Sydney, Australia, 10 March 2011 – Following one of the biggest launches in consumer electronics history, Kinect for Xbox 360 continued its momentum in 2011 reaching 10 million Kinect sensors sold worldwide. Not only were sensor sales an overwhelming success, but Kinect drove significant game sales with more than 10 million standalone Kinect games sold worldwide to date.

Guinness World Records: Kinect for Xbox 360 is Fastest Selling Consumer Electronics Device

In a nod to the recent sales success of Kinect, Guinness World Records has officially named Kinect for Xbox 360 the fastest selling consumer electronics device, which sold an average of 133,333 units per day for a total of 8 million units in its first 60 days between Nov. 4, 2010 and Jan. 3, 2011. The record confirmation comes just after the latest release of the Guinness World Records 2011 Gamer’s Edition, which features dedicated sections to Kinect.

“The sales figures here speak for themselves,” said Gaz Deaves, Gaming Editor for Guinness World Records. “According to independent research, no other consumer electronics device sold faster within a 60-day time span, which is an incredible achievement considering the strength of the sector.”

“We are thrilled by the success of Kinect to date and I am really proud that we have been recognised in the Guinness World Records,” said David McLean, Director of Xbox, Australia and New Zealand. “Kinect has revolutionised entertainment and these numbers tell us that all over the world, including Australia and New Zealand, people are embracing that revolution.”

More transformative Kinect games and entertainment experiences to come

While the accolades continue to roll in for Kinect, there is still so much more controller-free entertainment to be enjoyed for the 50 million Xbox 360 owners worldwide. Beginning this Autumn, get ready to play more games, watch more movies and TV shows, and enjoy more social experiences with Kinect for Xbox 360 including:

· Avatar Kinect. Also coming this year, Avatar Kinect is a new social entertainment experience on Xbox LIVE that brings your Avatar to life. Using the power of Kinect, control your Avatar’s movements and expressions – when you smile, frown, nod and speak – your Avatar will do the same. With Avatar Kinect, you can hang out with up to seven friends in a variety of creative themed environments and capture animated videos that you can share via Facebook. Whether friends getting together to socialise, social networkers looking for new ways to speak to their community or just fun reenacting your favorite movie lines, Avatar Kinect opens up a whole new world of creativity and social interactivity.

· “Body and Brain Connection” (NAMCO BANDAI Games) (G). Developed under the supervision of renowned Japanese neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawahima, “Body and Brain Connection” challenges players of all ages to exercise both their minds and bodies with fun, fast-paced mini-games ranging from math, logic and memory to reflex and physical-orientation exercises using the full-motion capabilities of Kinect for Xbox 360. “Body and Brain Connection” is now available on Xbox 360.

· “Michael Jackson The Experience” (Ubisoft) (G). Featuring songs from Michael Jackson’s extensive catalogue, as well as an array of his signature, awe-inspiring dance moves, “Michael Jackson The Experience” is the ultimate interactive game that enables players to be the star of the show, with no controllers required. “Michael Jackson The Experience” will be available on Xbox 360 on Apr. 14.

· “The Gunstringer” (Twisted Pixel Games).* From the developers that brought you award-winning hits like “Splosion Man” and “The Maw” comes an all-new Kinect-exclusive title, “The Gunstringer” for Xbox LIVE Arcade. Take control of an undead marionette in an epic Wild West stage production that requires your puppeteering and quick draw shooting skills to exact revenge on the Gunstringer’s enemies – all controller-free. “The Gunstringer” will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Autumn.

· “Kung Fu Panda® 2 video game” (THQ) (PG). Po the Panda is back and ready for another epic, action-packed adventure in the “Kung Fu Panda 2 video game.” The kung fu action is taken to a whole new level with the addition of Kinect as players pick up where the movie sequel leaves off, helping Po and the Furious Five use full-body kung fu moves to save kung fu forever. The “Kung Fu Panda 2 video game” will be available on Kinect for Xbox 360 this May in line with the theatrical release.

· “Carnival Games In Action” (2K Play)(G). The “Carnival Games” series is back with exciting new ways to play! Available exclusively for Kinect for Xbox 360 on Apr. 15, this full-body experience features 20 new family-friendly games and attractions that bring the midway to life, including Alley Ball, Shark Tank and a Monkey Barker dance-off, as well as interactive prizes and surprises!

· “Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster” (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment)*. Available this Spring, kids and parents will embark on an uplifting and funny family adventure exclusively on Kinect for Xbox 360. Join Cookie Monster, Elmo and other Sesame Street characters as they explore a living storybook titled “Once Upon a Monster.” Meet zany new monster friends, help them solve their problems, forge friendships, and learn important life lessons along the way.

* Check the classification closer to the release date

-ENDS-

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier home entertainment and video game system. This holiday, with the addition of Kinect, Xbox 360 will transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play — no controller required. Xbox 360 is also home to some of the best and broadest games as well as a large on-demand library of standard- and high-definition movies, and digital games, all in one place. The entertainment centre of the living room, Xbox 360 blends fantastic content with an online social network of 25 million Xbox LIVE members to create a brilliant entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information about Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com .

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 trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

10 March 2011, Australia & New Zealand – Battlefield Heroes™, the hit arcade cartoon shooter, has reached an exciting milestone and wants all gamers to join the celebration. The game has hit seven million registered players and to say thank you, the team is offering a bevy of special promotions for seven days (8 March – 15 March).

During this time, gamers from around the world will receive a pack including 77 bandages, 77 Battlefunds and 77 wrenches just by logging in*. The celebration doesn’t stop there! For a limited time, players can also take advantage of a cool store offer. For only 777 Battlefunds, players get a 7-day XP boost, a 7-day VP boost, a 7-day Sarge’s stamina boost and 777 tonics**.

Battlefield Heroes is a Play4Free third-person shooter that brings classic Battlefield gameplay to a mass audience. Available for download at http://www.battlefield-heroes.com, the game features fun cartoon-style graphics and gameplay that caters to players of all skill levels. Battlefield Heroes is easy to pick up and play but has robust character customisation and sticky online features so gamers can spend hours building up their characters and conquering the world.

Battlefield Heroes is leading EA’s new web-focused free to download, free to play business model which generates revenue through advertising and micro-transactions. With zero barriers to entry, now anyone can be a hero on the battlefield!

Learn more about the game at www.battlefieldheroes.com or follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/bfheroes) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/bfheroes).

*Offer expires 15th March 2011. Code expires 15th March 2011. Valid only at the Battlefield Heroes store. Customers will receive the code for the content via an on screen pop-up when they play Battlefield Heroes online. Offer may not be substituted, exchanged, sold or redeemed for cash or other goods or services. May not be combined with any other offer, gift card, rebate or discount coupon. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. Internet connection and EA account required. You must be 13+ to register with EA online. EA may retire online features after 30 days notice posted on www.ea.com/2/service-updates.

** Offer expires 15th March 2011. Value of discount will be deducted from Battlefield Heroes content at time of purchase. Valid for new orders of equal or greater value only. Discount is valid only on purchases from the BF Store at www.battlefieldheroes.com. Limit one offer per person. Customers are responsible for shipping, handling and applicable sales tax. Offer may not be substituted, exchanged, sold or redeemed for cash or other goods or services. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law.

Ridge Racer™ 3D to hit shelves the same day as NINTENDO 3DS ™

SYDNEY, Australia – 10th March 2011 – Leading video game publisher NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S. today officially announced Ridge Racer™ 3D for Nintendo 3DS™ will release on 31st March, the official launch date of the glasses-free 3D Gaming System. The Ridge Racer™ series is returning to set the racing world on fire with high-speed drifting, red hot racing battles and a host of new features, all in breathtaking stereoscopic 3D.

Drift through hairpin turns at blistering speeds to edge out the rest of the pack with an all-new line up of powerful high-powered muscle machines joining the existing in-game selection of race-tuned road beasts. Using the stereoscopic 3D power of the Nintendo 3DS™, players will be able to experience a level of intimacy with the on-screen races like never before. Players can now accurately judge the distance between them and the competition with 3D depth of field for some of the most intense arcade racing available. Dirt will fly through the screen on rough terrain and nitrous flames will burst out of tail pipes in a brilliant show of the game’s particle effects.

Ridge Racer 3D will be available on March 31st and carries a suggested retail price of $69.95 for the Nintendo 3DS™. Keep up with the latest news on Ridge Racer 3D at http://www.facebook.com/ridgefan

“War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all…”

(Faramir, The Two Towers)

Today Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Snowblind Studios share a new gameplay trailer for the upcoming Action RPG The Lord of the Rings: War in the North, highlighting the realistic combat of war-torn Middle-earth. We invite you to experience battle as J.R.R. Tolkien imagined it; where blood-stained swords and  blood-soaked battlefields pave the way on your quest to save Middle-earth.  A well-placed arrow sears through enemy chests, and skillfully timed swords tear limb-and head-from body. Even the fearsome battle troll is felled by a well-placed stab through the top of the skull. Now is the time to gather your Fellowship around you and prepare for a bloody good fight when The Lord of the Rings: War in the North releases later this year.

For more information please visit www.WarInTheNorth.com, and don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lotrwitn and follow us on Twitter @WarInTheNorth.

Highly Anticipated Action RPG from BioWare Hits Retailers Today;

“Exiled Prince” DLC Launches on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, PlayStation Network, PC and Mac 

Sydney, AUSTRALIA,– March 10, 2011 – Leading video game developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced today that Dragon Age™ II is now available at retail stores in Australia and will be available in New Zealand on March 11. Featuring a gripping new storyline, stunning visuals and what PC Gamer magazine has proclaimed to be “the best RPG combat ever,” Dragon Age II has already been hailed as a success by critics around the world. The game has received a 9/10 from Official Xbox Magazine, a 9/10 from PlayStation: The Official Magazine and a 94 percent from Atomic MPC magazine, which also said, “Bioware is the master of the modern RPG.”

“I am very proud of the bold, ambitious direction our team took with Dragon Age II, which I think is some of the best work yet from BioWare,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, co-founder and Group General Manager of BioWare and Senior Vice President of Electronic Arts. “The Dragon Age team built on their success with Dragon Age: Origins and also focused on innovation for our players, delivering better combat, creating an incredible new art style and introducing a dynamic storytelling technique to really raise the bar for both the franchise and the genre.”

Dragon Age II allows gamers to experience the rise to power of Hawke, a refugee who survives the destruction of his homeland, to become the Champion of Kirkwall. Hawke’s rise to power is shrouded in myth and rumor, with these mysteries being the driving force behind a story that spans an entire decade. Players will experience how the legend unfolds by gathering the deadliest of allies, making tough moral choices, and amassing fame and fortune as they seal their place in history and change the face of the Dragon Age universe forever.

Also available today is “The Exiled Prince,” the first downloadable content pack for Dragon Age II. “The Exiled Prince” introduces the noble archer, Sebastian Vael, with players joining him in the middle of his quest to avenge the horrific murder of his family. Sworn to the priesthood as a boy, Sebastian is forced to re-enter the viper’s nest of princely politics when his family is brutally murdered, leaving him as the sole-surviving heir. Banding together with Sebastian and his unshakable loyalty and excellent aim, players will choose to either avenge Sebastian’s murdered family to reclaim his title or direct his holy vengeance on their own enemies in Kirkwall. In addition to this action-packed storyline, players will also be able to enlist Sebastian as a follower throughout a majority of Dragon Age II. “The Exiled Prince” will be available for purchase separately for  560 Microsoft Points.

Dragon Age II is available for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, the PC and Mac®. The game is rated MA 15+ by the Australian Classification Board and R16 in New Zealand. For more information on Dragon Age II, please visit http://dragonage.bioware.com/, follow the game at http://twitter.com/dragonage and “like” the game on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/dragonage.

ONE TREE HILL: THE COMPLETE  SEVENTH SEASON 

Available to own on DVD for $59.95RRP from 4 May 2011.  

Five-Disc DVD set includes all 22 episodes from the series’ Seventh Season  

Release also features nearly three hours of fan favourite extra content, including three all-new featurettes, two full-length audio commentaries, over 15 minutes of unaired scenes and a gag reel. 

Viewers will be captivated by the compelling storylines and engaging new characters featured on the seventh season of the popular Warner Bros. drama One Tree Hill, which is scheduled for release on DVD 4 May 2011 from Warner Home Video (WHV).  Titled One Tree Hill: The Complete Seventh Season, this DVD release features all 22 episodes plus nearly three hours of bonus material.  This release will retail for $59.95RRP. 

Lucas and Peyton are gone, but One Tree Hill’s tales of intertwined lives and passions remain stronger than ever in this 22-episode, five-disc seventh season.  Nathan’s NBA career is threatened by explosive scandal.  Haley faces a family tragedy.  Brooke thinks she’s found true love with Julian – until a Hollywood hottie decides he’s just her type.  Dan leaves the slammer for the media spotlight and a sexy young wife (someone OTH fans know).  Millie spirals into self-destruction, breaking Mouth’s heart.  And compelling new characters arrive: Haley’s beautiful sister Quinn (Shantel VanSanten, The Final Destination) and Nathan’s agent Clay (Robert Buckley, Lipstick Jungle), both with secrets from the past and dramatic new stories to tell.  Friends and lovers, fame and fate – everything happens in Tree Hill.

One Tree Hill continued to be a successful and popular franchise during its seventh season – the show has been nominated for a total of 14 Teen Choice Awards over its lifetime and has spawned books, soundtracks, a clothing line and more. 

One Tree Hill stars James Lafferty (Once and Again), Sophia Bush (The Hitcher), Bethany Joy Galeotti (Bring It On Again), Austin Nichols (The Informers), Robert Buckley (Lipstick Jungle), Shantel VanSanten (The Final Destination), Jackson Brundage (Las Vegas), Lee Norris (Boy Meets World), Antwon Tanner (Coach Carter), Lisa Goldstein (Who Do You Love), Jana Kramer (90210) and Paul Johansson (Alpha Dog).

Created by Mark Schwahn, the series is from Mastermind Laboratories, Tollin/Robbins Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Season seven was executive produced by Schwahn (Coach Carter, The Perfect Score), Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins and Joe Davola (all three: Smallville, The Bronx Is Burning), and Greg Prange (Dawson’s Creek, Nash Bridges).

“The producers of One Tree Hill know how to keep the show continuously fresh and engaging season after season,” said Caroline Skillen, Marketing Director at Warner Bros. Entertainment Australia. “One Tree Hill has a very loyal and passionate fan base and we are delighted to be releasing this seventh season on DVD for them to add to their collection.”

Episodes:

• episode 1: 4:30 AM (Apparently They Were Travelling Abroad)
• episode 2: What Are You Willing to Lose?
• episode 3: Hold My Hand As I Am Lowered
• episode 4: Believe Me, I’m Lying
• episode 5: Your Cheatin’ Heart
• episode 6: Deep Ocean Vast Sea
• episode 7: I and Love and You
• episode 8: I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight
• episode 9: Now You Lift Your Eyes to the Sun
• episode 10: You Are a Runner and I Am My Father’s Son
• episode 11: You Know I Love You, Don’t You?
• episode 12: Some Roads Lead Nowhere
• episode 13: Weeks Go By Like Days
• episode 14: Family Affair
• episode 15: Don’t You Forget About Me
• episode 16: My Attendance Is Bad but My Intentions are Good
• episode 17: At the Bottom of Everything
• episode 18: The Last Day of Our Acquaintance
• episode 19: Every Picture Tells a Story
• episode 20: Learning to Fall
• episode 21: What’s in the Ground Belongs to You
• episode 22: Almost Everything I Wish I’d Said the Last Time I Saw You

Special Features:

• Unaired Scenes
• Return to Camp One Tree Hill: The experiences of newcomers Robert Buckley, India DeBeaufort, Jana Kramer and Shantel VanSanten
• Spring Break with One Tree Hill: Two contest winners are put through their paces working as production assistants on One Tree Hill
• OTH – The Director’s Debut: Following First-Time Helmer Sophia Bush
• Commentary on two episodes by series creator Mark Schwahn and key cast and crew
• Gag reel

Rating:

M

Approx Runtime:

886 mins

Exciting online adventure allows fans to unlock exclusive never-before-seen content

As preparations for the final battle commence, Harry Potter fans can do their part by joining Harry Potter: The Quest, a global online adventure celebrating Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – Part 1 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – Part 2.

Harry Potter fans can register now for Harry Potter: The Quest in advance of the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsTM – Part 1 on April 15th on Blu-rayTM, DVD, On Demand and To Download. Harry Potter: The Quest will continue through to the end of the year.

Harry Potter: The Quest allows registered users to play games, watch videos and have all new Harry Potter experiences to earn points as a global community. As the global community reaches a predetermined point level each week, they will earn exciting rewards such as exclusive never-before-seen content from all the Harry PotterTM movies and more. Registration for Harry Potter: The Quest is free.

Registered participants in Harry Potter: The Quest are eligible to receive monthly prizes such as Noble Collection Harry Potter merchandise, tickets to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, Blu-rays, DVDs, Games and more. In addition, there will be two Grand Prize sweepstake opportunities for registrants of Harry Potter: The Quest. The first sweepstake opportunity is a chance to win tickets for two to attend the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsTM – Part 2 in London this July. The second sweepstake opportunity will be announced later in the year.

For more information about Harry Potter: The Quest visit www.HarryPotterTheQuest.com.

From celebrated director David Yates (Harry PotterTM film series Years 5-7), Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsTM – Part 1 brings back the highly-acclaimed cast including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson as well as Academy Award® Nominee Ralph Fiennes (Clash of the Titans, The English Patient), Academy Award® Nominee Helena Bonham Carter (The Kings’ Speech, Sweeney Todd), Academy Award® Nominee Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake), Alan Rickman (Sweeney Todd, Love Actually), and Michael Gambon (The Good Shepherd, Gosford Park). Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsTM – Part 1 also introduces Golden Globe® Winner Bill Nighy (The Constant Gardener, Love Actually) as Rufus Scrimgeour.

Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsTM – Part 1 will be available on 4-disc Combo Pack, featuring a 2-disc Blu-ray, 1-disc DVD and a digital copy of the film on a separate disc for $49.95 and on 2-disc DVD in widescreen format for $44.95 SRP. Also on April 15th, Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsTM – Part 1 will be available to buy or rent On Demand, or download.

Acclaimed Indie Title to Debut on Xbox LIVE Arcade in Winter 2011

9 March, 2011 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announces a partnership with independent development studio Supergiant Games to publish the highly-anticipated original action role-playing game, Bastion. Reflecting Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s continued expansion into the digital gaming market and its commitment to high-quality original content, Bastion will debut this winter on Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft.

 Bastion has received numerous accolades since its 2010 unveiling, including an award for “Best New IP” at the popular PAX Prime event, where the game was also selected among the elite “PAX 10” independent games of the show. Additionally, Bastion was nominated for the “Excellence in Audio” and “Excellence in Visual Art” awards at the 2011 Independent Games Festival.

“We are looking forward to working with Supergiant Games to bring the unique gaming experience in Bastion to all types of players,” said Martin Tremblay, President of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “We have seen tremendous talent coming from independent development studios and Bastion is a fantastic example of the innovation and imagination in that game space.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on Bastion,” said Amir Rao, Studio Director of Supergiant Games. “Warner Bros. instantly saw the potential of our original game world and narrative style, and is providing Supergiant Games with the support and autonomy we need to make Bastion an amazing experience.”

Bastion features a compelling interactive story and imaginative hand-painted environments, all available in stunning HD. The game is dynamically narrated, gradually revealing a rich back-story as the narrator reacts to the player’s actions in real time, giving context and deeper meaning to their interactions in the world around them.

In Bastion, players assume the role of “the Kid,” a survivor of a cataclysmic event that shattered the world around him, as he faces the monumental task of constructing a safe haven for him and his loved ones from broken remnants of the past. As players journey into the wild unknown, they will confront strange beasts, forge an array of customisable weapons, and gain new powers from specially-brewed spirits.

The game will also be available on PC later this year.

For the latest information on the game, visit www.buildthebastion.com.

 ‘Shifting Focus’ gameplay video reveals PLA might and deadly night combat at www.facebook.com/flashpointredriver 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 11^th March 2011– Today Codemasters® in partnership with NAMCO BANDAI Partners released a new video for Operation Flashpoint^®: Red River™, the all-new chapter in the multi-million selling tactical shooter series set to launch on 21^st April across Australia and New Zealand. The ‘Shifting Focus’ video focuses on the narrative behind the game and explains how the Marines must adapt to a rapidly escalating combat situation. The video is now showing at www.facebook.com/flashpointredriver. 

The ‘Shifting Focus’ video shows how the mission for the Marines in Tajikistan turns into a far more dangerous flashpoint than they could have imagined. After initially embarking on a campaign to quell a destabilising insurgency that threatens American interests, they must now take on the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China which seeks to stake its claim as “the preeminent military authority in the region.”

The in-game footage demonstrates how the might of the PLA, with vehicles, air support and state of the art weapons, presents a wholly different tactical challenge from insurgent fighters waging war from the shadows. “Now the men pointing the guns and artillery at the Marines have uniforms. They are organised and centralised. The PLA wield undeniable might in Tajikistan.”

Marines are shown engaging the PLA at close quarters, long range and in deadly night battles as they are “confronted by a foe equal in technology but vastly superior in numbers.” The PLA are disciplined, determined and well-equipped. It is not the war the Marines wanted but the war they must fight, and they must reassess and adapt in order to survive.  

Operation Flashpoint: Red River will set a new standard for authentic and intense tactical combat when it arrives on 21^st April in Australia & New Zealand for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Games For Windows® LIVE. Sign up to ‘get some’ USMC style with the latest briefings direct from the Operation Flashpoint studio at www.facebook.com/flashpointredriver  and www.twitter.com/flashpointgame.