Sydney, Australia – September 12, 2008 – Gamers find your Kevlar, because this weekend the bullets will fly as Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare™ Variety Map Pack hits half-price on Xbox LIVE® for a limited time.  Starting Sept. 12 (5:01 pm/AEST) and running through to 5pm on Sept. 14, Activision Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) blockbuster DLC by Infinity Ward will be available for 400 Microsoft Points.  As part of the limited time offer, Xbox LIVE also will host a Double XP Weekend, allowing players to earn twice as many Experience Points.  Additionally, during the release, the limited edition Prestige gamer pics will also be made available, for free download on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace.

Members of Infinity Ward will also be online between 5:00am – 9:00 am/AEST on Sunday, September 14 to play with fans.  While online, players should be sure to add the following Infinity Ward gamertags to their friends list:

There’s a new trailer showing off the Online Co-op and multi-player features in AC:FA –

·         To View – http://uplay.uk.ubi.com/?video=fee425su

·         To Download – http://ubisoft.vo.llnwd.net/d1/marketing/EMEA/uplay/download/all/AC4A_Coop_EMEA_Download_720p.wmv

Sydney, Australia – September 12, 2008 – Multi-platinum guitar icon,  best-selling author and outspoken activist, Ted Nugent will lend his voice and likeness to Activision Publishing, Inc.’s Guitar Hero® World Tour, joining the all-star cast of rock legends to be featured in the game including Jimi Hendrix, Ozzy Osbourne and Sting.  Aspiring axe shredders will be able to challenge The Nuge in an epic guitar duel, tear up the six string as the music icon’s in-game character or jam alongside the Motor City Madman as he rocks his 1975 smash hit “Stranglehold.”  Recognised as the world’s leading guitar showman, Nugent’s no-holds-barred career spans five decades of multi-platinum sales exceeding 35 million albums.

When the house lights go down this spring, a new generation of guitarists, drummers and fearless frontmen will come together and rock with Guitar Hero World Tour.  The latest instalment in the #1 best-selling video game franchise of 2007, Guitar Hero World Tour transforms music gaming by expanding Guitar Hero’s signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless controllers with new revolutionary online* and offline gameplay modes including Band Career and 8-player “Battle of the Bands,” which allows two full bands to compete head-to-head online for the first time ever.  The game features a slick newly redesigned guitar controller, drum kit controller and a microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own rock ‘n’ roll anthems.  Music creators will also be able to share their recordings with their friends online through GHTunesSM where other gamers can download and play an endless supply of unique creations.

Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.  The Wii™ version is being developed by Vicarious Visions.  The PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is rated “PG” (Mild themes and Violence, Sexual references and mild coarse language) by the OFLC.  For more information on Guitar Hero World Tour, please visit www.guitarhero.com.

SYDNEY – September 11, 2008 – Microsoft Corp. today unleashed the SideWinder X8 Mouse, offering wireless freedom with wired performance with a 2.4GHz wireless connection that is built for lag-free play. The latest SideWinder mouse features an innovative play-and-charge system to ensure a nonstop gaming experience — up to 30 hours of active gaming on a single charge — with no need to stop the game to change batteries.

The SideWinder X8 Mouse is a top performer thanks to Microsoft’s new, proprietary BlueTrack Technology1 that gives this mouse the best frame rate, speed and acceleration on the market and a tracking range from 250 to 4,000 dots per inch (dpi).

“When conducting our research, we found room for improving on the wireless experience for gamers, especially as it related to perceived delay or lag time of response. The SideWinder X8 Mouse will put those wireless gaming mouse fears to rest,” said Scott Jackson, ANZ Group Marketing Manager. “We designed this mouse to perform to the highest gaming standards — with near-zero latency, uninterrupted gameplay and the world’s most advanced tracking with BlueTrack Technology.”

Innovation for Gaming Performance

The SideWinder X8 Mouse is a top-performing wireless gaming mouse, with a combination of BlueTrack Technology tracking that provides the best speeds and feeds available, 2.4GHz wireless technology built for lag-free play, and an easy recharging system that keeps gamers in action.

BlueTrack Technology

Microsoft’s next generation tracking technology gaming with image processing of 13,000 frames per second, 75g maximum acceleration and 120 inches per second maximum speed.

2.4GHz wireless The device is built for lag-free play with virtually no latency.

Play and charge Get up to 30 hours of active gaming on a single charge, or use the play-and-charge cable for nonstop action. The winding cord management system offers easy charging — simply unwrap the cord from around the storage box and snap it onto the underside of the mouse.

Designed for Gaming:

Comfort continues to be one of the main needs of PC gamers and the SideWinder X8 Mouse features a unique, comfortable design that gamers will appreciate for extended sessions of play. Features include the following:

Scroll wheel with tilt. The mouse has better feel and response with detents for precise control.

Engineered for speed. The shape was designed for quick, balanced and precise gaming actions.

Vertical side buttons. The top and bottom design makes locating side buttons easier and reduces unintentional activation.

The X8 also offers smart features to enhance the gaming experience, including an LCD screen on the mouse to quickly view dpi settings and macro-recording icons, and a Quick Launch button that provides one-touch access to Microsoft’s PC gaming features.2

Custom Tuning

Gamers also like to customise their gaming mouse to fit their needs, which is why the SideWinder X8 Mouse offers the following adjustable features:

DPI switching. Instantly switch sensitivity among high, medium and low with one click, ranging from 250 to 4,000 dpi.

Replaceable mouse feet. Choose from three materials for glide preference.

Seven programmable buttons. Customise five programmable main buttons, plus left and right tilt.

Macro record button. Easily record macros while in game with the dedicated button.

Pricing and Availability:

The SideWinder X8 Mouse will be widely available in March 2009 for a recommended retail price of $149.953.

LucasArts announced today that the demo for its highly anticipated title Star Wars: The Force Unleashed has crushed download records since its release on Aug. 21. on the Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
 
Eager to experience over-the-top Force powers and a brand-new Star Wars storyline that bridges the events between the two movie trilogies, fans downloaded the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed demo more than 1 million times in just eight days, topping the previous record by an entire day.

In addition to the record-breaking downloads on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360, the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed demo is also available on the PLAYSTATION® Network, and between them has been downloaded more than 2.3 million times worldwide to date.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed debuts in Australia on Sept. 17 for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii™ home videogame system from Nintendo, and Nintendo DS™. 

* Based on data from Microsoft Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment America

LucasArts and the LucasArts logo are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd. © 2008 Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. or Lucasfilm Ltd. & ® or TM as indicated. All rights reserved.  Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. “PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION”, “PS” Family logo and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PSP® system – Memory Stick Duo™ may be required (sold separately).  Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners

SYDNEY, 11 September 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today announced a collaboration with ABBA to bring the band’s best loved tracks to SingStar for both PlayStation®2 and PLAYSTATION®3. Owners of either system will now be able to sing along with some of the most iconic pop tracks of all time including ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Gimme Gimme Gimme’, ‘Waterloo’ and ‘Dancing Queen’.

SingStar ABBA is being developed in full collaboration with ABBA and Universal Music Group in Sweden, which manages the rights to the ABBA brand. The terms of the agreement include a window of exclusivity for disc-based PlayStation titles until December 2009.

ABBA’s recordings have sold an estimated 370 million units worldwide. Their 1992 album, “Gold,” is one of the most popular albums of all time, with sales of 26 million copies.

The SingStar agreement comes as the music of ABBA enjoys a renewed surge of popularity worldwide, sparked by the huge success of the film, “Mamma Mia!” Global sales of the soundtrack album, released by Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, are now approaching 3 million.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with ABBA to bring their tracks to SingStar this Christmas,” said David Reeves, President, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “The popularity of this iconic band continues year after year, and we know SingStar fans will be delighted to add this selection of classics tracks to their SingStar collection.”

Lucian Grainge, Chairman/CEO of Universal Music Group International, commented: “ABBA have joined that elite club of musicians and artists whose popularity only grows with time, as new generations enjoy some of the most memorable music ever made. SingStar ABBA will have the world singing along again.”

SingStar ABBA is the perfect soundtrack to any party, guaranteed to get pop lovers of all ages on their feet when it is released this winter in PAL territories and the US.

Sydney, Australia, September 11, 2008 – ASUS, manufacturer of top quality graphic solutions, has released the new ASUS ROG EN9800GT MATRIX/HTDI/512M.

Following on from the success of its predecessor, the Republic of Gamers (ROG) EN9600GT Matrix graphics card, the ROG EN9800GT Matrix series combines cutting edge technology and advanced features. This innovative piece of hardware unleashes the true power of graphics cards, allowing users to enjoy unrivalled gaming experiences. It achieves all this by incorporating several unique features that include:

§       Integrated hardware and software for total graphics card control

§       Accurate adjustments of the GPU and memory voltages

§       Complete monitoring of the GPU/memory/Power IC/ambient temperatures

§       Complete monitoring of the GPU/memory/board power consumption

§       Automatic control of fan speeds according to advanced GPU loading detection

§       Power savings that surpasses generic boards

§       Customisable functions to add a new level of control for gamers

A stylish design with a futuristic looking Hybrid Cooler and black circuit board instantly identifies the ROG EN9800GT Matrix as a piece of top-notch gaming hardware. Intelligent gamers will recognise the ROG logo prominently displayed on the cooler as a mark of distinction signifying the ROG EN9800GT Matrix will deliver extreme gaming performance. Boosted by the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine, Hybrid Cooler technology and iTracker, the ROG EN9800GT Matrix can increase performance in 3D mode by 15%, consume 30% less power, as well as much quieter cooling under 2D mode.

GPU and memory voltage boosts up from 1.2V up to 1.301V and from 1.9V up to 1.92V respectively, when the ROG EN9800GT Matrix is running in 3D mode. This allows the GPU, shader and memory clock performance to be increased from 600MHz up to 750MHz, from 1800MHz up to 2000MHz and from 1512MHz up to 1753MHz respectively. Such unprecedented performance upgrades helps raise the ROG EN9800GT Matrix’s 3DMark Vantage Extreme Mode score from 2013 to 2308 – a significant speed improvement of 15% compared to any other reference designed board.* While in 2D mode, less power is required and the ROG EN9800GT Matrix is able to reduce GPU and memory voltages from 1.2V down to 0.9V and from 1.9V to 1.8V respectively, for great energy savings. The Auto Phase Switch technology optimises power supplied by the power phase making the ROG EN9800GT Matrix energy efficient with power consumption lowered from 46.27W to 32.44W – a substantial 30% in savings compared to any other reference designed board.** Additionally, the Hybrid Cooler will help reduce fan rotation speeds in 2D mode allowing users to enjoy much quieter cooling and a more comfortable computing environment.

The ASUS Super Hybrid Engine is richly featured via a two-fold process – first gathering detailed information about the GPU loading and temperature, memory and power IC – then calculating an optimised solution for peak performance. Furthermore, all of this happens in real time without requiring any tinkering, making it easy to achieve multi-level GPU and memory voltage adjustments for the ultimate in graphics and maximum energy savings.

With a combination of the fan and heatsink solutions on one card, the revolutionary Hybrid Cooler facilitates optimum cooling. When required, the fan and heatsink will work together – the fan being automatically controlled according to advanced GPU loading detection. The thermal Hybrid Cooler innovation draws its inspiration from Hybrid cars and provides users with more proactive cooling and power savings in the event of lower graphics utilisation – as its namesake does with cars.

The iTracker feature comes built-in with Super Hybrid Engine technology and offers four default profiles for entry-level gamers: Optimised Mode, Gaming Mode, Power Saving Mode, and Default mode. This handy application is also able to display real-time graphics card information that includes the GPU/shader/memory clock, GPU/memory voltage, GPU loading, GPU/memory/power IC/ambient temperature, and fan speed. In addition, the fifth profile – the User Defined Mode, allows timely adjustments that include GPU/shader/memory clock, GPU/memory voltage, and fan speeds to suit different individual requirements.

The ASUS ROG EN9800GT Matrix graphics card is available through computer resellers with a recommended retail price of AU$249 and NZ$299 (prices inclusive of GST).

Note:
*Performance Configuration – Motherboard: ASUS P5N-T Deluxe; CPU: Intel QX9650; Memory DIMM:DDR2-533 2GB; 3DMark Vantage Extreme Mode; overclocking capabilities may vary when using different cards
**Performance Configuration – Motherboard: ASUS P5N-T Deluxe; CPU: Intel QX9650; Memory DIMM: DDR2-533 2GB; 2D idle mode

Specifications

Model
 ROG EN9800GT MATRIX/HTDI/512M
 
Graphics Engine
 GeForce 9800GT
 
Bus Standard
 PCI Express 2.0
 
Video Memory
 512MB DDR3
 
Engine Clock
 612 MHz
 
Shader Clock
 1.5GHz
 
Memory Clock
 1.8 GHz (900MHz DDR3)
 
Memory Interface
 256-bit
 
DVI Max. Resolution
 2560 * 1600
 
D-Sub Output
 Yes x 1 (via DVI to D-Sub adaptor x 1 )
 
DVI Output
 Yes x 2 (DVI-I)
 
HDTV Output(YPbPr)
 YES, via HDTV Out cable
 
HDCP compliant
 Yes
 
HDMI Output
 YES**
 
Adaptor/Cable Bundled
 1 x DVI-to-D-Sub adaptor
1 x HDTV-out cable
1 x Power Cable
 
Software Bundled
 ASUS Utilities & Driver
 
Note
 The card size is 4.376 inches x 9 inches  

**Note: To enable HDMI audio out function, a motherboard with internal or external S/PDIF header is required. The graphics card should be connected to motherboard via either internal or external S/PDIF header only – do not connect both headers at the same time.

§       Specifications are subject to change without notice.

§       PCB color and bundled software versions are subject to change without notice.

§       Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies.

AUSTRALIA— September 11, 2008 – Ubisoft will release Hell’s Kitchen™: The Game on Nintendo DS™, PC and Mac® in September and on Wii™ in November 2008.

Developed by Ludia, Hell’s Kitchen: The Game is based on the hit television program featuring world-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay. The game will allow players to experience the show’s high-pressure kitchen and dining room challenges as a faithfully rendered 3D Chef Ramsay watches their every move.  

“I had a great time doing the voice for my own animation,” said Gordon Ramsay. “Being in a video game is a new experience for me and I’m very pleased with the results.” 

After executing the three phases of an order – preparation, cooking and service – Chef Gordon Ramsay will score each meal. As they progress through the game, players will be rewarded with access to recipes from Chef Ramsay’s own repertoire.

“Hell’s Kitchen has everything a great video game needs: pressure, excitement and intense competition,” said Christian Salomon, vice president of worldwide licensing at Ubisoft. “We are very excited to be bringing the intensity of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and the Hell’s Kitchen experience to the virtual world this fall.”

Key Features:

•   Chef Ramsay watches players’ every move and judges them as they progress by yelling at them, praising them or shutting down the kitchen if their skills don’t meet his expectations.

•   As players progress, they’ll gain access to authentic Gordon Ramsay recipes, including many that are offered exclusively to game owners.

•   In Career Mode, players can earn stars to build their way up from a Single-Star restaurant to a prestigious Five-Star establishment. As the player advances through the ranks, their star rating advances and the recipes become more varied and intricate.

•   In Arcade Mode, the pressure builds as customers become increasingly demanding. Players will be challenged to keep up with the pressure before time is up, or Chef Ramsay loses patience and closes the kitchen. 

Hell’s Kitchen: The Game will be available on Nintendo DS™, PC and Mac® in September and Nintendo Wii™ in December from all major gaming retailers.

San Francisco, Calif. – September 10, 2008 – The Internet Protectors™ today opened its doors to computer users looking for non-technical help in learning about and protecting themselves against the security risks that plague Internet users today. The Internet Protectors (TIP) website (http://www.TheInternetProtectors.com) provides a neutral environment where users can ask questions of topic experts; research different aspects of security in a library of podcasts, videos and white papers; read and subscribe to blogs on multiple security topics; discuss security issues in forums; and more. Experts, known as TIPsters, on hand at the launch, include Roger Thompson of AVG on new threats, Monte Robertson of Software Security Solutions on small business security, and Julian Evans of ID Theft Protect on ID theft prevention.
“Computer users are understandably confused and bewildered by the risks surrounding email and the web,” said Pat Bitton, security industry veteran and co-founder of The Internet Protectors. “There are plenty of security forums and other technical resources on the web for geeks, but there’s no single resource for everyday computer users to learn more about how to protect themselves, their families or their small businesses online. We’ve gathered experts from across the globe to provide a unique information exchange for people that provides plain-English information and advice.”

Topics covered on the site range from basic security questions like “What is the difference between spyware and viruses?” to “how to” questions such as “I use Skype to keep my business phone costs down, but how do I avoid unwanted calls and spam from people not on my contact list?” Experts also weigh in on ways to keep private information private in social networks and the particular risks children face online, as well as up to the minute news on scams affecting users of commonly-used programs like Gmail or QuickTime.

“In the Web 2.0 tradition, we have designed TIP to be as user-driven as possible,” said Gayle Cline, TIP co-founder and project leader for the TIP website. “Experts and users can post blogs and resources like videos, and can create forums surrounding particular issues. Our goal is to provide a rich, dynamic, and above all relevant and usable resource for people. From the outset, TIP is ready to help home users, small businesses, libraries, educational institutions, and community organizations with security questions and concerns.”

A Place to Learn and Get Help
Visitors to the site will find multiple resources for help with their security questions. There are videos showing how easily security attacks can happen, documents and articles on many different topics, hot discussions, blogs, and more. Issues currently under discussion include the differences between identity theft and identity fraud, the safety of online backup solutions, and governmental boundaries in monitoring the Internet.

“The content is not techie but not overly basic either,” said Nicole Coyne, an IT systems analyst in Eureka, California. “This site will provide users a foundation in Internet security issues without the panic aspect. It’s also not overwhelming. This is going to be an excellent tool to help users make safe decisions about their own Internet use.”
“Computer users who are running anti-virus software are misguided in thinking they’re fully protected,” said Mike Rothman of analyst firm Security Incite. “There are many attacks, including phishing, zero-day, and social engineering attacks which cannot be addressed by traditional anti-virus. I still firmly believe that a more effective means of educating the masses about digital threats and how to defend themselves is a critical part of the solution.”

A Place for Experts to Share their Knowledge
Visitors to The Internet Protectors website may ask questions of the dozens of TIPsters, individuals with valuable expertise and knowledge in different areas of security.

In Australia, Lloyd Borrett, Marketing Manager at AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd has accepted the invitation to become a TIPster expert.

“ID theft remains a pervasive problem on the web,” says Julian Evans, founder and director, ID Theft Protect. “As an identity fraud professional, I monitor cyberspace continuously and have seen the impact threats such as identity theft, bot-nets and other scams have had on people simply because those people don’t have the knowledge or resources to protect themselves. It’s not fair, and it’s time to fight back! I strongly support The Internet Protectors’ mission. Any opportunity to help people avoid becoming a victim is to be welcomed, and I’m pleased to be able to offer the benefits of my experience to TIP visitors.”

To encourage the exchange of new ideas, some of the initial TIPsters have formed a GeekSpeak discussion forum as a place to share highly-technical information. “We welcome this kind of collaboration on TIP,” adds Bitton. “It’s an ideal environment in which to develop new solutions to users’ security concerns.”

“I was happy to sign up as a ‘security basics’ expert,” says Gerardo Velasco, owner-operator of the VolkDefense security news website. “The Internet Protectors is the only site I’ve found that is well-positioned to be able to provide a full range of security advice for non-technical people.”

LucasArts announced today that they will release the official demo of their upcoming action game Fracture on Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network on Thursday, September 18. The demo will introduce players to the revolutionary gameplay behind Terrain Deformation, a key gameplay mechanic that allows for the dynamic creation of on-the-fly cover and geographic manipulation.

Developed in partnership with Chicago-based Day 1 Studios, Fracture takes place in the year 2161 in a United States plagued by disaster. Years of environmental neglect have split the nation in two and resulted in two conflicting ways of life. Survivors of the Atlantic Alliance have turned to cybernetics and technology, while the Pacifican States in the West have turned to stem cell research and genetic engineering for a better way of life. These two conflicting ideologies come to a head in a deadly civil war for not only the fate of the free world, but also the future of mankind itself.

Utilise the power of Terrain Deformation to create cover, solve puzzles and revolutionise battlefield tactics as you guide Atlantic Alliance soldier Jet Brody in his quest to quell the Pacifican uprising through an exciting single player campaign that begins in the now-dried-out San Francisco bay, and traverses the ravaged country.

When the game ships to retail you will also be able to test your mettle in over-the-top multiplayer modes where nonstop action meet Terrain Deformation for brutal 12-player battles in modes specifically built for Fracture and TD technology.

Fracture releases for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on October 15, 2008 in Australia.