Atari Australia joins with Interactive Game Group to Bring Legendary Guitar to Life for Gamers

– March 10, 2009 – On the heels of his first foray into videogame controllers based on his axe-shaped bass guitar, Gene Simmons has a lot to say about it.

“I never do anything half way. My AXE controller is the closest thing you can have to being onstage in KISS. I created and designed the Gene Simmons AXE™ bass guitar and I can’t wait for the fans to experience it for themselves”, said Gene Simmons. “The Gene Simmons AXE guitar is such a recognisable symbol – people have been asking for a gaming replica ever since Guitar Hero was first introduced.”

Gene Simmons joined with Interactive Game Group, LLC to create the Gene Simmons AXE guitar controller for Guitar Hero® and Rock Band® video games.

Commenting on developing the guitar, Interactive Game Group Founder, Fred Chesnais said, “Gene Simmons is the Rock Lord and the Gene Simmons AXE bass guitar is an integral part of his signature look. Bringing this Axe controller to life was an incredible journey, and I am sure every player will enjoy it”.

This fully equipped, axe-shaped guitar controller is a replica of the KISS bassist and vocalist’s signature bass guitar. The AXE controller is personally certified by the Rock God himself, Gene Simmons, to give you that Rock Star experience.  The wireless AXE guitar controller is a three-quarter-sized replica of the original Gene Simmons AXE guitar and larger than the standard video game guitar controllers. Customized with a replicated paint finish of the original guitar, the Axe guitar controller features Gene Simmons autograph and his photo in make-up painted onto the body of the controller.

The first AXE video game controller brought to the market is compatible with Guitar Hero and Rock Band video games for Nintendo Wii, PlayStation® 2 and 3.

The Axe Guitar is due for release in April 2009.
For additional information please visit the site http://www.genesimmonsaxeguitar.com.
For more information on Atari’s entire product line up visit www.atari.com.au and log on to the Atari Trade Site for all box shots, demos, trailers and online screenshots.