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OWN THE SKIES AS SKYDRIFT TAKES OFF TODAY AND RACES ON TO PLAYSTATION®NETWORK AND XBOX LIVE®ARCADE

Vibrant Graphics, Stackable Power-Ups and 8-person Online Multiplayer Make Digital Reality’s High-Octane, Intense Plane Racer a Must Have 

Sydney, Australia- September 8, 2011 –Pilots, start your engines! Digital Reality’s aerial combat racer SkyDrift takes to the skies today on PlayStation®Network and Xbox LIVE®Arcade. SkyDrift is a fast paced, arcade-heavy game that gives players the ultimate racing experience with a smooth, light, and quick flight style.

Dominate against the deadliest opponents in the most spectacular exotic locations from all around the world. Choosing from 33 racing events on several reversible, living tracks, players will compete against opponents in single player or multiplayer challenges with up to eight players. The goal is simple: if you can’t overtake them, shoot them down!

SkyDrift GamePlay Features:

–        Eight Modern Planes to Fly: Choose from eight modern, state-of-the art airplanes turned into killing machines, each with four different skins for a total of 32 unique racing skins.

–        Six Power-ups!  Capture up to two different powers in your plane’s arsenal, then collect upgrades to increase the strength of those existing powers. Strategy becomes key as you must choose which powers to keep, which ones to upgrade and which ones to convert into Boost energy

–        Stunning Visuals: Race through scenic venues like the Grand Canyon, Alaskan Terrain and Hawaiian Islands, created with beautiful, vibrant colors.

–        8-person Multiplayer:  Take your friends down online in this fast and furious battle. 

–        Three Unique Game Modes:  Power Race Mode is high-speed racing paired with power-ups; Speed Race Mode where players navigate the course through ring targets that accelerates plane speed and Survival Mode where pilots race against the countdown clock and each other.

In SkyDrift, become the master of the sky with challenging achievements, collectable rewards and badges, and numerous tactical power-ups.

SkyDrift is now available on PlayStation Network or on Xbox LIVE Arcade. For more information about SkyDrift, please visit the official website at http://skydriftgame.com and YouTube page and then follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

 
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A Game of Thrones – Genesis unveils new images and its release date!

“A Game of Thrones – Genesis“, the new strategy game developed for PC by Cyanide, today unveiled 5 new screenshots. Discover more about the video game adaptation of the great saga “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George RR Martin through these new images!

Faithful to the world imagined by George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones – Genesis emphasizes the backstabbing and political intrigues which are common in Westeros and the fight for the Iron Throne. Command the assassination of an opponent’s Great Lord, set up secret alliances, send a spy to take the place of the opponent’s unit, or harass his trade routes to weaken his economy. Treasons, espionage, kidnapping and ransoms… treachery is everywhere, so always watch your back!

It is also very possible, by cleverly using all the low blows the game allows you to use, to earn victory without ever entering an open war or recruiting any army. A real first in a real-time strategy game!

Of course, military approach is valid as well! Raise an army, besiege enemy villages and castles, force them to submit to your rule, and crush all resistance. You truly have all options at your disposal to achieve victory and reach the Iron Throne!

A Game of Thrones – Genesis will release for PC on October 27th.

– Visit the official website

About A Game of Thrones – Genesis
“A Game of Thrones – Genesis” is the video game adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s best-seller series of novels A Song of Ice and Fire. In this strategy game developed by Cyanide Studio (Blood Bowl), your political prowess will be as important as your strategic and military skills!

“A Game of Thrones – Genesis” immerses you into the heart of the battles and intrigues between the Houses that shaped the Kingdom of Westeros. From Nymeria’s arrival in the Kingdom of Dorne to the awakening of the “Others” beyond the Wall, you’ll live the origins of the A Song of Ice and Fire saga through more than 1000 years of history. Take part in Westeros’ founding events and largest battles such as Aegon the Conqueror’s invasion on the continent or the War of the Usurper.

In this great strategy game, victory does not necessarily result from brute force. You can choose to use a military approach and besiege your opponents, strangle them in an economical war, or even use dirty tricks and diplomacy to politically crush them. Treachery and deception are everywhere, so watch your back and prepare for battle!

Thanks to a well-developed single player campaign written under supervision of the author George R.R. Martin, “A Game of Thrones – Genesis” is also a great multiplayer game. Up to 8 players confront each others to claim the Iron Throne in intense games where alliances, betrayals, cheap shots, and pitched battles take place.

About Focus Home Interactive
Founded in 1996, Focus Home Interactive is an independent French publisher based near Paris, France. Known for the quality, diversity and originality of its catalogue, Focus has published and distributed original titles that have become benchmark titles worldwide — such as Blood Bowl, Sherlock Holmes, TrackMania, Runaway and also Cities XL and Cycling Manager.
In 2011, Focus will publish important games such as A Game Of Thrones – Genesis, a strategy game adapted from the bestseller novels “Game Of Thrones” by George R.R. Martin, The Next BIG Thing, a great adventure game by the creators of Runaway, The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Confrontation and also the official video game of Le Tour de France.
www.focus-home.com

About QVS

QVS is a leading interactive entertainment specialist across Australia and New Zealand, QVS is a privately owned independent software and accessories distributor that has operated in Australia for over ten years providing quality, innovative interactive software titles and accessories. The company’s main objective is to provide its clients and customers with software products and accessories that deliver a highly satisfying entertainment experience. QVS distributes products from a wide range of publishers for a variety of demographics including lifestyle, office, productivity, education and games. QVS feature titles and products from the following well-known brands: Avanquest, Easy Interactive, Focus Home Interactive, Focus Multimedia, Koch Media, NCsoft, Nero, Nordcurrent, PDP, Trion Worlds, Turtle Beach, White Room Games, Level Up Wear plus many more.

www.qvsoftware.com.au

 
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Kingdom of Amalur: Reckoning Brigand’s Hall Cavern Demo

 
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Save the last of mankind in the epic Resistance 3™

Fight for civilisation in a battle like no other with Resistance 3 only PlayStation®3 

SYDNEY, 8th September 2011 – Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) and leading game developer, Insomniac Games; today celebrates the launch of the third instalment in the internationally acclaimed first person shooter series, Resistance 3™ for PlayStation® 3 (PS3™). Resistance 3 is the most anticipated chapter of one of PlayStation’s most esteemed franchises, loaded with amazing 3D graphics and action packed gameplay.

Four years after the epic conclusion of the second chapter, set in an alternate 1950’s universe, ninety percent of Earth’s population are dead or have been turned into Chimera. Reduced to hiding with other survivors, including his family in the ruined city of Haven, Oklahoma, fearless and brave survivor Joseph Capelli was near exhaustion fighting against the Chimeran menace. Dr. Fyodor Malikov arrives with hope and the opportunity to bring down the surrounding Chimeran force. Capelli leaves his family for New York, through the ruined US landscape.

Along the way; he encounters the remnants of humanity left in the aftermath of the brutal Chimeran invasion.   There are a number of ways to play Resistance 3, which include:

  • PlayStation®Move & stereoscopic 3D support: immerse yourself deeper into the warfare with PlayStation Move enhanced control as well as 3D gameplay
  • Sharp Shooter: take down the Chimera with accurate precision with the PlayStation Move Sharp Shooter peripheral
  •     Multiplayer & 2 player online (or offline) co-op: team up with friends with the 2 – 16 online multiplayer and 2 player co-op mode –  play through the story mode either online or split-screen

 

This episode brings to you a number of retail game editions to defeat the Chimera.  Resistance fans will be able to enjoy ‘Special’ and ‘Survivor’ editions that are loaded with content and accessories.

Finally, a special Resistance: Fall of Man & Resistance 2 Platinum Twinpack that takes you to go back to where it all began, when the Russians closed their borders and it was feared they were developing a weapon of unparalleled power. The truth was far worse.

 

Get ready to come face to face with the Chimera once more with Resistance 3, exclusive to PlayStation 3, available now in stores across Australia.

 
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ASSASSIN’S CREED® REVELATIONS MULTIPLAYER BETA OPENS TO PSN MEMBERS

Sydney, Australia – September 8, 2011 – Today Ubisoft announced that following the success of the Assassin’s Creed Revelations multiplayer beta, initially exclusive to PlayStation®Plus members and Playstation®3 Uplay members, the Beta will be opened to Playstation®Network members from September 8-11, with a limited amount of beta downloads.

The multiplayer beta offers access to nine characters (The Sentinel, The Vanguard, The Guardian, The Vizier, The Thespian, The Deacon, The Bombardier, The Trickster and The Champion), three maps (Knight’s Hospital, Antioch, Constantinople) and four playable modes (Wanted, Manhunt, Deathmatch, and Artifact Assault), which are only a sample of the final multiplayer content.

In Assassin’s Creed Revelations, master assassin Ezio Auditore walks in the footsteps of the legendary Altaïr on a journey of discovery and revelation. It is a perilous path – one that will take Ezio to Constantinople, the heart of the Ottoman Empire, where a growing army of Templars threatens to destabilise the region.

Assassin’s Creed® Revelations will be available on November 15, 2011.

For more information on the Assassin’s Creed Revelations multiplayer beta, please visit: www.assassinscreed.com/acr-beta

 
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CELEBRATE SONIC’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE SONIC GENERATIONS COLLECTOR’S EDITION

Thursday 8th September 2011 – SEGA® Europe Ltd. continues the celebrations for Sonic the Hedgehog’s 20th Anniversary with an impressive Collector’s Edition for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system versions of the upcoming Sonic Generations™ videogame. 

The Sonic Generations Collector’s Edition combines limited edition collectables based on the upcoming game as well as assets handpicked by Sonic Team to celebrate Sonic’s 20th Anniversary, providing the ultimate celebration of Sonic for fans new and old.  

Included in the Edition is a collectable figurine featuring both Classic Sonic and Modern Sonic, an exclusive, individually numbered commemorative “Gold Ring”, and a “20 Years of Sonic Art” book, containing never before seen sketches and images from the past 20 years.  Also contained in the Collector’s Edition are the ‘20th Anniversary Sonic Soundtrack’ featuring a selection of tracks handpicked by Sonic Team, and the ‘History of Sonic: Birth of an Icon’ documentary, an exclusive collection of interviews and footage charting Sonic’s life from inception through to becoming one of the most iconic characters in videogame history. Limited Edition lenticular packaging and bonus additional downloadable content for the game are the final components that make up this unique Collector’s Edition for Sonic Generations™.

 

Sonic Generations™ will be available on 3rd November 2011 on Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The game will also be released on the Nintendo 3DS™ system.  

For more information please visit www.sonicthehedgehog.com/generations

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 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. SEGA Europe’s web site is located at www.sega.com

 
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Screens from Next Week’s FREE Red Dead Redemption Myths and Mavericks Bonus Pack DLC

With the recent announcement that the free Red Dead Redemption Myths and Mavericks Bonus Pack DLC is coming next week September 13th to Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network, we think it’s about time to give you guys a sneak peek at what the RedDeadDevs have been up to, getting buckwild with some of the new multiplayer characters and locations.

Also plan on our scheduled September 23rd Red Dead Redemption multiplayer event to be an official Myths and Mavericks affair, so prepare accordingly and make sure you’ve grabbed the free download by then – and look for the announcement of our new October through December calendar of events in the next few weeks.


Javier Escuella loses his hat after taking a shotgun blast from Landon Ricketts, tumbling over the edge of the cliff at Nekoti Rock during Shootout.


High up in Mexico’s Torquemada during Stronghold, Escuella and Vincente de Santa take cover from Drew MacFarlane and Deputy Eli.


Nastas takes fire from Uncle and Ricketts during a round of Gang Shootout in Gaptooth Mine.


Also in Stronghold but this time in Beecher’s Hope, Ricketts attacks while Eli, Jonah and Uncle defend.

 
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THE ACTION KICKS OFF WITH THE SPECTACULAR

MORPHSUITS RUGBY WORLD CUP VIDEO CALL 3rd September 2011

WHAT: Australia vs New Zealand. A one-off earth-shattering event. The Rugby World Cup……in Morphsuits. 

Rugby’s fiercest rivals face off once more with a special re-enacting of one of the games’ greatest contests, all in the vivid colour and craziness of Morphsuits.

The exciting Wallabies take on the mighty All Blacks in a unique, never-been-seen-before clash of the titans. The streamlined Morphsuits provide speed, mobility and ultimate flexibility, not to mention a wildly colourful spectacle to ensure some amazing footage is on offer.

Kick-off is at 11am with the two sides battling over an exhausting 30 minutes of non-stop, heart pounding action. Nerves will be shredded, fingernails chewed and hair pulled out, as players try to outwit, outmuscle and generally survive the mayhem that ensues.

Players will also be available for interview as well as demonstrating their warm-up routine, including: lunges; stretches; high kicks; and even the possibility of pre-match fights as the tension builds. Members of the crowd will also be in Morphsuits representing other competing nations, such as England, Scotland, France and Ireland.

WHO: Sydney’s finest rugby Morphsuits Rugby Champions facing off in the ultimate Rugby World Cup Challenge.

WHEN & WHERE:

Date:                    Saturday 3rd September 2011 at 11.00 – 11.30am

Venue:                 Parade Grounds, Centennial Park, Paddington

 
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MCAFEE REPORT ON AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS FINDS PREVELANT LACK OF SECURITY IN TODAY’S VEHICLES

Partners with Wind River and ESCRYPT to Provide Analysis of Emerging Risks in Automotive Embedded Systems

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 7, 2011 – McAfee, in partnership with Wind River and ESCRYPT, today released a new report “Caution: Malware Ahead,” an analysis of emerging risks in automotive system security.  The first-of-its kind report examines the security of electrical systems that have become commonplace in today’s cars. These embedded devices are used in almost all areas of automobiles including airbags, radios, power seats, anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability controls, autonomous cruise controls, communication systems and in-vehicle communication. 

Researchers at several universities have demonstrated that critical safety components of an automobile can be hacked if physical access to the vehicle’s electronic components is available. Other researchers have showed that an attack can be mounted to track a vehicle and compromise passengers’ privacy by tracking the RFID tags using powerful long-distance readers at around 40 meters.
 
“As more and more functions get embedded in the digital technology of automobiles, the threat of attack and malicious manipulation increases,” said Stuart McClure, senior vice president and general manager, McAfee.  “Many examples of research-based hacks show the potential threats and depth of compromise that expose the consumer. It’s one thing to have your email or laptop compromised but having your car hacked could translate to dire risks to your personal safety.”

The automobile industry is continually adding features and technologies that deliver new conveniences such as Internet access and the ability to further personalize the driving experience.  Consumers want to stay connected, even in their cars, which is motivating automobile manufacturers to increase integration between cars and consumer devices such as smartphones and tablets.  However, in the rush to add features, security has often been an afterthought.  The report highlights examples of how automotive systems have been compromised.

The new report from McAfee examines risks associated with cybercriminal activity including:

  • Remotely unlock and start car via cell phone
  • Disable car remotely
  • Track a driver’s location, activities and routines
  • Steal personal data from a Bluetooth system
  • Disrupt navigation systems
  • Disable emergency assistance

“The auto industry is experiencing a convergence of consumer and automotive electronics.  Consumers are increasingly expecting the same experiences in-vehicle as they do with the latest connected consumer and mobile devices. However, as the trend for ubiquitous connectivity grows, so does the potential for security vulnerabilities,” said Georg Doll, senior director for automotive solutions at Wind River. “The report highlights very real security concerns, and many in the auto industry are already actively designing solutions to address them. Given the development time for automobiles, the industry is finding it essential to start work now by teaming up with those possessing the right mix of software expertise.”

For the full report, please visit www.mcafee.com/autoreport.

About McAfee
McAfee, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC), is the world’s largest dedicated security technology company. McAfee delivers proactive and proven solutions and services that help secure systems, networks, and mobile devices around the world, allowing users to safely connect to the Internet, browse and shop the Web more securely. Backed by its unrivaled Global Threat Intelligence, McAfee creates innovative products that empower home users, businesses, the public sector and service providers by enabling them to prove compliance with regulations, protect data, prevent disruptions, identify vulnerabilities, and continuously monitor and improve their security. McAfee is relentlessly focused on constantly finding new ways to keep our customers safe. http://www.mcafee.com

 
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NORTON CALCULATES COST OF GLOBAL CYBERCRIME: $114 BILLION ANNUALLY

Cybercrime cost Australia $1.8 billion last year 

AUSTRALIA, Sydney – September 8, 2011 – For the first time a Norton study calculates the cost of global cybercrime: $114 billion annually.[i] Based on the value victims surveyed placed on time lost due to their cybercrime experiences, an additional $274 billion was lost.[ii] In Australia it is estimated that more than 4.5 million people fell victim to cybercrime last year, suffering $1.8 billion in direct financial losses and an additional $2.8 billion in time spent resolving the crime. With 431 million adult victims globally in the past year and at an annual price of $388 billion globally based on financial losses and time lost, cybercrime costs the world significantly more than the global black market in marijuana, cocaine and heroin combined ($288 billion).[iii]

According to the Norton Cybercrime Report 2011 more than two thirds of online adults (69 percent) have been a victim of cybercrime in their lifetime. Every second 14 adults become a victim of cybercrime, resulting in more than one million cybercrime victims every day.[iv] In Australia, seven in ten online adults (72 percent) have been a victim of cybercrime. 

For the first time, the Norton Cybercrime Report reveals that 10 percent of adults online (8 percent in Australia)   have experienced cybercrime on their mobile phone. In fact, the Symantec Internet Security Threat Report, Volume 16[v] reported there were 42 percent more mobile vulnerabilities in 2010 compared to 2009 – a sign that cybercriminals are starting to focus their efforts on the mobile space.  The number of reported new mobile operating system vulnerabilities increased, from 115 in 2009 to 163 in 2010.   In addition to threats on mobile devices, increased social networking and a lack of protection are likely to be some of the main culprits behind the growing number of cybercrime victims. 

 

Male, Millennial, Mobile

The study identifies men between 18 and 31 years old who access the Internet from their mobile phone as even more likely victims: in this group four in five (80 percent) have fallen prey to cybercrime in their lifetime. Globally, the most common – and most preventable – type of cybercrime is computer viruses and malware with 54 percent of respondents saying they have experienced it in their lifetime. Viruses are followed by online scams (11 percent) and phishing messages (10 percent). Earlier this year the Symantec Internet Security Threat Report, Volume 16, found more than 286 million unique variations of malicious software (“malware”) compared to the 240 million reported in 2009, representing a 19 percent increase.[vii]

“There is a serious disconnect in how people view the threat of cybercrime,” said Adam Palmer, Norton Lead Cybersecurity Advisor. “Cybercrime is much more prevalent than people realise. Over the past 12 months, three times as many adults surveyed have suffered from online crime versus offline crime, yet less than a third of respondents think they are more likely to become a victim of cybercrime than physical world crime in the next year. And while 89 percent of respondents agree that more needs to be done to bring cybercriminals to justice, fighting cybercrime is a shared responsibility. It requires us all to be more alert and to invest in our online smarts and safety.”

The disconnect between awareness and action is further illustrated by the fact that while 74 percent of respondents say they are always aware of cybercrime, many are not taking the necessary precautions. Forty-one percent of adults indicated they don’t have an up to date security software suite to protect their personal information online. In addition, less than half review credit card statements regularly for fraud (47 percent), and 61 percent don’t use complex passwords or change them regularly. Among those who access the Internet via their mobile phone, only 16 percent install the most up to date mobile security.

For more findings from the Norton Cybercrime Report globally and by country, please visit: http://norton.com/cybercrimereport.

[i] Findings are extrapolations based upon results from a survey conducted in 24 countries among adults 18-64. The financial cost of cybercrime in the last year ($114bn) is calculated as follows: Victims over past 12 months (per country) x average financial cost of cybercrime (per country in US currency).

[ii] The value of time lost due to cybercrime experiences in the last year ($274 billion) is calculated as follows: Victims over past 12 months (per country) x average time cost of cybercrime (per country in US currency). Figure shown in the sum of all countries total cost.

[iii] 431 million victims in 24 countries over past 12 months is calculated as follows: Latest research from NCR shows 69% of adults in 24 countries have been a victim of cybercrime ever and of these 65% have been a victim in the past 12 months. Online population per country (24 country total = 802,872,752 according to CIA World Factbook) x % cybercrime ever per country x % cybercrime past 12 months per country = 431,504,885 (sum of 24 countries)

Total cost of cybercrime is calculated as follows: Total financial cost $114billion plus value attributed to lost time trying to resolve cybercrime $274billion = $388 billion

Total value of the world’s marijuana, cocaine and heroin market ($288 billion) is calculated as follows:

[iv] 14 cybercrime victims per second and one million cybercrime victims per day calculated as follows: victims over past 12 months (as above) 431,504,885 / 365 days per year /  24 hours / 60 minutes / 60 seconds

[v] Source: Symantec Internet Security Threat Report published April 2011 https://www4.symantec.com/mktginfo/downloads/21182883_GA_REPORT_ISTR_Main-Report_04-11_HI-RES.pdf

[vii] Source: Symantec Internet Security Threat Report published April 2011 https://www4.symantec.com/mktginfo/downloads/21182883_GA_REPORT_ISTR_Main-Report_04-11_HI-RES.pdf

 
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