Sydney, February 8, 2011 – Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) today revealed another strong performance for the total PlayStation®3 (PS3™) platform which in both real and relative terms outperformed other competitive game platforms, in both value and unit growth. PS3 platform[1] achieved the number one place in terms of value and year on year value growth, representing 27% of the approximate AU$1.7 billion industry accounting for AU$469 million across more than 5 million units of PS3 product[2]. The latter, reflects a 41% uplift for the PS3 platform in calendar year unit sales. This solid year-on-year growth comes off the back of strong platform results the year prior, and is indicative of the continued momentum of the PlayStation brand, devices and entertainment content available in Australia.

Michael Ephraim, Managing Director Sony Computer Entertainment Australia, said: “PlayStation 3 as a platform continues to outperform and grow, even during the double digit industry wide downturn last year. Our consumers are responding to the increased entertainment content offering, from both our company and our network of partners, enjoying the benefits derived from our ongoing technical innovation, and also the more connected network experiences we continue to offer.”

He added “Today’s result announcement reflects Sony Computer Entertainment Australia’s strong capability to deliver in 2011.”

Hardware

Total industry hardware value in Australia eclipsed $520 million in 2010, with the PS3 device deriving the greatest value share of hardware sales within the industry accounting for approx. AU$138.5 million, or 26.5%.

PlayStation 3 install base of hardware in Australia is now over 1.1 million devices[3] in Australian homes. PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) is over 675,000 while PlayStation 2 has reached over 2.6 million units as it heads into its 11^th year.

Software

With gaming at the heart of the PlayStation DNA, PS3 derived the greatest value share of software by device platform in CY2010 accounting for approx. AU$283 million, or 26.7%, of the $1.059 billion industry software sales revenues.

The top selling individual game software SKU of CY2010 for the industry was Activision’s Call of Duty Black Ops on PlayStation 3. Gran Turismo 5 (GT5) was one of the fastest selling titles for the year reaching over 190,000 units of sales in just a 6 week period, to become the best selling PS3 exclusive title in Australia.  

Subsequently, this strong platform software performance saw PlayStation 3 hold its relative position against other current generation home consoles for another year enjoying the highest ratio of software attach at over 10 pieces per device.

Peripherals

PlayStation 3 also achieved more than 50% year on year increase in peripheral units driven by new product launches such as the launch of PlayStation®Move motion controller, and continued popularity of the PlayTV device to watch, pause and record free-to-air HDTV and also the PlayStation Blu-Ray remote, Blu-tooth headset and Dual Shock controllers.

Online

PlayStation®Network (PSN) – the online world of entertainment content that offers games, TV, movies, music and more – grew its appeal with the addition of new digital service content platforms for PlayStation 3. During 2010, SCE Aust. added stereoscopic 3D and games capability via firmware updates; PLUS7 catch up TV; MUBI, the independent and classic cinema service which complements the existing PSN Video Delivery Service that provides on-demand access to thousands of Hollywood blockbusters to rent or to own, in a choice of SD and HD.  VidZone, added to 100 free[4] linear TV music channels and took the cumulative number of music video streams via the PS3 to over 17 million locally. PS3 also represented an 11.5% share of visits for CY2010 to the catch up TV service ABC iView. A new premium PSN subscription service called PlayStation Plus was launched offering even more value to core gamers.  Digital revenues were up significantly year on year, and resulted in the increased consumer demand for PSN Cards at key retailers nationally.

Recent global announcements in the portable entertainment space will also see PlayStation vigorously expanding the portable market, addressing rapid changes in the handheld space. Code named “NGP”, or next generation portable, will launch later in 2011 in the form of a cutting edge device that draws on expertise garnered across both PSP and PS3. NGP will offer rich and immersive gaming experiences and social integration. PlayStation®Suite (PS Suite) will offer more casual PlayStation experiences accessible to Android[5] based portable devices that will effectively see PlayStation content available on an open operating system for the first time in PlayStation history.

A cloud based, digital music service “Music Unlimited” will also launch in 2011, and adds to the strength of music offer on not only PlayStation 3, but across internet connected Sony devices.

UNLOCK THE VAULT TO REDISCOVER THE MAGIC OF BAMBI AND BAMBI 2

Academy Award® nominated Bambi and the eagerly awaited next chapter, Bambi 2 both available on Blu-ray Value Pack and DVD from 30 March, 2011 

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is proud to announce the release of Disney’s beloved animated classic, Bambi. Coming out of the Disney Vault for a limited time only, this heart warming tale will be available for the first time in high definition on Diamond Edition Blu-Ray and Disney DVD from 30 March, 2011.

Nominated for three Academy Awards® including Best Song, Best Score and Best Sound in 1943, this endearing tale of friendship, love and the miracle of life will enchant families all over again in high definition magic.

A family favourite, Bambi tells the story of a young deer hailed as the ‘Prince of the Forest’ at his birth. As Bambi grows, he becomes friends with the other animals of the forest, including the playful rabbit, ‘Thumper’ and the bashful skunk, ‘Flower’.

But the fun of nibbling on fresh blossoms and frolicking through the woods is only the beginning. Exploring his new world, and guided by the wisdom of Friend Owl, Bambi learns valuable life lessons with every adventure – experiencing the power of friendship, family, and love along the away.

One day, however, the hunters come, and Bambi must learn to be brave like his father if he is to lead the other deer to safety.

In addition to enhanced sound and vision, Bambi: Diamond Edition on Disney Blu-Ray and DVD boasts spectacular bonus materials including two never before seen deleted scenes, a deleted song, and ‘The Making of Bambi: A Prince is Born,’ ensuring that Bambi: Diamond Edition is a must-have for every Disney collection.

PRODUCTION OVERVIEW – Bambi:

Directors:                   David Hand 

James Algar 
Samuel Armstrong      
Graham Heid 
Bill Roberts 
Paul Satterfield 
Norman Wright

Producer:                   Walt Disney

Writers:                      Felix Salten 
Perce Pearce 
Larry Morey 
Vernon Stallings 
Melvin Shaw 
Carl Fallberg 
Chuck Couch 
Ralph Wright 

Key Voice Talent:     Bobby Stewart             (Baby Bambi)
Donnie Dunagan         (Young Bambi)
Hardie Albright           (Adolescent Bambi)
John Sutherland           (Adult Bambi)
Paula Winslowe           (Bambi’s Mother and the Pheasant)
Peter Behn                   (Young Thumper)
Tim Davis                   (Adolescent Thumper and Adolescent Flower)
Sam Edwards              (Adult Thumper)
Stan Alexander            (Young Flower)
Sterling Holloway        (Adult Flower)
Will Wright                  (Friend Owl)
Cammie King              (Young Faline)
Ann Gillis                    (Adult Faline)
Fred Shields                 (Great Prince of the Forest)

Genre:                        Animation / Family

Rating:                       G Rating

Release Date:            30 March 2011

RRP:                           $39.95 – 1 Disc Disney DVD 

                                    $49.95 – 2 Disc Blu-ray Value Pack Diamond Edition

Bambi Blu-ray Bonus Features:

Backstage Disney:

• Disc Introduction by Diane Disney – Miller
• Inside Walt’s Story Meetings-Enhanced Edition – A fascinating, multi-tiered, interactive story-telling experience. Go back in time with dramatic voice re-enactments of the moments with Walt that led to the creation of this classic film.
• Two Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes – ‘Two Leaves’ & ‘Bambi Stuck on a Reed’ 
• Deleted Song: “Twitterpated”
• Bambi Interactive Galleries – A collection of extraordinary images originally created as part of the design process for Bambi. 

Family Play: Games & Activities:

• Disney’s Big Book of Knowledge: Bambi Edition— An interactive educational gaming experience that uses the film as a learning tool. Players can customize their own Big Book of Knowledge and learn all about forest creatures, seasons and more! Each time a player completes a task, they are rewarded with new stickers to decorate their Big Book of Knowledge.

Bambi DVD Bonus Features:

• The Making Of Bambi: A Prince Is Born—A comprehensive look at the making of Bambi, covering the story, the characters, the actors, the art design, the music and the history of Walt Disney’s classic film using behind the scenes footage, production stills, animation, artwork and multiple interviews with performers and behind-the-scenes participants.  
• Tricks of the Trade (excerpt)—In an episode from the 1957 Disneyland TV show, Walt narrates the story of the multiplane camera, an animation innovation crucial to the production of Bambi.. 
• Inside the Disney Archives—Disney Supervising Animator, Andreas Deja guides viewers through Disney’s Animation Research Library, where artwork from past Disney animated feature films is stored, including early story sketches of ‘Bobo the rabbit’, (who became ‘Thumper’),  glass paintings made for the multiplane camera and more. 
• The Old Mill (Animated Short – 1937) —Winner of the 1937 Academy Award^® for Best Short Subject/Cartoon, The Old Mill was a testing ground for several techniques critical to Walt’s artistic vision for Bambi, including the multiplane camera, animating realistic animals and experimenting with such natural occurrences such as wind, rain and lightning.   
• Original Theatrical Trailer

ALSO AVAILABLE FROM 30 MARCH 2011 – BAMBI 2

Get ready for an all-new forest adventure in this hugely entertaining sequel to one of Disney’s most cherished films when Bambi 2 is released on Blu-Ray and DVD on 30 March, 2011.

The next chapter of Bambi’s unforgettable story continues for a whole new generation in a film that’s sure to delight the entire family.

Join Bambi as he reunites with his father, The Great Prince, who must now raise the young fawn and teach him the ways of the forest. However, the proud parent discovers that there is much that he can learn from his spirited young son. Favourite Bambi characters including Thumper, Flower and Owl return along with many more wonderful new friends as Bambi’s unforgettable story continues. 

The film features music by multi-Grammy Award winner, Allison Krauss, 2004 CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Martina McBride, Oscar and Grammy winners, Richard Marx & Dean Pitchford, country songwriter, Marcus Hummon, singer-songwriter, Michelle Lewis and TK, ensuring that Bambi II is a must have for every Disney collection.

PRODUCTION OVERVIEW – Bambi 2:

Director:                    Brian Pimental

Producer:                   Jim Ballantine
Dave Okey

Writers:                      Ben Gluck
Alicia Kirk
Brian Pimental

Voice Talent:             Patrick Stewart                       (The Great Prince / Stag)
Alexander Gould         (Bambi)
Brendon Baerg             (Thumper)
Carolyn Hennessy        (Bambi’s Mother)
Nicky Jones                 (Flower)
Anthony Ghannam      (Ronno)
Andrea Bowen             (Faline)
Keith Ferguson            (Friend Owl)
Cree Summer               (Mena)
Brian Pimental             (Groundhog / Porcupine)
Makenna Cowgill         (Thumper’s Sister)

Genre:                        Animation / Family

Rating:                       G Rating

Release Date:            30 March, 2011

RRP:                           $24.95– 1 Disc Special Edition DVD

                                    $29.95 – 2 Disc Blu-ray Value Pack

Bambi 2 Blu-ray Bonus Features:

• Friend Owl’s forest fun games
• “Sing the Day” deleted song
• The legacy continues
• Disney sketch pad
• Thumper’s hurry and scurry game
• Bambi’s trivia tracks

Bambi 2 DVD Bonus Features:

• “Sing the Day” deleted song
  • The legacy continues
  • Disney sketch pad
  • Bambi’s trivia tracks

CLICK DRAGON TO WATCH

Get in the game with Resistance®3!

Enter a unique money can’t buy Resistance competition…

…. and appear as a survivor in Resistance® 3 for PS3™

Be immortalised in video game history as you are 3D Head Scanned in sunny San Diego, meet the team at Insomniac – and take a friend!

SYDNEY, 9th February 2011 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) is giving PlayStation® fans everywhere the chance to become immortalised in video game history with one of 2011’s most anticipated titles, Resistance®3 for PlayStation®3 (PS3™). In a unique competition, launching today, two lucky winners will appear in-game as survivors in humanity’s epic battle against the Chimera as the invasion continues on war ravaged Earth.

Not only will you become a part of gaming legend – but you will also win an all-expenses paid trip to San Diego, California where you will join the Resistance 3 development team for a day. Get ready for the cameras – as you are fully 3D head scanned – meaning your every feature will be captured and translated by the Insomniac team to create your battle-ravaged digital twin.

After your survivor grimace has been perfected & captured, meet members of the Resistance 3 development team, and get a look at the game before anyone else. Not only will you become a part of video game history, but your popularity will also rocket as you’ll be bringing a friend along with you to California.

To be in with a chance to win, visit http://eu.playstation.com/resistance3competition  and upload a photo of yourself looking like you’re in the middle a Resistance-style battle, or like you’ve just survived one – the more props the better! You’ll also need to tell us why you deserve to be one of our Resistance survivors. Ten selected finalists will have their entries showcased across Europe on the PlayStation Blog before two winners are hand-picked by Insomniac Games. But you’ll need to be quick – the competition closes 08/03/11. Terms and conditions apply – see http://eu.playstation.com/resistance3competition for more info.

Join the resistance with a new hero, Joseph Capelli, on his journey as he battles to survive a desolate and harrowing planet Earth left ravaged by the Chimera invasion when Resistance 3 arrives later this year. Visit http://au.playstation.com/  to find out more.

‘Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.’ Isaac Asimov said that and he probably never thought that I would take the quote and manipulate it to talk about videogames. He’s right, you see, but the troublesome transition isn’t between life and death – that’s something games often revel in. It is, in actuality, the transition between death and life…

Full Article: http://www.bit-tech.net/gaming/2011/02/07/a-death-worth-having/1

Special limited-time offer: Get the full game for free!

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND, February 7, 2011 – The acclaimed iPhone / iPod Touch adventure Scarlett and the Spark of Life has become even more entertaining with the addition of OpenFeint support. To mark the occasion, Launching Pad Games and OpenFeint are offering Scarlett and the Spark of Life for free—for one day only! To participate in this extremely limited-time offer, visit the game’s App Store product page: http://itunes.apple.com/app/scarlett-spark-life-scarlett/id397685110

The first of four planned Scarlett Adventures episodes, Scarlett and the Spark of Life is a witty story game with sharp writing and a memorable cast of characters. While enjoying the company—and comedy—of the gutsy Princess Scarlett and her grumpy mechanical horse, players can now also test their mettle with new OpenFeint achievements that encourage even deeper exploration of the game’s unusual world.

Since its debut in December, numerous players have fallen in love with Scarlett’s story, characters, and humor. The game has been consistently well reviewed, with Paste Magazine praising its presentation as “damn near flawless” and Wired.com’s GeekDad calling it “brilliantly written” with “priceless dialogue.” Key game features include an intuitive ‘point and tap’ interface, frustration-free gameplay, and developer commentary that provides insights into the design process.

When the limited-time free game offer ends, Scarlett and the Spark of Life will return to its new low price of $1.99. Screenshots, a trailer, and other game information can be found on the official website: http://launchingpadgames.com/games/scarlett

Fans who want an inside look at the game series’ development and access to special community offers are invited to visit the Scarlett Adventures Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scarlett-Adventures/157221737654906

About Launching Pad Games

Launching Pad Games is an independent developer based in Wellington, New Zealand. Their games include the addictive Zoo Lasso for iPhone / iPod Touch and The Pretender, an ongoing puzzle series that has been enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Their current project, Scarlett Adventures, is a four episode series built from the ground up for handheld iOS devices. For more information, please visit http://launchingpadgames.com.

Blizzard Entertainment’s sixth BlizzCon gaming celebration to be held at Anaheim Convention Center October 21-22, 2011

IRVINE, Calif. — February 7, 2011 — Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced plans for its sixth BlizzCon^® gaming convention, to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California on Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, 2011. BlizzCon is a celebration of the global player communities surrounding Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft^®, StarCraft^®, and Diablo^® universes. 

“We look forward to holding another exciting BlizzCon this year, filled with some great entertainment and competition, as well as the latest news about Blizzard games,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “BlizzCon is built from the ground up with our community in mind — we’re pleased to be able to host an event where players can come together to have fun and celebrate their passion for gaming.” 

In addition to serving as a gathering place for Blizzard Entertainment gaming communities, BlizzCon will offer attendees a chance to enjoy:

• Hands-on play time with the latest versions of Blizzard Entertainment games
• Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers
• Competitive and casual tournaments for players to showcase their talents
• Community contests with great prizes
• Commemorative merchandise based on Blizzard Entertainment’s game universes
• More activities and attractions to be announced

The previous BlizzCon was held in Anaheim in October 2010. Tickets to the event sold out in minutes, and some of the highlights included the unveiling of Diablo III‘s fifth and final playable character class, the demon hunter, and an epic closing concert featuring Tenacious D.

Further details about BlizzCon 2011, including ticket availability and pricing, will be announced on the official Blizzard website, www.blizzard.com, as the event draws closer.

To keep pace with the continued growth of World of Warcraft as well as development on other Blizzard Entertainment games, the company is currently hiring for numerous open positions. More information on available career opportunities can be found at www.blizzard.com/jobs.

Take justice into your own hands and experience the lawlessness of the modern Wild West

Sydney, Australia – February 8, 2011 – Today Ubisoft announced the development of Call of Juarez® The Cartel, the third game in the award-winning Call of Juarez series. Developed by Techland® for next-gen consoles and Windows® PC, Call of Juarez The Cartel will be available worldwide mid 2011.

Call of Juarez The Cartel is set in present-day and brings the best elements of the Wild West to a new and modern setting. As a first person shooter with an immersive and mature story, players can expect to embark on a journey like no other – one that will take them from the heart of modern day Los Angeles, California to Juarez, Mexico.

“The game will bring the best elements of the Wild West into modern times with a very gritty and relevant plot”, said Caroline Stevens, EMEA Brand Director at Ubisoft.

For ongoing updates about the game, please visit: www.callofjuarez.com