From the Reinvention of the Kasumi to Surprising Sources of Inspiration Behind Character Development, Even More Is Revealed in the Second Developer Diary for DEAD OR ALIVE 5  

Sydney – 30, 2012 – Team NINJA today released the second episode of their multi-part video developer diary series, “Fighter Chronicles,” revealing how the renowned development studio has poured its passion in to the evolution of the beloved Dead or Alive series. In this episode, Team NINJA shares the secrets behind the reinvention of the fan-favorite heroine Kasumi, along with intriguing insights into how they brought the entire cast of DEAD OR ALIVE 5 to life for the new generation of gamers. The “Fighter Chronicles” series will help to countdown the highly anticipated release of DEAD OR ALIVE 5 on September 25^th. DEAD OR ALIVE 5 is developed by Team NINJA and will be published by TECMO KOEI Europe for the PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

DEAD OR ALIVE 5 incorporates a wealth of martial arts fighting techniques into its distinctive fighting style to create a captivating new generation of DEAD OR ALIVE combat. Players will once again take on the roles of the legendary cast of DOA fighters in an action-packed brawler set in visually striking locations from around the world. The famed DEAD OR ALIVE hand-to-hand combat unfolds in new 3D stages that dynamically change as the fight progresses. The game’s sterling cast includes not only stars from the DOA series but also select fighters from the iconic Virtua Fighter series.

For more news about Team NINJA, visit www.teamninja-studio.com, and don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/teamninjastudio and follow us on Twitter @TeamNINJAStudio.

*Akira, Sarah characters c SEGA.  Virtua Fighter is either a registered trademark or trademark of SEGA Corporation.

SYDNEY, Australia – August 30, 2012 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announced today that for the first time ever in a professional league simulation sports video game, EA SPORTS NHL 13 has added female athletes as playable characters. Former Team USA superstar Angela Ruggiero will join former Team Canada great Hayley Wickenheiser, both four-time Olympic Ice Hockey medalists, as playable legends in NHL 13. NHL Hall of Famers Doug Gilmour, Jari Kurri, and NHL legend Dominik Hasek will also be added to the roster of legends which includes the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. The NHL 13 demo is available for download now via Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Promising the biggest year on year innovation to the franchise on this console generation, NHL 13 will be available on September 13, 2012 in Australia and September 14, 2012 in New Zealand.

The addition of women’s hockey legends as playable characters within the EA SPORTS NHL franchise is the continuation of a commitment that the development team made to create greater representation for women’s hockey beginning with NHL 12.

“With the release of NHL 12 we added generic female characters in our Be a Pro mode based on a request from a 14-yr old female fan who emailed our staff because she felt underrepresented as a hockey videogame fan,” said Dean Richards, General Manager, NHL, EA SPORTS .“This year we are very excited to continue our effort of creating a more representative experience for female hockey fans by adding two of the greatest female athletes to ever play the game in Wickenheiser and Ruggiero to NHL 13.”

“The EA SPORTS NHL franchise took a big step last year by including female characters to create a more inclusive experience for female hockey fans,” said Hayley Wickenheiser. “I’m excited to be a part of NHL 13 and hope that the addition of women’s hockey legends will encourage greater participation in hockey from young women everywhere.”

Legends Integration in NHL 13

Legends in NHL 13 will be integrated across several modes:

·         Be A Legend – gamers will experience the glory of playing their entire Be A Pro career as a legend as they attempt to shatter the most impressive records in hockey, achieve legendary milestones and complete legends tasks.

·         Legends teams – Play as the legends team, Team Ruggiero or Team Wickenheiser, which are comprised of legends and current NHL greats in head-to-head play – within Play Now, Online and Battle for the Cup modes. Players on Team Ruggiero and Team Wickenheiser were selected by each athlete, respectively.

·         Hockey Ultimate Team & Be a GM –Gamers will have the ability to add legends to any team roster in Be a GM mode, or collect ultra-rare legends cards and use them within their Hockey Ultimate Team experience.

Headlined by all – new True Performance Skating, and supported by an innovative new A.I. system dubbed EA SPORTS Hockey I.Q., NHL 13 will deliver a revamped gameplay experience that accurately captures the speed, creativity and strategy of NHL hockey. In addition, NHL 13 will also deliver new experiences that connect hockey fans to their friends and the real world of hockey with the all-new GM Connected and NHL Moments Live modes

Innovative Physics Technology Headlines the Most-Anticipated Madden NFL Game in Years

SYDNEY, Australia, August 30, 2012– Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announced today that Madden NFL 13 is now available at retail stores throughout Australia and available at retail stores in New Zealand on August 31^st 2012. Madden NFL 13 is available on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Powered by the all-new Infinity Engine, Madden NFL 13 delivers physics you can feel on every play. Core gameplay innovations such as total control passing, ball hawk and read and react defensive AI, combine to create the most realistic Madden NFL game ever.

Early critical reception for Madden NFL 13 has been outstanding, with PlayStation: The Official Magazine calling it a “generation-defining effort.” GamesRadar adds that “We can’t – and won’t – stop playing,” while Game Informer states that the brand-new Connected Careers is “a brilliant mode.” With accolades such as these it’s easy to see why Madden NFL 13 is so eagerly-anticipated by fans.

“Madden NFL 13 is the biggest game-changer in the history of the franchise,” said Cam Weber, GM of American Football at EA SPORTS. “Madden NFL 13 will deliver to our consumers the most realistic gameplay ever, and innovations like the Infinity Engine will completely redefine how fans will play Madden NFL. With deep new gameplay innovation, social integration, and an overhaul of the audio and visual presentation,  Madden NFL 13 stands as a benchmark entry for the franchise.”

In addition to Infinity Engine, the new Connected Careers mode also debuts this year. Connected Careers allows fans to build their own legacy or relive a legend’s as a player or coach, in a fully connected universe of up to 32 friends per league. Weekly, seasonal and milestone goals set the benchmarks for progress, and fans can not only choose to make history as a created or real life player or coach, but also relive the legendary careers of all-time greats including Walter Payton, Michael Irvin, Steve Young and more. Combine all these elements with a dynamic story engine, a virtual Twitter feed, social integration and team management from PCs, tablets and smartphones and you have the first true sports RPG, encased in a fully connected universe that’s on 24/7.

Additional New Features and Modes include:

·         New Madden Ultimate Team Edition: Brand new trading cards and an overhauled card management system allows fans to curate the biggest collection ever, while new features like Solo Challenges make the mode more diverse and enjoyable than ever before. In addition, completing certain challenges and collections will allow fans to unlock special cards for legendary players and coaches that can not only be used in Madden Ultimate Team, but also carry over into Connected Careers.

·         Xbox 360 Kinect Integration: The new features don’t stop there, as Xbox 360 owners can also utilize the Kinect™ sensor for pre-play audibles and adjustments on both offense and defense. With a library of over 6,000 commands fans will be able to change plays, call receiver-specific hot routes, alter defensive assignments, call a blitz and more with the power of their voice. It’s yet another way that Madden NFL 13 presents the most authentic and feature-rich football experience ever.

·         3-D Broadcast Booth: The new commentary team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms, combined with a fully-scored orchestral theme, set the table for game day, while authentic sound effects, QB cadences and player chatter bring the stadium environment to life.

·         Streamlined Live Updates: Experience extras like Madden Moments Live, roster updates and more all in one convenient location. Bonus content is also available for fans who have played previous Madden NFL titles, NFL Blitz and NFL Tour.

Madden NFL 13 is developed in Orlando, Florida by EA Tiburon. Madden NFL 13 is now available and retails for $99.99 AUD / $109.99 NZD on the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. To learn more about Madden NFL 13, visit http://www.easports.com/madden-nfl. For Madden NFL 13 assets, visit: http://maddennfl13.newslinevine.com/ or www.ea-anz-press.com

All player participation has been facilitated by National Football League Players Incorporated, the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association. EA SPORTS is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences. EA SPORTS creates connected experiences that ignite the emotion of sports through industry-leading sports videogames, including Madden NFL football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® golf, SSX™ and Fight Night boxing. For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com to connect, share and compete.

Capcom has ruled that court is back in session with the announcement of Phoenix Wright™: Ace Attorney™ Trilogy HD for iOS devices. Re-created in beautiful HD, this compilation features the first three games in the popular Ace Attorney series: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations.

The games follow the unforgettable career of eccentric defense attorney Phoenix Wright as he must prove his seemingly guilty client’s innocence, no matter how dire the circumstances. Each of the three games include all gameplay content originally enjoyed in the Nintendo DS versions with re-mastered HD graphics as well as responsive on-screen controls fine-tuned for the iOS platform allowing for easy navigation using simple swipe commands.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy HD will also come with the “Everyone Object” mode (at no additional cost) to help players communicate their displeasure of everyday situations with the help of popular Ace Attorney characters and sayings. With a simple touch of a button, the phrases, “Objection!”, “Hold it!”, and “Take that!” can be emailed to friends or tweeted along with an animated image.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy HD will be available for download for free this autumn on iOS devices (iOS 5.0 is required to run the application), with each full game in the trilogy available for purchase individually or as a bundle.  The first two chapters of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney will be available as a free demo.

zoom-model EF Cinema Lenses for 4K cameras 

SYDNEY, 29 August, 2012: Canon Australia today announces the introduction of four new compact and lightweight EF Cinema Lenses for use with 4K cameras*, supporting a diverse range of motion picture productions. The new line-up comprises the CN-E15.5–47mm T2.8 L S (for EF mounts) and CN-E15.5–47mm T2.8 L SP (for PL mounts) wide-angle cinema zoom lenses, and the CN-E30–105mm T2.8 L S (for EF mounts) and CN-E30–105mm T2.8 L SP (for PL mounts) telephoto cinema zoom lenses.

The four new Canon EF Cinema Lenses deliver high optical performance while offering practical functionality. Despite their compact, lightweight design, the lenses support use with 4K (4096 x 2160 pixels) resolution cameras* while covering a wide focal-length range. Using the wide-angle and telephoto-zoom models as a set, or in combination with single-focal-length EF Cinema Lenses, enables users to easily achieve an array of expressive cinematographic applications.

Exceptional optical performance to fulfil 4K production

Compatible with cameras equipped with industry-standard-size Super 35 mm-equivalent sensors and 4K-resolution cameras*, the new CN-E15.5–47mm T2.8 L S/SP and CN-E30–105mm T2.8 L S/SP contribute to high-image-quality cinema shooting. The lenses feature an optical design employing the optimal placement of low-refraction, low-dispersion UD (ultra-low dispersion) glass, which corrects for chromatic aberrations caused by variances in the wavelengths of light entering the lens for exceptional imaging performance without colour blurring.

Broad focal-length coverage in a compact, lightweight design for high practicality

Designed with hand-held shooting in mind, each new zoom lens weighs just approximately 2.2 kg, less than half the weight of Canon’s top-end zoom lens models, which went on sale earlier this year. Additionally, despite their compact size, the new line-up covers a broad range of focal lengths to deliver utility as well as mobility.

Main Features: CN-E15.5–47mm T2.8 L S/SP and CN-E30­–105mm T2.8 L S/SP 

1. Designed to deliver high operability

?   With a focus rotation angle of approximately 300 degrees, the lenses facilitate precise focusing performance.

?   Zoom, focus and iris markings all appear on angled surfaces for improved readability from behind the camera.

?   The new line-up, which can be used with matte boxes and focus-adjustment accessories, features a unified front lens diameter and uniform gear positions, doing away with the need to adjust or reposition accessory gear when switching between the two lenses.

?   By removing the cover ring, users can easily perform flange-back adjustment.

1. High optical performance for use with 4K-resolution cameras

?   Supports 4K (4096 x 2160 pixels) production standards, with a level of resolution exceeding four times the resolution of Full HD.

?   Offers compatibility with industry-standard Super 35 mm-equivalent image format as well as APS-C-size sensors.*

?   The optimal placement of low-refraction, low-dispersion UD (ultra-low dispersion) glass corrects for axial and lateral chromatic aberrations to realise exceptional imaging performance without colour blurring.

?   With a T-number of 2.8, the new lens line-up offers bright performance and, with no changes in brightness during zooming, enables the use of attractive blur effects when employing a shallow depth of field.

?   Each lens is equipped with an 11-blade aperture diaphragm for soft, attractive blur characteristics.

?   The lenses minimise focus-induced changes in the angle of view and, through the latest advances in anti-reflective coating and related technologies, reduce the occurrence of ghosting and flare.

1. Functionality to realise increased shooting convenience

?   Each lens offers a reduced minimum object distance (0.5 m for the CN-E15.5–47mm T2.8 L S/SP and 0.6 m for the CN-E30­–105mm T2.8 L S/SP) that makes possible tighter close-ups and facilitates shooting in limited-space environments.

?   The EF-mount version lenses, when combined with Cinema EOS System cameras, support lens-camera communication enabling the recording of zoom and other settings along with video data, making possible the effective management of shooting conditions. Additionally, a future camera firmware update (release date to be decided) will enable automatic image correction along with other benefits.

* Not compatible with 35 mm full-frame or APS-H-size sensors

New EOS C500/EOS C500 PL enables stunning 4K-resolution video shooting 

SYDNEY, 29 August, 2012: Canon Australia today announces the launch of the highly anticipated EOS C500, the flagship of the company’s Cinema EOS System line-up of professional digital cinematography products. Capable of shooting stunning 4K-resolution video, the new addition comes in two models: the EOS C500, which supports Canon’s diverse line-up of interchangeable EF lenses and EF Cinema Lenses; and the EOS C500 PL, compatible with industry-standard PL lenses.

“The plethora of features included in the C500, all designed to meet the ever increasing demands of the cinematic industry, makes this the ideal camera for shooting features and high-end productions,” said Charles Montesin, Brand Manager – Professional Video, Canon Australia. “I am confident that we will be seeing great works being shot on this camera.”

The EOS C500/PL features an industry-standard Super 35 mm equivalent CMOS sensor (approximately 8.85 million effective pixels) that, in addition to delivering a high pixel count, realises high-sensitivity performance to a maximum ISO setting of 20,000 and low noise due to its large pixel surface area. Furthermore, Canon Log Gamma enables high-resolution 4K video capture with a high dynamic range that can be output as Canon’s proprietary uncompressed Cinema RAW data (60p, 10-bit) with no image degradation.

Through its 3G-SDI interface, the EOS C500/PL is capable of outputting 4K 10-bit Bayer RAW data directly from the CMOS image sensor into an external recorder, providing maximum flexibility and image quality through the post-production process to meet the needs of the most demanding cinematic productions. The camera employs a 10/12-bit RGB 4:4:4 signal format during 2K (2048 x 1080) and Full-HD output, achieving rich colour reproduction while supporting efficient post-production editing, chroma key compositing and other image processing tasks.

The C500/PL boasts a maximum speed of 60fps in 4K RAW (4096×2160) full resolution mode. In 4K HRAW (4096×2160) and 2K (2048×1080) YCC 4:2:2 modes the C500/PL captures images at an impressive 120 fps.

Shooting Modes

Featuring a vertically oriented ‘mobile core’ body design with surprisingly small width and depth dimensions, the EOS C500/PL facilitates high-impact cinematic perspectives by enabling shooting from vantage points inaccessible to large cinema cameras, such as close to the ground and alongside walls. Despite its high-performance features, the camera realises the same approximate body dimensions as the EOS C300/PL (released in January 2012).

In addition to a highly mobile body, the EOS C500/PL includes a range of new features that contribute to enhanced operating ease. Providing advanced compatibility with 4K motion-picture production workflows, the camera offers two 3G-SDI connectors for 4K RAW data output and two MON connectors for connection to an external monitor. Marker, zebra and 4K-compatible peaking signals are available on MON. 1 output.

Additionally, the EF lens-mount-model EOS C500, which accommodates new and existing Canon EF lenses, newly incorporates Cinema Lock. This lens locking function allows lens replacement with the same level of ease as PL lenses, even when attaching heavy lenses while the camera is mounted on a rig.

The EOS C500 joins the Cinema EOS System alongside the EOS C300 digital cinema camera, which has established itself firmly in the Australian motion-picture production market based on its exceptional video-quality performance and mobility, durability and expandability. The popularity of the C300 is evident from the outstanding uptake since its launch in January, which has seen more than 100 cameras already sold.

The new Canon EOS C500 and EOS C500 PL will go on sale in Australia in November 2012 with pricing set at dealer discretion.

New Cinema EOS Camera facilitates high–quality results for single-user operations, from film-school projects to independent documentaries                       

SYDNEY, 29 August, 2012: Canon Australia today added the compact, lightweight EOS C100 digital video camera, to the company’s Cinema EOS System line-up of professional digital cinematography products. Supporting a wide range of applications, from film-school projects to documentaries, the EOS C100 now makes independent productions easier, with automatic functions facilitating easy operation by a single user.

“Inheriting a range of rich video expressions from its sister product the EOS C300, the EOS C100 is a multi-purpose camera for budding filmmakers, wedding videographers or corporate television productions,” said Charles Montesin, Brand Manager – Professional Video, Canon Australia. “This is the ideal camera for budding cinematographers, offering Cinema EOS quality as well as unparalleled compactness, ease of use and compatibility with Canon’s diverse range of EF lenses for DSLR cameras or new EF Cinema Lenses.”

The EOS C100 incorporates an industry-standard-size Super 35 mm-equivalent CMOS sensor (approximately 8.29 million effective pixels), featuring a large pixel-surface-area for high light-gathering capabilities. The result is high sensitivity and reduced noise for natural low-light shooting.

The CMOS sensor reads Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) video signals for each of the three RGB primary colours, decreasing the incidence of moiré while realising 1,000 horizontal TV line resolution. Additionally, supported by a heightened signal read-out speed, the CMOS sensor reduces rolling shutter skews, a phenomenon prevalent with other types of CMOS sensors in which fast-moving subjects may appear diagonally distorted.

Optimal for single-person operation, the EOS C100 includes a range of features for ease of use without compromising on quality. One–Shot AF and Push Auto Iris, Multi-Angle Control LCD Panel and simultaneous HD and SD recording on two SD cards provide practical, on-location assistance to the operator. Employing Wide DR Gamma to realise a maximum 800% wide dynamic range, the C100 does away with the need for many post-production processes while ensuring smooth gradation with reduced detail loss in highlight areas.

Shooting in confined environments is now less cumbersome thanks to the C100’s sleek design and vertically oriented ’mobile core’ body design, which opens up the range of innovative possibilities in imaging expression even further. In accordance with on-location shooting needs, the camera can be outfitted with accessories such as a handle, grip, and thumb rest. Moreover, the camera accommodates Canon’s diverse line-up of interchangeable EF lenses for EOS single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras as well as new EF Cinema Lenses delivering imaging performance ideally suited for cinematic applications.

With the introduction of the EOS C-series line-up, Canon endeavours to enable filmmakers to take their production further and offer affordable video production options. In good company alongside the EOS C300 (released in January this year), the EOS C100 joins the EOS C500 (also launched today) to carry on the heritage of exceptional video-quality performance for emerging film professionals.

The new Canon EOS C100 will go on sale in Australia in December 2012 with pricing set at dealer discretion.

Marvel has released two new S.H.I.E.L.D. Briefing Videos for its new, unannounced mobile game.  In the videos, Hawkeye reports on the aftermath of the Vault breakout and Nick Fury picks the First Responder to the crisis.

These videos were just released on the Marvel XP Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/MarvelXP) and can also be found here:

·         “The Crisis”: http://bit.ly/OmXdZO

·         “The Team”: http://bit.ly/RSnrtR

Stay tuned for the official trailer and more Briefing Videos which unlock the mystery behind Marvel’s new mobile gaming initiative.