Visually Stunning Role-Playing Game Releases Three New Exciting Downloadable Packs
 
Tuesday 17th March 2009 – SEGA® of America, Inc. and SEGA® Europe Ltd. today announced downloadable content for Valkyria Chronicles,™ , the critically acclaimed role playing game, exclusively on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Valkyria Chronicles combines strategy elements of conventional tactical role playing games with real-time action sequences. The additional content allows players to immerse themselves once more in the beautiful 3D environments and epic storyline. The breathtaking graphics and story blend well together for a visually astounding and satisfying gameplay experience.

The three new packs include Hard EX Mode, Edy’s Mission “Enter the Edy Detachment”, and Selvaria’s Mission “Behind Her Blue Flame”. Each of the three new packs will supply players with a brand new experience that will keep them wanting more.

Details on the new downloadable content:

• Hard EX Mode – fight your way once more through the entire Imperial army, where the enemies are more lethal and your main tank Edelweiss is unavailable. You’ll have to be more strategic in order to overcome your opponents.

• Edy’s Mission “Enter the Edy Detachment” – six members have been separated from Squad 7 and on their journey to reunite with the squad, they stumble upon a tiny village under attack by the Imperial Army. Play as Edy and command your outnumbered team to defend the small village from annihilation.

• Selvaria’s Mission “Behind Her Blue Flame”– this mission takes place right after the outbreak of Gallian battle lines and you play as Johann, a young and meek engineer, assigned to Selvaria’s troop. See the action as it unfolds behind enemy lines and see the war play out through the eyes of the enemy.

Valkyria Chronicles is set in a fictitious continent reminiscent of 1930s Europe, divided in two and ruled by the Empire and the Federation. The Empire has set its sights on invading a small neutral country called Gallia, which is situated in the middle of the two great empires. The game follows a hero named Welkin and his fellow soldiers of Gallian civilian militia’s 7th Platoon that are fighting against the Empire, who is intent on unifying the continent under its power. Gallia discovers that the Empire possesses a secret weapon, known as the “Valkyria”- an ancient race with special powers thought to exist only in legends. With this new discovery, the fate of Gallia’s ability to win the war and a hope for a better future hangs in the balance.

The Valkyria Chronicles downloadable content will be available for the PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system in autumn 2009.
For more information on Valkyria Chronicles please visit www.valkyriachronicles.com. For screenshots and assets please visit www.sega-press.com.

About SEGA of America, Inc.:
SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home.  The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.  SEGA® of America’s Web site is located at www.sega.com.
About SEGA Europe Ltd.:
SEGA® Europe Ltd. is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. The SEGA® Europe Ltd. Web site is located at www.sega-europe.com.

When work and play mix – and they invariably do – Targus has you covered with the launch of a versatile and stylish laptop case. The new Women’s Boho Tote in soft faux leather combines a handbag with a laptop case to create a fashionable combination perfect for work and play.  

The Boho Tote will comfortably fit laptops up to 15.6 inches in size. The design is lightweight and features flexible shoulder straps for easy carrying, as well as a padded compartment to safely insulate your laptop. There are also multiple other compartments within the bag, including exterior and interior pockets to store all of your personal essentials.  

The Boho Tote is launching in April, just in time for Mother’s Day! Targus will be donating $5 from every purchase of the Boho Tote, Tan (RRP $129.95) to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Stock is available from Harvey Norman stores nationwide.

To obtain more information about the new Boho Tote and other products in the Women’s Collection by Targus, visit www.targus.com.au or call the customer service free call line 1800 641 645.

Call of Duty®: World at War Map Pack 1 is on its way featuring the highly anticipated “Verrückt” (Zombie Asylum) – a fourth map that features more weapons, new Perks-a-Cola machines, electroshock defences and endless, attacking legions of undead. 

To give you a taste of what awaits at the Zombie Asylum watch the latest trailer here otherwise let me know if you would like either the SD trailer (58.8MB) or the HD trailer (129MB).

The World’s First Modern Day Spy-RPG To Be Released In October 2009

Tuesday 17th March 2009 – SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced that Alpha Protocol™ – the groundbreaking game combining espionage, action and excitement with RPG choice and depth – will be available on retailer shelves globally October 2009.

The new gameplay trailer, showing in-game footage for the first time shows how players will travel to exotic locations around the globe, infiltrating terrorist camps and spy on unsavoury characters in the manner of their choosing. Alpha Protocol’s RPG and dialog system will allow players the choice to be smooth like James Bond, cold and precise like Jason Bourne, or just plain explosively kick-ass like Jack Bauer.

The year is 2009. Worldwide political tensions are at a breaking point when a commercial airliner is shot down by a U.S. missile over Eastern Europe, killing all aboard. Despite evidence to the contrary, the U.S. government claims no involvement and dispatches agent Michael Thorton to bring those responsible to justice. With more options than any other RPG, Alpha Protocol offers unprecedented control over the development of Thorton’s abilities and interactions with others. Physical combat, weapons mastery, cutting-edge technology and even seduction are just some of the skills to master. Hunted and alone, players will discover just how deep the conspiracy goes in Alpha Protocol.

For more information about Alpha Protocol, please visit www.alphaprotocol.com. For assets, please visit www.sega-press.com.

To download the trailer click here

Sony Online Entertainment Honors the Online Game with Yearlong

Anniversary Activities and Announces Fan Faire 2009

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – March  16, 2009 – An epic online adventure a decade in the making, Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is proud to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the launch of the groundbreaking 3-D fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), EverQuest®. Since its release in 1999, EverQuest (EQ) has proved to be a monumental and inspirational entertainment property, spawning 15 expansion packs and subsequent franchise titles, introducing millions of players to the virtual world of Norrath, and inspiring virtually every other MMORPG made.

EverQuest has earned many awards, including the 1999 GameSpot “Game of the Year” and a 2008 Technology & Engineering Emmy Award. The City of San Diego, where SOE is headquartered, has also recognized March 16, 2009 as the official “Sony Online Entertainment Day” due to its enormous contribution to both the city and the gaming industry.

“This year marks a major milestone for SOE and the entire interactive entertainment industry,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “While it was hard work and a dedicated vision that brought EQ to fruition, without our loyal fans, EQ would not be the game that it is today. This year’s Fan Faire will definitely celebrate our players and their integral contribution to the EQ legacy!”
To further commemorate the 10th anniversary of the EverQuest franchise, a number of events, both in-game and “IRL” (in real life), are scheduled throughout the year:

Fan Faire Returns to Las Vegas, June 25 – 28, 2009!

If you have never been to an SOE Fan Faire before, this is the year to make the trek to Bally’s Hotel in Las Vegas! SOE is planning a big birthday bash for the EverQuest 10th anniversary, and players of all SOE games are invited to join the party! Fan Faire is a great place for SOE gamers to mix and mingle with each other, and meet some of the faces behind their favorite SOE games. Here’s just a taste of some of the great activities we’re planning:

* Special announcements and sneak peaks of upcoming SOE titles at the Third Annual Community Address from SOE President John Smedley
* Autograph signings with members of the original EQ development team and other key contributors
* Lots of in-game tournaments; and live, game-themed competitions and quests
* Developer forums and roundtables
* Cool giveaways and other fun items!

And, that’s just the beginning! Visit the Fan Faire website for more details at www.soefanfaire.com. Tickets are expected to go on sale in April.

EQ In-Game Events
Party all the time! In celebration of the anniversary, we are proud to bring you fresh EQ content for the next few months! Solo, group or raid, there’s content for everyone to enjoy! Earn great quest rewards, and show off your raiding skills on the Anniversary leaderboards. Log in now to receive your piece of cake and see what other fun events are planned. For more information on specific events, visit www.EQ10th.com.

Legends of Norrath™ In-Game Events
Starting Monday, March 16, log in to Legends of Norrath (LoN) to check out their Anniversary Celebration Event! On each day of the Anniversary week, one of two loot cards (one for EverQuest players and one for EverQuest II players, depending upon your preference) from that day’s release will be given out free to all EQ and EQII players who log in to LoN.  There will also be five daily events that honor the first five LoN releases:
§         Monday, March 16 is Oathbound Day.
§         Tuesday, March 17 is Forsworn Day.
§         Wednesday, March 18 is Inquisitor Day.
§         Thursday, March 19 is Oathbreaker Day.
§         Friday, March 20 is Ethernauts Day.
For more information on specific events, visit www.legendsofnorrath.com.

EverQuest: The 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition Book

EverQuest: The 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition celebrates EverQuest’s legacy by taking a look at the past, present and future of the EverQuest brand. The book, written by veteran video game book author Rusel DeMaria, includes essays by the developers, and illustrations and artwork that has graced the world of Norrath throughout the entire franchise’s history. Rich in vivid detail, each page tells the story of the evolution and its place in our culture.

Be sure to check out the new EverQuest 10th Anniversary site to read up on the history of EverQuest, find out about 10th anniversary events, see where you stand on the Anniversary Raid leaderboards, and find out when to register for Fan Faire! For more information, visit www.EQ10th.com.

About Sony Online Entertainment

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends™, and PlanetSide®, as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies™, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; Tucson, AZ and Taiwan, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development.

SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest and PlanetSide are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. Untold Legends and Legends of Norrath are trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

Be sure to check out www.SOEpress.com to download EQ 10th anniversary photos, logos, and a special video trailer!

The trailer can also be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZCMcJ7yOww

With their One World DVD about to be released, we catch up with the Cheetah Girls to chat Bollywood, boyfriends and bugs…

Is it true the Cheetah Girls hit Bollywood in the new film, One World?
Sabrina: Yes, it is! 
Kiely: One World is a movie within a movie – and it’s great. What happens? Well, the Cheetah Girls audition for a big Bollywood film and we get the part. Problems start to kick in when we head to India to find out that there’s only one role but three of us Cheetah Girls.

How much fun did you have filming?
Adrienne: We had an amazing time shooting One World. This movie is the best we’ve ever done. It’s the biggest production and it’s got the biggest musical numbers, we well as the most songs we’ve ever done for a movie. It’s bigger and better all around!

How different is this film to your other movies?
Sabrina: It’s so exciting because you get to see how the Cheetah Girls have transformed since the very first movie. Back then, they were auditioning to get into a school talent show – but now they’re actually auditioning to be the stars of a big Bollywood movie.

So they’ve all moved on…
Sabrina: Exactly! That’s such a big transformation for everyone to see. These girls have worked really hard and now they’re really making their dreams happen.
Adrienne: They show you how dreams really can come true if you try hard. 

What’s your favourite part of the new movie?
Sabrina: I don’t know if I have one favourite moment because I love of all the dance numbers. They’re bigger and better than ever. It’s a huge production with hundreds of dancers helping us out, so it’s amazing to watch on the small screen!
Adrienne: I really love the finale, where we come out riding on top of an elephant. It is such a cool moment in the film and it’s something I thought I’d never do because I was petrified. It was a big accomplishment for me to say I rode on the elephant, so I’m really excited about that.

Do the Cheetah Girls fall in love in One World?
Kiely: Adrienne and I have love interests in the movie, but Sabrina has just split up with her boyfriend so she’s feeling the burden of love. We get into a lot of trouble and a lot of fun along the way – and it’s awesome. I honestly think this is the best Cheetah Girls movie yet.

What was the most difficult part of making the movie?
Kiely: We were working on a very tough schedule, which was really difficult. There were some really long days and very long nights – but it was all worth it. Adrienne, Sabrina and I have such a good relationship that we have fun wherever we go – even if it’s hard work and long hours.

How easy was it to learn the script?
Adrienne: It was really easy to learn because the conversations were all very natural. If we couldn’t remember the exact words, we’d improvise a bit. That’s why this movie is so real to what the Cheetah Girls are all about.

What was the best thing about working in India?
Sabrina: The locations were so beautiful. There were some amazing, amazing sights.
Adrienne: And the people were wonderful. I met the most helpful people in the world in India.
Kiely: I really enjoyed learning about a new culture. The fact that we are able to travel and make these movies is amazing – and I loved India. I feel so blessed to be able to do things like this.

What was the worst thing about working in India? It couldn’t have all been fun…
Kiely: Rubbing on bug spray all the time was horrible! The bugs weren’t big, but there were lots of them and they were annoying.
Adrienne: For me, the worst thing was missing American food. I love Indian food but after a month away from home, I missed the fact that we have the option of Mexican or Chinese or Japanese food. We didn’t have many options at all.

Were the new dance routines tougher than ever in One World?
Kiely: They were! We definitely stepped up the dance routines this time. Our choreographer was so awesome and she did a great job making the routines girlie and sassy. They’re still classic, Cheetah Girl dance moves with a hip-hop twist – and they’re amazing.

Are there any Indian dance moves, too?
Kiely: Oh, sure – there’s a Bollywood twist to them, too. Traditional Indian dancers dance barefoot, which was difficult for us to get used to for us. Our feet would hurt especially when we were dancing outside, which was tough. We’re used to wearing sneakers or boots – but now we can officially dance barefoot with ease!

What dance tips can you give us?
Adrienne: Practice, practice, practice!
Sabrina: Relax and try to feel the music.
Kiely: And wear something to dance rehearsal that you want to look at for eight hours. If you wear something you don’t like, you’re constantly thinking, ‘I hate this outfit!’ That’s the worst feeling in the world!

And finally… Why should Cheetah Girls fans watch this movie?
Adrienne: Because this movie is without a doubt the best we’ve ever done. It has the most music in it, as well as the best songs we’ve ever worked on. The music is a lot cooler and a lot hipper, so you’re going to love these songs. The movie has huge musical productions that will blow you away – and there’s something in it for everyone.

Friday the 13^th – Lucky for Some!
15th Annual AIMIA Award Winners Announced

Australia’s Leading Digital Talent Celebrated at Sydney Ceremony

SYDNEY, Australia – 16 March 2009 – The Australian Interactive Media Industry Association (AIMIA), Australia’s peak industry body for digital and interactive content, has tonight honoured the 24 winners of its 15th annual AIMIA awards at a glitzy ceremony bringing together over 700 industry leaders at Sydney’s Australian Technology Park.

Hosts Adam Spencer and Airlie Walsh kept the crowd entertained and the evening did not disappoint, with a capacity crowd of members and guests.

Returning AIMIA president Guy Gadney used his speech to highlight how rapidly business models are changing and the need for the digital industry to promote new revenue opportunities.

The twenty-four winners this year beat out stiff competition from a record breaking number of entries, up 15 per cent on last year. This comes on the back of its latest Digital Service Index, which predicts revenue generated through digital services in Australia will rise close to 25 per cent in 2009.

The ‘Amys’ continue to expand with over 21 categories represented in 2009, ranging from retail to government, sport to content for children.

John Butterworth, AIMIA CEO, said, “Digital continues to grow beyond marketing and advertising and has quickly established itself as the medium of trust for commerce and government. These awards prove that with representation this year from major banks, the defence department, large retail brands, and leading NGOs including the United Nations.

“The winners and finalists this year have shown how strong the depth of talent is in Australia. Tonight we have seen a showcase of ground-breaking work in online advertising, education, mobile and entertainment.

“It may be Black Friday, but tonight we are celebrating Australian innovation. It’s this strength of ideas and execution that will help us weather the current economic climate and emerge as a stronger industry. Tonight’s awards are one way we can measure the success of Australia’s digital economy and the bright futures of our digital talent.” 

Supporters of AIMIA Include Gold Patron: BigPond, Official Hosting Partner: Macquarie Telcom, Media Partner: Digital Media, Silver Patrons: KPMG, Hyro, Australian Peal Divers, Spectrum, Microsoft, New South Wales Department of State & Regional Development, Ogilvy, Tresscox, IBM, Intel and I-Nex, Bronze Patrons: The Australian Channel and Viocorp and Awards Sponsors: BBC.com, IBSA, Jmango, LaVolta and Nett.

To find out more information about the winning entries of the 15th Annual AIMIA Awards, visit: www.aimia.com.au/awards. Images of the winning work can be found here

The winners of the 15TH Annual AIMIA Awards are:

ABOUT AIMIA

AIMIA is the peak body representing the Interactive Media and Digital Content industry. Founded in 1992, AIMIA promotes growth and success in the Australian interactive media industry and its services include acting as a lobby group, providing industry news, hosting professional functions, and organising its annual Interactive Media Awards. AIMIA members are drawn from the broad spectrum of the Australian IT industry, including producers and developers of digital content and applications for interactive platforms such as broadband and narrowband internet services, interactive television, wireless, CD/DVD media and games consoles. AIMIA also delivers export assistance to members through the TradeStart program in partnership with Austrade.

Chipmonck, the legendary MC from Woodstock Music Festival will be MCing at CHILL CITY, the new music event taking place at the Alexandra Gardens in Melbourne on April 10. This will be his first MC gig in Australia which has been his home for the last twenty years.

Chipmonck was recognised throughout the sixties and seventies as THE best lighting guy, stage manager and MC. Zelig-like he was at many of the most significants event in rock history as the concept of stadium rock and music festivals became a reality. At Woodstock his soothing manner charmed an audience of over half a million; at Altamont Festival in 1969 a Hell’s Angel knocked his front teeth out; his list of credits for stage and lighting include the Newport Folk Festival (including 1965, the year Dylan went electric); Monterey Pop Festival; the Concert for Bangladesh with George Harrison and Bob Dylan; One to One Concert with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, When We Were Kings, the Ali-Foreman concert and film, and lighting and production design for The Rolling Stones for five years. Chipmonck has worked with Bette Midler, Harry Belafonte, Neil Diamond, Neil Young, Carole King, Procul Harem, The Beach Boys, Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Four Tops & The Temptations, The Byrds, Janis Joplin, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Frank Sinatra and many others.

“We’re really thrilled having the voice of Woodstock at the birth of CHILL CITY,” said promoter Mario Maccarone. “There is probably no other person in this country who has witnessed and participated in so many significant music events with so many extraordinary artists.”

CHILL CITY on Good Friday April 10 at the Alexandra Gardens, will deliver the finest collection of blues, roots, soul, rock, R&B, country and world music acts to Melbourne music lovers with festivities taking place at the Alexandra Gardens, in the heart of the city, on Good Friday April 10.

Featuring:

John Butler Trio

Paul Kelly

Betty Harris (USA) with The Bamboos

Ben Kweller (USA)

Easy Star All Stars (USA)

Dan Sultan

Whitely

Mamie Minch (USA)

GOOD FRIDAY, 10 APRIL 2009

Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne City

The Madworld mini-games are now live www.madworldtv.com/minigames . A fourth mini-game is attached, feel free to post this on your site as you wish.