SYDNEY, Australia, June 24, 2009 – Further uniting the Internet with mobile phones and computers, Intel Corporation and Nokia today announced a long-term relationship to develop a new class of Intel® Architecture-based mobile computing device and chipset architectures which will combine the performance of powerful computers with high-bandwidth mobile broadband communications and ubiquitous Internet connectivity.

To realise this shared vision, both companies are expanding their longstanding relationship to define a new mobile platform beyond today’s smartphones, notebooks and netbooks, enabling the development of a variety of innovative hardware, software and mobile Internet services.

Taking advantage of each company’s expertise as leaders in their respective fields, these future standards-based devices will marry the best features and capabilities of the computing and communications worlds and will transform the user experience, bringing incredible mobile applications and always on, always connected wireless Internet access in a user-friendly pocketable form factor.

The Intel and Nokia effort includes collaboration in several open source mobile Linux software projects. Intel will also acquire a Nokia HSPA/3G modem IP license for use in future products.

The companies expect many innovations to result from this collaboration over time.

“This Intel and Nokia collaboration unites and focuses many of the brightest computing and communications minds in the world, and will ultimately deliver open and standards-based technologies, which history shows drive rapid innovation, adoption and consumer choice,” said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel Corporation senior vice president and general manager, Ultra Mobility Group. “With the convergence of the Internet and mobility as the team’s only barrier, I can only imagine the innovation that will come out of our unique relationship with Nokia. The possibilities are endless.”

“Today’s announcement represents a significant commitment to work together on the future of mobile computing, and we plan to turn our joint research into action,” said Kai Öistämö, executive vice president, Devices, Nokia.  “We will explore new ideas in designs, materials and displays that will go far beyond devices and services on the market today.  This collaboration will be compelling not only for our companies, but also for our industries, our partners and, of course, for consumers.”

Open Source Software Collaboration
The effort also includes technology development and cooperation in several open source software initiatives in order to develop common technologies for use in the Moblin and Maemo platform projects, which will deliver Linux-based operating systems for these future mobile computing devices. 

The companies are coordinating their Open Source technology selection and development investments, including alignment on a range of key Open Source technologies for Mobile Computing such as: oFono*, ConnMan*, Mozilla*, X.Org*, BlueZ*, D-BUS*, Tracker*, GStreamer*, PulseAudio*. Collectively, these technologies will provide an open source standards-based means to deliver a wealth of mobile Internet and communication experiences, with rich graphics and multimedia capabilities.

Hosted by the Linux Foundation, Moblin is an optimised open source Linux operating system project that delivers visually rich Internet media experiences on Intel® Atom™ processor-based devices including MIDs, netbooks, nettops, in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) and embedded systems. For more information see www.moblin.org.

Maemo is a Linux operating system, mostly based on open source code and powers mobile computers such as the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet. The Maemo platform has been developed by Nokia in collaboration with many open source projects. For more information see www.maemo.org.

Enabling common technologies across the Moblin and Maemo software environments will help foster the development of compatible applications for these devices – building on the huge number of off-the-shelf PC compatible applications.  The open source projects will be governed using the best practices of the open source development model.

Intel to License Nokia’s HSPA/3G Modem Technologies
Building on today’s announcement, Intel and Nokia have signed an agreement that will enable Intel to license Nokia’s HSPA/3G modem technologies with the aim of developing advanced mobile computing solutions that deliver a powerful and flexible computing experience – combining the best-in-class 3GPP modem technology with the high performance and low power consumption of future Intel Architecture-based platforms.

Intel supports multiple mobile broadband standards on its platforms to address the needs of service providers worldwide, and to provide people with an always-connected experience.

The Nokia modem license complements Intel’s broadband wireless technologies and will enable the company to extend chipset solutions incorporating Nokia’s modem technologies across its mobility offerings in the future.

Nokia is continuing to develop its leading modem technology, which includes protocol software and related digital design for the full suite of 3GPP standards through WCDMA/GSM and its evolution, and then licenses the technology to chipset manufacturers to develop and produce chipsets for device manufacturers.

Nokia’s licensable modem technology is the trusted connectivity choice, providing credible and reliable options for the industry based on Nokia wireless modems’ embedded history and experience. The Intel license of Nokia’s modem technologies is another step in executing Nokia’s chipset strategy to create multiple, competitive chipset choices to the industry.

About Intel
Intel [NASDAQ: INTC], the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live.  Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and http://blogs.intel.com.

About Nokia
Nokia is a pioneer in mobile telecommunications and the world’s leading maker of mobile devices. Today, we are connecting people in new and different ways – fusing advanced mobile technology with personalised services to enable people to stay close to what matters to them. We also provide comprehensive digital map information through NAVTEQ; and equipment, solutions and services for communications networks through Nokia Siemens Networks.

Intel, the Intel logo and Intel Atom are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.  *Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

New Game Allows Fans to Wage War Online For the First Time Ever in the TRANSFORMERS Universe   

Sydney, Australia – June 24, 2009 – The fight for global supremacy is officially on with the announcement that Transformers™: Revenge of the Fallen game from Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) is available now at retail stores nationwide.  Developed by Luxoflux under license from Hasbro, Inc. and based on the blockbuster feature film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, the Transformers™: Revenge of the Fallen game allows players to become their favourite AUTOBOTS® and DECEPTICONS® and engage in massive single and, for the first time ever, online multiplayer battles as they fight to protect or annihilate all of mankind.

“The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen game will give fans the chance to experience the most robust and explosive TRANSFORMERS game ever,” said Rob Kostich, head of marketing for licensed properties, Activision Publishing.  “Featuring a huge roster of playable TRANSFORMERS, the game delivers massive firepower in a frenetic single player experience, along with several multiplayer modes players can experience with friends online.”

“Because of our close relationship with Activision, the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen game features an unprecedented amount of content to fully immerse players into the TRANSFORMERS universe,” said Mark Blecher, General Manager of Digital Media and Gaming, Hasbro, Inc.  “It is amazing how far interactive entertainment has come – the new video game takes the characters we all know and love and allows for even deeper interaction via online multiplayer across the globe.”

The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen game for the next-gen consoles and PC lets players take on the role of their favourite TRANSFORMERS, picking from the largest, most diverse range of playable characters – each with their own distinct abilities and weaponry.  Set in unique environments across the globe such as Cairo and Shanghai, the game allows players to instantly switch between vehicle and robot modes as they drive, fly, fight and blast their way through intense, pressure-packed levels.  After engaging in single player action, players for the first time ever will be able to go online and battle friends in all-new multiplayer modes.

Also available today are unique Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen games for the Nintendo Wii™ as well as two distinct versions for Nintendo DS™, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: AUTOBOTS and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: DECEPTICONS.

The Wii version follows a similar storyline to the film and allows players to battle as both AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS, through 15 action-packed levels featuring vehicular sequences, flight-based rail levels and blistering combat chains full of close-ranged strikes and projectile missile attacks.  Both games also feature instant-join co-op gameplay throughout the intense campaign.

The Nintendo DS™ titles enable players to engage in global competitions through Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection where they must help their side win the conflict between the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS through downloadable challenge missions.  For the first time, gamers can customise their own TRANSFORMERS robot with a modular body part system that allows them to scan objects to access new parts and upgrade their character by installing unlockable pieces.  Additionally, players can challenge friends to intense, head-to-head battles through local wireless multiplayer in Deathmatch mode.

The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game was created by Luxoflux for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and is rated “M” (Violence); the Windows PC version was developed by Beenox Studios and is also rated “M” (Violence); the distinct Wii version was developed by Krome Studios and is rated “M” (Violence); two unique AUTOBOT and DECEPTICON-specific Nintendo DS versions were developed by Vicarious Visions and are rated “PG” (Mild Violence).

For more information on the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game, visit www.TransformersGame.com.  For all video assets, visit the Activision Broadcast Media Centre – http://www.usngondemand.com/index.php.

About HASBRO

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. (C) 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands.  The company’s labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies.  PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide Television Distribution.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as “outlook,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” future,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Activision Publishing, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors, licensees, licensors and third-party developers, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, Activision Blizzard’s success in completing the integration of the operations of Activision Publishing and Vivendi Games in a timely manner, or at all, and the combined company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies of the transaction to the extent, or in the timeframe, anticipated, and the other factors identified in the risk factors section of Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Liverpool and Spain striker joins Lionel Messi as the face of PES 2010, as Konami lifts lid on even more gameplay advances 

– 24th June, 2009 – Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH in partnership with Atari Australia has announced that Liverpool FC and Spanish international striker Fernando Torres is to join Lionel Messi as the cover stars of PES 2010.

Torres, 25, has enjoyed an incredibly successful season both at club and international level, and will now join UEFA Champions League winner Messi on the front of PES 2010’s packaging and marketing materials. Fernando Torres was born in Madrid in 1984, and gained acclaim by helping Spain win the Under 16 UEFA European Championships in 2001 scoring the only goal in the final against France. His pace and prowess in front of goal saw him signed by Atlético de Madrid as an 11-year-old, making his mark in the first team from the age of 17 and scoring 82 goals in 214 league appearances for the club. This form took him to Liverpool for a $54m fee in 2007, where his prolific strike rate has continued and has seen him cement his place in the senior Spanish national squad. Torres was a pivotal figure in Spain’s successful EURO 2008 campaign where he again scored the only goal in the final against Germany.

“Everyone knows that when it comes to football simulation, Konami’s PES series is by far the most realistic title available,” commented Torres. “The new game looks absolutely stunning, and I look forward to seeing myself in action in PES 2010.” “Fernando Torres has established himself as one of the most exciting strikers in the game,” added Jon Murphy, PES European Team Leader. “He encapsulates everything that is good about the modern game, showcasing both pace, skill and vision – three elements that play a major part in PES 2010 as a football simulation.”

In addition to the announcement of Torres’ involvement, Konami has also unveiled key new additions to PES 2010’s content:

·         Enhanced Realism: PES 2010 delivers a pace of game in tune with football played at the highest level. Triangulation of passes and use of off-the-ball runs are key to breaking down the opposition, forcing the player to use the strengths of their team mates to create scoring opportunities. Gone are ‘soft’ goals that can be used to break the deadlock; instead, only working the channels and the precision play expected of great players will make a difference.

·         Player Characteristics: Key skills of the many players have now been attributed names, allowing users to incorporate them into their play strategy. Cover star Torres, for instance, is renowned for his ability to receive a pass in the penalty area, and to drop the ball to a teammate in a good position for a goal-scoring opportunity. As such, he is labeled a ‘Fox in the Box’ and Goal Poacher’, in line with his prowess in both scoring and setting up goals. Player characteristics are more vividly reproduced by these names.

·         Instant Tactical Switching: Konami has already unveiled its new tactical bar system related to PES 2010’s attacking and defensive elements, but can now reveal additional information. Each team has unique settings matching their real-life playing styles. Torres at Liverpool, for instance, will recreate the Merseyside club’s sophisticated play and high numbers in attack, their pressing from midfield, strong defensive line, and width across the pitch. For the offense, the default settings support wide attacks and the aim to move in the back of the opponent’s defense line. The user can summon the bar instantly during a match to adjust team tactics to enhance their defence or strengthen attacks. 

·         Master League: The Master League now incorporates both the Champions League and Europa Leagues in its content, offering a complete season for players to enjoy. Success in the Master League will see players streamed into these competitions. The lure of European football can also be used to attract stronger players to your side, with transfer dealings and contracts now significantly more realistic in their use.

·         Commentary: PES 2010 reunites Jon Champion and Mark Lawrenson in the game’s virtual commentary box, but in a more effective way than before. The commentary is now more tied to the action, with comments detailing player ability, significant match history and analysis, within a more concise and detailed delivery designed to mimic the presentation of games.

Konami is committed to delivering the most realistic football to date, and will make further announcements regarding PES 2010’s exciting, innovative content in the run-up to the game’s Spring launch. Key details on the game’s DLC, online elements and options will follow shortly.

PES 2010 will be released for PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360, PC-DVD, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), PlayStation®2 and mobile phones in the Spring.

The winners for the Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2009 are as follows.

Best of Show
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
(Naughty Dog/Sony Computer Entertainment America for PlayStation 3)

Best Original Game
Scribblenauts
(5TH Cell/Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment for Nintendo DS)

Best Console Game
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
(Naughty Dog/Sony Computer Entertainment America for PlayStation 3)

Best PC Game
Star Wars: The Old Republic
(BioWare Austin/LucasArts)

Best Handheld Game
Scribblenauts
(5TH Cell/Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment for Nintendo DS)

Best Hardware/Peripheral
“Project Natal”
(Microsoft for Xbox 360)

Best Action Game
Modern Warfare 2
(Infinity Ward/Activision for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC)

Best Action/Adventure Game
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
(Naughty Dog/Sony Computer Entertainment America for PlayStation 3)

Best Role Playing Game
Mass Effect 2
(BioWare/Electronic Arts for Xbox 360, PC)

Best Racing Game
Split/Second
(Black Rock/Disney Interactive Studios for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC)

Best Sports Game
Fight Night Round 4
(EA Canada/EA Sports for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)

Best Fighting Game
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars
(Eighting/Capcom for Nintendo Wii)

Best Strategy Game
Supreme Commander 2
(Gas Powered Games/Square-Enix for Xbox 360, PC)

Best Social/Casual/Puzzle
DJ Hero
(Freestyle/Red Octane/Activision for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii)

Best Online Multiplayer
Left 4 Dead 2
(Valve/EAP for Xbox 360, PC)

The Best of Both Worlds: Lenovo Combines Thin and Light With Powerful Performance in Latest ThinkPad Laptop

Sydney, Australia – June 24, 2009: Lenovo today announced the ThinkPad T400s laptop, created to give business users a thin and light, yet powerful, feature-packed PC. Demonstrating Lenovo’s attention to detail, the T400s includes a series of significant enhancements designed to make the laptop more intuitive and easier to use, leading to an improved overall computing experience.

Thin and Light Design

Inspired by Lenovo’s thinnest and lightest full-function laptop, the featherweight ThinkPad X300, Lenovo engineered the ThinkPad T400s to be super-slim, at just 21 millimetres thin, and ultra-light starting at 1.77 kilograms^[i]. The laptop achieves its skinny frame thanks to the Top Cover Roll Cage, which Lenovo first introduced in the ThinkPad X300 laptop, and the thin 14.1-inch LED screen and DVD burner. The roll cage’s monocoque carbon reinforced fibre, also used in bicycle frames and airplanes, helps keep the laptop extremely light yet surprisingly sturdy. With this design the laptop weighs nearly 20 percent less than its ThinkPad T400 predecessor, making it thinner and lighter than the Dell E6400 and HP 6930P laptops.

“Lenovo continues to raise the bar on innovation with its commitment to ultraportability, strong performance and usability,” said Chris Kelly, Product and Marketing Director, Lenovo ANZ. “The ThinkPad T400s is designed to balance the power and features of the ‘workhorse’ T-series with the mobility of thinner and lighter technology.” 

Loaded for Performance

Lenovo’s ThinkPad T Series functions as the powerhouse series in its laptop line-up. The ThinkPad T400s laptop allows users to enjoy the best of both worlds – a thin and light design without sacrificing the powerful performance they need.

The laptop comes with:

·         Choices of Intel® 2.4 or 2.53 GHz Core™2Duo processors (standard voltage, small form factor) and Intel® graphics

·         Choices of solid state drive storage up to 256 GB or 250 GB hard drive storage

·         9.5 mm slim DVD burner or Blu-Ray player

·         Ethernet, WiFi, WWAN^[ii], Bluetooth and ultrawideband connectivity

·         34mm Express Card slot or 5-in-1 multimedia card reader

·         Nearly six hours of battery life

·         Supports up to two monitors via a Display Port and VGA connector

·         Meets the Energy Star 5.0 criteria for energy efficiency

·         Built-in USB/eSATA port

Lenovo is also introducing three new options for users who want to expand their work space by connecting to other peripherals such as mice and keyboards, monitors and printers. The ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3, ThinkPad Mini-Dock Series 3 and ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus 3 feature new slim and sleek footprints, provide one-step  “rip and go” docking and include a range of multi-monitor support while meeting a variety of needs including support for USB, Display Port and eSATA.

Design Matters

A comfortable, easy to use keyboard plays a big role in overall user satisfaction with their PC. Knowing this, Lenovo spends a lot of time perfecting the design of its keyboard.

• The average user hits the Delete and the Escape key 700 times a week; to help improve the typing experience, Lenovo has made these keys larger.
• To help protect the keyboard and lock crumbs out, Lenovo tightened the spaces between the keys.
• To keep the laptop thin, the touchpad lays flush with the palm rest.
• To make sure users know whether their fingers are on the trackpad, Lenovo developed a textured material to help them feel the trackpad’s location.
• And with multitouch technology on the trackpad, users can scroll, pinch and zoom through documents.

Because more people are using voice over IP (VoIP) for communicating at the office, at home or on the road, Lenovo optimised the T400s to make VoIP calls as simple as using the telephone. Lenovo has equipped the T400s with a two megapixel camera for better quality images in low lighting conditions. To optimise sound quality Lenovo pumped up the speaker volume to more than two times greater than audio levels on the ThinkPad T400 laptop. A simple toggle switch was also added at the top of the keyboard to easily increase and decrease volume; similar to the feature found on the steering wheel of sports cars.

Because the constant clicking of keys can be distracting when on a conference call, the T400s features dual digital microphones which help reduce ambient noise and improve speaker clarity. Separate speaker and microphone mute buttons with LED lights to indicate which button is on have also been added, so users know whether they are on or off mute. For an even faster VoIP experience, users can activate VoIP in one step by hitting the Function and F6 keys.

For even more convenience, Lenovo added the ability to power on the laptop with just the swipe of a finger on the finger print reader. And an always-on USB port keeps MP3 players, cameras and other peripherals charged when the laptop is in standby and hibernate.  

Pricing and Availability

The ThinkPad T400s is available immediately through Lenovo business partners and www.lenovo.com.au. Models start at approximately $AUD2,899. The ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3, Mini Dock Series 3 and Mini Dock Plus Series 3 are available immediately and start at $AUD199, $AUD279 and $AUD299 respectively. All prices quoted include GST.

About Lenovo

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo’s business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centres in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com.au.

Prices do not include tax or shipping and are subject to change without notice and is tied to specific terms and conditions. Reseller prices may vary. Price does not include all advertised features. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice

Rockstar Games, the world-renowned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is pleased to announce that one of the highest-rated handheld games of all time, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, will be making its way to the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system. Developed by the award-winning studio Rockstar Leeds, in conjunction with series creator Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars will be available at retail on UMD® and digitally from the PlayStation®Network in Australia and New Zealand this spring.

“We’re proud to extend this truly unique handheld Grand Theft Auto experience to PSP and offer a downloadable version of Chinatown Wars for PSP®go,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “Rockstar Leeds has shown incredible talent in creating games that raise the bar in terms of depth and innovation on portables, and with Chinatown Wars we have a rich, fast-paced, and incredibly addictive entry into the series.”
 
“Rockstar’s work with the GTA series has been an enormous part of the success of PlayStation platforms,” said Jack Tretton, President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America. “We’re excited to welcome the critically acclaimed Chinatown Wars to the outstanding line-up of great games headed to the PSP platform this spring.”
 
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars follows the story of Huang Lee, a young Triad who travels to Liberty City after the mysterious death of his father. Within the game, players will navigate their way through the streets as they uncover the truth behind an epic tale of crime and corruption within the Triad crime syndicate, delivering the unprecedented amount of depth that has become a true trademark of the franchise.  Specifically built for the PSP platform with upscaled widescreen graphics, enhanced lighting and animation; and including all-new story missions; this version of Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars will take full advantage of the power of the PSP system.
 
For more information please visit www.rockstargames.com/chinatownwars.

– June 24th, 2009 – Beautiful Game Studios today announces the latest edition of its classic franchise; Championship Manager 2010™ will be available in stores September 2009.

Championship Manager 2010™ is the definitive football management game and the first football title available for the 2009/10 season. This new version of the game has been in development for over two years and will be released just after the start of the new football season.

Championship Manager 2010™ features a host of unique, cutting-edge technology including a bespoke 3D match engine with over 500 individual player animations, a Set-piece creator giving users the chance to create their own unique free kicks and corners, Scouting Networks allowing users to set-up local networks in countries around the world and grow local player knowledge and Practice matches helping users select their perfect team or trial new players.

Championship Manager 2010™ will also feature real player data and information for the 2009/10 football season in a completely new gameplay innovation called CM Season Live™.

In what is a first for football management games, CM Season Live™ is an additional monthly update that lets players download the real-world 09/10 football season data, at that point in time, and then take charge of their chosen club. All of the scores, competition standings, player transfers, player stats, bookings, major injuries etc. from the ten leading countries in Europe, downloaded directly on a monthly basis throughout the season – full updates of 49 major leagues and competitions. CM Season Live™ starts on October 15th and is available at monthly intervals for 6 months.

“With this game we are genuinely looking to change the face of football management games and raise the bar for consumers through bringing innovative brand new features to the PC football management genre,” said Roy Meredith, General Manager of Championship Manager™. “CM Season Live™ is the most exciting innovation in football management games since they began with the original Championship Manager™ game. This is the closest fans will get to ‘actually’ managing their team, fighting the relegation or promotional battles, dealing with the big name injuries or transfers as they unfold in the real world, throughout the real season.”

“Today’s announcement is one of the most significant in this much loved franchise’s history and we aim to continually improve and innovate on this each year.” continued Roy Meredith, “Everyone should continue to expect huge announcements from Championship Manager™, 2009 is going to be a big year for us.”

For more information on Atari’s entire product line up visit www.atari.com.au and log on to the Atari Trade Site for all box shots, demos, trailers and online screenshots.

Activision brings rock’s hottest hits to all major retailers with the launches of their latest Guitar Hero title, Guitar Hero® Greatest Hits. Hitting store shelves today, Guitar Hero Greatest Hits expands the experience of previous guitar-only games to the full band so gamers can join together and rock to 48 of the most fun and celebrated tracks from Guitar Hero®, Guitar Hero® II, Guitar Hero® Encore: Rocks the 80s and Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock.  Featuring all master recordings, Guitar Hero Smash Hits delivers a robust feature set and epic on-disc song list including music from fan-favorite artists such as Alice In Chains, Queen, Poison, Rage Against The Machine, Twisted Sister, Heart and DragonForce.

Developed by Beenox Studios and rated PG, Guitar Hero Greatest Hits is now available for Xbox 360, Wii, PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 

For more information about these games, please visit http://greatesthits.guitarhero.com/. 

In addition, check out the launch trailer at the Greatest Hits site or alternatively let me know if you would like a copy (83MB or 26MB).

Superstars® V8 Racing – On track with a real driver Gianni Morbidelli’s secrets
PlayStation Official Magazine UK
“It’s fast, smooth and pretty.” 8/10
[July 2009, p.93]

Milan, 24th June 2009 – Superstars® V8 Racing, the brand new racing experience based on the license of the Italian Superstars® Championship, and developed by Milestone, is next to the European release. Superstars® V8 Racing was released on 18th June in Italy and it will be officially ready for release on Monday 29th June throughout Australia for Microsoft Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and July 9th for PC.

Milestone, known worldwide for motorbike, came back to 4 wheels focusing its utmost attention to details on V8 engines, realizing a video game that boasts high expectations in terms of graphics as well as on physics and mechanics. Superstars® V8 Racing has been created to satisfy the casual gamers and those who care for honing the potentialities of each car considering the real features of the original manufacturing houses, like a BMW that reacts completely different from an Audi when facing a turn at a very high speed.

For those who can’t wait until the release date, Black Bean Games is honored to announce that the PC Demo Superstars® V8 Racing is available for download on
www.superstarsv8racing.com and soon on many other sites across the web.
Anyone can test their driving skills on Portimao track playing any drivers and competing in any team they prefer.

For the latest updates check at the official Superstars® V8 Racing web site.  Thanks to Black bean games collaboration with Gianni Morbidelli and his commitment to the video game world, you’ll soon be able to find an exclusive session where the experienced driver will teach gamers and wannabe drivers alike the secrets of each track and how to compete like a PRO.

www.superstarsv8racing.com