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Toy Story Mania! Brings Carnival Fun to the Living Room Exclusively for Wii™

Starring the Charming Cast of the Disney•Pixar Toy Story Franchise, Toy Story Mania! Captures the Allure of the Midway Alongside Bonus 3-D Gameplay

MELBOURNE, AUS – (September 28, 2009) Toy Story Mania!, inspired by Disney/Pixar “Toy Story,” is now available for the Wii™ home video game console. The newest title from Disney Interactive Studios brings the classic Disney•Pixar Toy Story characters together as they stage their own fun-filled carnival, featuring familiar and one-of-a-kind midway-inspired games, alongside bonus unlockable levels in 3-D.

“Toy Story Mania! is the first video game to be directly inspired by a Disney attraction,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Developing this game was truly a collaborative effort between Disney Interactive Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Imagineers and the Disney Parks team. As a result, the end product fully captures the essence of the attraction and delivers a new fun-filled experience appropriate for all members of the family.”

Toy Story Mania!’s new, originally-developed shooting galleries are played alongside popular galleries from the Toy Story Mania! attraction located at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort theme parks giving up to four players hours of fun. Adaptations from the attraction include the popular Pie Throw game which is represented in the game’s training level, and five additional levels based on the theme park experience are available as unlockables in story mode. Players can also team up to unlock Easter eggs and collectibles.

Toy Story Mania! also shares another feature with the theme park attraction—and now the movies that inspired it—with bonus unlockable 3-D gameplay, that lets players experience parts of the game in eye-popping 3-D! “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2” are heading back to the big screen—this time in Disney Digital 3D™.; the exclusive double feature hits theaters January 2010. And “Toy Story 3,” a brand new 3-D adventure is slated for release June 2010.

Toy Story Mania! Is published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by Papaya Studio. Toy Story Mania! is classified G.

About Disney Interactive Studios

Disney Interactive Studios, part of Disney Interactive Media Group, is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). Disney Interactive Studios self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games, mobile games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with other interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. Disney Interactive Studios is based in Glendale, California, and has internal development studios around the world. For more information, log on to http://www.disneyinteractivestudios.com.

About Disney?Pixar’s Toy Story Movie Franchise

The toys are back.—this time in Disney Digital 3D™. “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2” return to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™, a spectacular 3D double feature in January 2010. The double feature-release kicks off a Disney Digital 3Dä Toy Story celebration, which culminates in a brand new adventure starring Buzz and Woody: “Toy Story 3”— in theaters June 2010.

About Madman Entertainment

MADMAN is Australia’s leading independent home entertainment and theatrical distribution and rights-management Company, specialising in the wholesale distribution of DVD product into retail and rental stores throughout Australia. Madman product categories include Kids, TV, arthouse film, Australian independent features, animation, Japanese anime and Interactive games. Madman is owned by Funtastic Limited, one of Australia’s largest wholesalers of consumer products into retail outlets and an Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) listed company.

 
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Kick-start your PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable)go

Kick-start your PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable)go game collection!

Got PSP™? Thinking of going digital with PSPgo?

Get three free games with PSPgo Rewards*

SYDNEY, 25th September, 2009: To celebrate the upcoming launch of the latest model of PSP™(PlayStation®Portable) Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) is pleased to announce a special promotion to help existing PSP owners with UMD®s (Universal Media Discs), to start their digital games collection for PSPgo.

If you enjoy your PSP, you’re going to love the all-new PSPgo. Say hello to entertainment in your pocket as the sleek, slimline look of PSPgo comes packed with 16GB of built-in storage space – meaning that you can take all your favourite games, photos and more with you wherever you go. nd to help you get your PSPgo collection started, we’re giving away three full games for free.*

With PSPgo Rewards you can download three much-loved, or totally new PSP titles for free, and put your new PSPgo to the test. Pick your favourites from a number of popular PSP titles. Get in on the action with Killzone™: Liberation or SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3. Give your reflexes a pounding with WipEout® Pure. Put your skills to the test with Everybody’s Golf™ or echochrome™. Give your brain a workout with Buzz!™: Brain Bender or Master Quiz. Or get quirky, with LocoRoco™ or Patapon™. There are seventeen titles to choose from in all, and the process is simple…

1. Unwrap your shiny new PSPgo and start it up
2. Connect to PlayStation®Network and activate your new or existing PlayStation Network account for PSPgo Rewards
3. Start up your current PSP and connect to PlayStation Network
4. Login using the same PlayStation Network account , and launch PlayStation®Store
5. Pop one of your UMDs into the drive of your current PSP and register on PSPgo Rewards when prompted
6. Download a PSPgo theme
7. Wait for your email voucher for your three free games
8. Choose, download and enjoy!

PSPgo puts you in control, because you can download and store your choice of entertainment. It’s about what you like to play, what you like to look at, what you like to watch and what you like to listen to. And with an ever increasing range of services from Skype® to the soon to launch layStation Network Video Store and Digital Comics, plus remote access to your music, photos, videos and more on your PlayStation®3, PSPgo is entertainment without barriers. Be entertained in style – wherever and whenever you are – with PSPgo.

 
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All systems PSP®go for October 1 Australian launch

With an ultra-portable design and digital content focus, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) evolves to complement today’s digital lifestyle

Sydney, 28 September 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) today confirmed its new addition to the PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) family, PSP®(PlayStation®Portable)go, will hit stores this Thursday, October 1. Consumers who purchase and register their PSPgo during the first ten days of release will also be eligible for a free downloadable copy of the eagerly anticipated real driving simulator, Gran Turismo®, which makes its handheld debut on PSP the same day PSPgo launches. This complements a special promotion announced today to help existing PSP owners with UMDs (Universal Media Discs), to start their digital games collection for PSPgo.

PSPgo is designed to cater to the needs of today’s digital lifestyle enthusiasts who want to take their range of digital entertainment content – including music, movies, pictures and games – with them while on the go. PSPgo joins current PSP model, PSP-3000, to offer consumers greater choice of how they want to manage and enjoy their portable entertainment.

 
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Sony Computer Entertainment Australia Announces 250GB PlayStation®3 Bundles

Sydney, 24 September 2009: Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) today announced a line-up of PlayStation®3 (PS3™) bundles for the holiday season, consisting of a PS3 with a 250GB hard disc drive and one of a selection of software titles as they become available for release, including SingStar® Motown, awardwinning action adventure, UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves™, Ratchet & Clank®: A Crack in Time and EyePet™1. The 250GB model will be available for $599.95 in
Australia, and timed with the 15 October release date of UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves.

Following the great success of the new, smaller, 120GB PS3, which sold over 1m units in its first three weeks on sale globally, the 250GB model has the same hardware specifications as the current model, but with greater storage space, to offer consumers even more choice. The 250GB PS3, with its larger storage capacity, will allow owners to take full advantage of the incredible software line-up and the many multimedia functions available on PS3, whether that is storing and viewing your
family photographs, listening to your entire music collection in crisp quality, or watching your favourite home videos. More storage allows you to download more of the latest games and add-ons from PlayStation®Store, as well as movies in both HD and SD from the PlayStation®Network video delivery service when it launches in 2010, without worrying about running out of space.

 
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Slimmer, lighter PlayStation®3 Australian Sales Take Off

PlayStation®3 (PS3™) sells 40,000 units in Australia in the first two and a half weeks; PS3 250GB model announced; Motion Controller available in 2010 Sydney, 24 September 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) announced today that the new slimline PlayStation®3 (PS3™) 120GB console has enjoyed a very successful debut in Australia; with more than 40,0001 units sold between launch on the 3 September up to 20 September.

This news comes as SCE globally announced today at Tokyo Games Show (TGS) retail sales of the device achieved 1 million units globally. Further key announcements included the introduction of a PS3 250GB model this October2 and Motion Controller3 for PS3 confirmed for release in 2010.

Michael Ephraim, Managing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Australia and New Zealand said, “The new PlayStation 3 slim model has experienced exceptionally strong sales in the Australian market. Its inherently sleek design and more affordable price point are key purchase drivers, but more importantly, consumers are now better informed of the full entertainment benefits of the console, including the excellent Blu-ray playback capability. Australians now demand more out of their total home entertainment experience and the PS3 continues to delivers this, and more.”

“The new PS3 console reached 40,000 units in just two and a half weeks in Australia, and sold through more than 21,000 units in the first 4 days alone. This device was the key contributor to the PS3 platform generating over $30 million of retail value since launch, and we have experienced remendous support from our retail partners.”

The new PS3 has everything a family could wish for this Christmas; a broad range of exclusive ames, award winning Blu-ray movie player, VidZone™ free music video streaming, web browser, media storage and free connection to an ever expanding world of content and applications through PlayStation®Network. PS3 owners in Australia will be able to enjoy even more entertainment on demand services coming soon to the console, including optimised ABC iView later this year and a video delivery service coming in early 2010.

1 Based on official GfK data Weeks 36, 37 and 38
2 The PS3 250GB console will retail in Australia for $599.95 and will include a free game offer.
3 Motion Controller is a working title for the device

PlayStation 3 launch was supported by a new marketing campaign developed to communicate the ull functionality of PS3, positioning the console as the ultimate entertainment device to enjoy in the home. The game is just the start of the PlayStation 3 home entertainment experience and exclusive content available this year offers something for the whole family to enjoy. Upcoming blockbuster titles include party favourite, SingStar® Motown, award-winning action adventure, UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves™, more time travelling fun with Ratchet & Clank®: A Crack in Time, and the genre defining augmented reality game, EyePet™, that interacts with the PlayStation®Eye camera.

 
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NEW PLAYSTATION®3 RETAIL SALES ACHIEVE

NEW PLAYSTATION®3 RETAIL SALES ACHIEVE 1 MILLION UNITS IN 3 WEEKS WORLDWIDE

Tokyo, September 24, 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. today announced that retail sales of its new PlayStation®3 (PS3®) (CECH-2000A) computer entertainment system achieved a total of 1 million units*1 worldwide in the 3 weeks since its launch on September 1, 2009 *2. The expansion of the PS3 platform is being accelerated along with the introduction of more and more new and exciting software titles as well as the enhancement of PlayStation®Network.

While maintaining cutting-edge features and functions, such as the ability to enjoy high quality interactive entertainment content including Blu-ray Disc™ games and movies as well as various content and services downloadable through PlayStation Network, the new PS3 is available at a highly attractive recommended retail price of 29,980 yen (including tax), US$299 and €299 (AUD$499.95) with an extremely streamlined form factor and a preinstalled 120GB Hard Disk Drive. Furthermore, the reduction of power consumption and fan noise as well as the casual appearance have also become drivers in attracting a larger and broader range of users.

Along with the vast line-up of attractive and exciting entertainment content to be released this holiday season from third-party game developers and publishers as well as from SCE Worldwide Studios, SCE will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment.

*1 The number is based on SCEI’s estimation.
*2 The new PS3 became available in stores on September 1, 2009, in North America, Europe/ PAL territories, Asian countries and regions,
and in Japan on September 3, 2009.
2-2-2-2 New PS3 Retail Sales Achieve 1 Million Units Worldwide

 
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MOTION CONTROLLER* FOR PLAYSTATION®3

MOTION CONTROLLER* FOR PLAYSTATION®3 TO BECOME AVAILABLE IN SPRING 2010

Motion Controller (Tentative name) Equipped with High-Precision Motion Sensors, Combined With PlayStation®Eye Camera, Delivers Whole New Entertainment Experience on PlayStation®3

Tokyo, September 24, 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today announced that it will release new Motion Controller (tentative name) for PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system in Spring (Northern Hemisphere) 2010. The new controller, equipped with high-precision, highly accurate motion sensors, can deliver whole new entertainment experience on PS3 when combined together with the PlayStation®Eye camera*1. Capable of recognizing and tracking a user’s face and voice as well as body motion, PlayStation Eye can also output the player’s image onto the TV screen. SCE will vigorously promote the expansion of this new experience only possible on the PS3 platform.

The newly announced Motion Controller is equipped with two motion sensors, three axes gyroscope and three axes accelerometer that can detect the controller’s angle and movement held in the user’s hand. Together with the PlayStation Eye camera for PS3 which can accurately track the absolute position of the controller, the controller can detect the natural and intuitive movement of the hand and reflect the precise movement on to the game. The sphere placed on the top of the controller is not only used to track the absolute position but can also give visual feedback to users by changing the colors or the illuminating patterns of the sphere. Furthermore, the new controller is also equipped with a rumble feature, familiar to the PlayStation® DUALSHOCK® series controller, delivering immersive gaming experience to users.

Further expanding the new experience on PS3, SCE Worldwide Studios will deliver many exciting software titles for the Motion Controller in 2010*2. SCE, with strong support from software developers and publishers, will deploy various measures to enhance the software title line-up for the new Motion Controller and vigorously promote the PS3 platform.

2-2-2-2 Motion Controller for PS3 to Become Available in
* Motion Controller is a tentative name.
*1 Users will need to use the PlayStation Eye camera to enjoy Motion Controller on PS3.
*2 Please see below for software titles to be released in 2010.
Product Outline
Motion Controller (Tentative)
Product name Motion Controller (
Release date Spring 2010
Recommended
Retail Price
To be decided.
Key Features
?
Three axes g
Bluetooth® 2.0
?
Lithium-Ion rechargeable internal battery
Software Titles for Motion Controller
(2010 release, includes both Motion
Title name
Ape Escape (Working Title)
Echochrome 2 (Working Title)
Eccentric Slider (Working Title)
Sing and Draw (Working Title)
Champions of Time (Working Title)
Motion Party (Working Title)
The Shoot (Working Title)
Tower (Working Title)
PAIN*2
Flower*2
Hustle Kings*2
High Velocity Bowling*2
EyePet*2
*1 Titles to be released will depend by countries or regions.
*2 Motion control function will be added by network update, etc.

 
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Meet Yusuf Amir


…ahem. 

The latest trailer for “Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City” is here. 

This clip is a trailer featuring a character from the second episode – ‘The Ballad of Gay Tony’: Yusuf Amir, the bizarre billionaire real estate developer himself (pictured above sans pants and wielding a gold uzi).

 
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Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony, the second episode!

The official web site for the Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony, the second episode featured in Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City (as well as available for download via Xbox Live) is online now! 

www.rockstargames.com/theballadofgaytony 

Check it out for new info, features lists and other news not available elsewhere. 

The skinny on this second episode: 

The Ballad of Gay Tony injects Liberty City with an overdose of guns, glitz, and grime. As Luis Lopez, part-time hoodlum and full-time assistant to legendary nightclub impresario Tony Prince (a.k.a. “Gay Tony”), players will struggle with the competing loyalties of family and friends, and with the uncertainty about who is real and who is fake in a world in which everyone has a price.

Developed by series creator Rockstar North and set in Liberty City, Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony completes an epic story and gameplay arc that intersects with the storylines of Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned. With new missions, weapons, vehicles, soundtrack updates and multiplayer content that showcase the over-the-top nature of life at the center of the city, on the other side of the velvet rope where everyone and everything is accessible and available for a price.

Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony, the highly-anticipated second episode of Grand Theft Auto IV for Xbox 360® will be available worldwide October 29, 2009 on disc with The Lost and Damned as part of Episodes from Liberty City (Grand Theft Auto IV not required to play) or as a download exclusively on Xbox LIVE® (Grand Theft Auto IV required).

 
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TOM CLANCY’S SPLINTER CELL CONVICTION™ TO STREET ON

TOM CLANCY’S SPLINTER CELL CONVICTION™ TO STREET ON 25th FEBRUARY 2010

 AUSTRALIA – September 25th 2009 – Today, Ubisoft® announced that Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction, the most highly awarded Xbox360 game of E3® 2009, will street on February 25th 2010, exclusively for the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and for Windows® PC.  

Combining innovative gameplay features with a high-octane, no-holds barred storyline, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction arms the player with the lethal skills of an elite operative, and invites them to enter a dangerous world where justice means making your own rules. 

For more information about Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction, please visit www.splintercell.com 

About Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction

An investigation into his daughter’s death unwittingly leads former agent Sam Fisher to discover he’s been betrayed by his former employer, the Third Echelon. Now a renegade, Fisher finds himself in a race against time to thwart a deadly terrorist plot that threatens millions. 

Coming exclusively to Xbox 360 in February 2010, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction is the latest highly anticipated installment in the multimillion-selling Splinter Cell series – one of the most critically acclaimed Xbox franchises of all time.