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TY THE TASMANIAN TIGERTM LESS EXTINCT THAN YOU THOUGHT!

March 12, 2013, Brisbane, Australia: After celebrating TY the Tasmanian Tiger’s 10th anniversary last year, Krome Studios is happy to announce a brand new adventure for everyone’s favorite not-quite-extinct Thylacine in the self-titled, TY The Tasmanian TigerTM, available soon for Xbox Games for Windows 8 tablets and PCs. See the launch video at http://youtu.be/G14hSnVD_uk.

TY the Tasmanian TigerTM marks a return to the series platforming roots, bringing with it a shiny new coat of High Definition 2D gameplay and artwork developed with Krome’s new proprietary MASE engine. Players take control of TY as he and his mates at Bush Rescue help the locals out of trouble with the aid of his trusty Boomerangs. Explore TY’s world, from the Great Barrier Reef to the lush rainforests and the dusty expanses of the Australian Outback in over thirty fun-filled levels.

The entire game has been built from the ground up to best utilize the exiting new features of Windows 8 on tablets. The brand new MASE engine allows for the creation of High Res, fluid 2D animation and large organic worlds that are a far cry from the blocky tiles of past 2D platformers.

Designed with great responsive tablet controls and backed up with both controller and keyboard support so you can play it the way you like best, new features include the ability to play as some of your favorite TY characters and the addition of new mini games in which you challenge your friends to see who’s the true “Dead Set ‘Rang Legend”.

“We’re excited about the continuation of TY’s adventures”, Robert Walsh, CEO and co-founder of Krome, said today, “TY The Tasmanian TigerTM is a great jumping off point for new players introducing them to the colorful environments and characters of TY’s world Down Under”.

Walsh continued, “Longtime fans will love the continuation of the TY story, with lots of their favorite elements returning with a fresh perspective. Now they can share the fun and adventures with their friends on Windows 8.”

The TY the Tasmanian Tiger™ video game series has sold millions of copies around the world, and this is just the beginning of TY’s new adventures in the portable gaming arena. Check out the Krome Studios website at www.kromestudios.com for more details, or follow TY on Facebook (www.facebook.com/tythetasmaniantiger) or Twitter (@Tasmanian_Tiger) for exclusive information about this and future games.

Krome Studios one of Australia’s longest-standing independent video game developers, and the developers behind TY the Tasmanian TigerTM and Blade KittenTM. Founded in 1999, Krome Studios continues to develop original and licensed titles for console and mobile platforms. More information about Krome Studios can be found at www.kromestudios.com.

 

 
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Black or white? new slimline monitor from BenQ does away with the black box

Sydney, Australia – February 2013:     Our homes and offices are filled with black boxes – digital screens – essential technology for both work and pleasure.   But in the spirit of contemporary aesthetic design, BenQ have released a truly unconventional screen – the VW2430H in white –a 24” monitor and a statement in style which blends with modern design and is at one with its surroundings.

True pure white – there is no printing or markings of any type on the chassis, and pure in design, the manufacturing process for this monitor is free of harmful chemicals.  Slim and unobtrusive, it offers a tasteful alternative to the conventional black monitor for modern homes or an office environment where looks and ambience are important.

This eco-friendly offering from BenQ even has its own unique docking accessory – a place for your phone, business cards and flash drives, further distinguishing it from the traditional computer screen.

It offers outstanding multimedia performance with multiple input options, along with 5000:1 native contrast ratio for colour depth and definition and true 8-bit colour performance.

Said Chee F. Chung, BenQ Australia’s general manager, “This monitor is unconventional and unique to the market – the inspiration for its design was to create a screen which is individualistic, clean and eco-friendly.

“Deep blacks, minimised light leakage and a wider viewing angle are all thanks to this screen being a VA panel – VA or vertical alignment – is LED technology at its best,” said Chung.

The VW2430H is available from Officeworks and other selected retailers and will retail for $249.00.

 
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IMAX SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH MUSEUM VICTORIA for NEXT-GENERATION LASER TECHNOLOGY

Ground-Breaking Laser Projection System to Enable Melbourne Museum’s IMAX® Theatre

to Access Full Spectrum of IMAX Content 

NEW YORK – Mar. 11, 2013 – IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and Museum  Victoria today announced an agreement to install IMAX’s next-generation laser digital projection technology in the IMAX® Melbourne Museum. The new technology, which is expected to launch in 2014, will enable the Museum to deliver a wider array of the highest-quality digital content available – including both documentaries and blockbuster films – and further enhance The IMAX Experience® for its visitors.

IMAX’s next-generation projection system is expected to set a new benchmark as the industry’s premium entertainment experience. The system, which incorporates the laser digital intellectual property IMAX exclusively licensed from Eastman Kodak and Barco’s unique laser innovations, represents the largest R&D initiative in IMAX’s history and will enable IMAX® dome theatres and IMAX screens larger than 80 feet to deliver the highest-quality digital content available with greater brightness and clarity, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks.

“Since 1998, IMAX Melbourne Museum has attracted more than five million visitors who have enjoyed what is simply the finest cinematic experience on offer,” said Richard Morrison, IMAX Melbourne Museum General Manager. “We’re excited to build on this success with IMAX and offer our guests an even more immersive and visceral experience as well as greater access to their favorite IMAX documentaries and Hollywood blockbusters.”

“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Museum Victoria around our new laser technology, which represents the largest R&D effort in IMAX’s history,” said Larry O’Reilly, President, Worldwide Sales, IMAX. “We believe this next-generation system will usher in a new era of quality and innovation in projection technology that will further immerse museum-goers into the stunning visuals, action and drama of an IMAX movie unlike anything they’ve experienced to date.”

 
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VALLEY OF SHIELDS

The second book in the action-packed, epic Empire of Bones trilogy

‘Whatever I write, readers can expect plenty of fast-paced action, flawed male heroes, female heroes who can save them, plenty of humour and the explosive battle scenes’ – Duncan Lay

Duncan Lay is the bestselling Fantasy author of The Dragon Sword trilogy and Bridge of Swords – the immensely successful first book in the new Empire of Bones trilogy. The tale of history and legends, truth and lies continues with the epic second book: Valley of Shields.  

Duncan Lay is the Masthead Chief of The Sunday Telegraph. He has worked for a number of different newspapers and media outlets. Duncan lives on the Central Coast with his wife and two young children.

Praise for Duncan Lay

‘I was so looking forward to this third volume coming out, and I was certainly not disappointed …Gripping from start to finish, the pace never slackens, the gore and horror and suspense are unrelenting’ – Aurealis Xpress

‘Duncan Lay’s writing has really matured in this third instalment of the Dragon Sword trilogy…Excellent spic fantasy novel.’ – Daily Telegraph 

About Valley of Shields

Cast out from his homeland, Sendatsu has used his sword-fighting talents to survive in the foreign land of the Vales. With the assistance of Rhiannon – the first human to use magic in hundreds of years – Sendatsu has helped Huw and the Velsh defeat an invading army.

 
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ZERG RUSH! – STARCRAFT® II: HEART OF THE SWARM™ NOW LIVE

New expansion follows Kerrigan through vengeance-fueled campaign, adds deadly new multiplayer units, and introduces several new features for players of all skill levels

IRVINE, Calif.—March 12, 2013—Hail to the Queen of Blades! Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today set off a global zerg invasion with the launch of StarCraft® II: Heart of the Swarm™, the next chapter in the epic saga of StarCraft® II. Kerrigan has arrived, and with the help of her brood, she aims to take down Arcturus Mengsk once and for all.

Players can now purchase Heart of the Swarm in retail stores throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Russia, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, as well as digitally via the game’s official website (www.StarCraft2.com). Release plans for mainland China will be announced at a later date.

“Heart of the Swarm enhances every aspect of StarCraft II,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “In addition to Kerrigan’s campaign and the new multiplayer units and maps, we think players will really enjoy the new online elements and new features that make StarCraft II more fun and easier to learn than ever before.”

Standard, Collector’s, and Digital Deluxe Editions

StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm is now available at retailers nationwide on DVD-ROM for Windows® XP/Windows Vista®/Windows® 7/Windows® 8 and Macintosh® (suggested retail price $49.95 AUD). The expansion can also be purchased directly from Blizzard at www.StarCraft2.com for $44.95 AUD. In addition, Blizzard is offering a retail-exclusive Collector’s Edition of Heart of the Swarm loaded with digital and physical bonus items, available at select retail stores for a suggested retail price of $89.95 AUD.

Players also have the option to purchase a Digital Deluxe version of the expansion, which includes all of the digital items from the Collector’s Edition, directly from Blizzard via www.StarCraft2.com for $64.95 AUD. Anyone who purchases the standard edition digitally or at retail can upgrade to the Digital Deluxe version at any time (for as long as the standalone Digital Deluxe version remains available) for an additional $20 AUD.

The Digital Deluxe version of Heart of the Swarm includes a full digital copy of the expansion along with the following in-game bonus items:

  • StarCraft      II Torrasque:      Crush the enemies of the Swarm with the indomitable Torrasque, a fearsome      new look for your zerg Ultralisks.
  • StarCraft      II Portraits and Decals:      New Swarm-infested portraits and decals help you customize the look of      your online profile and in-game army.
  • World      of Warcraft® In-Game      Pet: The Baneling companion pet is      bursting with enthusiasm and ready to explode onto the Pet Battles scene.
  • Diablo®      III Blade Wings and Banner Sigil:      Grow zerg-like wings in honor of the Queen of Blades, and unfurl an      exclusive banner sigil to mark your allegiance to the Swarm in Sanctuary.

The retail-exclusive Collector’s Edition of Heart of the Swarm includes the full version of the game on DVD-ROM and contains the following exclusive bonus items, in addition to the content from the Digital Deluxe version:

  • Behind-the-Scenes      DVD and Blu-ray: Immerse yourself in the StarCraft      universe with developer commentary, interviews with voice actors, and an      in-depth historical retrospective on StarCraft’s eSports legacy      narrated by key members of the community.
  • Collector’s      Edition Soundtrack CD: Enhance your Heart of the      Swarm musical experience with this collection of 11 tracks from the      game.
  • Heart      of the Swarm Hardcover Art Book: This      144-page tome features never-before-seen art from the expansion, including      early concept sketches and meticulous 3D renderings.
  • Zerg      Rush Mousepad: This Collector’s Edition      mousepad depicts the Terran Dominion holding out desperately under the      onslaught of the Swarm.

Heart of the Swarm Game Features

Heart of the Swarm picks up the story where StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty® left off, focusing on Kerrigan’s quest to reunite the Swarm and exact revenge on Arcturus Mengsk. Over the course of 20 campaign missions, players will follow Kerrigan as she sweeps across the galaxy, incorporating a variety

of distinctive zerg species into her brood. Kerrigan will grow in strength from mission to mission, and players will be able to customize her with powerful new abilities, as well as evolve various zerg strains into fearsome new subspecies to suit their play style.

New weapons of war also debut in Heart of the Swarm‘s multiplayer, including new units such as Terran Hellbats, Zerg Swarm Hosts, and Protoss Tempests, while certain existing units from Wings of Liberty will be updated with new capabilities. In addition, several new features will enhance the game experience, including group and clan systems; training and versus-A.I. modes, to help new players transition from the campaign into multiplayer; unranked matchmaking; Global Play, enabling players to battle others in different regions around the world; additional stat tracking; user interface improvements; an enhanced physics system, for more visceral-looking battles; “Watch With Others” and “Take Command,” to watch replays with friends as well as jump in and assume control at any point; a leveling system that gives Heart of the Swarm players a new way to earn customization options for their online profiles; and much more.

To celebrate the arrival of Heart of the Swarm and follow the global zerg infestation, Blizzard cohosted a special day-long launch broadcast with noted eSports personality and commentator Sean “Day[9]” Plott, in conjunction with Twitch.tv. Players who missed out on the live broadcast can travel back in time by watching archived video of the event at www.Twitch.tv/StarCraft.

Learn more about StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm at www.StarCraft2.com. With multiple games in development, Blizzard Entertainment has numerous positions currently open—visit http://jobs.blizzard.com for more information and to learn how to apply.

 

 
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Dead Island™ Riptide – details of pre-order bonuses revealed

Deep Silver offers“The Survivor Pack” and “Fashion Victim” as pre-order DLC packs

Sydney, Australia – March 11, 2013 – Deep Silver today revealed more details about the upcoming DLC packs for players pre-ordering Dead Island Riptide, the next instalment of the Dead Island franchise.

Pre-order DLC #1: The Survivor Pack

  • A BBQ Blade! This special pre-order pack      contains an exclusive weapon only available here! How better to dispose of      the wretched zombies than with a sharp blade? Add in some      workbench-modifying and hook it up to a few fuel tanks to bring some heat      to a zombie’s heart. The so-called “BBQ Blade” lets you wade through      zombie hordes with ease!
  • An XP/stats booster! Want that      extra edge to level up faster than your peers? Here’s your chance!
  • A special shop! The Survivor      Pack will grant you access to a shop offering a special discount on      weapons and items.

The Survivor Pack DLC will be available in Australia in the EB Games Survivor Edition, and in New Zealand in the EB Games, JB Hifi and Mighty Ape preorder Editions.

Pre-order DLC #2: Fashion Victim

Tired of seeing your character go around wearing the same clothes all the time? The “Fashion Victim” pre-order DLC includes a set of new skins for all the player characters (Logan, Purna, Sam B., Xian Mei, and “the new guy” John Morgan) in co-op mode!

The Fashion Victim DLC will be available in Australia in the EB Survivor Edition and the JB Hifi Preorder Edition, and in New Zealand in the EB Games, JB Hifi and Mighty Ape preorder editions

Content will be redeemable via download on Xbox LIVE® for versions of the game on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows® PC and via the PlayStation®Store

These DLC packs will also be available to buy individually with the release of Dead Island Riptide on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, PlayStation Network, and Steam.

 
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Three New Promo Videos For Monsters University – The Film And The University

Melbourne Australia, 11th of March 2013 – Three New Promo Videos For Monsters University – The Film And The University

 
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Star Wars: The Old Republic – The Making of Rise of The Hutt Cartel Trailer

Watch as they discuss unique areas never-before-seen in The Old RepublicTM universe, including the exotic settlement on Makeb and the vast plateaus that await you on the planet’s volatile surface. Find out how Makeb continues your character’s storyline with a galactic struggle for the planet’s dwindling resources. Plus, get a sneak peak at the beautifully rendered Taloas City and other new graphic enhancements that will compliment your gameplay experience!

 
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SNIPER: GHOST WARRIOR 2 LAUNCH TRAILER RELEASED

SYDNEY, Australia – March 11th, 2013 — To celebrate this week’s worldwide release, CI Games, a fast-growing international publisher and developer of interactive entertainment, has released the official launch trailer for their upcoming modern military sniper experience game, Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2. The new trailer gives viewers a closer look at what to expect from the game including some of the various mission types and real world locations, and the numerous ways players will be able to take down enemy targets using tactical sniper mechanics.

 
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REVENGEANCE DLC Rises!

‘VR Missions’ DLC set for March 13th release, with additional chapters to follow

March 11, SYDNEY – Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH will release the first DLC component for its best-selling METAL GEAR RISING: REVENEGEANCE title in March for both PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360®.

Released on February 26th to huge critical acclaim, METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE marked the collaboration between Kojima Productions and PlatinumGames. The all-action epic, takes the renowned METAL GEAR franchise into exciting new territory with its mix of action and epic storytelling. The game features Raiden as its central character – a former child soldier transformed into a cyborg ninja, and equipped with his signature High-Frequency Blade – and the three new DLC elements further showcase the rich characters the game boasts.

The first DLC pack on March 13th, comprises the eagerly-awaited ‘VR Missions’, wherein Raiden’s many attacks and stealth skills are challenged in a series of virtual reality environments. Designed to complement previously-released VR Missions seen in previous entries to the METAL GEAR SOLID series, the VR Missions DLC will add 30 new missions to the METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE VR Missions menu. Each new mission is designed to test the player’s reactions, movement and fighting skills.

These will be followed soon after by two story-based DLC chapters. ‘Jetstream’ centres on the side-story of Sam, and features him as a playable character for the first time, while the ‘Blade Wolf’ pack focuses on Raiden’s enigmatic side-kick and its unique story. Both packs expand on the backgrounds of these two key characters, and provide origin stories that segue seamlessly into the main game.

All three packs will be available for both PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360®.

 
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