Of Orcs and Men, the role-playing game jointly realised by Spiders (Realization and Development) and Cyanide (Concept and Production) for PlayStation®3, Xbox 360® and PC, today unveiled a brand new trailer!

This gorgeous video lets you discover more about the story and the universe of the game. It unveils some of the many places you’ll explore on your quest while playing as Arkaïl, a fearsome Orc warrior from the legendary legion of Bloodjaws, and Styx, a Goblin master of the assassin arts. Sent on a suicide mission at the heart of the Empire of Men, these two atypical heroes who don’t otherwise get along will have to unite their efforts and skill to make their perilous mission a success: to assassinate the Emperor of Men himself.

Those left intrigued by the trailer should visit the official website, which opens its doors today! The website is the best place to learn more about the game, the story, the places, the characters, and the universe with its large gallery filled with images, artworks, and videos!

Take arms and lead the revolution of Orcs and Goblins in September 2012!

Visit the official website

July 6, 2012 – IO Interactive A/S, a Square Enix studio, introduces a new group of characters to HITMAN: ABSOLUTION. The third video from the ICA files series covers the background of a group of highly skilled assassins called: The Saints. The ICA (International Contract Agency) files are a series of videos that provide in-depth background information on the main cast in HITMAN: ABSOLUTION and features exclusive art from comic artist Ben Oliver.

The leader of “The Saints” is voiced and played by Vivica Fox. An American actress best known for her roles in Kill Bill, Batman & Robin and Independence Day. Fans can meet the talent behind the new character in another video filmed on the set of HITMAN: ABSOLUTION during the performance capture sessions at Giant Studios.

HITMAN: ABSOLUTION is scheduled for global release on November 20^th 2012 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC.”

Hitman Absolution The Saints ICA Trailer:

Meet the Talent: Vivica Fox Interview:

Critically Acclaimed RPG to be Exclusively Available at the Square Enix Store 

SYDNEY (July 6^th, 2012) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in Europe and across PAL territories, today announced that a new downloadable PC version of the popular role-playing adventure, FINAL FANTASY® VII will be available this year to celebrate the FINAL FANTASY franchise’s 25^th anniversary.

This new downloadable version will include a range of new features such as a Character Booster that enables players to fully power up their characters, cloud saves, and in-game achievements to encourage players to explore various facets of the game. For full details please visit http://finalfantasyVIIpc.com.

Released in 1997, FINAL FANTASY VII was critically acclaimed as the title that redefined the standard for role-playing games. Introducing the now infamous rivalry between Cloud and Sephiroth, it delivered an intricate and emotionally compelling storyline through cutting-edge pre-rendered cinematic cut-scenes, and set in a rich, diverse world.  The game features an acclaimed collection of musical scores and intense 3D battles, and is regarded as one of the most significant entries in the FINAL FANTASY series, and one of the most innovative videogames of all time.

Survey finds Instant Messaging is the weakest link when it comes to corporate security and compliance

SYDNEY, Australia. – July 6, 2012 – Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) today announced the availability of Symantec Instant Messaging Security. cloud (IMS.cloud) with support for Microsoft Lync. Symantec is one of the first SaaS vendor to support Microsoft Lync users, helping organisations that communicate using instant messaging platforms address their security and compliance issues. IMS.cloud scans messages and attachments for malware, blocks malicious URLs, protects organisations from data loss and logs messages for compliance purposes without the need for additional hardware and software.

A recent Symantec survey on corporate Instant Messaging use found that IM poses significant risk to organisations. Approximately 60 percent of respondents use IM to communicate with contacts outside the organisation and 43 percent use it to share content not related to work. A further 29 percent reported using IM to send information they would not want their boss to know about.

“Instant Messaging is becoming a popular tool for internal and external communications in organisations of every size,” said Tom Powledge, vice president of Product Delivery, Symantec.cloud. “According to Symantec Intelligence, 1 in 11.3 links sent over IM link to malicious Web sites while our Symantec Instant Messaging survey revealed that fewer than half of the organisations surveyed have suitable controls for monitoring IM.  The casual nature of IM paired with a tendency to de-prioritise IM security leaves organisations susceptible to compliance breaches, data loss and malware infection. IMS.cloud takes the risk out of IM so that companies can meet user demand for the latest technology while allowing a flexible and collaborative working environment anytime from anywhere.”

IMS.cloud is designed to scan every IM sent to or coming from an organisation. Incoming messages, including attachments are scanned for viruses, worms and URLs which may lead to malicious Web sites. All incoming and outgoing messages are also matched against the organisation’s acceptable use policies. Any message that is malicious or suspicious or violates corporate policy is automatically blocked and the user is notified.

IM tools help companies  improve productivity, be more responsive, support mobile and remote workers and gain operational efficiencies. However, opening these channels of communication to external contacts without proper security and control can expose organisations to security and legal risks.

“Instant Messaging in the workplace is becoming ubiquitous for both internal and external communications in organisations of every size,” said Chris Christiansen, vice president of Security Products and Services, IDC. “But this popularity is one reason why organisations are vulnerable to the risks that come with using desktop IM clients. Corporate IM needs the same high levels of malware protection and regulatory compliance required of email and Web services. Cloud-based security services can provide such protection.”

Key Features and Benefits of Instant Messaging Security. cloud

• Comprehensive      Solution: Includes an effective content control engine, malware      protection, malicious URL detection, automatic message logging and      configurable disclaimers.
• Message      Logging and Archiving: Meets regulatory compliance by logging message      transcripts. Cloud-based archiving is available for organisations with      more stringent compliance needs.
• Skeptic™      Malware Protection: Using Symantec’s proven technology, protects      organisations from threats by scanning messages and file attachments.
• Cloud-based      Service: No on-premise hardware and minimal software allows rapid      deployment and low ongoing maintenance.

Symantec Instant Messaging Security. cloud is available now worldwide. The service can be purchased on its own or in combination with other Symantec.cloud services across email and Web and includes 24/7 support and service updates.

To sign up for a free trial, visit symanteccloud.com/freetrial

About Symantec
Symantec is a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions to help consumers and organisations secure and manage their information-driven world. Our software and services protect against more risks at more points, more completely and efficiently, enabling confidence wherever information is used or stored. More information is available at www.symantec.com.

Taking on the most fearsome fighters in Hong Kong is no challenge for a trained mixed martial artist, and the fighting knowledge which George St. Pierre has brought to the development of Sleeping Dogs has ensured that United Front Games’ combat system empowers players to take on the toughest the city has to throw at them. Brutal bone-crunching combos are only a button press away. However as GSP points out, patience is key. Wait for your opponent to make a mistake; wait for that strike to miss and take your shot. Losing is not an option…

Developed by United Front Games in collaboration with Square Enix London Studios, Sleeping Dogs is a gritty and visceral open world cop drama set in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. Taking the role of undercover cop Wei Shen, players are tasked with taking down one of the world’s most fearsome criminal organisations from the inside. Offering players an island packed with action, every street corner, market stall, harbour dock or city skyscraper can become an opportunity for intense shoot-outs, adrenaline-fuelled street races and intense, brutal martial arts combat. Featuring one of the most intuitive and imaginative combat systems, Sleeping Dogs empowers players to perform an extensive set of martial arts moves, singlehandedly taking on numerous opponents. Players perform bone-crunching kicks and combos, vicious counters and a cinematic set of environmental takedowns making use of countless real-world items from circular saws to phone booths, incinerators to refrigerator doors.

See Georges St. Pierre in action in the latest trailer on the official Sleeping Dogs YouTube page: http://youtu.be/i9WSkAYo1x8?hd=1

Sleeping Dogs will be available in ANZ on the 16^th August 2012 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PCs. For more information about the game, visit http://www.sleepingdogs.net and join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SleepingDogsGame for regular updates.

Melbourne, VIC. July 5, 2012 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) Australia today announced that anyone who placed a pre-order for Darksiders II through GAME, which included the ‘Deadly Despair’ pack, will still be able to receive their DLC.

All you have to do is email the receipt of your original pre-order from GAME along with your new pre-order receipt from any other retailer to: enquiriesau@thq.com.

Once we receive this, your Deadly Despair code will be provided to you in the days following the launch of Darksiders II.

The ‘Deadly Despair’ pack gives you an additional speed boost for Death’s trusty steed Despair, allowing players to travel across the vast world even faster than before.  The perk is a permanent increase that will last throughout the game.

It’s time to review all obsolete, unprotected and unsafe access points that can compromise online security.

AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd, distributor of AVG Technologies’ award-winning AVG Internet and mobile security software in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, advises that the new financial year is an ideal time to do a stocktake of your digital life.

Both at home and at work, too many of our connected devices are holding obsolete, unprotected and unsafe access points that can compromise online security. Now’s the time to unsubscribe from mailing lists and close down unused accounts to reduce exposure to potential online threats and free up computing space and your time.

Michael McKinnon, Security Adviser at AVG (AU/NZ), explains that: “As your digital life builds, so too does the mountain of information that, unless carefully managed, could be extracted by cyber criminals. We should all take the time to delete those unused website cookies, the temporary files cluttering every computer and the old permissions granted to social media applications. It is also vital to change all passwords on a regular basis.”

The 5 Step AVG (AU/NZ) Digital Stocktake

1. Go Hunting

•             Understand where all your data is stored:  across multiple computers, hard drives, USB sticks, backup disks and DVDs.

•             Search e-mails, files and paperwork for signup confirmations to sites you no longer use.

•             Locate all paperwork that might contain passwords.

2. Get Organised

•             Create an easy to find, e-mail folder system to hold all online confirmations and receipts.

•             Have always on, automatically updated anti-virus and Internet security in place.

•             Consider whether a reputable, Internet-based encrypted backup solution, for keeping data off-site, will provide peace of mind in the event of technical breakdown or an environmental disaster.

3. Password Protection

•             Ensure any documents containing written passwords are hidden and secure.

•             Password management applications are available for storing multiple passwords.

•             Schedule regular changing and creation of strong passwords.

•             Use a separate password for your e-mail account. E-mail contains an astonishing amount of information about our lives, and many identity thieves see this as the number one thing to get access to.

4. Press Delete

•             Archive and delete old files – an annual stocktake means that this task is not unnecessarily daunting. Usually anything that has not been accessed in the last year can be safely deleted, unless, like Tax Records, you have some specific reason to keep it.

•             Unsubscribe and close down accounts that you do not access.

5. Lock Everything

•             Lock away all files that contain important or sensitive information.

•             Every mobile device – all smartphones and tablets – should be protected. Ensure none can be used without first entering a PIN or unlock code.

Keep in touch with AVG (AU/NZ)

• For breaking news, follow      AVG (AU/NZ) on Twitter at twitter.com/avgaunz
• Join our Facebook community      at www.facebook.com/avgaunz
• For security trends, analysis,      follow the AVG (AU/NZ) blog at resources.avg.com.au

AVG (AU/NZ) has a comprehensive range of security tips on its web site at http://www.avg.com.au/resources/security-tips/. For video tips from AVG (AU/NZ), see http://www.youtube.com/user/avgaunz.

After the success of the first casting for Max Payne 3 Multiplayer Avatars, we are giving you one more chance to have your likeness appear as a member of a new Gang of Max Payne 3 Avatars, to be released as part of one of our Max Payne 3 DLC packs this Fall.

This is your last chance to get your mug into Max Payne 3, and this time we’re looking for recruits directly from the online Multiplayer community: beginning tomorrow, and for all of July, we’ll be hosting a series of Social Club Multiplayer Event playlists across all platforms and in both Soft Lock and Free Aim game modes. Twice a week, for the next four weeks, you will see “Social Club Event Playlist” appear in the Max Payne 3 Multiplayer menus (see full schedule below). Startup Max Payne 3 and select the playlist. Complete one full game with an account linked to Social Club, and you’ll automatically be in consideration to have your face in the game.

Each week we will reach out via email to a randomly selected group of players who have participated and invite them to submit photos of themselves for consideration to be one of our new Gang Avatars. Those selected must respond with a picture within 24 hours to be considered. One person each week will be selected for casting. If you aren’t initially picked, you can enter again the following week, simply by playing another session in the Social Club Multiplayer Event playlist.

Make sure you have your Xbox LIVE or PlayStation Network account linked to Social Club. If you haven’t already set up a Social Club account, click here to do so. If you already have a Social Club account, click here to link your gaming network account.

Full details, along with terms and conditions can be found on our official contest page here. Any questions? Feel free to drop us a line at mouthoff@rockstargames.com and we’ll be happy to answer. We’ll see you online…

Sydney 6 July, 2012: Canon has posted a global Service Notice today regarding the front rubber grips of some EOS 650D (EOS REBEL T4i/EOS Kiss X6i in other markets) units produced in certain lots between 31 May and 15 June 2012.

Canon Australia confirms that it has not shipped any affected products into the Australian market, and does not believe that consumers who have purchased through Canon’s Authorised Resellers will be in possession of affected products.

Canon Australia has not means of identifying what products may have entered the Australian market from overseas via other channels (direct import from overseas or via local reseller of overseas products). However, in line with the global announcement, Canon Australia has posted the Service Notice on its website at the following URL:

www.canon.com.au/Support-Services/Support-News/Service-Notices/EOS-650D-DSLR-Camera

Purchasers of overseas product can use the information to identify whether their product is affected and support available.

Canon Australia understands that a process anomaly was identified for the 16-day production period mentioned above and was immediately rectified.

Canon apologises for any inconvenience caused by this issue.

Related links: 

–        See  the Canon Australia Service Notice

–        Find a Canon Authorised Reseller – http://www.canon.com.au/Support-Services/Dealer-Service-Locator

About Canon:

Canon is the world’s leading imaging brand that actively inspires with imaginative ideas that enable people to connect, communicate and achieve more than they thought possible through imaging solutions for business and consumers. Canon’s Australian R&D company, CiSRA, develops and exports digital imaging technologies for use in Canon products worldwide. Canon has ranked among the top-four US patent recipients* for the past 20 years, and had global revenues of around $US46 billion in 2011. Canon Australia also operates Canon Finance Australia, which offers one-stop shopping for customers wanting leasing or finance services. For more information, visit www.canon.com.au, www.facebook.com/canonaustralia, www.twitter.com/canonaustralia, www.youtube.com/canonaustralia

Gamers from around the world will tune in to Monash University’s Clayton campus this week for the fourth annual Computer Games Boot Camp (CGBC).

Over 1100 Year 9-12 and TAFE students will enjoy the seven-day learning extravaganza on everything connected to computer games, which is broadcast live for a global audience via the internet.

Hosted by Monash University’s Faculty of Information Technology, the CGBC is a hands-on, interactive, industry engagement event. Since it was founded in 2009 it has evolved and diversified into far more than just games, now providing presentations, workshops, industry showcases, and course information on careers and pathways.

Marketing Officer and event organiser Andrew Owen, from the Faculty of Information Technology, said the CGBC was a great opportunity for kids to hear from some of the leading gaming experts in the world.

“The camp has become a great meeting point for participants. Everyone shares the same passions and goals – to have a career in information technology (IT),” Mr Owen said.

“And of course, they can enjoy the excitement of the tournaments held each day.”

Participants will be offered a variety of workshops as well as hearing presentations from some of the leading game developers and designers from Australia and around the world. For those who are interested in pursuing study in the IT field, there will be course information and details of potential pathways available.

“We are extremely excited with the events we have lined up for this year’s CGBC,” Mr Owen said.

“Once again Atomic Magazine will be hosting Atomic Tuesday, covering everything you need to know about the best of PC hardware, which will also include an after-hours over-18s event.

“CGBC is hosting two professional esports tournaments – StarCraft 2 and League of Legends – for Gigabyte and Team Immunity. Attending students will have the opportunity to win a wild card entry into these tournaments.”

Monash University’s Sunway campus will host its own 2012 International IT Boot Camp from 7-8 July to coincide with the Melbourne event, with their own workshops, seminars and live broadcast of the CGBC.

“Esports will host games between Australia and China, and Australia and Malaysia. The Australia and Malaysia match will be played live between Sunway and the CGBC,” Mr Owen said.

The CGBC will take place from 7-13 July 2012 at the Engineering Halls, Building 60, at Monash University’s Clayton campus and will be broadcast live through the CGBC 2012 Channel.