Free multiplayer DLC coming soon with two new maps, and additional game mode  

SYDNEY, Australia — March 15^th, 2013 — Line up your sights, brace your nerves and get ready for the sniping event of the year. CI Games, a fast-growing international publisher and developer of interactive entertainment, has shipped more than one million units of Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 to retailers worldwide in anticipation of the global launch. Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 hits the shelves today in Australia at retailers for Xbox 360® and PlayStation®3 for $79.95 RRP, and Windows PC for $69.95 RRP.

“From the suspenseful tactical sniper experience and multitude of real world locations, to the incredible visuals, advanced AI and intelligent physics using Crytek’s, state-of-the-art, CryENGINE® 3, Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 is a game built for the modern military video game enthusiasts,” said Marek Tyminski, CEO of CI Games. “Free multiplayer DLC containing two new maps and an exciting additional game mode is just the first step in our plan to support the Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 experience for our fans after  launch. We will also soon release a dedicated update to the PC version of the game that will allow gamers to enjoy all the advantages of DirectX 11.

The Free downloadable content (DLC) pack will introduce new multiplayer maps (Tower Defense and Temple Crossing) and a completely new game mode. Available in upcoming weeks for Xbox LIVE® Arcade, PlayStation® Network and Windows PC, players will be able to embark on a series of new thrilling multiplayer matches. Additionally, CI Games will soon release an update for the PC version of the game with DirectX 11 support.

Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 is the only multi-platform first person shooter exclusively designed around the modern military sniper experience. Using the advanced capabilities of CryENGINE3, the game delivers deep graphical environments, diverse challenges, a responsive AI system and the exacting precision and accuracy that made the original a worldwide hit.  With unprecedented levels of authentic weaponry, ballistics and environmental factors, Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 offers the ultimate balance of skill, tension and action. 

Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 is available March 15^th for the Xbox 360® and PlayStation®3 for $79.95 RRP, and Windows PC for $69.95 RRP.

To learn more about Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2, visit: www.facebook.com/SniperGhostWarrior  & www.sniperghostwarrior2.com

Gears of War: Judgement

To equip fans for the impending launch of “Gears of War: Judgment” on March 19, Epic Games and Microsoft recently premiered a new cinematic trailer showcasing the intense, grub-stomping action and thrilling gameplay of the hotly anticipated blockbuster.

Featuring the hit single “Shooting the Moon” from acclaimed UK band Mona, the trailer offers a glimpse of “Judgment’s” heart-pounding campaign and embodies the bold defiance, bravery and heroism of fan-favourite Damon Baird and Kilo Squad as they face an unjust trial and fight to rescue the planet Sera from the brink of annihilation. The trailer was rendered entirely in-engine on Unreal Engine 3, showcasing the stunning graphics of the most visually spectacular “Gears” game yet.

“Judgment” is a tribute to the die-hard ‘Gears’ fans who have been with us since the beginning and an amazing experience for anyone who loves intense action and gripping, cinematic storytelling,” said Alan Van Slyke, Senior Producer of “Gears of War: Judgment” at Epic Games. “Thanks to the support of partners at People Can Fly, we’ve pushed the ‘Gears’ franchise in all-new directions while bringing back some of the key elements that put us on the map, and we can’t wait to share it with the world on March 19.”

Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition.

With the release of Skin Pack 4 for Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition, we’re excited to announce that Microsoft will soon bring “Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition” to retail as a disc-based version that will let gamers who are not currently connected to Xbox LIVE experience the thrill of Minecraft! This version of “Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition” will contain all the same features and content included in the current version, as well as the new additions coming soon in the ninth title update to the game. The retail game will be exactly the same as the digital version in every way, including support for multiplayer connectivity between the retail game and the digital download, and the retail disc version will receive all the same content and feature updates as the digital version ongoing.

The retail disc will arrive in stores in Australia on June 6, 2013 for AU$29.95 RRP

Halo Infinity Multiplayer experience: Castle Map Pack

The third major expansion in the Halo Infinity Multiplayer experience, the Castle Map Pack, launches Monday, April 8. The Castle Map Pack brings players three medium-to-large, stunning maps that emphasise vehicular warfare and large battles over open spaces, where team strategy is key to successfully conquering the battlefield.

Daybreak places you amidst military facilities, against the backdrop of an idyllic mountain range, while Outcast plunges you into the natural tunnels and arches of a secluded rebel outpost. Perdition takes players into the heart of an urban battleground, where tactical speed and situational awareness are essential to achieving victory.  The Castle Map pack provides 9 new Achievements worth a total of 250 Gamerscore.

To offer a glimpse of the new maps, 343 Industries released a trailer for the Castle Map Pack, available now on Halo Waypoint. Full descriptions of the new maps and modes are below:

New Battlegrounds: Castle Map Pack

• Daybreak: Two UNSC bases oppose each other in this large asymmetrical map. Teams must split focus between attacking the enemy base while playing close defence to their own. Claim your team’s sniper rifle to cover the central Man Cannon, or grab a Warthog to push through the side channels and flank the enemy base. The Rocket Launcher and Banshee both spawn in positions diagonal to the starting bases; claiming their firepower early is crucial to land the first flag cap or take an early lead in kills.
• Outcast: Controlling vehicle paths is critical in this circular map set in a desert environment. Outcast features frequent Mantis vs. Wraith battles, so teams must keep their drivers informed with constant communication to get the drop on enemy vehicles. While driving the Mantis, you can target fusion coils in tunnels to flush out camping opponents directly into your rain of fire, or cover your flag runner’s dash to a friendly Warthog. If you find yourself without a vehicle, race to the secondary bases to secure a power weapon or drop on enemies for a game-changing hijack.
• Perdition: Blending long sightlines, vehicles, and close-quarters combat, Perdition caters to nearly any gameplay style. Wheelmen and gunners will be right at home in this urban environment as a well-placed Warthog can lock down a quarter of the map, securing valuable ordnances for the team. Learning the interior routes is essential to both escaping danger and finishing off ranged kills. Be sure to look for the Gravity Hammer in Power Station 3 – an ideal revenge weapon against a pesky sniper or a big surprise for an enemy Warthog.

The Castle Map Pack will be available on Xbox LIVE for 800 Microsoft Points. Players who purchase the “Halo 4”War Games Map Pass or “Halo 4” Limited Edition will receive access to all three Map Packs (Crimson, Majestic, and Castle). 

New Playlist: “Castle DLC”  

The Castle Map Pack brings a new playlist to the War Games experience called “Castle DLC,” a six-versus-six playlist that focuses on both team play and coordinated objective gameplay. 

The new maps will also be integrated into existing Infinity Slayer, Big Team Objective, and Dominion playlists. DLC maps will appear in a playlist if all members of the match have the content purchased or the War Games Map Pass.

As a Sorcerer in Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, players will get to cast an array of high level magic spells as they make their way through
the underground realm. Check out the latest video on the official Capcom Australia Youtube channel to see how the Sorcerer and his party fare against the Poisoned Undead, Banshees and the imposing Gold and Silver Knights.

Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen includes all of the content from the original Dragon’s Dogma plus a whole new underground realm for gamers to explore. Owners of the original game will be able to export their existing save data to continue their journey as the Arisen, while those new to the series can
begin their Dragon’s Dogma experience afresh. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is distributed by All Interactive Entertainment and will be available from April 23 across Australia and New Zealand.

Bethesda is pleased to announce that Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall, the second add-on pack for the critically-acclaimed first-person action game developed by Arkane Studios, will be available in Australia and New Zealand on April 16^th for Xbox 360 and PC, and on April 17^th for PS3. The add-on is priced at AUD $14.45 (or 800 Microsoft Points).

In The Knife of Dunwall you take on the role of Daud, the legendary assassin who killed the Empress, and access his weapons, gadgets, allies and supernatural abilities. After assassinating the Empress, and forever changing the fate of Dunwall, you embark on a search for redemption. The Outsider reveals the key to your atonement, but who—or what—is Delilah? Accompanied by the Whalers, your loyal band of mercenary assassins, your search will take you through never-before-seen districts of Dunwall as you face off against new and terrible foes. Employ a unique arsenal of new weapons and powers that enhance Dishonored’s dynamic combat, mobility and stealth systems. In the struggle to hang onto the last shred of your humanity, the choices you make will ultimately determine your fate. 

Dishonored has received over 100 ‘Game of the Year’ awards from outlets including Game Informer, PC Gamer, Yahoo!, GameSpot.com, MSNBC.com, and CNN. In addition to garnering numerous nominations from the D.I.C.E. Interactive Achievement Awards and the Game Developers Choice Awards, Dishonored received ‘Best Action/Adventure Game of the Year’ at the SPIKE TV Video Game Awards and was recently named ‘Best Game of 2012’ by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) video games awards. For more information on Dishonored or The Knife of Dunwall please visit www.Dishonored.com.

NDA to be lifted from Defiance Advanced Mission Beta 3 on March 23

Sydney, Australia – March 14, 2013 – Defiance™, the highly anticipated online open-world shooter from Trion Worlds, will enter its third and final PC beta phase on March 23, starting at 2am AEDT, and ending on March 25 at 3pm AEDT. For the first time, on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, console gamers will get the chance to experience a taste of the massive co-op boss battles and fierce multiplayer gameplay that takes place across this evolving sci-fi universe. Specific details for the beta phase on each platform will be included in official invitations that are scheduled for distribution next week.

Participants in Advanced Mission Beta 3 will get to play as Ark Hunters. Genetically enhanced with unique abilities and armed to the hilt with a variety of unique alien and human weaponry boasting thousands of upgrade options, Ark Hunters are fearless operatives who scour the Earth competing for alien technology against all odds for vast rewards.

The final beta, which is not representative of the final game, will let players explore the Mt. Tam and Madera regions with co-op battles on Angel Island and the Cronkhite Bunker. For Ark Hunters looking to test their might in some competitive multiplayer action, the Freight yard and Observatory will provide opportunities to prove themselves worthy of Von Bach Industries’ recruitment.

Thanks to a partnership with Dodge, Trion revealed last week that players pre-ordering Defiance will also get an exclusive in-game red Dodge Challenger at launch, in addition to the previously announced pre-order reward items. The Dodge Challenger is the fastest vehicle in the game and players in the beta will get to test drive it first by competing in the Dodge time trial challenge located in Madera.

Defiance is scheduled for release across Australia and New Zealand in April 2013, and is now available for pre-order at EB Games and JB Hi-Fi.

Full pre-order details are available at http://www.defiance.com/pre-order.