new comics from a variety of leading publishers, including Marvel Entertainment, Disney, IDW Publishing, iVerse Media and others.

The new PlayStation®Network Digital Comics service puts favorite comic book characters and popular franchises at consumers’ fingertips, when and where they want them. PSP owners can check out Marvel Entertainment’s G.I. Joe, Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men and the Fantastic Four; TRANSFORMERS and Star Trek from IDW; and, in partnership with iVerse Media, brands like Archie Comics, and Image Comic’s Proof.

Digital comics are available through PlayStation®Store. Approximately 550 comics are arriving today on PlayStation Store, with additional content to be added weekly. PSP users can purchase comics either directly from PlayStation Store on their PSP via WiFi, or access and download comics from PlayStation Store from their PC with Media Go software, then easily transfer their digital content to their PSP via USB cable. (Go to http://www.us.playstation.com/PSN/mediago for more information about Media Go.)

From/De: EA

Mythic Entertainment Sounds Call to Arms, Begins Warhammer Online Reenlistment Campaign

From December 16^th - 23^rd, Past Subscribers Can Return to WAR for 10 Days of Free Game Play, In-Game Item Rewards, and Other Bonuses

FAIRFAX, Va., Dec 16, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Mythic Entertainment(TM), an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) studio, has sounded a rallying call for past players of Warhammer(R) Online: Age of Reckoning(R) (WAR) with their new Call to Arms Reenlistment Campaign. All past subscribers of WAR are invited to return to the game between December 16^th – 23^rd to receive special in-game item rewards and ten (10) free days of game time to discover why WAR is now even better than ever!

Returning players must visit the Mythic Account Center (https://accounts.eamythic.com/) between December 16^th – 23^rd to reactivate their WAR accounts. Players will have access to all of their characters during the free 10-day re-evaluation period which begins upon reactivation. No subscription required.

“So much has changed on the battlefields of WAR over the past several months, and we are giving all returning players 10 free days to come back and experience these improvements for themselves,” said Jeff Hickman, Studio Executive Producer at Mythic Entertainment. “The game runs faster and is more stable than ever before. We’ve really improved the RvR experience – we’ve removed fortresses as a barrier to sacking the cities, we’ve implemented the new Underdog System, and you can always find a battle in Open RvR. There has never been a better time to step back into the Age of Reckoning and re-join the WAR!”

The Call to Arms Reenlistment Campaign will also offer returning players three valuable in-game item rewards: The Libram of Insight (+15% to Experience, Renown, and Influence; limited uses), The Signet of Cursed Company (turns a player into a skeleton), and Kemmler’s Arthritic Hand (enhanced Action Point regeneration). In addition, both current and former players will receive a 20% bonus to Experience, Renown and Influence while playing WAR from December 16^th – 23^rd.

Past subscribers can download the full game client from http://www.warhammeronline.com/download/.

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. WAR is availablenow for PC and Mac,andis rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. For more information or to download the Endless Free Trial, visit http://www.warhammeronline.com/.

About Warhammer(R) Online: Age of Reckoning(R)

Experience the glory of Realm vs. Realm(TM)! Declare your allegiance and join thousands of mighty heroes on the battlefields of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, the epic MMORPG from Mythic Entertainment, the creators of Dark Age of Camelot(TM). 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 keeps, 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 cooperative 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. Sharpen your blade and unleash your inner mutation; the Age of Reckoning has begun and WAR IS EVERYWHERE!

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(TM), EA SPORTS(TM), EA Mobile(TM) and POGO(TM). 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, Mythic Entertainment, Dark Age of Camelot, 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 (R), (TM) and/or © Games Workshop Ltd 2000-2009. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

From/De: Activision

Transformers(TM): War for Cybertron Explores a Brand New, Pivotal Chapter in TRANSFORMERS Lore

New Action Game Delves Deep into the TRANSFORMERS Universe, Introduces All-New Visualizations of Iconic Characters in 2010

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec 16, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — Experience the legendary battle between the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS as Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that Transformers(TM): War for Cybertron is in development by award-winning High Moon Studios. Based on Hasbro’s legendary TRANSFORMERS property, the game takes players to the TRANSFORMERS characters’ home planet of CYBERTRON for a new look into the epic story of the grand civil war that spawned one of the most brutal rivalries of all time.

“Transformers: War for Cybertron is an origins story, taking players on a gripping, adrenaline-fueled journey that precedes the TRANSFORMERS characters’ arrival on Earth,” said Rob Kostich, head of marketing, licensed products, Activision Publishing, Inc. “The game transports players to a living, metallic planet where they will battle as giant converting robots in single player, online co-op or head-to-head multiplayer matches that are fully immersive from start to finish.”

“For the first time, Hasbro is working with Activision to drive the TRANSFORMERS fiction forward into new story arcs, demonstrating pivotal moments in Transformers history that defined who they are,” said Aaron Archer, Senior Design Director, Hasbro. “This remarkable video game helps us to tell a critical event in TRANSFORMERS lore that will be used as canon for future storylines in a way we could have only dreamed of a few years ago. It is a testament to the success of the TRANSFORMERS brand and a key element to the story we look forward to telling in 2010 and beyond.”

Transformers: War for Cybertron features two distinct storylines: the AUTOBOT campaign tells a story of heroism to save their home planet against overwhelming odds, and the DECEPTICON campaign tells a story of an unquenchable thirst for power to control the universe. For the first time in a TRANSFORMERS title, fans will be able to play the game with their friends through team-based online co-op, or go head to head in a variety of intense, online multiplayer game modes. The game features a sci-fi art style that introduces to fans the entire living, metallic world of CYBERTRON, as well as all-new visualizations of the iconic TRANSFORMERS characters in their original Cybertronian forms.

Transformers: War for Cybertron is in development for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system, Windows PC, Wii(TM) and Nintendo DS(TM), and is not yet rated by the ESRB.

For more information and to receive exclusive updates about the Transformers: War for Cybertron video game, visit www.TransformersGame.com.

About HASBRO

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. A(C) 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

From/De: EA

Battlefield Heroes Hits 3 Million Registered Players

Embark on a New Battle With an All-New Map

STOCKHOLM, Dec 16, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced that Battlefield Heroes(TM), the hit Play 4 Free third-person shooter, has recruited three million registered players. With endless hours of signature Battlefield sandbox action and a built-in matchmaking system to ensure new and old players of equal skill levels are paired together for fair play, Battlefield Heroes is EA’s popular web-based free to download, free to play title. To further add to the game’s appeal, EA today released an all-new map for the ground-breaking title that generates revenue through advertising and in-game item sales.

The new map, named “Sunset Showdown”, features one central control point. Set on a sunset island, players can use a variety of vehicles to capture and control the hilltop church. Tanks will roam free on the sunny side of the island while the shady eastern side offers more protection for jeeps and infantry. All class types will be needed to both attack and defend on this teamwork focused map.

“Battlefield Heroes continues to grow fast with well over 50,000 new players joining us every week. Our players have already logged in over 1,300 years worth of game time and nearly 300 million kills over 150 million five-minute game rounds,” said Ben Cousins, General Manager, Battlefield Heroes team. “The vast majority of our players play for free, but if they want to customize their character or enhance their game with weapon upgrades or ‘widgets’ then there is a cool item for them in our store.”

Players can quickly download and easily launch the game from http://www.battlefieldheroes.com. Character customization and upgrade items are available for Valor Points (points earned by playing the game) or with Battlefunds (a fictional currency bought with a credit card, PayPal or other methods such as SMS) so players can change or upgrade their hero at any time.

Battlefield Heroes is offered completely for free*. With its fun cartoon-style graphics, customized matchmaking and non-stop action, the game caters to players of all skill levels.

Battlefield Heroes is rated “T” by the ESRB and “16+” by PEGI. For more information on the game, please visit www.battlefieldheroes.com or www.ea.com. Or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bfheroes.

*Internet connection required.

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^TM, EA SPORTS^TM, EA Mobile^TM and POGO^TM. 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 and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Battlefield Heroes is a trademark or registered trademark of EA Digital Illusions CE AB. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Jun the Swan vs Roll

Ipptasuman vs Mega Man

From/De: Activision

Gamers to Return Deep Undercover With True Crime(R) in 2010

Multi-Million Unit Selling Franchise Reboots with New Studio, And All-New Cinema Style Action Inspired Story, Characters and Location

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec 14, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — It’s time for gamers to take on a new undercover assignment with Activision Publishing, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) announcement of True Crime(R) – an all-new open-world game inspired by classic Hollywood and Asian cinema style action thrillers. Built from the ground up by developer United Front Games to look, feel and play like a true Hong Kong action flick, True Crime follows the story of detective Wei Shen as he infiltrates one of Hong Kong’s notorious Triad crime syndicates. The title was revealed exclusively this past Saturday, December 12th during Spike TV’s 7th Annual “Video Game Awards 2009″ show.

As a newly hired thug within the Triad organization, Wei must do whatever it takes to stay undetected and survive, balancing his moral duty as a cop with the objectives of the assignment. In order to ascend the ranks of the underworld, gamers will engage in visceral, fast-paced martial arts combat and explosive gunfights, along with high-octane driving sequences and acrobatic free-running chases as they go deeper and deeper undercover.

“We’ve been waiting for the right story and opportunity to bring True Crime to a new generation of gamers in 2010,” said Maria Stipp, EVP and GM of Owned Properties, Activision Publishing. “United Front Games has the vision to bring this new undercover game experience to life, where fans will play out their own epic Hong Kong action thriller!”

“We’re excited about the opportunity to deliver a complete reboot of the True Crime experience,” said Stephen van der Mescht, Executive Producer at United Front Games. “As our Spike TV VGA reveal trailer shows, we are dedicated to creating both an exceptional open-world gameplay experience through our combat, free-running, shooting and driving mechanics, as well as a rich story with memorable recurring characters. We want players to feel like an undercover cop experiencing the moral dilemmas and life and death situations of the HK underworld.”

Set in Hong Kong, True Crime takes gamers through diverse neighborhoods, ranging from the high class Central HK to the bustling fish markets of Aberdeen and beyond in a wide variety of story missions and sandbox activities. The game also introduces handfuls of intriguing characters for gamers to interact with as they navigate through a truly unique and dangerous city.

Gamers can go undercover and “become one of them” when True Crime arrives in Fall 2010 for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system and the Games for Windows(R). The game is currently rated “RP” (Rating Pending) by the ESRB.

For more information on True Crime, please visit the official game web site located at www.truecrime.com.

About United Front Games

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, United Front Games (UFG) was formed in 2007 by game industry veterans who have led development for such groundbreaking titles as the Need for Speed series, SKATE, Bully, Scarface, Godfather, Hulk, Spore and the NHL Sports franchise. More information about UFG can be found on the company’s website at www.unitedfrontgames.com.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

From/De: WBIE

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Announces Sequel to the Critically Acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum™ Video Game

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Will Publish the Rocksteady Studios Sequel Worldwide

BURBANK, Calif. –(Business Wire)– Dec 12, 2009 Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced that it will be the worldwide publisher of the sequel to Batman: Arkham Asylum™, one of the year’s most highly reviewed and top-selling video games. The sequel to Batman: Arkham Asylum is currently in development with Rocksteady Studios and is based on DC Comics’ core Batman property. Fans can visit www.arkhamhasmoved.com to sign up to receive updates regarding the game.

“We are thrilled to build a global game franchise from Batman: Arkham Asylum, which is receiving an incredible response from gamers and Batman fans around the world,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “Rocksteady has taken Batman to a new level in the video game space and we are committed to delivering a sequel the fans will love.”

“Getting the opportunity to create Batman: Arkham Asylum and seeing its success has been a dream come true for the team,” said Sefton Hill, Game Director, Rocksteady Studios. “We are honored to create the next chapter in this compelling story and promise to deliver another game worthy of the DARK KNIGHT.”

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.

BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM Software © 2009 Eidos Interactive Ltd. Developed by Rocksteady Studios Ltd. Co-published by Eidos, Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc. Rocksteady and the Rocksteady logo are trademarks of Rocksteady Studios Ltd. Eidos and the Eidos logo are trademarks of Eidos Interactive Ltd. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

BATMAN and all characters, their distinctive likenesses, and related elements are trademarks of DC Comics © 2009. All Rights Reserved.

WBIE LOGO, WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

From/De: EA

BioWare and TransGaming Announce Mac Edition of Dragon Age: Origins

EDMONTON, Canada & TORONTO, Dec 14, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — BioWare(TM), a division of Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS), and TransGaming, Inc. (TSX-V:TNG) today announced plans to release Dragon Age(TM): Origins for the Mac(R) on December 21. The critically acclaimed, dark fantasy epic will be available to Mac Players as a digital download where they can choose between the Standard or Digital Deluxe version.

The Digital Deluxe version will feature additional content including: a collection of wallpapers, in-game bonus items, the game’s soundtrack and the Warden’s Keepadditional content. Warden’s Keep provides players with a new dungeon-exploring adventure, new loot including a set of ancient Grey Warden armor, a chance to gain two of six mysterious new abilities, a new base complete with merchants and a party chest to store their hard-earned items. The Standard and Digital Deluxe versions are available now for pre-order through many popular online digital retailers.

“We are very excited to bring this award-winning title to the Mac community,” commented Vikas Gupta, President and CEO of TransGaming. “Our Cider technology allows us to rapidly enable and deploy high quality titles like Dragon Age, and we are pleased to be delivering this exceptional caliber of gaming to the ever growing Mac gaming community.”

Each version of Dragon Age: Origins for the Mac will also include The Stone Prisoner and the Blood Dragon Armor. The Stone Prisoner gives players access to new environments, items, hours of additional gameplay and the mighty stone golem, Shale, who can become one of the most powerful party members in the game. In addition, players will receive the Blood Dragon Armor, a set of themed armor that gives players additional protection in combat and will be available for use in bothDragon Age: Origins on the Mac and in Mass Effect(TM) 2 on the Xbox 360(R) videogame and entertainment system and PC.

In Dragon Age: Origins, players take on the role of a Grey Warden, one of the last of an ancient order of guardians. Now, as an evil blight threatens to destroy all life, it is up to players to unite the shattered lands and slay the corrupted dragon known as the Archdemon. To restore peace, players must make ruthless decisions and be willing to sacrifice their friends and loved ones for the greater good of mankind. Whether you’re a new or veteran gamer, Dragon Age: Origins reinvents the fantasy experience, combining a great story with raw emotion and brutal action.

Dragon Age: Origins is now available on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation(R)3 console and will be available on December 21 on The Mac at popular online digital retailers.

For more information, please visit: http://dragonage.bioware.com/game/preorder/.

About BioWare

BioWare develops high quality console, PC and online role-playing games, focused on rich stories, unforgettable characters and vast worlds to discover. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world’s most critically acclaimed titles, including Baldur’s Gate(TM), Neverwinter Nights(TM), Star Wars(R): Knights of the Old Republic(TM), Jade Empire(TM) and Mass Effect(TM). BioWare operates in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Montreal (Quebec) and Austin (Texas). BioWare’s announced projects include the dark heroic fantasy game Dragon Age: Origins, as well as Mass Effect 2(TM), the epic sequel to Mass Effect, and the story-driven massively multiplayer online game, Star Wars(R): The Old Republic(TM). In 2008, BioWare was acquired by Electronic Arts, a leading global interactive entertainment publisher. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com; to join the millions of fans already registered on our community, go to http://social.bioware.com.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), 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(TM), EA SPORTS(TM), EA Mobile(TM) and POGO(TM). 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 TransGaming, Inc.

TransGaming Inc. (TSX-V:TNG), is a leader in the development of unique software portability products that facilitate the deployment of games across multiple platforms. TransGaming’s portability technologies significantly reduce the time-to-market for and costs associated with multi-platform game releases. TransGaming works with many of the industry’s leading developers and publishers to enable their games on the Mac and Linux operating systems, and currently markets its products under four brand names: Cider (Mac Gaming), Cedega (Linux Gaming), SwiftShader (Graphics Rendering) and GameTree (Game Publishing & Distribution Platforms). TransGaming is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and maintains a research and development center in Ottawa, Canada. To learn more about TransGaming’s products visit www.transgaming.com.

BioWare, Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. in the U.S. and/or other countries. EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Nintendo DS is a trademark of Nintendo. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept the responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Electronic Arts Inc.

From/De: Xbox Press

Stunning First Footage of “Halo: Reach” Now Available

Step into the boots of a Spartan III and prepare for the first look at “Halo: Reach,” the highly anticipated prequel to the “Halo” trilogy from acclaimed developer Bungie coming fall 2010. The very first “Halo: Reach” video had its worldwide debut last night during the Spike TV Video Game Awards by actress Tricia Helfer, offering gamers a taste of the story to come.

Taken from part of the game’s opening cinematic, the video provides the first look at the story of “Halo: Reach,” which introduces players to Noble Team, a squad of battle-hardened Spartan soldiers. “Halo: Reach” charts the story of Noble Team in their heroic stand to defend the planet Reach, its people and secrets against a ruthless assault by an alien collective known as the Covenant.

“Halo: Reach” is being published by Microsoft Game Studios and launches in the fall of 2010 exclusively on Xbox 360. The “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta is coming spring 2010, which players can access exclusively through “Halo 3: ODST.”

 The “Halo: Reach” video is available now on Xbox LIVE and Bungie.net.

From/De: Majesco

Majesco Entertainment Announces ‘Dance Sensation!’ For Wii(TM)

Interactive Dance Game Moves Aspiring Dancers With Four Popular Dance Styles

EDISON, N.J., Dec 14, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — Get ready for the recital of a lifetime as Majesco Entertainment Company (Nasdaq: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, announces Dance Sensation! for Wii(TM). Now young girls can live out their dance fantasy on their living room stage with the only game that lets players train and perform routines in four different styles: Hip-Hop, Jazz, Ballet, and Salsa.

“Dance is an incredibly popular activity for young girls yet there is an absence of dance products available for this demographic,” said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco Entertainment. “Dance Sensation! was specifically designed for this audience and its combination of dance styles lets female players perform and actually learn real dance moves as they play.”

Becoming a skilled dancer doesn’t just take talent; it takes dedication and hard work to be the best! In Dance Sensation!, players hit the studio with their teacher to practice for their upcoming stage performances. Across Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet and Salsa, players use the Wii Remote(TM) and Nunchuk(TM) to control their on-screen dancer as she perfects more than 160 real motion-captured dance moves that get progressively more complex. After studio training in front of a mirror, it will be time to raise the curtain and turn on the spotlights! Players will perform in recitals in a variety of venues, from local auditoriums to the Broadway stage.

No recital is complete without a glamorous presentation. Girls can customize their dancer with a variety of costumes and unlockable hairstyles. Creative play also extends to the Dance Workshop Mode that lets aspiring dancers choreograph their own custom routines that they can record and share with friends. In addition, competitive players can dance with or compete against another player in Multiplayer Mode. Featuring licensed music tracks and Wii Motion Plus(TM) support for more accurate motion based play, Dance Sensation! lets girls be sensational dancers whether they’re new to dance or train regularly.

Developed by Alpine Studios, Dance Sensation! is designed exclusively for Wii(TM) and expected to release in April 2010. For additional information about Majesco’s exciting line of products, please visit www.majescoentertainment.com.

About Majesco Entertainment Company

Majesco Entertainment Company is a provider of video games for the mass market. Building on more than 20 years of operating history, the company is focused on developing and publishing a wide range of casual and family oriented video games on Wii(TM), Nintendo DS(TM) and other leading systems. Franchise highlights include Cooking Mama(TM), Cake Mania(R) and Jillian Michaels’ Fitness Ultimatum. The company’s shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol: COOL. Majesco is headquartered in Edison, NJ and has an international office in Bristol, UK. More information about Majesco can be found online atwww.majescoentertainment.com. @Majesco is on twitter or at www.twitter.com/majesco.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period(s) or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate” or “continue” or the negatives thereof or other comparable terminology. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. These factors include but are not limited to, the demand for our products; our ability to complete and release our products in a timely fashion; competitive factors in the businesses in which we compete; continued consumer acceptance of our products and the gaming platforms on which our products operate; fulfillment of orders preliminarily made by customers; adverse changes in the securities markets and the availability of and costs associated with sources of liquidity. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release publicly the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

SOURCE Majesco Entertainment Company

From/De: EA

A Montreal Gives Players an Early Gift for the Holidays With ARMY OF TWO: THE 40th DAY Demo

Experience 2010’s First Blockbuster Videogame Before Release

 MONTREAL, Dec 14, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — EA Montreal, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), today announced a demo for ARMY OF TWO(TM): THE 40^th DAY will be available as a free download on the PlayStation(R)Network and Xbox LIVE(TM) Marketplace on December 17^th. The demo will include most of the first level in the game, where the iconic two-man private military team of Salem and Rios find themselves trapped in Shanghai as it falls under attack. Players will experience the focused co-operative action that has made THE 40^TH DAY one of next year’s most anticipated games. A demo for the PlayStation(R) Portable (PSP(R)) will also be available for free on the PlayStation Network in North America on January 7^th and in Europe on January 14^th.

ARMY OF TWO: THE 40^TH DAY isthe sequel to the 2008 multi-platinum co-op shooter. Players must work as a team to survive relentless enemy assaults and escape the city as it collapses around them. THE 40^TH DAY delivers an organic and immersive cooperative adventure with one of the most robust weapon customization systems ever found in a videogame. Players can mix and match weapon parts found in the world and execute strategic two-man tactics that create a one-of-a-kind co-op action experience.

“THE 40^TH DAY is non-stop action in an explosive Shanghai. The game has been designed with a focus on co-op gameplay and it has been our goal to refine this core experience in all aspects of the game,” said executive producer Reid Schneider. “The demo will give players the opportunity to experience this evolution and the new co-op moves and tactics available to players at any time in the game.”

Gamers who pre-order* ARMY OF TWO: THE 40^th DAY will have exclusive access to the game’s all-new explosive bonus multi-player mode, ‘Extraction,’ at launch. This mode will be unlocked for all other players one month after the game ships. Extraction Mode pits a team of four players against a series of unique enemy waves as they move from point to point in the ruined city. Players must strategize as a unified team to combat the different forces of the 40^th Day Initiative while trying to get out alive.

ARMY OF TWO: THE 40^th DAY will be in stores worldwide on January 13^th for the PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system, and the PlayStation(R) Portable (PSP(R)). The demo available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles is playable via online co-op or in split screen.

For more information on ARMY OF TWO: THE 40^th DAY or to pre-order the game please visit: www.armyoftwo.com. For more information on EA Montreal, please visitwww.eamontreal.com or www.ea.com. Or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Army_Of_Two.

* Pre-order offer has restrictions. See www.eastore.com and participating retailer sites for details.

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^TM, EA SPORTS^TM, EA Mobile^TM and POGO^TM. 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 Army of Two are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. “PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION”, and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

From/De: 2K Games

2K Games Announces its Next Big Shooter – Spec Ops(R): The Line

Narrative-driven military shooter features intense combat and gut-wrenching decisions set against the backdrop of the sandstorm-ravaged city of Dubai

From/De: Spike TV

Spike TV Announces 2009 ‘Video Game Awards’ Winners

‘UNCHARTED 2: AMONG THIEVES’ CROWNED GAME OF THE YEAR

Legendary Musician Stevie Wonder On Hand To Pronounce The Beatles: Rock Band As Best Music Game of 2009

LIVE Show Unveils World Premiere Footage From Twelve Of The Industry’s Most Anticipated Titles

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ — Featuring world premiere footage from twelve of the gaming world’s most hotly anticipated releases and a slew of unbelievable moments, Spike TV’s seventh annual “Video Game Awards” was a night to remember as the network celebrated the outstanding artistic and technical achievements in the gaming industry over the past year. The two-hour event premiered LIVE on Spike TV Saturday, December 12 at 8:00 PM, ET (tape delay west coast) from The Event Deck @ LA Live in downtown Los Angeles.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060322/NYW096LOGO )

The night’s most memorable moment belonged to 25 time Grammy® Award winner Stevie Wonder, who was on hand to present The Beatles: Rock Band as Best Music Game of 2009. After being welcomed to the stage by a three minute standing ovation from the adoring crowd, the icon challenged the gaming industry to create video games specifically designed for those with disabilities.

Another of the night’s signature moments occurred when former heavyweight boxing champion “Iron” Mike Tyson teamed up with another Mike, “The Situation,” and his “Jersey Shore” castmates to present Best Shooter to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

The gaming industry’s most influential developers as well as luminaries from the world of entertainment were on hand as Sony Computer Entertainment and Naughty Dog moved into “Uncharted” territory, as their smash hit UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves, was named Game of the Year. The title also took home awards for Best PS3 Game and Best Graphics, nothing a total of three Vector Monkeys, making it the year’s winningest game.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 tied with X-Men Origins: Wolverine Uncaged Edition in taking home the second most honors, with the former netting a pair of awards for Best Shooter and Best Multi-Player Game, and the latter winning Best Cast and Best Performance By A Human Male due to Hugh Jackman’s outstanding work.

Viewers were treated to performances by Snoop Dogg as he stirred the crowd with his latest single, “I Want to Rock” and The Bravery, who rocked the house with “Slow Poison,” the first single from their new album, “Stir The Blood” and closed the show out with “I Have Seen the Future.”

The 2009 “VGAs” featured twelve exclusive world premieres, the highest number in the show’s seven year history. First look world premieres included Halo: Reach, UFC 2010 Undisputed, Tron, Medal of Honor, Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, Crackdown 2, Bonanza, Spec Ops, Rock Band, Deadliest Warrior, True Crime and Star Wars.

The “VGAs” pays tribute to the outstanding achievements of games, designers, animation, breakthrough technology, music and performances of the past year in the world of video games. The awards also provide a glimpse of the future of gaming – including exclusive sneak peeks and world premiere footage of some of the hottest and most anticipated games of 2010 and beyond.

A full list of winners is included below:

    GAME OF THE YEAR
    UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves (Sony Computer Entertainment / Naughty Dog)

    STUDIO OF THE YEAR
    Rocksteady Studios

    BEST SHOOTER
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Activision Publishing / Infinity Ward)

    BEST RPG
    Dragon Age: Origins (Electronic Arts / BioWare)

    BEST FIGHTING GAME
    Street Fighter IV (Capcom / Capcom/Dimps)

    BEST INDIVIDUAL SPORTS GAME
    UFC 2009 Undisputed (THQ / Yuke's Media Creations)

    BEST HANDHELD GAME
    Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (Rockstar Games / Rockstar Leeds)

    BEST GRAPHICS
    UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves (Sony Computer Entertainment / Naughty Dog)

    BEST MUSIC GAME
    The Beatles: Rock Band (MTV Games / Harmonix)

    BEST DRIVING GAME
    Forza Motorsport 3 (Microsoft Game Studios / Turn 10)

    BEST ACTION ADVENTURE GAME
    Assassin's Creed II (Ubisoft / Ubisoft Montreal)

    BEST TEAM SPORTS GAME
    NHL 10 (Electronic Arts / EA Canada)

    BEST SOUNDTRACK
    DJ Hero (Activision Publishing / FreeStyleGames)

    BEST XBOX 360 GAME
    Left 4 Dead 2 (Valve)

    BEST Wii GAME
    New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Nintendo)

    BEST PS3 GAME
    UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves (Sony Computer Entertainment / Naughty Dog)

    BEST PC GAME
    Dragon Age: Origins (Electronic Arts / BioWare)

    BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
    Halo 3: ODST (Microsoft Game Studios / Bungie)

    BEST MULTI-PLAYER GAME
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Activision Publishing / Infinity Ward)

    BEST GAME BASED ON A MOVIE OR TV SHOW
    South Park Let's Go Tower Defense Play! (Microsoft / DoubleSix)

    BEST CAST
    X-Men Origins: Wolverine Uncaged Edition (Activision Publishing / Raven Software)

    BEST PERFORMANCE BY A HUMAN MALE
    Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in X-Men Origins: Wolverine Uncaged Edition (Activision Publishing)

    BEST PERFORMANCE BY A HUMAN FEMALE
    Megan Fox as Mikaela Banes (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen / Activision Publishing)

    BEST VOICE
    Jack Black as Eddie Riggs (Brutal Legend / Electronic Arts)

    BEST DOWNLOADABLE GAME
    Shadow Complex (Microsoft Game Studios / Chair Entertainment)

    BEST COMEDY GAME
    Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard (D3Publisher / Vicious Cycle)

    BEST DLC
    Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony (Rockstar Games / Rockstar North)

    BEST INDEPENDENT GAME FUELED BY DEW
    Flower (ThatGameCompany)

    MOST ANTICIPATED GAME
    God of War III (Sony Computer Entertainment / SCE Studios Santa Monica)

The official sponsors of Spike TV’s “Video Game Awards 2009″ are Burger King, Mountain Dew, Verizon Wireless, GameStop, Energizer and U.S. Army.

Albie Hecht, Oscar®-nominated producer and Casey Patterson, senior vice president, event production & talent development for Spike TV will serve as executive producers of Spike TV’s “Video Game Awards 2009.” Beth McCarthy will direct. Greg Sills is supervising producer.

Spike TV is available in 98.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom ( VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.

SOURCE Spike TV

Geoff Keighley at Twitter - Do not miss the first five minutes of the VGAs for our biggest surprise premiere in VGA history! [No se pierdan los primeros cinco minutos de las VGA para nuestro estreno sorpresa más grande en la historia de VGA!] [http://twitter.com/geoffkeighley/status/6604775958].

From/De: Funcom

Funcom establishes casual MMO games subsidiary SweetRobot

– SweetRobot to publish upcoming social online game `Pets vs. Monsters‘ –

Durham, USA – December 11th, 2009 – Funcom today announced the establishment of a new subsidiary, SweetRobot, who will be publishing Funcom’s ventures into the social and casual MMO-gaming markets. The first project to be made available through SweetRobot is the upcoming MMO-game `Pets vs. Monsters‘ which will go into public beta testing later this month. The game is a massively multiplayer online game aimed at a younger demographic, specifically children aged eight to twelve.

“SweetRobot will be focusing on publishing games outside the traditional high-end MMO-segment which Funcom has been focusing on the last years,” says Funcom CEO Trond Arne Aas. “This will allow us to explore new market opportunities that differ from what we have been doing before while still retaining Funcom’s familiar profile. This definitely marks a new and exciting direction for us.”

A team of fifteen people have been working on `Pets vs. Monsters‘ for almost two years, during which time the team has also focused on developing a highly flexible game engine that can easily be customized to work with multiple concepts. `Pets vs. Monsters‘ is the company’s first venture into the more casual, social gaming segment, and SweetRobot will use this as an opportunity to experiment with different concepts, gameplay mechanisms and business models. No release date has been set for `Pets vs. Monsters‘, and the upcoming public beta is intended to help the developers gather early, but valuable feedback from the target audience that will prove important to the game’s direction and development.

“Our passion and dedication for high-end online games remains the same, and `Age of Conan‘ and `The Secret World‘ are still our primary focus”, says Aas. “But we are also eager to explore new opportunities within the industry, and it felt natural for us to step into the social gaming segment especially considering our outstanding experience with making online worlds and communities. `Pets vs. Monsters‘ is very much an exciting project for us, our first attempt at creating an online game for a younger target audience with gameplay mechanics and production values that differ from what we have done before. The fact that these productions require significantly lower budgets and smaller teams to develop is very attractive to us, as it allows us to try out several concepts instead of placing all our resources into one single bet.”

`Pets vs. Monsters‘ is a massively multiplayer online game intended for children between eight and twelve years of age. The user is treated to a quick download and will be logged in and playing in no time due to the game’s streaming technology. Players will adventure through numerous different `worlds’ – from deserts to jungles – accompanied by their trusted pet which they ride into exciting battles. It is also possible to chat and play with other players from all over the world, and the game employs typical role-playing mechanics such as statistics, equipment and loot to incentivize progress.

For more information on `Pets vs. Monsters‘ please visit the game’s official website.

From/De: EA

BioWare Announces Celebrity Cast for Mass Effect 2 – The First Blockbuster of 2010

EDMONTON, Alberta–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), today revealed the voice actors performing in Mass Effect 2, the second act of the award-winning science fiction trilogy. The game features Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Martin Sheen (“The West Wing”, “Apocalypse Now”), 2009 Emmy Award-winner Shohreh Aghdashloo (“House of Saddam”), comedic actor Seth Green (“Austin Powers”), “Chuck” stars Yvonne Strahovski and Adam Baldwin, Keith David (“Crash”) and sci-fi favorites Michael Dorn (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”), Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”), Michael Hogan (“Battlestar Galactica”) and Carrie-Anne Moss (“The Matrix”).

“Emotionally engaging narrative is a key design pillar for BioWare, and the top-notch voice talent in Mass Effect 2 helps drive this goal,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, co-founder, BioWare and Group General Manager of the RPG/MMO Group of EA. “Credible, powerful personalities are vital to delivering a compelling story experience in BioWare’s games, and we have assembled an amazing ensemble cast that surpasses the very high bar set in the original Mass Effect!”

Esteemed actor Martin Sheen stars as the mysterious Illusive Man who commands Cerberus, a secretive paramilitary organization dedicated to protecting human interests in the galaxy. Yvonne Strahovski plays deadly Cerberus operative Miranda Lawson, who has been genetically engineered for superior mental and physical traits. Returning to the cast from the original Mass Effect is Seth Green as Joker and Keith David as Admiral David Anderson. And rounding out the vocal roster are Tricia Helfer as EDI, the voice of the new Normandy; Carrie-Anne Moss as Aria T’Loak, the crime lord who rules the planet Omega; Shohreh Aghdashloo as Admiral Shala’Raan vas Tonbay; Michael Hogan as Captain Bailey; Adam Baldwin as Kal ‘Reegar; and Michael Dorn as Gatatog Uvenk.

The Mass Effect trilogy is an emotionally charged science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious, uncharted planets. In Mass Effect 2, players will once again step into the role of the heroic Commander Shepard, commanding their crew of some of the most dangerous operatives from across the galaxy on a mission so challenging that it’s potentially suicidal. Featuring intense shooter action, a rich futuristic storyline, space exploration and emotionally engaging character interaction, the game delivers an unparalleled cinematic experience.

Mass Effect 2 will be available on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and PC on January 26, 2010 in North America and January 29, 2010 in Europe. Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/masseffect2. For more information on Mass Effect 2, go to http://masseffect.bioware.com/.

About BioWare

BioWare develops high quality console, PC and online role-playing games, focused on rich stories, unforgettable characters and vast worlds to discover. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world’s most critically acclaimed titles, including Baldur’s Gate™, Neverwinter Nights™, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™, Jade Empire™ and Mass Effect™. BioWare operates in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Montreal (Quebec) and Austin (Texas). BioWare’s announced projects include the dark heroic fantasy game Dragon Age: Origins, as well as Mass Effect 2™, the epic sequel to Mass Effect, and the story-driven massively multiplayer online game, Star Wars®: The Old Republic™. In 2008, BioWare was acquired by Electronic Arts, a leading global interactive entertainment publisher. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com; to join the millions of fans already registered on our community, go to social.bioware.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.

BioWare, Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. in the U.S. and/or other countries. EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

From/De: Premiere Games UK/EA

Go to Hell, February 8th 2010

Dante’s Inferno: The Animated Movie street date confirmed

9th December 2009: Anime, gaming and animation fans can venture into the nine gates of hell not once, but twice this February as Starz Media’s Film Roman company unleashes Dante’s Inferno The Animated Movie, a ferocious companion piece to Electronic Arts’ forthcoming Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PSP title.

Both the game and animated movie are based on part one of Dante Alighieri’s classic poem, The Divine Comedy, better known as “Dante’s Inferno.” Each takes players and viewers on a stunning journey through the nine circles of Hell. Dante’s Inferno The Animated Movie also follows Dante as he travels through limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, anger, heresy, violence, fraud and treachery in search of his true love, Beatrice.

Dante’s Inferno The Animated Movie is a visually stunning project from the creative teams behind some of the boldest animated films of all time – including Ghost in the Shell, Blood the Last Vampire, Tales of the Black Freighter, Ergo Proxy and Samurai Champloo – it provides a breathtaking new version of Dante Alighieri’s medieval classic, and the perfect way to delve deeper into the subjects covered in the interactive action adventure.

To give added distinction among each of the nine circles, EA and Film Roman are taking the innovative step of commissioning unique visions from multiple studios with experience creating some of the top anime in the industry to tell this classic story. Film Roman’s Joe Goyette (“Dead Space™: Downfall”) is the producer on the project, Victor Cook (“The Spectacular Spider-Man,” “Hellboy Animated: Blood & Iron”) is directing and Brandon Auman (“Iron Man: Armored Adventures”) is writing. Each episode hails from the best animation studios within the USA, Japan and Korea.

As well as providing more insight into the characters and story adaptation featured within the Dante’s Inferno game, the movie explores aspects of the poem that Visceral’s thrilling action adventure does not.

Dante’s Inferno The Animated Movie marks the second such collaboration between EA and Film Roman, following 2008’s Dead Space collaboration – which saw Dead Space: Downfall released on DVD to huge critical and commercial success.

Dante’s Inferno The Animated Movie will be released on Blu Ray and DVD on February 8th 2010, shortly after the game itself. For more information on the game and film, please visit www.dantesinferno.com.

From/De: EA

Double Fine and EA Put Pedal to the Metal with Second Downloadable Content Pack for Brütal Legend

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) and Double Fine Productions Inc. keep on rocking this December with the release Hammer of Infinite Fate, the second downloadable content (DLC) pack for the heavy metal, third person action game, Brütal Legend™. Hammer of Infinite Fate introduces a series of new skins, weapon upgrades, multiplayer maps and unlockable achievements for players to sink their horns into. The DLC pack will be available on Xbox LIVE® on December 17^th for 480 MS Points and for $4.99 on the Sony PlayStation Network®.

“I’m excited about the beard, or course, and the new achievements and trophies,” said Tim Schafer, President of Double Fine Productions. “But the thing I really can’t wait to get my hands on is that Oculus of the Lost. Using it to find the last Bound Serpent isn’t cheating, because it looks so cool on my car.”

The Hammer of Infinite Fate pack allows players to upgrade Eddie Riggs with three new outfits including the Mountain Man, Black Metal and Zaulia Threads, as well as seven more back patches to slay the tainted coil in style. Eddie’s trusted hotrod, The Deuce (aka The Druid Plow), will also get a face lift with four brand new paint jobs and four more upgrades that players can purchase including the Oculus of the Lost, an all-seeing GPS for the world, and the Eye of Sorrow, a weapon that harnesses the power of the Sea of Black Tears and launches black projectiles of doom at enemies, in addition to The Disgorger and the Coiling Maw.

Players will also be able to unlock 9 new achievements and trophies in Brütal Legend which are based on the latest additions of the Hammer of Infinite Fateexpansion pack. Mount Rockmore will also see six more heads for players to purchase and unlock, including Rima, Razputin, Dadbat, Hunter, Kage the Kannonier and Tim Schafer himself.

Hammer of Infinite Fate further expands the Brütal Legend Stage Battle multiplayer experience with four new mind-melting multiplayer maps: the Altar of Blood, Coiled Remains, Crucible of the Titans and The Amplified Cliffs. Each map features a completely unique environment tailored to the Gods of Metal, with an in-game element of surprise that puts a strategic twist to every Stage Battle.

Brütal Legend has received acclaim by critics worldwide, with PLAY Magazine scoring Brütal Legend a perfect 10 out of 10, calling it the, “greatest video game ever created”. IGN also praised Brütal Legend, giving it 9 out of 10 and awarding it Editor’s Choice, calling it, “one of the best games all year”. Brütal Legend is available for MSRP $59.99 on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The first map expansion, Brütal Legend Tears of the Hextadon, is currently available for 400 MS Points on Xbox LIVE® and $4.99 on PlayStation Network®. Brütal Legend is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and 18+ for PEGI.

For more information on Brütal Legend and to sign up for the Brütal Legend newsletter, please visit www.brutallegend.com. To follow Brütal Legend on Twitter please visit http://twitter.com/brutallegend.

About Double Fine Productions

Double Fine Productions (http://www.doublefine.com) is an award-winning, independent game development studio founded in 2000 by games industry veteran Tim Schafer, creator of such gaming classics as Grim Fandango, Full Throttle, and Day of the Tentacle. Located in San Francisco’s South of Market district, Double Fine specializes in high-quality games with an emphasis on originality, story, characters, and fun. In 2005, Double Fine released the critically-acclaimed Psychonauts, which won several awards including “Best Action / Adventure Game” from OXM, “Game of the Year” from Eurogamer, and “#6 XBOX game of all time” from G4TV. At the 2006 Game Developers Conference, Double Fine itself was awarded the title of “Best New Studio” by their fellow developers.

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 and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Brütal Legend is a trademark of Double Fine Productions, Inc. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.