Beginning today and continuing through January 13th, 2012, we’re offering our Twitter followers the unique opportunity to be immortalized as one of eight Max Payne 3 multiplayer gang characters, just by using the #MaxPayne3 hashtag on Twitter.

Every week from now until January 13th, we’ll be selecting ten people at random that we’ve spotted using the #MaxPayne3 hashtag. If you’re one of those chosen, we’ll contact you either via tweet or direct message to request a picture of you for consideration. We’ll then pick two finalists from each group each week (eight people in total) who will have their likeness appear as a multiplayer gang character in our upcoming action shooter Max Payne 3.

• Make sure you’re following @RockstarGames on Twitter.
• Make sure you’re using the hashtag #MaxPayne3 when you talk about the game.
• Keep an eye on your twitter replies and direct messages for us to contact you through January 13th, 2012. All fans that we contact will only have 48 hours to respond.

Visit the casting page for all of the details, and the official rules.

Melbourne Australia – December 17, 2011 – Impulse Gamer checks out some of Hollywood’s latest trailers that are making some buzz in tinseltown!

Men in Black Trailer

Sacha Baron is The Dictator Trailer

Rock of Ages Trailer

G.I. Joe Retalitation Trailer

The Expendables 2 Trailer

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Trailer 3D

Jack the Giant Killer Trailer

Perfect Sense Trailer

Kill List Trailer

Think like a Man Trailer

Good Deeds Trailer

The Flowers of War Trailer

Jiro Dreams of Sushi Trailer

Hamburg, 16.12.2011 – Players of gamigo’s fascinating fantasy MMORPG Fiesta Online can now battle the Dark Cult led by the evil witch Magrite in the game’s latest add-on, which was released today. The update introduces three new regions, exciting quests and tough opponents to the world of Isya. To allow players to rise to these new challenges, the level cap has been raised from 105 to 110 and an arsenal of new weapons and armor has been added.

What is the Dark Cult? Hundreds of years ago, when the town of Alberstol was in the grips of evil, the five wise elders transformed themselves into the ancient elements to form a magical protective barrier around the town. But Magrite used a mystical potion to bring all manner of creatures and animals under her control. Players can enter the new areas “Origin of Life Tree”, “Dark Land” and “Tree of Abyss” to complete more than 50 quests and go head-to-head against Magrite in the end.

It’s important to be well-equipped if one wants to survive these challenges. More than 200 magic weapons, armor pieces and accessories have been created in the smithies and workshops of Isya. With such formidable equipment, players will be able to head out into battle against 30 new types of enemies.

All the features of the “Dark Cult” at a glance:

• Level cap raised from 105 to 110
• Three new regions (“Origin of Life Tree”, “Dark Land” and “Tree of Abyss”)
• More than 30 new enemies
• More than 50 new quests

More than 200 new items

Silkroad-R Becomes An Evolved, Totally Independent Silkroad Experience With Faster Leveling, Improved Class Balance & UI And Much More 

December 16th, 2011 – Joymax, a developer and publisher of interactive entertainment for the global market, today announced a rebirth in the Silkroad universe with the upcoming launch of Silkroad-R.  Silkroad-R is based in the universe of the hugely popular Silkroad Online game, also from Joymax, and will offer an evolved Silkroad experience with faster leveling in a cleaner game environment and additional content for improved balance between tribes and classes, while also offering an experience completely independent from the original Silkroad Online. Silkroad-R will go into Open Beta next week and will be celebrated with multiple events, with great prizes, including Silkroad bingo, and several special level-up events.  Players can go to http://www.joymax.com/ to register for a Joymax account and jump straight into the action starting December 20th! 

In Silkroad-R the skill balance will be improved with changes in weapons damage for both Chinese and European class weapons as well as additional Chinese and European skills.  Party EXP is improved and players can expect an integration and changes in skill mastery and changes in European class skill damages.

Growth & skill points in Silkroad-R have improved with reduced required EXP for leveling up, changes in monster item drop rates and in mastery & required skill points, with increased chances of 11^th level Jupiter monster item drops and additional 12^th level item drops from the Jupiter boss monster. 

Improvements in the level design of Silkroad include new quest routes and monster locations and additions for quest convenience, with no Gold drops for level 70 and below alongside plenty of other small balance tweaks.

The Forgotten World has improved ,with higher chances of creating Dimension Pillars, a major reduction of re-entrance time and increase of rewards with additional skill point rewards, an additional movement portal inside the Forgotten World instance dungeon as well as a higher talisman drop rate. Lastly, the UI in Silkroad-R is improved with information on the character select screen, mouse pointer, mini map, item purchase UI, guide tool tip and much more.

“Silkroad-R is a new start for the Silkroad franchise, while still allowing our community to have its choice of playing either Silkroad-R or the original Silkroad Online independently,” said Joymax CEO, Nam-chul Kim. “Silkroad-R offers improvements across the board with everything from improved balancing and level design, growth and skill points to a totally revamped user interface and much more that players will experience next week when they get a sneak peek during the Open Beta! 

Silkroad-R is the all-new, light and easy to play massively multiplayer online role-playing game that picks up where the original left off. The game provides a bot-free and lag-free experience for players while they journey deep into historical fantasy, joining the Chinese and European civilizations along the Silk Road trade routes. Traveling across Jangan, from China to Constantinople, players can make their fortunes as merchants, prey on the rich as thieves, or be protection-for-hire as hunters. Silkroad-R provides players with the ultimate PVP experience. Players can battle it out with their Fellows, their partner pets, to become champions of the Silk Roads.

For more information check out the official site at http://www.joymax.com/silkroad-r/.

Action-Packed MMORPG Now Available to North American and European Players

(Foster City, CA) December 15, 2011 — Perfect World Entertainment Inc., a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Perfect World Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: PWRD), today announced the launch of War of the Immortals, an action-packed massively multiplayer online role-playing game, in North America and Europe.

War of the Immortals is now available for free download and play at: http://woi.perfectworld.com/

After several months of testing, War of the Immortals continues to draw players worldwide into an adventure guaranteed to transform would-be heroes into legendary warriors and demigods.

War of the Immortals features stunning landscapes, interactive environments, awe-inspiring monsters, and a unique pet system based on the concept of ‘capture and customize’. Its advanced guild system allows players to establish housing for guild members, recruit new warriors, plan dungeon runs and create new recipes and items.

“In War of the Immortals, we have combined some of the most requested MMORPG features and created a compelling game with a unique blend of interactive dungeons and intense territory war features,” said Jonathan Belliss, Executive Producer, Perfect World Entertainment Inc. “Now that we’ve launched, players are discovering a balanced game great for leveling up beginners, but challenging for seasoned gamers. At higher levels in War of the Immortals, skill, teamwork and strategy are critical.”
 
Those who participated in War of the Immortal’s open beta can expect a seamless rollover of their characters, rank, pets, gear and other in-game earnings to the live game.

It’s also not too late to enter the War of Immortals Hardware Giveaway for a chance to win more than $2,500 worth of prizes, including a computer, gaming hardware, War of the Immortals limited edition collectible items, and in-game currency. Various prizes will be available as players reach each of the three tiers beginning at Tier 1. All players who register for a free War of the Immortals account and login to play between now and December 31 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific will automatically be entered for a chance to win prizes at Tier 1.

To download and play War of the Immortals at no cost, or to join the War of the Immortals community for more information, please visit the official website: http://register.perfectworld.com/woi

And, for more information about the hardware giveaway, please visit:
http://woi.perfectworld.com/news/?p=405001

ABOUT PERFECT WORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
Perfect World Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Perfect World Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: PWRD), primarily publishes online games and provides online services in North America. Aiming to provide the best game services to North American players with the highest level of commitment in localization, quality assurance, and user-friendly publishing infrastructure, Perfect World Entertainment has achieved great success and published a number of MMORPGs, including “Perfect World International”, “Ether Saga Odyssey”, “Jade Dynasty”, “Battle of the Immortals”, and “Forsaken World”; and a single-player action-RPG “Torchlight”. Perfect World Entertainment also licenses and operates popular games, including an action-based MORPG “Rusty Hearts”.

(Foster City, CA) December 16, 2011 — Perfect World Entertainment Inc., a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Perfect World Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: PWRD), today launched the latest free expansion to its tremendously successful free-to-play martial-arts MMORPG, Jade Dynasty.

In Jade Dynasty: Legacy, players can explore the secrets of Incense Valley, play as new classes and bring their characters to life with all new visuals and fashion sets.

“We’re delighted to offer the Legacy expansion to our players,” said Dean Sakurai, Product Manager, Perfect World Entertainment. ” Jade Dynasty: Legacy brings new and exciting gameplay to the table and it’s something we’ve been looking forward to share with our player base for a long time.”

Jade Dynasty: Legacy features many new features for players to enjoy, including new classes, character visuals, special events, content and balance improvements.

Playing as one of two new classes, the Incense Valley Mages or the melee combat experts of the Forta, players can unleash devastating attacks on enemies and discover perilous trials in the Crimson Peaks instance, one of the largest in the game. Players who complete this instance may also claim incredible rewards and prizes. New events — such as the all-new Christmas event and other seasonal events — also allow players to celebrate with friends.

Jade Dynasty: Legacy is the largest content update to Jade Dynasty since the previous expansion, Vengeance, launched in late 2010.

To download and play Jade Dynasty: Legacy at no cost, or to join the Jade Dynasty: Legacy community for more information, please visit the official website: http://jd.perfectworld.com/legacy

ABOUT PERFECT WORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
Perfect World Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Perfect World Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: PWRD), primarily publishes online games and provides online services in North America. Aiming to provide the best game services to North American players with the highest level of commitment in localization, quality assurance, and user-friendly publishing infrastructure, Perfect World Entertainment has achieved great success and published a number of MMORPGs, including “Perfect World International”, “Ether Saga Odyssey”, “Jade Dynasty”, “Battle of the Immortals”, and “Forsaken World”, and a single-player action-RPG “Torchlight”. Perfect World Entertainment also licenses and operates popular games, including an action-based MORPG “Rusty Hearts”.

Series Based on Popular iPhone App Introduces Issues No. 11

SAN FRANCISCO – December 8, 2011 – The lives of the Pygmies of the Pocket God universe may be full of danger and vengeful gods, but people love them! Ape Entertainment and Bolt Creative are proud to announce that the digital comic book series based on Pocket God, one of the best-selling iPhone apps of all-time, has surpassed over 500,000 downloads to-date. To celebrate, the series’ creators have partnered with Free App A Day (FAAD) to offer the first issue of the digital comic for free for a limited time.

In addition, the full-color digital comic series has today introduced issue No. 11, which is available for immediate download on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad via iVerse Media, a digital distribution partner of Ape Entertainment. The new issue features 20 pages of all new content starring the pygmies of Pocket God on their adventures to understand their world and to just stay alive as long as possible. Fans can follow Ooga, Booga, Klik, Klak, Nooby & Dooby as they get eaten by piranhas, hit by meteors, menaced by Sharks-with-Frickin-Lasers, and face even more horrible dangers.

“What makes Pocket God such a breakout hit is its attention to original characters and stories that play off the sadistic, episodic-based app that allows users to control the lives of a group of energetic pygmy islanders,” said Brent E. Erwin, Ape Co-Publisher. “We’re extremely pleased to see how well fans of Pocket God and fans of comic books have taken to the series.”

Created by Dave Castelnuovo and Allan Dye, founders of Bolt Creative, Pocket God has consistently maintained a spot in the “Top 25” games in the iTunes App Store for two and a half years running. With total sales of 7 million downloads since release, the success of Pocket God comes from a combination of endearing characters, unique art style and an incredibly fanatical community of followers.

“We have always had fun developing Pocket God and its many updates, but creating the personalities behind the pygmies and the stories behind them has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of our work,” said Dave Castelnuovo, founder and CEO of Bolt Creative. “The way the Pocket God community has embraced the comic series has been incredible to see and we look forward to continuing to create more quality Pocket God content.”

Pocket God No. 11 – Part two of the ‘A QUEST CALLED TRIBE’ story arc:

• Sun, the mysterious new female pygmy, has convinced the tribe to help her on her quest to find the rest of her missing tribe mates (more pygmies?!) and save them from the maleficent Newbie. Will this be the issue that gives us even more new pygmy characters? Who are the bubble breathing people? And where has Nooby disappeared to? The action and mystery continue to pile up.

With the addition of app enhancements included in the digital downloads of the comics to assist consumers in locating their nearest comic book retailer, Ape hopes that Pocket God will inspire new readers to discover the exciting world of comics through their local comic book shops.

For more information, please visit http://www.ApeComics.com or www.boltcreative.com.

About Bolt Creative

Bolt Creative is a San Francisco-based developer creating original iPhone applications and games, including 2009’s blockbuster iPhone game Pocket God. Bolt Creative’s goal is to create games that are not only fun to play, but fun to develop and make them laugh. For more information please visit www.boltcreative.com.

About Ape Entertainment

Founded in 2003, Ape Entertainment is the brainchild of lifelong comic book devotees David Hedgecock, and Brent E. Erwin. Ape Entertainment is the comic book home to innovative new titles as LITTLE GREEN MEN, SCOUTS, and HEROIC. Ape is also the North American publisher for licensed properties SHREK, THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR, KUNG FU PANDA, RICHIE RICH, CASPER, STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, and CUT THE ROPE.

Visit Ape Entertainment online at http://www.ApeComics.com

With the end of 2011 approaching, and the build up to the Christmas festivities in full swing, Renegade Arts Entertainment has decided to get into the party spirit with a special gift package. For less than $20, until December 15th, you’ll receive one of every comic book and graphic novel Renegade has published in 2011.

Included is SHAME, the best selling graphic novel from John Bolton (Hellraiser, Man-Bat) and Lovern Kindzierski (Animal Man); SHADES OF GREY: 24 HOURS IN LONDON, the action packed comic book from William Simpson (2000 AD, Transformers) and Alexander Finbow, based on the film directed by Finbow; the first issue of the horror tour de force CHANNEL EVIL from Alan Grant (Judge Dredd) and Shane Oakley (Albion, Cthulhu Tales); and the upcoming, April 2012, collected edition of Richmond Clements and Alex Moore’s TURNING TIGER.

If that wasn’t enough, Renegade will also throw in a limited edition DVD of their award winning movie adaptation of HP Lovecraft’s The Outsider directed by and starring Doug Bradley (Hellraiser), your choice of one DOUG BRADLEY’S SPINECHILLERS audiobook CD, two limited edition posters and a preview comic of THE LOXLEY’S AND THE WAR OF 1812, that has only been available to retailers, convention attendees and a very limited number of comic book stores in Canada.

That’s more than $50 of perfectly crafted stories for less than the price of a round of drinks at the Christmas party! This special Christmas offer will disappear in a puff of smoke on December 15th so grab it whilst it still exists, and becomes the stuff of legend, only whispered about in the dead of night.

ABOUT RENEGADE ARTS ENTERTAINMENT
We publish comic books, but only a few and we are very discerning on our choices. The mix so far has been from experienced A list writers and artists and newer blood who pitched projects just too good to turn down.

Some of our projects have come from within Renegade itself, like Alan Grant’ and Shane Oakley’s Channel Evil and Alexander Finbow and William Simpson’s Shades Of Gray. These are projects that our creators are passionate about and all of us at Renegade believe are of the highest quality. For more information, please visit www.renegadeartsentertainment.com.

SAN DIEGO, CA – December 13, 2011 – Ape Entertainment and CPLG, Cookie Jar Entertainment’s licensing arm and global licensing agent for Strawberry Shortcake™, along with American Greetings Properties, the intellectual property and outbound licensing division of American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM), today announced the Strawberry Shortcake digital comic series is now available on the App Store for iPhone, iPod® touch and iPad for the first time in history.

For more than three decades Strawberry Shortcake has been a favorite with moms and daughters for teaching wholesome values, going on fantasy adventures and proving that little girls can do big things. Developed by Ape Entertainment’s digital partner iVerse Media, the Strawberry Shortcake digital comic app is free to download and features a preview of the first issue at no additional cost and offers the first three issues for $1.99 each. Each issue contains three stories, including one 16-page story, and two four-page stories.

“We’re very proud to be a part of the first time Strawberry Shortcake has ever been a digital comic series,” said Brent E. Erwin, Ape Co-Publisher. “Beyond it being an iconic series, Strawberry Shortcake teaches very important values in a fun and creative way. And we’re extremely excited to be producing it.”

• Issue #1: “The Pineapple Predicament” – Story by Georgia Ball, Art by Tanya Roberts & Amy Mebberson, Cover by Peter Wonsowski – Strawberry Shortcake’s solution to a tropical dilemma convinces her friends that she’s taking a trip to Luau Island. Sounds like a dream vacation, but in the middle of all the excitement, the residents of Berry Bitty City forget to check their facts before they bid farewell. Also included: “The Blueberry Flu” & “Special Delivery”
• Issue #2: “The Sour Truth” – Story by Georgia Ball, Art by Tanya Roberts and Amy Mebberson, Cover by Peter Wonsowski – After Katie and Sadie Bug hear about a local legend famous for his honesty, they think telling the painful truth will earn them celebrity status. When feelings get hurt, Strawberry Shortcake must stop the devious duo before berry best friends turn into bitter enemies. Also included: “Berry Fashionable” & “A Little Kitchen Help”
• Issue #3: “The Berry Scary Storm” – Story by Georgia Ball, Art by Amy Mebberson, Cover by Peter Wonsowski – The storm of the century is brewing and it’s headed straight for Berry Bitty City. Strawberry Shortcake tries to prepare for the worst, but her friends need her help. Will she have time to save her café from the wrath of Mother Nature? Also included: “Custard & Cake” & “All Colors Go In The Flower Garden”

With the addition of app enhancements included in the digital downloads of the comics to assist consumers in locating their nearest comic book retailer, Ape hopes that Strawberry Shortcake will inspire new readers to discover the exciting world of comics through their local comic book shops.

For more information, please visit www.Ape-Entertainment.com or www.KiZoic.com.

About Ape Entertainment:

Founded in 2003, Ape Entertainment is the brainchild of lifelong comic book devotees David Hedgecock, and Brent E. Erwin. Comic book home to such popular titles as CUT THE ROPE (based on the popular app game), LITTLE GREEN MEN and the Eisner Award nominated SCRATCH9. Ape Entertainment is also the North American publisher for licensed properties including POCKET GOD, SHREK, THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR, KUNG FU PANDA, RICHIE RICH, CASPER and STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE. For the latest news about, please follow us at Facebook.com/ApeEntertainment, www.twitter.com/ApeComics or visit www.ApeComics.com.

About Cookie Jar Group

The Cookie Jar Group of Companies is one of the world’s leading independent entertainment, consumer products and education companies with offices around the globe. Cookie Jar Entertainment is a leader in the creation, production and marketing of animated and live-action programming. Its library of nearly 6,000 half-hour episodes of television features some of the world’s most recognizable series including Caillou, Inspector Gadget, The Doodlebops and Johnny Test. The company controls Cookie Jar TV, the weekend morning block on CBS, and has a one-third interest in international children’s television channel KidsCo. Cookie Jar Entertainment’s Jaroo.com is the premiere web video destination for kids with the largest independent selection of full-length children’s TV series and movies online. Copyright Promotions Licensing Group, (CPLG) Cookie Jar’s full-service international licensing agency, represents numerous entertainment, sport and design brands such as Strawberry Shortcake, Richard Scarry, St. Andrews Links, and Skelanimals. For more information, please visit www.cjar.com.

About CPLG

CPLG is one of the world’s leading entertainment and sport licensing agencies with offices in the U.S., Canada, UK, Benelux, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Japan. CPLG, the licensing arm of Cookie Jar, has more than 35 years of experience in the licensing industry. CPLG’s often-imitated company structure provides each of its clients with dedicated licensing, marketing and industry professionals and a fully-integrated design, legal and accounting service. For more information, please visit www.cplg.com.

About American Greetings Properties

American Greetings Properties (AGP) is the intellectual property and outbound licensing division of American Greetings Corporation. Built upon the successful re-launches of Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake licensed products, which have garnered over $5 billion in retail sales worldwide combined since 2002, AGP develops multi-platform campaigns for its properties through digital media, entertainment, marketing and merchandising. In addition to Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake, AGP’s active classic brands include Holly Hobbie, Popples and Madballs, as well as new properties Twisted Whiskers, Maryoku Yummy and TinPo. Children can experience AGP online at www.agkidzone.com. For more information on AGP, visit www.agpbrands.com.

About American Greetings Corporation

For more than 100 years, American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) has been a creator and manufacturer of innovative social expression products that assist consumers in enhancing their relationships. The Company’s major greeting card lines are American Greetings, Carlton Cards, Gibson, Recycled Paper Greetings and Papyrus, and other paper product offerings include DesignWare party goods and American Greetings and Plus Mark gift-wrap and boxed cards. American Greetings also has one of the largest collections of electronic greetings on the Web, including cards available at AmericanGreetings.com through AG Interactive, Inc. (the Company’s online division). In addition to its product lines, American Greetings also creates and licenses popular character brands through the American Greetings Properties group. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual revenue of approximately $1.6 billion, and its products can be found in retail outlets worldwide. For more information on the Company, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com.