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Universal Sony Press Release: Elysium – Blu-ray, DVD & UltraViolet – December 12, 2013

Universal Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing Elysium on Blu-ray™, DVD and UltraViolet™ from December 12, 2013.

With an all-star cast, including Golden Globe® and Academy Award® winning actor Matt Damon, Sharlto Copley and Academy Award®, Golden Globe®, Prime-time Emmy® award winning actress Jodie Foster, Elysium brings the almost extraterrestrial world of Earth’s future, rife with poverty and crime, to life.

Shot on location at Mexico City’s Bordo Poniente landfill, the world’s second largest dump, Elysium rips audiences from 2013 and catapults them into the year 2159, where two classes of people exist: the wealthy elite who live on a pristine space station called Elysium, and the impoverished masses, living in squalor on the parched and frenzied Earth.

When Max (Damon), is backed into a corner and faces the full force of Elysium’s power and corruption head-on, he finds himself as the unlikely hero as he reluctantly takes on the dangerous mission to do the impossible – break into Elysium.

 
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Metro: Last Light developer 4A Games recreates fan designed weapon, the Multi-barreled Bicycle Shotgun, in-game

Sydney, Australia – September 20, 2013 – Alexandre Bannwarth, a 1st year design student at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand saw his dream weapon design for ‘Metro: Last Light’ become (virtual) reality when Ukrainian developer 4A Games offered to build his creation in-game.

Based on the novels by Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky, the critically acclaimed video game ‘Metro: Last Light’ is set in a bleak post-apocalypse, where the remnants of mankind struggle to survive in the Moscow Metro – the largest nuclear bunker in the world.

With modern technologies lost forever, these survivors have learned to fashion crude, hand-made weaponry scavenged together from scrap metal and spare parts.

Inspired by 4A’s incredible designs, Alexandre submitted his own – the ‘Multi-barreled Bicycle Shotgun’ – in a ‘Design a Weapon’ competition run by gaming website GamePlanet.co.nz.

His winning design caught the eye of 4A Games, as did the competition judges’ tongue-in-cheek verdict – “It will be scandalous if 4A Games doesn’t release it as DLC (downloadable content) for the game…”  

Never one to shirk a challenge, 4A Games’ team of weapon designers, led by Andre ‘Prof’ Prokhorov (an engineer by training who personally designed most of Metro: Last Light’s unique handmade arsenal) have, with Alexandre’s permission, done exactly that.

The unique ‘Multi Barreled Bicycle Shotgun’ is made from reclaimed bicycle parts and, like all of Metro’s handmade weapons, is based on sound mechanical principles that mean it could conceivably function in the ‘real’ world.

“When we saw Alexandre’s winning design, and GamePlanet’s mock challenge to 4A Games we knew we had to try and make this happen,” said Huw Beynon, Global Brand Manager for Metro: Last Light at Deep Silver, the game’s publisher. “4A Games spent many hours making this design a reality, with all the care and dedication they afforded their own designs.”

“Alexandre’s concept for the Bicycle Shotgun was the perfect blueprint for our weapon designers.” said Andrew Prokhorov, Creative Director and co-founder at 4A Games. “When we first saw his design, we immediately saw the potential – it is a fitting addition to the Metro arsenal, and the team enjoyed the challenge of bringing it to life it in-game.”

The Multi Barreled Bicycle Shotgun appears in the latest DLC pack for Metro: Last Light, the aptly named ‘Developer Pack’, available to download now.

For the full story on how Alexandre’s design became reality, including his own design notes and work-in-progress images taken from 4A’s development process, visit GamePlanet.co.nz.

 
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Madman Acquires DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF THE GODS

Friday, 20 September 2013: Madman is proud to announce the acquisition of the latest feature in the evergreen DRAGON BALL Z franchise, DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF THE GODS.

DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF THE GODS is the first DRAGON BALL Z movie to receive a Japanese theatrical release in 17 years, and with original manga creator, Akira Toriyama heavily involved, the first film in the series to be considered an official part of the original DRAGON BALL manga storyline.

When Birus, The God of Destruction awakes from a long slumber, he learns of the defeat of the galactic overlord Freeza by the hands of Son Goku. Seeking an opponent worthy of his power, Birus, along with his companion Uis, travels to the North Quadrant of the universe to challenge Goku to a battle. 

Shooting straight to the number one spot in its opening week at the Japanese box-office, DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF THE GODS took in over $7 million USD and sold over 500,000 tickets in just two days. The film has since become the fastest-grossing film of 2013 in Japan, earning a total of US$30 million [2.9 billion Yen]. 

One of the most beloved manga and anime brands in the world, DRAGON BALL and DRAGON BALL Z have a rich cultural history spanning two decades, significantly boosting the popularity of Japanese animation in Western culture and influencing multiple generations of fans. 

In Australia, DRAGON BALL Z has enjoyed a regular television broadcast across Channel 10 and Cartoon Network and has sold in excess of one million units across DVD and VHS formats alone. 

DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF THE GODS will premiere at the 17th Japanese Film Festival, touring Australia Oct – Dec, 2013. For more information, visit www.japanesefilmfestival.net

DRAGON BALL Z: BATTLE OF THE GODS will also screen in select Australian cinemas in 2014.

 
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Plantronics Gaming Launches RIG™ Headset, Connecting Game Life and Real Life

SYDNEY, Australia – September 20, 2013 –Today, Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) announced the local release of the RIG headset – the first product in the upcoming line of RIG gaming products from Plantronics. RIG products are designed to help today’s multi-screen and multi-device connected gamers manage their digital life. RIG systems blend superior game audio and chat, at home and on-the-go, with mobile audio, music, and apps, and lets users take calls without hitting pause. 

“RIG is the beginning of the next wave in what gamers will come expect from their headsets. Using our expertise in acoustics, industrial design, and communications, we’ve designed RIG from the ground up for the high performance needs of gaming while also giving users new levels of versatility by combining other elements of their lifestyle into one seamless, user-controlled experience” said Peter Petrides, Director of Gaming, Australia & New Zealand at Plantronics. “RIG immerses gamers in their virtual world while keeping them seamlessly connected to the real one.” 

Originally unveiled at Gamescom 2013 in August, the RIG stereo headset and mixer empowers players to focus on the game by managing their mix, their way. With a smartphone connected to the mixer, switching between game chat and taking a phone call on the fly is simple, with a touch of the paddle. Inject an alternate soundtrack by firing up stored or app-based music in place of the game soundtrack from a connected smartphone or tablet. Dial in a preferred mix of game and smartphone sound – calls, music, and app notifications – for a fully customized audio experience.  

“With a complete system of headset, mixer, convertible cables, and two-way access to smartphone audio and voice communication, RIG gives users the power to integrate their lives with an ultimate gaming audio experience,” said Petrides. “RIG is unique within the marketplace, delivers a premium system at a value price, and is a terrific launch pad for the RIG franchise.” 

The RIG headset delivers epic audio performance, with precision stereo, crystal-clear voice and three EQ profiles, including Seismic mode, allowing players to feel the bass. The RIG headset features breakthrough bass tube technology, driving accurate and powerful low-octave audio without distortion of critical mid and high frequency audio cues essential to gamers. 

Features include:

·       Precision stereo headset: Offering exceptional audio quality traditionally only found in professional-grade products, with 40mm speaker drivers, the RIG audio profile brings game sound to life, boost to music and clarity to voice communication.

·       Innovative mixer: The heart of the RIG system, the mixer seamlessly connects the virtual world and the real world. With a punch of the paddle, take calls without pausing the game. Twin sliders enable gamers to find the perfect mix of game audio, voice chat and smartphone audio.

·       Interchangeable boom and inline mics: The noise-cancelling boom mic blocks background noise for clear conversations. Swap it out and plug in the stealth inline mic with mute and call control – for music, chat or gaming on the go.

·       Three EQ profiles: Feel the game and boost your music with three EQ profiles – Pure, Intensify and Seismic. Experience epic bass with Plantronics proprietary bass tube technology.

·       Street style industrial design: The headset’s sleek styling reflects its premium performance and active lifestyle orientation. A gaming headset that looks as good on the street as it does in the living room.

·       Ultra-comfortable ear cushions and headband: Designed for marathon gaming sessions, the RIG soft ear cushions provide long-wearing comfort, and the headband features just the right level of tension for a perfect fit.

·       Universal compatibility with PC/Mac, Xbox 360, PS3, smartphones and tables: More devices means more ways to game. RIG elegantly moves between computers, consoles and mobile devices without missing a beat. 

A complete audio system of headset, mixer and convertible mics and cables, the RIG stereo headset and mixer kicks off of the new series of RIG gaming products from Plantronics Gaming. 

Pricing and Availability

RIG will be available at EB Games, Dick Smith, JB HiFi and Officeworks from October 5, 2013, for a suggested price of AU$149.99. Pre-orders are available today via EB Games and JB HiFi.

For more information, please visit https://ebgames.com.au/featured/plantronics-gaming for EB Games, and http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/game/accessories/plantronics.htm for JB HiFi.

 
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Europa Universalis IV Mini-series “Frenemies” Sends Friends to War

NEW YORK — September 19, 2013 — Paradox Interactive, a publisher of games and an admirer of thespians, today released the first episode in a live-action mini-series for Europa Universalis IV, the critically acclaimed empire-building strategy title from Paradox Development Studio. The new series, entitled “Frenemies,” showcases the lengths that ordinary people will go to in order to achieve global conquest in a multiplayer game of Europa Universalis IV, including fragile alliances, brutal warfare, and unexpected diplomatic provisos. Also, someone explains what casus belli means! The first episode is available to watch now:

Frenemies_trailer

Europa Universalis IV allows players to rewrite history as they see fit, guiding either tiny, unlikely nations to prominence as global superpowers through cunning and force, so finally Naples can seize control of the English Channel like they always truly intended to. In order to allow players a more direct role in guiding the course of history, Paradox has begun the “Rewrite History Contest” for fans to create their own in-game events and share them with fellow players on the Paradox Interactive Forums. The top suggestions will be selected and officially added to Europa Universalis IV in a forthcoming game update. For full details on the contest, visit forum.paradoxplaza.com/Rewrite-history

For those who find altering history a bit complex, we’ve constructed a Beginners Guide to Europa Universalis IV. It can be downloaded free of charge from our fourm: forum.paradoxplaza.com

About Europa Universalis IV
Your dreams of global domination can finally come to fruition – assuming you don’t mind crushing your friends beneath your ruthlessly expanding empire. Europa Universalis IV is an empire-building game of strategy, cunning, and exploration, featuring 32-person multiplayer gameplay sure to turn enemies into allies, friends into foes, and roommates into the vile, petty despots who threaten your borders. Trade, diplomacy, and open warfare will challenge nations great and small to survive the age of exploration in Paradox’s grandest award-winning strategy yet.

Strategy fans and ambitious conquerors can purchase Europa Universalis IV now at www.europauniversalis4.com.

 
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“Forza Motorsport 5” Short Film: “FilmSpeed”

 
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BEHIND THE SCENES – THE MIGHTY QUEST FOR EPIC LOOT DEVELOPER DIARY

About The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot

Developed by Ubisoft Montréal, The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot is a multiplayer action game where players attempt to create impregnable castles to protect their treasure hoard while simultaneously attempting to ransack other players’ castles.www.themightyquest.com

Gamers can play as three characters, the boastful Knight, Sir Painhammer, the enigmatic Archer, Blackeye Bogart, or the Mage, a.k.a The Earl of Evilosity. In the near future, players will also have access to The Runaway, the latest character to join the quest. Wielding a bad-ass axe and lightning speed, she’ll be a formidable foe for castle defences.

 
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The wait is over – GAT V is finally here!

Gamers have waited for years to experience GAT V – it’s finally available!

To celebrate the release of the GAT V Pack on PC, Volition, the developer of Saints Row IV, and Deep Silver are giving it away for free for 24 hours on Steam!

Be recognised everywhere when you dress up in typical Johnny Gat fashion or in the official Aisha costume, only available here.

Also contains the Reynolds .50 Heavy Machine Gun and a Knifethrower (no kidding) for the ultimate Saints Row #GATV experience.

Howdy, partner, we’re not done yet!

Go West – with the Wild West Pack for Saints Row IV!

Since we all know that real Presidents secretly aspire to be a cowboy, you will be able to outfit your CIC in real western style with the Wild West Pack for Saints Row IV!

The Wild West Pack includes a fitting cowboy outfit, a wild west dress and a Western themed shotgun and revolver.


Both the GAT V and the Wild West Pack will be out today on Steam and on October 11th on consoles, for a price of US$2.99 (AU$3.20) each.

Youtube Links:

GAT V Pack: http://youtu.be/4kDGYAjgDmE
Wild West Pack: http://youtu.be/t7L-FXuXA3Y

 
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INDIANA JONES AND THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK in IMAX!

For the first time ever, Indy’s is IMAX from today!

INDIANA JONES AND THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK has been fully restored from the original 35 mm print and for the first time in Australia, is being made available on the IMAX screen!

Re-live this classic adventure like never before in stunning IMAX on The World’s 3rd Largest Screen.

Screening for a limited two week season so don’t miss out!

TRAILER   SESSION TIMES   BUY TICKETS

 
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NAMCO BANDAI GAMES EUROPE LIGHTS BONUS BONFIRES FOR FANS WITH DARK SOULS II COLLECTOR’S EDITION AND LIMITED BLACK ARMOUR PRE-ORDER EDITION

Both Soul Stirring Special Editions Make DARK SOULS II Worth Dying For on March 14, 2014  

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 19th September 2013 –  NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S. announced today the details surrounding its DARK SOULS™ II Collector’s Edition and Black Armour Pre-Order Edition. Offered in limited quantities and while supplies last, both the Collector’s Edition and Black Armour Edition of DARK SOULS II contain items that are sure to please fans of DARK SOULS; a game that has been lauded by critics and fans to deliver one of the most challenging experiences in videogame history. DARK SOULS II is scheduled to launch in Europe and Australasia on March 14, 2014 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft. DARK SOULS II for PCs will launch in Europe and Australasia shortly after in 2014.

Avid videogame collectors and aficionados will want to immediately reserve their copy of the DARK SOULS II Collector’s Edition. The DARK SOULS II Collector’s Edition will feature a premium quality Warrior Knight figurine measuring in at 12 inches / 30 cm in height and weighing in at nearly 16 ounces / 450 grams. Fans will also be able to thumb through an exclusive hardbound art-book filled with never-before-seen images created by the talented artists at game developer FromSoftware. True adventure fans are sure to enjoy the sizable full-colour fabric map of the DARK SOULS II game world that can only be had within the Collector’s Edition. Topping off this extensive package is the metal game case from the DARK SOULS II Black Armour Edition which will contain both the game disc and the official game soundtrack composed by famed Japanese composer Motoi Sakuraba.

Rewards also await DARK SOULS II fans that simply pre-order the game as they will automatically receive the DARK SOULS II Black Armour Edition when the game launches; while supplies last. The Black Armour Edition features a metal case that contains both the game disc and the official game soundtrack that is sure to stir emotions and set players’ mood for battle.

DARK SOULS II will offer hardcore fans and newcomers alike a challenging yet rewarding experience with a whole new sense of achievement,” said Olivier COMTE, Senior Vice-President at NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe. “Working closely with FROM SOFTWARE, we’re excited to be bringing these Collector’s Edition and special Black Armour Edition, with appealing added content for everyone that will allow them to fully dive into the world of DARK SOULS II.

Dark Souls II will be launching in Europe and Australasia on March 14, 2014 on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft with the PC edition to follow shortly in 2014. To learn more about Dark Souls II or to pre-order the game, please visit http://www.darksoulsII.com/. To stay up-to-date with DARK SOULS II including updates on the upcoming DARK SOULS II Beta; please visit the DARK SOULS Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/darksouls.