Wadjet Eye Games selling download and Collector’s Edition packaged versions at Resonance-Game.com

NEW YORK – June 19, 2012 – Wadjet Eye Games, an independent publisher of retro-styled adventure games, is announcing that Resonance is now available for PC download from Resonance-Game.com. The first commercial release from indie developer Vince Twelve, Resonance is a complex and lovingly-crafted interactive narrative that has been under development for more than five years.

Resonance merges classic point-and-click gameplay with innovative, contemporary storytelling thanks to its nostalgic pixel-art graphics, suspenseful plotline, and creative puzzles. A brilliant particle physicist has just died under suspicious circumstances, leaving the classified details of his powerful new technology locked away in a hidden vault. Now fate has thrown together four strangers — the scientist’s protégé, a doctor, a police officer, and an investigative reporter — to find the vault before this potentially catastrophic weapon falls into the wrong hands. Controlling each of these protagonists, Resonance players will decide when they should work together, which secrets to guard, and who to trust. But loyalties will be tested as the clock ticks down to global disaster, and you may discover that you’ve been mistaken all along…

Wadjet Eye Games is selling Resonance as a $9.99 DRM-free download from the game’s official website. Through July 25, Wadjet Eye is also offering a packaged Collector’s Edition for $24.99 (includes free worldwide shipping). A Steam release will follow this summer; until then, anyone who supports the development team by purchasing Resonance through the official website will get a free Steam voucher that can be redeemed immediately.

“After so much hard work, it’s unbelievable to finally reach the finish line and share Resonance with the world,” says Vince Twelve. “I’m grateful for the support of an amazing team of artists and musicians, not to mention the great folks at Wadjet Eye Games, without whom Resonance would have never come this far. And I’d like to give a special ‘thank you’ to all of the fans and backers who motivated me to work late into the night for five long years. I sincerely hope Resonance has been worth the wait!”

To view the Resonance screenshots and trailer, download the free demo, or buy the game, please visit the official website at http://www.resonance-game.com.

About Wadjet Eye Games

Founded in 2006, Wadjet Eye Games has developed a reputation for producing award winning and critically acclaimed adventure games for the PC. Committed to creating unique character-driven game experiences around recognizable brands, Wadjet Eye has recently expanded to support and publish games by other independent developers. The company’s award-winning portfolio includes The Shivah and the Blackwell series, both of which have garnered Game Developers Choice nominations, Puzzle Bots, which was selected for the Penny Arcade Expo’s PAX 10 showcase, and IGF Student Showcase winner Gemini Rue. For more information, visit http://www.wadjeteyegames.com. 

About Vince “Twelve” Wesselmann

While living and working in Japan, Vince “Twelve” Wesselmann created the award-winning freeware adventure games Anna in 2005 and What Linus Bruckman Sees When His Eyes Are Closed in 2006. He also programmed Spooks and Nanobots for designer Erin Robinson. In 2007, shortly after the birth of his daughter, Vince assembled a team to begin working on his first commercial offering, Resonance. During the course of its five-year development, he moved his family across an ocean, started a new career, and welcomed his second child into the world. After years of late nights (Vince’s only spare time), he enlisted the help of Wadjet Eye Games for the last eleven months of development. Now that Resonance is finally here, Vince looks forward to sleep. His website is http://www.xiigames.com.

As Online File Sharing Solutions Gain Popularity in Business,
SMBs Risk Security Breaches and Data Loss

SYDNEY, Australia. – June 20, 2012 – Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) today announced that as online file sharing becomes increasingly common as a business practice, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are more at risk than ever before, according to the findings of its 2011 SMB File Sharing Survey. The survey revealed that SMB employees are increasingly adopting unmanaged, personal-use online file sharing solutions without permission from IT, part of the broader trend of the consumerisation of IT in which the adoption of online services for use on personal mobile devices blurs the lines between work and play. These early-adopter behaviors – like those driving the use of file sharing technology – are making organisations vulnerable to security threats and potential data loss.

“A staggering 71 percent of small businesses that suffer from a cyber attack never recover – it’s fatal,” said Rowan Trollope, group president, SMB and .cloud, Symantec. “As the fastest adopters of cloud technologies, such as file sharing, SMBs need to use safe practices, especially when using a solution that might not be built for businesses. As employees increasingly adopt consumer cloud services at work, the risk to SMBs only grows.”

Survey Highlights

• Employees      influence adoption of file sharing solutions internally: SMB stakeholders      recognise that file sharing helps drive productivity among employees.      Seventy-four percent of respondents said they adopted online file sharing      to bolster their own productivity. Also, 61 percent of respondents      reported employees to be somewhat-to-extremely influential when it comes      to adopting file sharing solutions internally, on par with mobile device      usage (63 percent), PC/laptop/tablet usage (64 percent) and social media      usage (53 percent).

• Security      and data loss are potential file sharing risks:  Many respondents      recognised the potential risks that poorly managed file sharing practices      can bring into their organisations. Among respondents, risks cited as      potential concerns included sharing confidential information using      unapproved solutions (44 percent), malware (44 percent), loss of      confidential or proprietary information (43 percent), breach of      confidential information (41 percent), embarrassment or damage to      brand/reputation (37 percent), and violating regulatory rules (34      percent). Moreover, the lack of policy enforcement also enhances risks for      many respondents as more than one-fifth (22 percent) of respondents have      not implemented policies restricting how employees can access and share      files.

• File      sharing behaviors could expose SMBs to risk: Employee behaviors around      file sharing indicate further potential for security risk. When asked what      employees might do when they need to share a large file, respondents      indicated they would either ask IT for help (51 percent), use a solution      suggested by a customer, contractor or partner (42 percent), utilise the      IT system in place (33 percent), or search online and download a free      solution (27 percent). Furthermore, 41 percent indicated damaged brand      reputation was a concern when it comes to file sharing.

• Files      are getting bigger: Many of the files shared internally and externally are      significantly increasing in size. One in seven (14 percent) respondents      reported the average size of files currently shared by their organisation      to be more than 1 GB while three years ago, only 6 percent reported the      average file size to be more than 1 GB.

• SMBs      are more distributed: Respondents indicated the number of employees      working remotely and/or from home has gradually increased over the past      three years, and the number is projected to increase. Respondents      predicted that one year from now 37 percent of SMB organisations will have      employees working remotely (up 22 percent from three years ago and 32      percent today), and 32 percent will have employees who work from home (up      20 percent from three years ago, and 28 percent today).

Recommendations

Symantec recommends that SMBs implement some simple best practices to help ensure employees share files securely:

• Centralise      file storage and management with a secure web-based system that is      accessible regardless of device or location so that companies protect data      outside the office walls.
• Implement      access controls and permissions to keep private files safe and separate      from work content.
• Maintain      oversight into how and when business files are shared.
• Implement      a scalable system that can grow with the business.

Symantec’s 2011 SMB File Sharing Survey
Applied Research fielded this survey in November 2011. They spoke with decision-makers at 1,325 worldwide SMB organisations with 5 to 500 employees.

Resources

• Symantec      SlideShare
• Symantec      Confident SMB Blog

Connect with Symantec

• Follow      Symantec on Twitter
• Join      Symantec on Facebook
• Subscribe      to Symantec News RSS Feed
• View      Symantec’s SlideShare Channel
• Visit      Symantec Connect Business Community

About Symantec
Symantec is a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions to help consumers and organisations secure and manage their information-driven world.  Our software and services protect against more risks at more points, more completely and efficiently, enabling confidence wherever information is used or stored. More information is available at www.symantec.com or by connecting with Symantec at: go.symantec.com/socialmedia

Live-Action Prequel to the Game Starring James Cosmo

Melbourne, VIC. June 20, 2012 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today released a cinematic live-action trailer, titled The Last Sermon for its upcoming videogame Darksiders® II.

The Last Sermon, staring Game of Thrones’ James Cosmo tells a story of mankind’s last hours on earth after War is tricked into prematurely bringing about the apocalypse and portrays the sequel’s protagonist, Death, in a way fans haven’t seen him before

As well as the general release cinematic cut there will be an extended director’s cut which will be unveiled exclusively at Facebook.com/Darksiders.

Jim Huntley, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing commented: “After War is imprisoned for bringing about the apocalypse, Death’s whereabouts are shrouded in mystery. The Last Sermon gives fans an idea of what he may have been up to during that time.”

Darksiders II follows the exploits of DEATH, one of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, in an action-packed tale that runs parallel to the events in the original Darksiders game. This epic journey propels DEATH through various light and dark realms as he tries to redeem his brother WAR, the horseman blamed for prematurely starting the Apocalypse in Darksiders.

Darksiders II is scheduled to be available for console and PC in August 2012, a WiiU version is scheduled for release in the console’s launch window. For more information check www.Darksiders.com.

Renowned “Baddest Man on the Planet” to Make Flagship WWE Videogame Franchise Debut Through Exclusive Pre-Order Offer

Melbourne VIC. – June 20, 2012 – The campaign premise of “Live the Revolution” continues, as THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced the return of the incomparable Mike Tyson to the ring – virtually – in WWE^® ’13, the revolutionary next installment in the WWE flagship videogame franchise.  Often touted as the “baddest man on the planet,” the boxing legend and former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world will be available as an exclusive playable character for consumers who pre-order the videogame at any participating retailer in Australia or New Zealand for the Xbox 360^® videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system or the Wii^™ system from Nintendo (while supplies last).

Tyson made headlines with WWE (NYSE: WWE) in early 1998 as part of the company’s groundbreaking “Attitude Era,” a time period prominently featured in WWE ’13 through a brand new single-player campaign.  He is best remembered for his appearances leading up to and at WrestleMania^® XIV, where he was recruited by D-Generation X (DX) to serve as a ringside enforcer during the main event match between DX member Shawn Michaels^® and Stone Cold Steve Austin^® for the WWE Championship.  Tyson, sporting a sleeveless DX t-shirt and black jeans – the same look as his playable character in WWE ’13 ­– interfered in the match, allowing Austin to secure the victory and ultimately abandoning his presumed alliance with the renegade faction.  Tyson returned to WWE on January 11, 2010 as a guest host on Monday Night Raw^® and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 2, 2012.

“As one of the most dominant champions in boxing history and one of the most memorable guests to ever be featured on WWE programming, Mike Tyson led an incredible revolution that changed the way fans perceive the sport,” said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President, Global Brand Management, THQ.  “He was a tremendous addition to the ‘Attitude Era’ and is certain to attract a wide variety of fans to ‘live the revolution’ offered in WWE ’13.”

“The baddest man on the planet is back – and only in WWE ’13,” said Mike Tyson.  “Fans everywhere can now relive what I experienced during the ‘Attitude Era.’”

Melbourne, Australia, 20 June 2012 – Kogan has just launched a Smart TV HDMI dongle that makes Internet TV affordable and easy for anyone to install. The Kogan Android 4.0 Dongle is priced at just $99 with free shipping.

Kogan’s Smart TV dongle brings internet connectivity to the biggest screen in the home, powered by the brand new Android 4.0 platform. The dongle plugs into the HDMI port on any TV and instantly enables access to Youtube, Internet browsing, Google Play, thousands of apps, games, and multimedia content.

It comes with a dedicated remote control, built-in Wi-Fi, and the easiest setup of any Internet TV product in the world, all in a device that fits in your pocket.

Kogan also unveiled a Deluxe Keyboard and Trackpad that offers tremendous comfort and control when surfing the web and running apps on the big screen.

Ruslan Kogan, Founder and CEO of Kogan.com, said making Internet TV more affordable is a key milestone in the future of television.

“The future of TV is all about the Internet: bringing the entire web to the biggest screen in your home. Online movies, apps, social media, Skype, and more, all on the big screen.

“We’re shifting away from watching what the networks tell us to watch. With devices like the Smart TV dongle, we can now watch what we want, when we want, without the hefty price tag.

“As Kogan helps drive down the barrier to entry for Internet TV with products like the one we are unveiling today, you’re going to see even more innovation in this space.

“The built-in Wi-Fi means there are no messy cables, and the micro SD slot means it’s easy to view downloaded photos, music and videos on your TV too,” Ruslan Kogan said.

Melbourne Australia – June 19 2012 – The announcement that everyone has been waiting for … DOOM 3 BFG Edition! Let’s see what Bethesda Softworks had to say…

Bethesda Softworks are pleased to announce that DOOM® 3 BFG Edition is slated for release in Australia and New Zealand on October 18, 2012. DOOM 3 BFG Edition will feature re-mastered versions of both DOOM® 3 and the Resurrection of Evil® add-on pack, as well seven new levels of content entitled ‘The Lost Mission.’

Re-mastered for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, DOOM 3 and its expansion pack offer enhanced visuals further immersing you in the demonic world like never before. DOOM 3, Resurrection of Evil, and ‘The Lost Mission’ have been optimized in 3D, featuring 5.1 surround sound, Xbox 360 Achievements, PlayStation 3 trophies, improved rendering and lighting, and a new check point save system allowing for smoother progression through the game. id Software has fine-tuned the controls to bring the intensity of the DOOM single and multiplayer experience to the consoles, and DOOM 3 now features the new armor-mounted flashlight, allowing players to illuminate dark corners and blast enemies at the same time.

DOOM 3 BFG Edition will also include the original DOOM® and DOOM® 2 games, making it the definitive collection of the genre-defining games developed by id Software, the pioneers of the first-person shooter genre.

For more information please visit www.facebook/Doom.

A selection of films screening conjunction with Game Masters July to October 2012

To coincide with the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition, Game Masters, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) has programmed a special series of film screenings designed for the gamer, creative and curious alike, which will run throughout the exhibition.

The Games On Film program leads with Game Masters’ Choice; a compilation of films selected by some of the world’s greatest game designers to share with audiences the cinema that inspired them and fuelled their artistic visions.

Commencing in July, Game Masters’ Choice opens with the selections of acclaimed video game designers Hideo Kojima (JPN, METAL GEAR SOLID, 1998) and Tim Schafer (USA, Psychonauts, 2005, Brütal Legend, 2009). Hideo cites his inspirations as Akira (Katsuhiro Otomo, 1988) and Escape From New York (John Carpenter, 1981). Tim’s selections follow with George Miller’s iconic Australian film Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981) and, consistent with his penchant for the genre, Heavy Metal (Gerald Potterton, 1981). Each screening opens with a message from the Game Master offering audiences an insight on what the film means to them.

Game Masters’ Choice will continue throughout the exhibition with forthcoming cinematic selections from Blizzard (USA,World of Warcraft, 2004), Firemint (AUS, Flight Control, 2009) and Warren Spector (USA, Disney’s Epic Mickey, 2010).

Screening this September is Indie Game: The Movie, a feature documentary exploring the trials and tribulations of independent game development. A New York Times Critic’s Pick that screened at both the Sundance and SXSW Film Festivals, Indie Game: The Movie is described as “smart, involving” and “enlightening” (Los Angeles Times).

Featuring four developers, three games, and one ultimate goal – to express oneself through a video game – Indie Game: The Movie shines a light on the new breed of struggling independent artist: the independent game designer. Refusing to toil for major developers, these innovators independently conceive, design, and program their distinctly personal games in the hope that they, too, may find success.

First-time filmmaking duo Lisanne Pajot and James Swirsky capture the emotional journey of these meticulously obsessive artists who devote their lives to their interactive art. After two years of painstaking work, designer Edmund McMillen and programmer Tommy Refenes await the release of their first major game for Xbox, Super Meat Boy—the adventures of a skinless boy in search of his girlfriend, who is made of bandages. At PAX, a major video-game expo, developer Phil Fish unveils his highly anticipated, four-years-in-the-making FEZ. Jonathan Blow considers beginning a new game after creating Braid, one of the highest-rated games of all time (on display in ACMI’s Game Masters exhibition).

Also coming to ACMI this September is Ecstasy of Order: The Tetris Masters, a feature-length documentary capturing the greatest world record Tetris players as they prepare for the Classic Tetris World Championship in LA. The film follows this group of disparate players who gather to compete for the title of Tetris Master – and for the illusive Max Out score.

The essence of Tetris is seemingly simple; to arrange seven different shaped blocks (known as Tetrominos) to form and clear horizontal bars, at an ever more frantic pace. Like Pac-Man and Super Mario Brothers, almost everyone has played it at one time or another.

Using archival footage from the days of Thor Aackerlund’s historic victory at the 1990 Nintendo World Championships, right up to the present day and Harry Hong’s perfect Max Out score, this documentary expertly chronicles over two decades of Tetris Mastery.

Games On Film commences in July with Game Masters’ Choice which runs until October. Special seasons of Indie Game: The Movie and Ecstasy of Order: The Tetris Masters run throughout September. For more information, session times and to book, please visit: www.acmi.net.au 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – June 20, 2012 – Today, ArenaNet, the developers of Guild Wars 2, have updated their blog with a new post from developer Colin Johanson. How do you measure the success of an MMO? Find out ArenaNet’s metrics for success and how these have influenced the development of Guild Wars 2.

Read the Official Blog Post here: http://www.arena.net/blog/is-it-fun-colin-johanson-on-how-arenanet-measures-success

Confound thieves by locking the phone tight, pinpointing it on a map, or wiping its data 

SYDNEY & AUCKLAND – June 20, 2012 – Bitdefender, the award-winning provider of innovative antivirus solutions, launched a new anti-theft system for PCs and Android devices that turns the tables on thieves, giving you control over your phone, laptop or tablet even when it’s in a crook’s hands.

Traditionally, a thief could take control of your device simply by stealing it. That changes with Bitdefender Anti-Theft. Now, you can pinpoint him on a map, you are notified if the thief tries to change the SIM card, you completely lock him out of the device, and you can even trigger an alarm on your stolen Android phone. And if that’s not enough, you can simply wipe the data from your device even while it’s in his hands.

“With Bitdefender Anti-Theft, we’ve extended our world-renowned silent security from the realm of the internet to the actual physical world,” said Product Marketing Manager Andra Cazacu. “We now protect you from viruses, phishing, Trojans – plus those brutes who simply want to make off with your devices. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can take action in an instant with Anti-Theft.”

Bitdefender Anti-Theft runs stealthily – most thieves won’t even know it’s there. Plus, it locks the device up tight with PINs and passcodes. Anti-Theft quickly gives you back control of your device through an online account – wipe, lock or locate with a few clicks.

Even if the missing Android device is not connected to the internet, you can control by sending it SMSs, or even make the device call you back or answer your next call. You can take control via SMS quickly and safely by designating another number that you plan to use for this purpose.

For more information on Bitdefender Anti-Theft, click www.bitdefender.com/anti-theft.