First in a New Line of Virtual Fitness Products Delivers Personalized Circuit Workouts and 30-Day Challenge for In-Home Fitness 

Sydney, Australia – May 21st, 2009 – EA SPORTS™, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced today that EA SPORTS Active™ is now available in Australian retail stores. Developed exclusively for the Wii™ by EA Canada, EA SPORTS Active is an innovative, virtual fitness product that offers personalized, customizable workouts that can be done from the comfort of home. Developed in collaboration with fitness experts, including Bob Greene – renowned exercise physiologist, author and Oprah’s personal trainer – EA SPORTS Active is a fun and cost-effective way to achieve a healthy lifestyle. The product will be the first in a new line of EA SPORTS virtual fitness products to improve the well-being of people of all ages.

“The EA SPORTS brand is known for award-winning sports video games, but today marks our entrance into the entirely new genre of virtual fitness as EA SPORTS Active hits stores,” said Dave McCarthy, vice president, EA SPORTS. “Now more than ever consumers are seeking economical solutions to getting exercise and living a healthier lifestyle, and with EA SPORTS Active we’ve designed an experience that will appeal to a variety of audiences and deliver a truly fun yet challenging workout in the home.”

Users will get their heart pumping through interactive circuit workouts from more than 25 different activities and exercises that target the upper and lower body, as well as cardio. Similar to a personal trainer, the program provides clear instruction, feedback on technique and encouragement with visual and oral cues, while also providing calories burned in real time. Preset workouts are designed by fitness experts to target specific workout results. For optimal personalization, circuits can be customized based on interests and fitness level and there is complete flexibility for the duration and intensity level.

EA SPORTS Active includes software, a specially-designed leg strap that holds the Wii’s Nunchuk™ controller to track lower body movements, as well as a resistance band to increase the intensity to upper body exercises. The program can support two players at one time, and the EA SPORTS Active Accessory Pack containing one leg strap and one resistance band. The product is compatible with the Wii Balance Board™, which will add components to the sports drills.

To help get started users can also choose to take the 30-Day Challenge, a fitness road map designed to provide tangible fitness goals with the guidance of the virtual trainer. The Challenge provides a new workout every time a player exercises that will increase in intensity and track progress throughout the 30-day period. To encourage overall wellness, there is also a Journal that allows users to track nutrition elements, set goals, and account for other physical activities accomplished.

For inspiration, consumers can view highlights from 12 men and women who participated in the EA SPORTS Active 30-Day Challenge April 18 through May 17, 2009 by visiting the EA SPORTS Active website: http://easportsactive.com/thirtyday.action. The Challenge focused on helping a variety of people integrate fitness into their lifestyles. Among the participants was Alison Sweeney, TV personality and host who participated to lose baby weight and represent busy moms who need a convenient way to get fit. Bob Greene hosted a kick off retreat for the challengers to get them started on their journeys.

“Helping the challengers use such an innovative program to reach their fitness goals was a truly rewarding experience, and showed me what a powerful product EA SPORTS Active can be,” said Bob Greene. “Anyone looking for an in-home fitness solution will appreciate the combination of a fun and effective workout.”

EA SPORTS Active has been rated G by the OFLC and has an RRP of $99.99 in Australia. For more information, log onto http://www.easportsactive.com. Media can find photos and videos of the product at http://info.ea.com.

Top-selling titles and franchises from EA SPORTS include Madden NFL football, FIFA Soccer, NHL®, NBA LIVE, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® and NASCAR® racing.

Sydney, Australia – May 21, 2009 – Today Ubisoft® announced a new addition to its sports portfolio, Academy of Champions™, an arcade soccer game featuring legendary sports icon Pelé. Developed for the Wii™ system from Nintendo, the game will deliver an engaging, interactive experience for kids and their families. Academy of Champions is scheduled to be released in 2009. 

“We made our mark in the sports genre last year with the global success of Shaun White Snowboarding,” stated Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer at Ubisoft. “Now, with Academy of Champions, Ubisoft offers another sports game with a fresh approach that has something unique to offer young gamers and sports fans.”

Created by an experienced team of sports game developers at Ubisoft Vancouver, Academy of Champions engages players in a rich, story-driven adventure around the world’s most popular sport. The journey begins with enrollment at an extraordinary Academy where your coach is the legendary Pelé.

“Soccer is a sport that is universally celebrated by all citizens of the world,” said legendary sports icon Pelé. “Working with Ubisoft to continue to promote the sport has been a wonderful experience. It is a thrill to continue to inspire a new generation of fans through an entertainment medium that introduces them to the exciting world of soccer.”

In Academy of Champions, players improve their skills, recruit new team members and build the best possible squad to defeat their rival Academy and win the champion cup.  Compatible with the Wii Balance Board™ and Wii Motion Plus™ accessories, young soccer fans and their friends and family will enjoy playing together in a humorous, interactive universe that features over-the-top gameplay, entertaining fantastical environments, and innovative challenges.

For more information on Academy of Champions, please visit: www.academyofchampions.com

About Ubisoft:

Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has teams in 28 countries and distributes games in more than 55 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. For the 2008-09 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated sales of 1.058 billion euros. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.

Take Your Sim Across the Web, Live Out a Day in Your Sims’ Life, or Have 1-to-1 Email Conversations with Sims Using the All-new SimSidekick, SimSocial, and SimFriend Online Trial Applications

May 21 2009, Australia – Take your Sim around the web with the SimSidekick online trial experience. Choose one of six available Sims like Magnus the Punk Rocker or Kim Kent the flirtatious and artsy Sim and off you go to browse the web with your SimSidekick in tow.
 
The SimSidekick online application is a breakthrough tool that allows your Sim to react to every website you visit, amplifies social networking, and encourages fans to come together. Your SimSidekick will display a unique reaction to each website you visit which is based on their personalities and traits and the category of the website. For example, on Twitter.com your Sim will be surrounded by bluebirds and on MTV they’ll get speakers and start rockin’ out. Or on political sites, your SimSidekick will stand behind a podium to give a speech.

Connect and message your friends with Facebook or MySpace by using your SimSidekick. Post to your preferred social network and then bookmark that site or send an email to friends. In return, you get exposure to free objects on the The Sims 3 Exchange for you’re The Sims 3 game. SimSidekick has both Facebook Connect and MySpace ID integration which allows you to connect with your friends on each network, see which friends are online, using the SimSidekick, and send direct messages from your SimSidekick.

 
SimSocial is a light, simple, web game that lets you play through the life of a Sim day to day. Create and customise your Sim and select unique personality traits then take control of your Sim’s life—get a job, make friends or enemies, go to school, enjoy a nice dinner, and more. Fulfill your Sim’s lifetime wish!  Become a world-renowned surgeon, or a chess master, or perhaps a five-star chef. SimSocial is available both as a Facebook application and on TheSims3.com. On Facebook, you can invite your Facebook friends to play and meet them in your own game.

With SimFriend you can chat one-to-one with the Sim of your choice.
Whether you’re looking for someone who shares some of your interests or someone totally different from you, finding your SimFriend is only a few clicks away! You will correspond with your SimFriend via email and they’ll ask you for advice about their relationships, careers, and friends. The answers you give will help determine the decisions they make. For your help, you will earn achievements. SimFriend is available on www.TheSims3.com.
 
Join The Sims 3 social media networks!
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheSims3
Facebook:   http://tcp3.com/sims3facebook
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thesims3
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/thesims
Also check out The Sims 3 SimSampler free application on the Apple App store on iPhone and iPod touch today! Play with this cool, fun app where you can shake your iPhone to ask the glistening plumbob questions you may or may not want to know the answers to. Test your relationship when two people place their thumbs on either side of the plumbob—will you be friends with benefits or does she think you’re creepy? Find out your trait of the day by outlining the plumbob and get tips on how to work the trait and see if it suits your style.  To find out more of the games available download this free app at http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=wc7vji4t5ns&offerid=146261.762020886&type=10&subid=?u1=SimsFranch_SimsSampiPh .

The Sims 3 will ship to store shelves on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPod touch and mobile devices 4 June, 2009. The Sims 3 is now available for pre-order at retailers nationwide or at www.TheSims3.com .

Bethesda in partnership with Atari Australia are pleased to announce that Fallout® 3 downloadable content (DLC) is coming to PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. We have been working on implementing it for a while and look forward to bringing it to PS3 gamers via the PlayStation Network.  Operation: Anchorage will be released for PS3 in June, followed by the release of The Pitt and Broken Steel 4-6 weeks apart. Release dates will be forthcoming.

In addition, a new update will be released for PS3 that will allow users to download and play the new DLC. The release date for that update will be announced at a later date.

There are also two new DLCs planned for all three platforms:
• Point Lookout – Explore a massive new swampland area filled with new quests and content.
• Mothership Zeta – The aliens have returned, and they’re pissed. Experience an alien abduction first hand and find out if you’re tough enough to survive.

Point Lookout will be available in late June for Xbox 360 and PC. Cost will be 800 Microsoft Points. It will be available through Xbox Live and Games for Windows Live. Point Lookout will be available on PS3 after the first three DLCs have been released.

Mothership Zeta is scheduled for release in late July for Xbox 360 and PC. Cost will be 800 Microsoft Points. It will be available through Xbox Live and Games for Windows Live. Mothership Zeta will be available on PS3 after Point Lookout.

Finally, new Fallout 3 products will be available at retail this year.

Fallout 3 Game Add-on Pack #1 includes The Pitt and Operation: Anchorage on a disc and will be available for Xbox 360 and PC in June throughout Australia.

Fallout 3 Game Add-on Pack #2 includes Broken Steel and Point Lookout on a disc and will be available for Xbox 360 and PC in August throughout Australia.

A Fallout 3 Game of the Year edition will be available in October. It will include the original game plus all five add-ons for Xbox 360, PS3, and for PC.

Retail versions of the game add-on packs for PS3 will not be available and the DLC will only be available for download via PlayStation Network or with the Fallout 3 Game of the Year edition.

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.

Tony Hawk: RIDE Set to Redefine Gaming by Offering Unparalleled Hands-Free Gaming Experience  

Sydney, Australia – May 19, 2009 – This spring players will be able to experience skateboarding like never before in Tony Hawk: RIDE from Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI).  For the first time, players will have the ability to physically play the game using an innovative motion sensing skateboard controller, allowing for unprecedented freedom and movement. Tony Hawk: RIDE focuses on innovation and fun, bringing the #1 best-selling action-sports franchise to the forefront with cutting-edge technology for the hardcore fans and accessibility for the mass audience.

“Tony Hawk: RIDE is a massive step forward for the franchise and the gaming industry as a whole,” said Rob Kostich, head of marketing, global brand management, Activision Publishing, Inc.  “The skateboard controller will redefine sports games by offering players a true skateboarding experience, hands-free, playing with friends and family at home or online in a variety of different locations.”

“This is the game I’ve always wanted to make,” said Tony Hawk, who has been directly involved with development of the project.  “Playing on the board is unlike any other game, and I’m excited for everyone to have the chance to feel what it’s really like to experience the true feeling of skateboarding.”

Tony Hawk: RIDE features a wireless skateboard controller designed in conjunction with the game to offer a dynamic gaming experience built from the ground up.  Using a combination of accelerometers and motion sensors, the intuitive controller allows players to physically control the action by performing various movements and gestures on the board that directly translate into amazing tricks in the game.  Without complex button combinations or analogue sticks, gamers of all skill levels can literally step on the board and play!

Tony Hawk: RIDE is in development by Robomodo for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.  Buzz Monkey is developing the Wii™ system version. The game is not yet rated by the Classification Board and is scheduled for release later this year. 

For more information on Tony Hawk: RIDE, please visit www.THRide.com.

About Tony Hawk, Inc.

Tony Hawk, Inc. is a world leader in its field with the unprecedented ability to bring alternative sports and their unique lifestyle to the masses while maintaining an indispensable edge of authenticity with the market’s hard-core, trendsetting audience. Founded by Tony Hawk in 1998 and based in Vista, CA, the company is organized into five segments: Merchandising, Events, Endorsements, Film and Digital Media. These lifestyle sports include skateboarding, BMX, Motocross, surfing and snowboarding. Consumer goods bearing the Tony Hawk brand have dominated several markets, including interactive games, skateboard hard goods, lifestyle apparel, toys, publications and more.

About Robomodo
Based in Chicago, IL, Robomodo is a video game development studio focused on producing top-tier products on current and next generation console platforms. Robomodo’s team has a strong track record for marrying solid game design with an innovative artistic style, as well as harnessing the power of current and next-gen consoles. The core Robomodo team has proven its abilities in the Mortal Kombat, NBA Street and Fight Night franchises.  The company’s first game for Activision Publishing, Inc. is Tony Hawk: RIDE, which will be released in 2009 simultaneously on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™ home video game system.

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, the Netherlands and Australia. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as “outlook,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” future,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and similar expressions to help identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Activision Publishing, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors and third-party developers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, Activision Blizzard’s success in integrating the operations of Activision Publishing and Vivendi Games in a timely manner, or at all, and the combined company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies of the transaction to the extent, or in the timeframe, anticipated, and the other factors identified in Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Watch the trailer here and learn more about playable characters available below;

Autobots:

OPTIMUS PRIME

IRONHIDE

BREAKAWAY

BUMBLEBEE

RATCHET

AERIALBOT (Multiplayer-exclusive)

PROTECTOBOT (Multiplayer-exclusive)

Decepticons:

STARSCREAM

SIDEWAYS

GRINDOR

LONG HAUL

MEGATRON

SEEKER (Multiplayer-exclusive)

Latest LITTLEST PET SHOP Game for the Wii and Nintendo DS Offers Girls New Pets, New Adventures and New Stylized Graphics in a Fun Party Atmosphere

May 19 2009, Australia — Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) has announced that a big LITTLEST PET SHOP-style party is in the works for October 2009 with the release of LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS on the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. 

The new game will centre on party preparations as girls and their favourite pets get ready to celebrate.  LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS will be brimming with new elements that girls love, from an all-new, adorable collection of pets and their pet best-friends, to a large array of customisable accessories, fun mini-games, and a deep story with all new adventures set in a vibrant world that features delightful new graphics.  Hot on the heels of EA’s successful LITTLEST PET SHOP releases in 2008, this latest game will also offer cooperative play as girls play together side-by-side.  

“Girls are going to have a blast playing LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS because it is all about hanging out with their best friends as they share pet collections, discover new towns, and play mini-games together,” said Chip Lange, General Manager of EA’s Hasbro Division. “Our first wave of LITTLEST PET SHOP games performed exceptionally well and we have every confidence that LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS will take the franchise to the next level with regard to exciting new exploration, game play and ways to socially connect with friends.”

“EA continues to create new and innovative ways for girls to engage with LITTLEST PET SHOP, the #1 mini doll brand,” said Mark Blecher, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital Media and Gaming at Hasbro, Inc.  “LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS blends the brand’s appeal of collecting new pets with unique digital play and age-appropriate social interaction, setting up the ultimate party environment for LITTLEST PET SHOP fans.”

Both platforms of LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS will feature 16 new cute pets such as a peacock, Great Dane and lady bug.  The Nintendo DS versions will also offer exclusive pets in each of the three games: LITTLEST PET SHOP CITY FRIENDS, LITTLEST PET SHOP COUNTRY FRIENDS and LITTLEST PET SHOP BEACH FRIENDS.  Every pet has a bigger personality and special traits that help players navigate through the game and each pet has a best-friend who supplies the additional skills necessary to accomplish fun tasks or adventures.  These engaging game elements help players to advance through the story and get a paw step closer to the big celebration.

Inspired by its tremendously popular toy brand counterpart, LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS allows girls to take their favourite pets on quirky, fun quests such as delivering party invitations, serving up cake and ice cream and gathering party decorations, all in preparation for the biggest Littlest Pet Shop party ever.  LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS offers a few surprises such as an exciting mystery guest who flutters about, ready to make an appearance at the party, plus new unique gifts players can give to their pets.

In development at the EA Salt Lake Studio, the LITTLEST PET SHOP FRIENDS games will launch in October 2009 and are expected to be rated G by the Classification Board. For game artwork, visit http://www.info.ea.com.

Since its inception a year ago, EVE Online’s player-led government, the Council of Stellar Management or CSM, has worked hand-in-hand with CCP to shape EVE Online’s development. Now approaching its third election (May 29), the first representative virtual democracy has significantly streamlined navigation and improved gameplay experience in EVE Online. The CSM’s notable achievements to date include:

* Better weapons – the CSM improved the effectiveness of weapons for more explosive player-versus-player battles
* More ships – the CSM gave rise to an all new class of small freighter ships, the Orca, which filled a much needed hole for players [would you be able to offer a bit of clarification in terms of what that hole was?]
* Easier ship customization – the CSM improved the UI based on EVE players’ feedback about how ships are customized
* More efficient skill acquisition – the CSM added one of the most requested features in EVE – the skill cue, which allows players to level up their characters faster and more effectively

With the Council’s elections around the corner, please let me know if you would be interested in speaking to a CSM player-elected official about6+- his / her experience as a Council member or a CCP executive about the reasoning behind and success of EVE’s unique player-developer communications conduit.

The new launch trailer for TERMINATOR SALVATION is now available and is well worth a look.  

If you would just like to view the trailer, click on High Def or Standard Def to watch it online.