SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — January 15, 2009 — Xbox 360 gamers worldwide won’t have to wait until March 13, 2009 to get their hands on the highly-anticipated “Resident Evil 5.” The next instalment of the landmark survival horror franchise from Capcom will take action to a new level with a two-level, playable demo available exclusively on Xbox 360 for one week beginning Monday, January 26. 

In the demo, players will have a first glimpse of the fear they will never forget, as “Resident Evil 5” makes daylight just as terrifying as darkness. Additionally, a new exclusive high-definition trailer of the game, shown only at the past Tokyo Game Show in October of 2008, will be made available for download on the Xbox LIVE service on Friday, January 16.

Fans will have the opportunity to experience “Resident Evil 5’s” revolutionary new features early, including two-player co-op with voice chat along with new characters, weapons and environments. The demo is set within two stages from the beginning of the game – Assembly Place and Shanty Town – featuring plenty of co-operative action, shooting, hordes of bloodthirsty infected Majini enemies and a few puzzles to round out the action. The demo has three levels of co-op play: single-player with AI support, two-player split-screen on a single Xbox 360 and two-player across Xbox LIVE.

Xbox 360 gamers will also be first to take on the new enemies in battle, including an army of weapon-wielding infected Majini, the gigantic hooded Majini Executioner and even the dreaded Chainsaw Majini. Players can also choose between the classic “Resident Evil”-style controls or switch to the newer “Action” controls inspired by games like “Gears of War 2” and “Halo 3.”

In this hotly anticipated new title coming on March 13, Chris Redfield returns as the “Resident Evil” hero and heads to Africa where the latest bioterrorism threat is literally transforming the people and animals of the city into mindless, maddened creatures.  Joining forces with a new partner, Sheva Alomar, the two must work together to discover the truth behind this evil plot. Utilising the new co-op mode, players will be able to assume control of either Chris or Sheva and experience “Resident Evil” in new ways. 

For more details, please visit: http://www.xbox.com/residentevil5

Resident Evil 5 is rated M.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — January 16, 2009 — “Lips,” the newest singing party game from Microsoft and iNiS exclusively for Xbox 360, is keeping fans singing with nine new songs available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and the “Lips” Get Music store from today.  The new tracks offer a great selection for singers of various tastes and age groups, and continue to expand the party game experience available on Xbox 360.

Single songs, including hits from Fall Out Boy, The Pussycat Dolls and The Cardigans will be available for purchase for between 160 and 180 Microsoft points each.  The new offerings will boost the number of songs available on “Lips” to well over 70 by the end of the month. Fans can expect the title’s library to continue to expand throughout 2009 with new songs, videos and content announced regularly – just because the holidays are over, doesn’t mean the party has to stop!

Available on January 16

When I Grow Up – The Pussycat Dolls*

You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ – The Righteous Brothers**

Erase/Rewind – The Cardigans*

Available on January 23

Hate That I Love You – Rihanna feat. Ne-Yo**

Thanks for the Memories – Fall Out Boy*

Look What You’ve Done – Jet*

Available on January 30

Sunday Morning – Maroon 5*

Take A Bow – Rihanna**

Water Runs Dry – Boyz II Men*

*songs available for purchase for 160 Microsoft Points

**songs available for purchase for 180 Microsoft Points

– ends –

Should you have any questions or comments please contact:

Alice Coulthard, Pulse Communications: (02) 8281 3818 / alice@pulsecom.com.au

Richard Gardner, Pulse Communications: (02) 8281 3868 / richard@pulsecom.com.au

About Xbox 360

The powerful Xbox 360 video game and entertainment experience delivers amazing games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming network, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 now boasts a catalogue of over 200 high-definition games and is expected to be available in nearly 40 countries by the end of 2008. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential. Xbox 360, the Xbox 360 logo, Xbox LIVE are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE is the first and most comprehensive unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox LIVE connects millions of members across 26 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows and movies in the United States as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favourite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

 AUSTRALIA – January 16, 2009 – Today Ubisoft announces that the “Glamour Pack” downloadable content (DLC) for Shaun White Snowboarding for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system is available now. The price for the DLC is 400 Microsoft points or $8.45 for the PLAYSTATION®3. 

The Glamour Pack includes provides riders with an exciting variety of new gear and equipment to conquer the mountain with, and includes the following:

·         7 Pants

·         7 Coats

·         4 Tuques

·         4 Gloves

·         4 Boots

·         4 Goggles

·         14 Snowboards

·         2 Bindings

·         3 Backpacks

For more information on Shaun White Snowboarding, please visit www.shaunwhitegame.com.

Relic have just released a slew of awesome Dawn of War II goodies. 

There are four wallpapers, which include all the major characters from the four races in the single player campaign, as well as a range of avatars and buddy icons. The wallpapers come in three different sizes and are a must-have for the desktop of any 40K addict. 

All of these are available from the official Dawn of War II site, located in the “Downloads” section: 

http://www.dawnofwar2.com/au/home

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment have announced that the single player demo for F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games for Windows® and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system beginning January 23 in Australia and New Zealand. The demo will be available on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360 and PlayStation®Network for the PLAYSTATION 3.  Fans can visit www.whatisfear.com to download the Games for Windows version.  The full game will ship to retailers in Australia on February 13th.   

The F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin demo will offer a glimpse of the action, terror and suspense of the full retail version of the game. Players will maneuver through bloodstained corridors and hallways from several locations in the game, as they combat through various parts of the city of Auburn, which now lays in ruin after the catastrophic explosion that rocked the finale of F.E.A.R.  

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2005 smash hit game, F.E.A.R., is a blend of advanced visceral combat mixed with seamless game pacing set inside a sinister and paranormal universe that begins shortly before the ending of F.E.A.R. A Special Forces squad is on a routine mission when the city of Auburn is rocked by a supernatural explosion.  Alma, a girl with immense power and a thirst for revenge, has unleashed her wrath upon the city and thrown it into chaos. The squad must combat enemy forces and the supernatural as they struggle to find a way to stop Alma and uncover the mysterious forces arrayed against them before it’s too late. 

For more information about the game, visit www.whatisfear.com.

EA SPORTS announces first exclusively developed title for Nintendo DS coming in March 2009

Sydney, Australia – January 19, 2008 – Have you always dreamed about the football game for the Nintendo DS™ that lets you develop and improve your football knowledge in a fun and entertaining way? The wait is finally over – EA SPORTS™, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced the development of EA SPORTS™ Football Academy, the new football game specially developed for the Nintendo DS that will launch in March 2009.

EA SPORTS Football Academy features a wide variety of interactive games and tests that will develop and improve the football knowledge of all football fans – from kids to teens to men or women. EA SPORTS Football Academy offers a new level of motivation to learn football strategy, positioning and technique. EA SPORTS Football Academy can be used to compare ones football understanding and knowledge with family and friends or to take new learnings right onto the pitch to be a football player with a much better understanding of the game. Additionally EA SPORTS Football Academy offers a variety of football mini-games which will entertain the whole family.

“EA SPORTS Football Academy is a great new addition to the EA SPORTS football portfolio. Designed exclusively and specially for the Nintendo DS it adds an all-new interactive football experience to fans of the NDS,” says Andrew Wilson, Vice President and Executive Producer of EA SPORTS Football business. “EA SPORTS Football Academy offers the unique experience to develop and improve football knowledge in all aspects of the game as well as a great collection of fun and entertaining football mini games. EA SPORTS Football Academy gets the whole family involved in a great game of interactive football fun.”

EA SPORTS Football Academy is developed by EA Canada in Vancouver.

AUSTRALIA –  January 13, 2009 –Ubisoft today announced the release of the “Faction Elite Pack” downloadable content (DLC) for Tom Clancy’s EndWar™ available for the Xbox 360® entertainment system from Microsoft and for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. The DLC is available for 300 icrosoft points or $6.95 for the PLAYSTATION®3.

The “Faction Elite Pack” DLC will include three new battalions (one per faction) and six new upgrades (two per faction). These new elite battalions include the legendary JSF 15th Special Operations, the Spetsnaz Alpha Brigade, and the Enforcer Corps Battlegroup. The “Faction Elite Pack” will also grant immediate access to six exclusive unit upgrades including Ceramic Armor for the Spetnaz Guard Brigade and Caseless Ammunition for The European Federation’s Gunships to name a couple. 

For more news and information on Tom Clancy’s EndWar, please visit the game’s official website at www.endwargame.com.

MELBOURNE and AMSTERDAM, 13 January 2009 ~ AVG Technologies, a global anti-virus and Internet security software provider with over 80 million users in 167 countries, today announced the acquisition of Sana Security, a leading developer in identity theft prevention software. Sana~s forward-looking technology in the industry comes from its behaviour-based security software that proactively protects against threats in a similar way to the human immune system.

The transaction marks another successful milestone as AVG continues its corporate growth strategy to continually improve Internet security coverage for individuals and small businesses and expand its global footprint. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, Sana also provides AVG with its first offices in Silicon Valley.

As the threat landscape evolves with more sophisticated online attacks to steal personal information, Sana~s technology complements AVG~s existing portfolio by delivering continuous threat detection and automatic removal of malicious software proactively. Tens of thousands of new computer threats ~ including increasingly complex bots, rootkits, spyware, and Trojan horses ~ are released every day; Sana~s technology helps computer users to simplify and streamline protection against identity theft.

~AVG~s acquisition of Sana is one of the most exciting accomplishments in identity theft prevention. Sana~s unique behavioural software, combined with AVG~s existing security technology, will provide the most comprehensive online identity protection in the industry, delivering continuous real-time protection. At the same time, AVG will continue to maintain low PC resource utilisation for optimal system performance, a critical requirement both for the individual at home and for the business user,~ said J.R. Smith, CEO of AVG Technologies.

Sana Security~s personnel, together with its research organisation Sana Labs, will be integrated into the AVG organisation and maintain offices in Silicon Valley.

Sana~s products use advanced behavioural technology to protect users~ personal information~including logins, passwords and account information~and other critical data stored on the computer. By mimicking the approach used by the human immune system to repel attackers, the software prevents hackers from capturing and transmitting sensitive information away from the user~s machine, compromising their online security.

Sana~s technology ~learns~ normal application behaviour by observing the way those applications interact with each other (their ~code paths~). Vulnerabilities in the form of software bugs, user configuration errors, malware infections, and other forms of attack force applications down unexpected code paths. The behavioural technology recognises this misdirection and eliminates the threats before they can affect the user~s data.

About AVG Technologies

AVG is a global security solutions leader protecting more than 80 million consumers and small business computer users in 167 countries from the ever-growing incidence of web threats, viruses, spam, cyber-scams, and hackers. Headquartered in Amsterdam, AVG has nearly two decades of experience in combating cybercrime and one of the most advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating web-borne threats around the world. Its free online, downloadable software model allows entry-level users to gain basic protection and then to easily and inexpensively upgrade to greater levels of safety and security in both single and multi-user environments as their needs change and grow. Nearly 6,000 resellers, partners and distributors team with AVG globally including Amazon.com, CNET, Cisco, Ingram Micro, Play.com, Wal-Mart, and Yahoo!. More information is available at www.avg.com.