Through thousands of minerals, including gold nuggets, giant crystals and uncut diamonds, Dynamic Earth tells the story of our incredible living planet. Examining forces that fuel volcanic eruptions, cause earthquakes and create minerals, gems, and precious metals, the exhibition reveals what makes our planet dynamic. The highlight of the exhibition is a state-of-the-art 360-degree, fully immersive 3D theatre where visitors can experience being surrounded by an active volcano, travelling down a lava tunnel and journeying under the sea.
Date: New permanent exhibition – on show now
School Holiday at Melbourne Museum
Explore the forces that fuel volcanic eruptions, cause earthquakes and create thousands of different minerals, gems, and precious metals at Melbourne Museum these summer school holidays. Step inside a volcano in a state-of-the-art 360-degree fully immersive 3D theatre or see Australia’s third largest intact gold nugget weighing 23 kilograms, in the stunning new exhibition Dynamic Earth. Join in and make your own piece of earth to take home or learn all about how the moon was made in an exciting live show. You can also meet our expert gemstone polisher as he demonstrates the art of polishing and enjoy viewing some of his valuable collections on display.
Date: 26 December 2010 – 6 February 2011
Mirror
Explore the connections of two boys from two very different countries through the artworks of best-selling children’s author Jeannie Baker in the new exhibition Mirror. The exhibitionfeatures original collages from Jeannie Baker’s new book of the same name. The exhibition will take visitors on a journey through two very different cultural landscapes.
The book follows the everyday lives of two boys, one in Australia and one in the Valley of in Roses in Southern Morocco. Despite a great geographical and culture separation, Baker’s works poignantly illustrates how their lives mirror one another in essential ways.
Date: Until 13 February 2011
Mirror is supported by the Australian Government through the Council for Australian–Arab Relations (CAAR).
Mulana: Spirit
Meaning ‘spirit’ in Yorta-Yorta language, Mulana is an exhibition featuring a series of works by Victorian Aboriginal artist Megan Cadd that revolve around key events in her life over the last few years. The impact of losing her only Aboriginal grandmother, coming into contact with an emu feather skirt from the 1800’s, her studies as a spiritual based counsellor, trips back to Yorta-Yorta land and experiences with her family and the Melbourne Aboriginal community are reflected in works that explore the notion of Megan claiming back her spirit while living a colonised life. Featuring installations, paintings and prints, Megan’s work in this exhibition is contemporary while paying respect to her ancestors, family, community and culture.
Date: 20 November 2010 – 10 April 2011
Melbourne Museum, Nicholson Street, Carlton. Open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm. Admission: Adult $8, children and concession FREE. For further details phone 13 11 02 or visit museumvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum
SEGA’S MUST HAVE CLASSIC COLLECTION EXPANDS FURTHER!
Volume #3 hits shelves in December 2010
Friday 5th November 2010 – SEGA® Europe Ltd. today announced that the third instalment of evergreen games from legendary SEGA Mega Drive™ platform will now also be available on PC and will be in stores on the 2nd December in Australia and 3rd December in New Zealand. Players will be able to go back in time to the nostalgic Sega Mega Drive era and play even more era defining games with the SEGA Mega Drive Classic Collection – Volume 3. This bumper games compilation includes titles such as Sonic 3 and Knuckles™,Alien Storm™, Decap Attack™ as well as the Virtua Fighter 2™, Sonic Spinball™ and many more!
For a full list of games, find out more at www.sega.com
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – November 5, 2010 – These latest Test Drive Unlimited 2 screens showcase the Ferrari California grand touring sports car. The California was first launched at the 2008 Paris Motor Show and is the first time “California” has been used to name a Ferrari since the 1950s. The California is a two door hard top convertible and is powered by a 4.3 L V8 capable of putting out 450 HP.
Disney’s THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE is an epic comedy adventure following a master of magic and his reluctant protégé as they combine forces in the fight against evil. From the team who created the highly successful National Treasure series, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Jon Turtletaub bring us THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE, an action-packed adventure you won’t want to miss – released to Disney Blu-Ray™ Value Pack and DVD 12 January, 2011!
Set in modern-day Manhattan, Balthazar Blake (NICOLAS CAGE) is the master sorcerer in search of a successor to possess the powers required to help him free the soul of his sorceress love, and defeat arch-enemy Maxim Horvath (ALFRED MOLINA), and protect the city from ruin.
Balthazar stumbles across an outwardly, average student Dave Stutler (JAY BARUCHEL), who in only wanting to lead a normal life, reluctantly agrees to help Balthazar in his battle against the evil endeavours of Horvath. As Balthazar gives him a crash course in science and magic, Dave shows potential, learns his powers and his reluctance to help diminishes, as he starts to believe he might be the apprentice Balthazar has been looking for: the Prime Merlinian.
With Horvath determined to claim Manhattan as his own, using his villainous powers and sinister accomplices to gain control of the city, Balthazar and Dave realise just how much they’ll be tested in their efforts to destroy Horvath and his evil plans.
Thrown into a battle that will determine the fate of Manhattan, Dave struggles between his new found purpose and his blossoming romance with childhood friend Becky (TERESA PALMER). Can Dave realise the hopes of his master, muster all his courage to destroy the dark forces and save his city, all while getting the girl at the same time?
With jaw-dropping special effects and high-speed adventure the whole family can enjoy, THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE on Disney Blu-ray™ Value pack* and DVD includes behind the scene footage, deleted scenes, and reveals how the real world is far more magical than we ever imagined!
* Value pack contains a Blu-ray Disc plus a DVD copy of the film in a single package.
Rated: PG
Price: DVD $39.95, Blu-ray $49.95
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. A division of Walt Disney Studios (US), Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures and Buena Vista DVD releases. Buena Vista is the Australian sell-through market leader and has been a recognised world video / DVD industry leader for over a decade
Rango the Video Game to Launch Alongside Paramount Pictures’ Upcoming Animated Feature Film
Australia– Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) and Paramount Digital Entertainment today announced a distribution agreement that will catapult an upcoming Paramount property into the hands of gamers worldwide. Rango The Video Game, is an action-adventure title inspired by the upcoming animated feature film starring the voice of Johnny Depp.
Rango The Video Game invites players to continue on Rango’s wild journey through new adventures inspired by the movie. The game is set in the Old West town of ‘Dirt’ where players romp through a gritty, pint-sized, Wild West filled with wild rides, off-color characters and frantic shoot-outs. Rango is Paramount Pictures’ first full-length animated feature film; both the film and the video game will be released in March 2011.
“We are thrilled to be working with Paramount and the upcoming release of the video game version of its first animated feature,” said Sinjin Bain, Vice President of EA Partners at Electronic Arts. “Rango is a one-of-a-kind character that we know kids will love. We’re excited to give families worldwide the opportunity to take the humor and fun from the big screen into their living rooms.”
“We are pleased to team up with EA to deliver an exciting, action-packed adventure game that captures the spirit of the film and puts the fate of Dirt in players’ hands,” said Tom Lesinski, President of Paramount Digital Entertainment. “We’ve added exciting twists and turns in the video game that will challenge players of all levels on their adventures as Rango.”
Developed by Artificial Mind & Movement, Rango The Video Game will be available on console platforms including the PlayStation®3 computer and entertainment system, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, Wii™, and Nintendo DS™ in March 2011. Rango The Video Game has not been rated by the OFLC.
For more information about Rango The Video Game, please visit http://www.rangomovie.com or the EA press website at http://info.ea.com.
AUSTRALIA – November 5, 2010 – Your Shape Center is the online fitness portal available for all Your Shape: Fitness Evolved players. A true personal online gym center, Your Shape Center offers players the following options:
· Monitor your progress and follow your performance
· Track the calories you burn when playing your daily workouts
· Create your own challenges and share them instantly with your friends on Xbox 360
· Be up to date with the latest Your Shape events
· Get advice from friends and experts
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved will be available exclusively on Kinect for XBOX 360 on November 18. Your Shape Center will be active on November 10.
For more information about Your Shape: Fitness Evolved and Your Shape Center, go to www.yourshapecenter.com.
MONOPOLY Streets Lets Fans Worldwide Play Online, Build and Populate 3-D Cities, Bringing a New Way to Experience the World’s Top Family Favourite Game Brand
5 November 2010, Australia – The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. have announced that it is time to “Pass Go and Collect $200” with the release of MONOPOLY Streets.
The latest in EA’s top-selling MONOPOLY video game franchise, MONOPOLY Streets places players at street level and brings the family favourite board game to life in full 3-D, delivering an immersive world that constantly evolves as gameplay unfolds.
Under licence from Hasbro (NYSE: HAS), MONOPOLY Streets is currently available at retail for the Wii™, Xbox 360® and PS3. Additionally, EA has also released a classic version of MONOPOLY for the Nintendo DS™.
“We have completely re-imagined the 75-year old family favourite in a way that now jumps to life on HD screens with new, exciting gameplay that is sure to bring the whole family together this holiday,” said Chip Lange, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Hasbro Division at Electronic Arts.
“MONOPOLY Streets provides families and friends a way to connect and explore the world of MONOPOLY like they never have before—it’s an experience you have to see to believe.”
MONOPOLY Streets presents a new and fantastic setting that players will explore and embark on the quest to “win it all” as the game board begins to emerge around them. With each move, players can see the cityscape develop from the ground up while properties such as Park Lane and Piccadilly are bought, traded, and built upon.
Classic MONOPOLY game board pieces such as the race car and Scottish terrier are all fully animated and fans can choose from a variety of creatively-themed boards like Landmark City, as well as the Classic game board that has been entertaining families around the globe for 75 years. Players also can use their Mii™ for the Wii or avatar for Xbox 360 as their in-game character, as well as designate other Mii or avatars, such as those created by family and friends, to populate the bustling city.
EA’s new take on the popular board game adds even more excitement to gameplay with the addition of live auctions, where players try to purchase a property at the best market value price as part of their rise to riches. The game also features a “House Rules” mode that allows players to change up and customise how the game is played, as well as an option to play with friends online and be matched to an aspiring digital real estate mogul anywhere in the world on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions.
“EA has done a tremendous job in bringing MONOPOLY to millions of global fans in highly creative and immersive ways across every major digital platform this year,” said Mark Blecher, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital Gaming and Media at Hasbro. “In its 75th anniversary year, the popularity of MONOPOLY continues to grow and our alliance with EA has been instrumental in the meaningful re-invention of the treasured play experience for today’s digital consumer.”
With additional versions of MONOPOLY-themed games also available on iPhone, iPod touch, and online gaming destination Pogo.com, it’s never been easier for aspiring property magnates to experience the thrill of the time-honored board game on digital platforms. MONOPOLY fans also can experience the real estate fun with EA’s MONOPOLY Facebook game, which will soon launch on the popular social networking site. Consumers can keep an eye out for other MONOPOLY-themed releases on additional digital platforms this holiday.
MONOPOLY Streets is rated G by the OFLC and has an RRP of $59.99 for the Xbox 360, Wii and PlayStation 3. MONOPOLY Classic for the Nintendo DS has an RRP of $49.99. For more information on MONOPOLY Streets, please visit www.ea.com/monopoly.
To view the launch trailer and producer walk-through, please click:
#ENDS
For more information or review copies please contact:
Lisa Knox / Jill Notzon
DEC for EA PLAY
Ea_pr@deccommunications.com.au
(02) 8014 5036 / (02) 8014 5039
About MONOPOLY
Since 1935, more than 275 million copies of MONOPOLY have been sold in 111 countries and 40 languages. Hundreds of different editions of the game have been published, but the most popular continues to be the classic “Number Nine.” Affectionately known by its original product number, “Number Nine” is based on the streets of Atlantic City and is nearly identical to Charles Darrow’s original submission to Parker Brothers. The MONOPOLY name and logo, the distinctive design of the game board, the four corner squares, the MR. MONOPOLY name and the character, as well as each of the distinctive elements of the board and playing pieces are trademarks of Hasbro for its property trading game and game equipment.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA Mobile™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2010, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.7 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million units. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile and POGO are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. MONOPOLY and U-BUILD are trademarks of Hasbro and used with permission. Nintendo DS, Wii and Mii are trademarks of Nintendo. Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc iPhone and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc. Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
– CD PROJEKT RED and NAMCO BANDAI Partners are starting an online look-alike contest for The Witcher 2 –
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 5 November 2010 – NAMCO BANDAI Partners and CD Projekt RED are inviting to the ‘Doppler Effect’ contest, a costume contest for The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. Participants in the contest can – similar to the Dopplers – take on the role of their favorite character from the world of the Witcher. As a grand prize two winners can win a cameo appearance in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. In addition they will receive an exclusive copy of the game so they can dive into the fantastic world of the Witcher before the official launch.
In the world of the Witcherso-called Dopplers are taking on the roles of their human victims. They mimic their appearance to the slightest detail and become a perfect copy of the affected person. The costume contest however does not require a perfect copy of the game characters. Creativity and resourcefulness are more important than exact copies of the costumes. Eligible to participate is everyone who is at least 18 years old and sends a picture to CD Projekt RED before November 15th. More details can be found at http://tw2.thewitcher.com/article/de/doppler-effect-contest or at http://www.facebook.com/thewitcher, the official Facebook site of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings.
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, the second installment in the RPG saga about the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, features a thoroughly engrossing, mature storyline defining new standards for thought-provoking, non-linear game narration. In addition to an epic story, the game features an original, brutal combat system that uniquely combines tactical elements with dynamic action. A new, modern game engine, responsible both for beautiful visuals and sophisticated game mechanics puts players in the liveliest and believable world ever created in an RPG game.
Zombie Farm for iPhone Implements Key Online Saving Feature and Holiday Decor
The Playforge integrates Game Center to enable autosave for Zombie Farmers
San Mateo, CA–November 3, 2010–The Playforge, today, unveils its highly anticipated online save feature for Zombie Farm, their popular iPhone farming game. Now, more than six million Zombie Farmers can access games from any iOS device, logging in with their respective Game Center accounts. To celebrate the invaluable new feature and all of the festive holiday additions, The Playforge is kicking off the season with a contest to find the most creative Zombie Farmer.
In the spirit of the holiday season, Zombie Farmers can harvest Fall-inspired crops, and adorn their farms with festive new accessories. Players can also unlock a zombie-pumpkin mutation, and pit their horde of lovable living dead against new enemy robots wielding supernatural powers.
A heavily requested feature, automatic online saving, now enables Zombie Farmers to save their farms online from their iPhone or iPod touch. The feature records game progress and automatically backs it up on servers using a player’s Game Center ID. Players can now log in from any iOS device and tend to their Zombie Farms.
“Online saving is something we have wanted to implement since launch, and Game Center integration has provided the perfect solution,” says Vince McDonnell, creator of Zombie Farm. “It is the stepping stone we need to add other exciting social elements like gifting.”
About The Playforge:
Founded in 2009, The Playforge is an industry-leading mobile games development house specializing in fun-filled, original applications for kids ages 5 to 100. Its hit title, Zombie Farm, has garnered 6 million downloads and averages 1.5 million users per month. The app has held its position in the top free as well as top-grossing apps in the iTunes App Store since its launch in February 2010. While exuding a playful sense of humor, The Playforge specializes in creating highly engaging titles with fun and innovative social emphases. For more information about The Playforge, please visit www.theplayforge.com or friend and follow them on Facebook and Twitter: @theplayforge, bit.ly/ZombieFarmFacebook
