Sydney, Australia – August 21, 2009 – Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) confirmed today that Bizarre Creations’ slick, new powered-up racing video game  BlurÔ will shock your socks off when it screeches into world-wide retailers this November!  Blur, will be available at Australian retail outlets on November 4, 2009, North American retail outlets on November 3, 2009 and on European store shelves on November 6, 2009.   Blur, currently being showcased at the gamescom trade fair for interactive games and entertainment in Cologne, Germany, is a new style of powered-up racing for all gamers, so it’s time to start rallying your friends and get ready for this holiday season.

Blur is the ultimate powered-up racing experience, where players collect addictive and intense Power-ups throughout each course, including the ability to blast other cars out of the way with huge bursts of energy, boost speed with Nitros, drop Mines and even generate defensive shields to fend off other racers.  Blur features an intense single player campaign filled with over 50 fully licensed cars to unlock and intriguing characters to earn the respect of, and gamers can also engage in competitive and team-based multiplayer races with up to 20 players online, or on a single console via four player split-screen.

Beyond the action-packed racing filled with fast curves, sneaky alternate routes, hair-raising jumps and fully realised damage models that provide for spectacular crashes, Blur’s narrative is presented through Bizarre’s innovative new community-based interface, reaching far beyond the game itself.  This unique story-driving social network evolves dynamically as players compete in different races, make new friends, rivals and fans, and connect with other racers both in-game and in real life.

Blur is planned for release this spring for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and the PC, and is yet to be rated by the Classification Board.  For more information on Blur, please visit the official game web site located at www.blurthegame.com.

Watch the Stan Lee Behind-the-scenes trailer here

Watch the enigmatic Carol Danvers make her debut in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 here

For more information visit www.marvelultimatealliance.com

ASUS P7P55D Series Motherboards Harness the Latest Processor, Hybrid Development and a Cutting-edge Design to Deliver Superior Overclocking, Cooling and Power Efficiency 

SYDNEY, Australia, August 17, 2009 – ASUS has introduced the ASUS P7P55D Series motherboards with the latest processing core and a cutting-edge design to deliver ultimate overclocking, better cooling, improved power efficiency and one of the fastest memory booting. Additionally, incorporating revolutionary Hybrid Technology, the ASUS P7P55D Series delivers intelligent performance enhancement with Hybrid Processor, Hybrid Phase and Hybrid Operating System. It is based on groundbreaking “Xtreme Design”, a winning design formula drawn from many years of engineering innovation, which optimises overall system performance and reliability of PC hardware.

ASUS Hybrid Processor for the Ultimate Performance Boost

With the new Hybrid Processor, users can attain superior overclocking performance from the latest processing core. The ASUS TurboV EVO acts like a second onboard microprocessor, helping every level of overclocker—from novices to hardcore enthusiasts—boost system performance. An intuitive interface lets users perform overclocking without changing the BIOS setup, knowing any technical terms, or making sure that the system’s voltage and frequency are within safe limits.

Overclocking is further simplified with tools and modes such as Auto Tuning which enables automatic overclocking that is extreme yet stable, ASUS OC Profile which offers the best overclocking profiles for different scenarios, ASUS Turbo Key which creates more physical overclocking buttons on the computer keyboard for instantaneous overclocking and ASUS TurboV Remote* which allows users to overclock, activate the Turbo Key, or adjust the Energy Processing Unit (EPU) from a convenient side controller—while running games and applications.

Hybrid Phase for Breakthrough Performance Efficiency

Hybrid Phase combines ASUS Xtreme Phase with ASUS T.Probe phase control for maximum power efficiency, cooler system operations and prolonged component lifespan. Xtreme Phase represents one of the best power delivery systems ever designed to enhance power efficiency, improve overclocking and boost system stability. Moreover, the new frequency conversion technology further improves efficiency by maximising energy use. ASUS T.Probe, the world’s first active cooling technology, detects and balances power phase loadings and temperatures in real time to lower the temperature around the active CPU. Also, to ensure longer component lifespan, only high-quality materials are used—which further reduces power loss and boosts energy efficiency.

Hybrid OS Delivers Express Gate and Windows 7 Benefits

Hybrid OS integrates Windows® and ASUS Express Gate onto the ASUS P7P55D Series for flexible user options. The P7P55D Series is driver-ready if users choose to upgrade to Windows® 7. ASUS Express Gate delivers rapid access to online applications within five seconds from boot up, while Windows® 7 is expected to improve security and speed up performance.

MemOK! Delivers Rapid Memory Rescue Right from the Motherboard

With MemOK!, users can benefit from a built-in memory rescue tool on the motherboard. MemOK! provides failsafe presets that can dramatically improve a system bootup. Users simply need to press a button to patch memory issues and get their system up and running whenever memory is installed.

Full Range of Available Models

The P7P55D Series features a comprehensive range of models including the P7P55D Deluxe with 10-channel audio and DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC support and the P7P55D Premium with the world’s first hybrid 32-phase power delivery and the latest SATA 6Gb/s storage interface. ASUS incorporates an innovative bridge to double bandwidth to fully realise the speed available for maximum data throughput. Other available models include the P7P55D EVO, P7P55D PRO, P7P55D, and P7P55D LE.

* TurboV Remote is only provided with some models.

** The amount of temperature reduction depends on the component specifications.

Note: Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Please visit www.asus.com for more details.

Modern military hardware in action in new ‘Vehicles’ video, now available at www.flashpointgame.com

Friday 14th August– Witness the awesome power of modern military hardware as Codemasters® launched the new ‘Vehicles’ video for Operation Flashpoint®: Dragon Rising™, the shooter that’s set to take players as close to war as they’ll ever want to get, available to view at www.flashpointgame.com.

The ‘Vehicles’ video showcases a selection of the exhilarating  vehicles which feature in Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, including the Z10 Attack Helicopter which unleashes hell from the sky, the rapid response FAV Fast Attack Vehicle and Type-95 Self Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun. Each vehicle is authentically recreated, complete with accurate weapon systems, and the extensive range of hardware demonstrates the diversity and devastating fire-power that contemporary fighting forces deploy into a combat zone.

Both PLA and USMC vehicles can be commandeered in Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, including tanks, jeeps, helicopters and APCs,  giving gamers increased freedom in choosing their tactics and empowering players to attack from any direction, from the ground or the air, on the fully-open 220km² sandbox island of Skira.

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising will set the new standard for sandbox shooters when it arrives October 2009 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and PC. Race to the front line with the new ‘Vehicles’ video, now available online at www.flashpointgame.com. Fans can also receive the latest updates as they happen by signing up to Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/flashpointgame – or follow developments straight from the studio on Twitter – http://twitter.com/flashpointgame.

Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination
Could cars that hover above the ground become the mass transit of the future?  Will we ever have druids like       C-3PO in real life? Fantasy and reality join forces in Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination. This is the first exhibition to showcase more than 80 costumes, models and props from all six Star Wars films.
Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination, presented by Bose Corporation, was developed by the Museum of Science, Boston and Lucasfilm Ltd. The exhibition is based upon work supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, USA.  © 2009 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved.  Presented by Bose Corporation.
Date: Until 3 November 2009
Cost: $18 Adults, $8 Concession, $6 Children (includes entry to Scienceworks)
Pre-purchase tickets to avoid disappointment, online at http://museumvictoria.com.au/starwars or by calling 13 11 02  
Discover the Night Sky
Evening Planetarium Program
The Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks presents special after-dark sessions, Thursday evenings in August. All evenings include complimentary wine and cheese, the opportunity to chat to the Planetarium’s Astronomer and be immersed in a Planetarium experience. The evening will finish with stargazing through telescopes (weather permitting).

Each evening will showcase a different aspect of the night sky:

Thursday 6 August: Leaving Earth

Thursday 13 August:  Our Solar System

Thursday 20 August:  Milky Way Galaxy
We are just one planet, orbiting one star, mong the 400-billion-odd stars of our Milky Way Galaxy. It is truly magnificent; a swirling mass of stars, gas and dust. But what do we know of our home galaxy? And how did we come to discover it?
Thursday 27 August:  Backyard Astronomy
It’s not just stars you can see in the night sky – planets, comets, shooting stars and satellites are all there if you know when and where to look. Navigate by the stars and discover how you can become a backyard astronomer.

Session times: Commence 7pm.
Cost: $25 per person, MV members $20, Season pass $85.
Bookings essential: Call 03 9392 4819 Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm
Cracking the Einstein Code – Relativity and the Birth of Black Hole Physics
Guest lecture by Professor Fulvio Melia, University of Arizona, USA
Join astrophysicist Fulvio Melia as he gives an eyewitness account of the events leading up to the cracking of Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity. What are black holes? What place do they have in the Universe? Following the presentation, the Melbourne Planetarium will be showing its award winning planetarium show Black Holes: Journey into the Unknown, narrated by Geoffrey Rush. There will also be the opportunity to stargaze through telescopes (weather permitting).
Date: Friday 11 September
Time: 6:30pm
Cost: $15 per person; MV members and concessions: $12.50 per person
Bookings essential: Call 03 9392 4819 Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm
Mathamazing
Explore the mathematics behind everyday life. Mathamazing includes hands-on activities based on topics such as shapes, probability, sequences and series, puzzles, problem solving, topology and building.
Developed by Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Canberra.
Date: Until 6 December
Cost: Included with Scienceworks admission

National Science Week 2009
Museum Victoria will be celebrating National Science Week with special lectures and events from 15 – 23 August. Visit our website for program details museumvictoria.com.au/Scienceworks

Four of Scienceworks National Science Week events include:

BASF Kids’ Lab
Experience the fascinating world of chemistry! Run by BASF chemists, the chemistry workshops introduce chemistry to children in a fun and exciting way through simple and interactive hands-on experiments.
Date: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August
Time: 11.00am, 1.00 & 3.00pm
Bookings essential: Call 9392 4819

Australian Skeptics
The Australian Skeptics will be explaining the science behind the paranormal at Scienceworks. See magic illusions, try out a bed of nails and many more surprising demonstrations.
Date: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August
Time: 11.00am to 4.00pm

Inspiring Scientists
Biology? Paleontology? Find out about your favourite “ology” by chatting to inspiring career scientists. Meet scientists from a range of research and career backgrounds and talk to an expert to find out what exciting and varied opportunities a career in science has to offer.
Date: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August
Time: 11.00 to 4.00pm

SCINEMA
In National Science Week 2009 we invite you to discover the talent across Australia with SCINEMA – exploring science through film. Sit back and relax with SCINEMA in the Discovery Centre and find out about all things science and the great Science Week events in the coming week.
Date: Sunday 23 August (Scienceworks only)
Time: Daily

Spring School Holiday Program 19 September – 4 October
Join the space race at Scienceworks these school holidays!  Make a flying rocket, invent an alien or head out on an astro-adventure as part of the special program of activities running throughout the spring school holidays. 
Visit our website for program details museumvictoria.com.au/Scienceworks

Scienceworks, 2 Booker St, Spotswood. (Melway 56, B1). Open daily 10.00am – 4.30pm. Admission: Adults $8, Children and Concession FREE. For further details ph 03 9392 4800 or visit museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks

Milton Keynes, UK – August 14th 2009 – Bohemia Interactive is well known for providing continued support to its customers, fans and dedicated community. Each of the titles from Bohemia’s military simulator range has been supported and updated for years, cementing Bohemia’s commitment of working hard to deliver the ultimate gaming experience.

Following its successful titles of past years, Bohemia will continue to release modding tools completely free, to support the ARMA II community which in turn helps the brand to grow even stronger. With these tools every ARMA II user can modify and create their own content from camo, vehicles, models and weapons or even whole new environments and share them with hundreds of thousands of likeminded fans online. The new mod tools are available to download now from http://community.bistudio.com/wiki/BI_Tools_2

ARMA II mod tools require ARMA II version 1.03. The tool suite consists of:

Oxygen 2 Personal Edition for ARMA II – model editing and animation package
Visitor 3 Personal Edition for ARMA II – terrain and map editing
TexView 2 – texture convertor and viewer
BinPBO Personal Edition – packer
Sound Tools – sound and lipsync utilities
FSM Editor – tool to edit and compile fsms used in ARMA II
BinMake – conversion tool
Tools Drive – main working directory for tools with mandatory data files

“Our engine is designed from the ground up to allow the community and fans to easily create and share additional content. OFP, ArmA: Armed Assault and ARMA II are some of the most modified games on the market” said Marek Spanel, Bohemia’s Interactive CEO and continues: “We really appreciate the work done by fans of our games and by officially releasing these sophisticated mod tools we want to renew our commitment to them. These tools will simplify the work of the community; allow them the freedom of creativity and expression and to ensure that ARMA II provides them with an almost never ending source of entertainment and value.”

ARMA II offers the ultimate realistic combat simulation experience in a modern day setting. With unprecedented freedom of movement, actions and tactics, the game allows players to immerse themselves in battle as never seen before.

ARMA II is available now for PC. Keep checking back at www.arma2.com or youtube channel ARMA2official for all the latest information.

SYDNEY AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 17, 2009 – Fight off the last of the winter blues and keep yourself entertained indoors this August with Xbox 360 and some great new tracks on “Lips.”  All the newest Game Add-Ons are available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and the “Lips” in-game Get Music Store.  

With this winter’s songs, you and your friends can bust out to Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out,” celebrate finding camaraderie with Coldplay’s “Talk,” and sing away your heartbreak to Robyn’s “With Every Heartbeat,” along with other hot tunes available throughout August for 160 Microsoft Points each. 

So whether you are preparing yourself to hit the beach or planning a Whitsundays getaway, with a wide selection of songs available and the Xbox 360 Wireless microphones, “Lips” has something for everyone as the weather warms up.

Available August 8:

Song for Whoever – The Beautiful South

The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades – Timbuk3

Available August 15:

With Every Heartbeat – Robyn

Love Is Gone – David Guetta and Chris Willis

Available August 22:

The Road to Mandalay – Robbie Williams

Talk – Coldplay

Available August 28:

Angel – Shaggy

Proud Mary – Creedence Clearwater Revival

In case they slipped under your radar whilst you were hibernating, new hit songs were also added to the “Lips” catalogue in late July from Chris Brown, Al Green and Ceasars.

Available July 25:

Let’s Stay Together – Al Green

Right Here Waiting – Richard Marx

Upside Down – Diana Ross

Available August 1:

Yo (Excuse Me Miss) – Chris Brown

I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross

It’s Not the Fall That Hurts – Caesars

 “Lips” is the singing party game franchise exclusively from Xbox 360 and iNiS, and will launch a second title this fall.  “Lips: Number One Hits” features 40 global chart-topping songs on-disc, including Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Sugababes, Scissor Sisters, Lily Allen and more.  The Xbox 360 wireless, motion-sensitive microphones that come with both titles are also compatible with other hit music games, making Xbox 360 a premier destination for music game fans everywhere.  More information on “Lips” is available at www.xbox.com/lips.

– ends –

Should you have any questions or comments please contact:

Alice Coulthard, Pulse Communications: (02) 8281 3818 / alice@pulsecom.com.au

Daniel Wong, Pulse Communications: (02) 8281 3826/ daniel@pulsecom.com.au

About Xbox 360

The powerful Xbox 360 video game and entertainment experience delivers amazing games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE online social network, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 now boasts a catalogue of over 500 high-definition games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential. Xbox 360, the Xbox 360 logo, Xbox LIVE are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE is the first and most comprehensive unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox LIVE connects millions of members across 26 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows and movies in the United States as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favourite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce a September 29 release date in North America, and an October 2, 2009 release date in Europe, Australia and New Zealand for Beaterator, presented by Rockstar Games and Timbaland. Developed by Rockstar Leeds, the studio behind Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, Beaterator will be available for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and PlayStation®Network.

“Beaterator is a very natural progression for us,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “Music is incredibly important to us here at Rockstar, and we believe that there are many people out there who share that passion and will be excited about creating music of their own.”

“I’ve worked closely with Rockstar Games to make something completely unique,” said Timbaland. “Beaterator is like taking my music studio and turning it into a suite of tools anyone can use. We can’t wait to hear the beats people make and share with the world.”

Initially created in 2005 as a Flash application on the Rockstar website, Beaterator quickly took on a life of its own. Featuring thousands of loops and sounds made by both Timbaland and Rockstar, Beaterator puts the power to make professional-level music at your fingertips in a format that’s portable, accessible and fun – anyone can now create great-sounding music.

For more information, log onto www.rockstargames.com/beaterator. 

TWO NEW CASUAL GAMES LAUNCHING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Sydney, Australia – August 14, 2009 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announces TouchMaster 3, a puzzle compilation game for Nintendo DS™ and Game Party 3, a social party game for the Wii™ system. TouchMaster and Game Party are multi-million unit selling franchise additions to the company’s casual and family line-up scheduled to launch in spring 2009.

TouchMaster and Game Party are fan favourites, with Game Party selling more than three million units worldwide and TouchMaster selling more than one million units worldwide. Appealing to players of all ages and abilities, both titles offer casual and family gamers a fresh take on the popular Game Party and TouchMaster franchises, incorporating new games and puzzles along with an enhanced variety of the franchises’ past fan favourites.

“We are very pleased to add the successful Game Party and TouchMaster franchises to our portfolio in the growing casual games space,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “As we continue our strategy of offering consumers different types of quality casual games, Game Party 3 and TouchMaster 3 are great options for players and holiday gift givers with new features and group gameplay.”

Game Party 3 features 19 different game options including eight new party games like Billiards, Bocce Ball, Racquetball, Smack-a-Troll, Miniature Golf and Rootbeer Tapper. It supports up to four players in co-op mode, or up to 16 players in bracket tournament mode. The game also offers “Create a Player” and “Profile” features, allowing gamers to customize the look of their character as well as save high scores to earn tickets that unlock character customization options and unique in-game equipment. 

In TouchMaster 3, up to two players can work through a collection of 20 puzzle, action, card, strategy, and word challenges with new elements such as Badges, Trophies, and Wizard points to give players endless hours of replay. The game features action, card game, strategy and trivia genres in competitive single player, two person multiplayer and download play options. Game options include Triples Plus, Slime Assault, Bumperball and Dice King 2.

Game Party 3 is under development at FarSight Studios and is yet to be rated by the Classifications Board. TouchMaster 3 is under development at Hijinx Studios, LLC and is yet to be rated by the Classifications Board.