AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – December 14, 2010 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) announced today it has forged a strategic relationship with Guillermo del Toro, writer and director of Hellboy and the Oscar-winning Pan’s Labyrinth, in a multi-year agreement to create an original trilogy of triple-A games titled inSANETM. To be developed by Volition, Inc.®, the inSANE trilogy is expected to deliver an unprecedented cinematic experience while redefining storytelling in gaming. The first chapter in the series is expected to launch in 2013.

Del Toro will serve as external creative director for the games, working closely with THQ Executive Vice President, Core Games Danny Bilson, THQ Director of Fiction Development Paul DeMeo and THQ’s Volition, Inc. studio on the development of the trilogy. In addition, THQ and del Toro will collaborate on potential transmedia projects surrounding the games. THQ will own the intellectual property rights to the games, and del Toro will hold the rights to any filmed entertainment products.

“THQ is committed to creating great games by identifying the world’s most talented artists and providing them with the creative support to design innovative game play experiences,” said Bilson. “Guillermo is not only an incredibly gifted writer and film director, but also an avid gamer, and we are excited to bring his talents to our medium. We are confident his unique point of view will create visually stunning adventures, filled with rich and rewarding game play.”

“With this new series of videogames, I want to take players to a place they have never seen before, where ever single action makes them question their own senses of morality and reality,” said del Toro. “THQ and Volition, Inc. are equally excited to make this vision of a completely new game universe into a reality.”

For more information, please visit inSANEgame.com.

Highly Anticipated Sequel to Launch 11.11.11

Sydney, Australia – December 14, 2010 – Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax® Media company, today confirmed the upcoming release of The Elder Scrolls® V: Skyrim™, the next installment in the award-winning Elder Scrolls series and follow up to the 2006 Game of the Year, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion®.

Developed by Bethesda Game Studios® under the direction of Todd Howard, Skyrim will be released on Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Games for Windows® worldwide on November 11, 2011. Details on the game will be revealed in our exclusive cover stories in the New Year.

“It’s exciting finally to announce the game,” said Todd Howard, Game Director on Skyrim. “We’ve been working for many years on Skyrim and the technology behind it. A new Elder Scrolls game has been a long time coming, and we can’t wait to show it off.”

To view The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim announcement trailer, please visit the official site: http://elderscrolls.com/.

About Bethesda Softworks

Bethesda Softworks, part of the ZeniMax Media Inc. family of companies, is a worldwide publisher of premier interactive entertainment software. Titles featured under the Bethesda Softworks label include such blockbuster franchises as DOOM®, QUAKE®, The Elder Scrolls®, Fallout®, Wolfenstein® and RAGE™. Among the world’s top development studios creating titles for ZeniMax are Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, Arkane Studios, MachineGames Studios, Tango Gameworks and ZeniMax Online Studios. For more information on Bethesda Softworks’ products, visit www.bethsoft.com.

The Elder Scrolls, Skyrim, Oblivion, Bethesda Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks, ZeniMax and their related logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of ZeniMax Media Inc. in the United States and/or in other countries. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, the Xbox logos, and the Xbox Live logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other product and company names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved.

Latest expansion for Blizzard Entertainment’s massively multiplayer online role-playing game reaches a record 3.3 million copies sold through as of its first 24 hours of release*

IRVINE, Calif. — December 13, 2010 — Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced that World of Warcraft®: Cataclysm™, the third expansion for the critically acclaimed massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), sold through more than 3.3 million copies as of its first 24 hours of release, making it the fastest-selling PC game of all time.* This milestone eclipses the previous record of more than 2.8 million copies sold in 24 hours, set in November 2008 by Blizzard’s second World of Warcraft expansion, Wrath of the Lich King®.

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm was simultaneously released in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Europe, Russia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand on December 7, and became available in Korea and the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau on December 9. More than 10,000 stores throughout the world opened their doors at midnight to welcome players who wanted to be among the first to obtain a copy of the expansion. In addition, approximately 15,000 players attended official launch events hosted by Blizzard and key retail partners in the US, Canada, France, Germany, Russia, Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, and the region of Taiwan.

“We had to bring Azeroth to the brink of destruction in Cataclysm, but the result was our best expansion yet,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We want to thank all of our new, existing, and returning players throughout the world for their incredible enthusiasm and support, and we look forward to hearing what they think about all the new content.”

Prior to the launch of Cataclysm, World of Warcraft’s subscriber population had grown to more than 12 million players globally, further strengthening the game’s position as the world’s most popular subscription-based MMORPG. More information about the new expansion can be found at the official Cataclysm website: http://www.blizzard.com/games/cataclysm/.

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 career opportunities available at Blizzard Entertainment can be found at www.blizzard.com/jobs.

DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION is the return to one of the most critically-acclaimed video game franchises of all time, telling the story of Adam Jensen, a man cybernetically augmented against his choice who finds himself in the middle of a global conspiracy to which he holds the key. By offering players the chance to play the game in multiple and vastly different ways, DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION challenges the foundations of gaming and provides an immersive experience where every choice has a lasting consequence.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today releases a special extended trailer for the award-winning and iconic fighting game Mortal Kombat, featuring the playable warrior Kratos — from the renowned God of War® series — exclusively for the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system.

Launching in April 2011 and developed by NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat will be available on both the PS3 and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The game will be available to consumers in three editions– Standard Edition, Kollector’s Edition and Tournament Edition.

Details of three different editions of Mortal Kombat:

• The Standard Edition featuring the award-winning Mortal Kombat game.  
• The Kollector’s Edition featuring the award-winning Mortal Kombat game, Sub-Zero and Scorpion figurines, a collectible art book, downloadable content that includes an exclusive Mortal Kombat Klassic costume skin and avatar costumes.  
• The Tournament Edition featuring the award-winning Mortal Kombat game, a portable fight stick, and downloadable content that includes an exclusive Mortal Kombat Klassic costume skin and avatar costumes. The number of tournament editions is very limited within Australia and New Zealand.  

Further ANZ Retail offers will be announced in 2011. 

Mortal Kombat will feature Kratos as a playable character, as well as be in Stereoscopic 3-D exclusively in the PS3 version. The brutal warrior from the acclaimed God of War franchise will have his own customized move set, fatality, and fighting arena, available to all original purchasers when Mortal Kombat hits stores.

The newest chapter of the iconic fighting franchise marks a triumphant return to the series’ mature presentation and a reinvention of its classic 2-D fighting mechanic. In addition, Mortal Kombat introduces a number of new game-play features including tag team and a deeper story mode. Players can choose from an extensive lineup of the game’s renowned warriors and challenge their friends in traditional 1 vs. 1 matches or take on several new game modes.

For more information, please visit www.themortalkombat.com or www.facebook.com/mortalkombat.

Australia, December 2010: BenQ Australia are pleased to announce that the acclaimed BL series of 24”, 22” and 19” LED monitors will be available in Australia this month.

Launched globally only a couple of months ago, Australia is one of the company’s first markets to offer the BL2400PT monitor – a stylish 24” screen featuring a ‘world-first’ Full HD, LED VA-panel for a wider viewing angle (178°/ 178°) and colour reproduction second to none.

VA, or Vertical Alignment Panels display blacks more accurately because of their capability to produce true black with zero bright dot (ZBD) minimising light leakage. They offer an ultra-high contrast ratio and also provide a wider viewing angle compared to regular Twisted Nematic (TN) panels, so the monitor can be shared across the room with more people.

A dominant player in the design and manufacture of quality digital monitors, BenQ are leaders in LED technology, and were the first to market with new LED based VA-panel technology, which not only offers clarity and definition second to none, but also draws significantly less power making LED panels an eco-friendly choice.

Ergonomics feature heavily in the appeal of the new BL LED monitors from BenQ, with the larger 24” and 22” models offering an ultra flexible height adjustable stand to tailor height, tilt, pivot, stroke and swivel adjustment to align perfectly with the individual user.

Comfort is of ultimate importance in the BL Series range with additional features such as an automatic ‘eye protect’ sensor fitted to detect and adjust brightness on the screen for the ultimate level of clarity to effectively reduce eye fatigue.

Taking this OH&S stance a step further is the new BenQ Smart Reminder System. Based on the expert-recommended 20/20/20 Rule – that is, after twenty minutes of looking at a computer screen the user should look to a spot twenty feet away and blink twenty times to regain focus, the BL series of LED monitors actually signal rest times with a message that appears on screen – ‘your eyes deserve a well timed rest’ – at preset intervals of 20, 40, 60 or 80 minutes. This feature was determined as appropriate with the proven statistic that people blink 5-10 times less per minute than what the eye needs while staring at a computer screen.

Considering more than just the health of the person using the monitor, BenQ also keeps the environment front of mind in their BL series design with all models featuring a built-in ‘eco sensor’ to automatically switch the monitor into eco mode when the user steps away from their desk. This feature was created in response to research that shows on average, office workers spend around 20% of their working time away from their computer.

LED backlit technology is significantly more energy efficient then conventional LCD display technology, with estimated power savings of up to 33% per year, so they cost less to run.

Cost efficient and all-round eco-friendly – the BL Series monitor frames utilise zero mercury in their manufacture, are coating-free and are 100% recyclable at end of life. In fact, recycled plastic accounts for around 65% of the actual monitor’s frame across the range. All materials used for packaging are EPS-free, with all PVC or foamed plastics replaced with recyclable paper cushion. Around 80% of the BL series packaging is recycled paper for added ‘green’ measure.

The 24’ BL2400PT VA Panel monitor offers 16:9 aspect ratio and a 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, while the 22” BL2201PT is equipped with a 16:10 aspect and 1000:1 contrast ratio.

Said BenQ Australia’s General Manager, Chee F. Chung, “BenQ are a global leader in LED monitor visual display and were actually one of the top three brands in Europe in 2009. Introducing the new VA Panel BL2400PT 24” and it’s cousins, the BL2201PT 22”and BL902TM 19” monitors to Australia will go a long way to securing a top-ranking position for BenQ’s LED monitor business in this country,” said Chung, “and will define our reputation as a brand which excels in premium panel technology innovation.”

BenQ’s BL series Monitors also provide peace of mind with an unprecedented 4 year warranty period.

RRP:

BL902TM – $289

BL2201PT – $389

BL2400PT – $489

Warranty: 4 years

Riders to Battle the Most Treacherous Mountain Ranges on the Planet

14 December 2010, Australia – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today the return of SSX™ – one of the most critically-acclaimed videogame properties of all-time. A stunning reinvention of the classic action snowboarding franchise, SSX™: Deadly Descents packs adrenaline into every run with compelling characters and heart-pumping adventures as riders battle the most treacherous and diverse mountain ranges on Earth.

“An entire genre was born from the original SSX a decade ago, and it’s time to reboot one of the most popular franchises of all-time in an unpredictable and unexpected way,” said Peter Moore, President, EA SPORTS. “Fans have been begging for this since the launch of this generation of consoles, and we have an experience that will be worth the wait. This franchise has always been about racing, tricks, characters and fun – SSX: Deadly Descents will deliver all of that, and more, on a global scale, with rich online experiences, and with the sense of adventure never before imagined on a snowboard.”

Redefining the SSX franchise, SSX: Deadly Descents will pit riders versus both mountain and man. Players will explore the story of a team who seek to be the first to descend the faces of the most treacherous mountain ranges on the planet. The team will travel the world to face the worst that Mother Nature can throw at them. From the peaks of the Himalayas, where the air is so thin that riders have to descend through the death zone at breakneck speeds to keep from blacking out, to the solid ice ranges of Antarctica, where a sunlit line is the only survival option when temperatures drop 50 degrees centigrade in the shade. And the mountain isn’t the only danger players will face. In SSX: Deadly Descents the first goal is to survive. The second, in true SSX fashion, is to look good doing it.

SSX: Deadly Descents is in development at EA Canada under the EA SPORTS™ brand, and it will be available for the Xbox 360™ system and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The game has not yet been rated by the OFLC.

EA SPORTS™ is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, global videogame competitions and breakthrough digital experiences. EA SPORTS delivers experiences that ignite the emotions of sport through industry-leading sports simulation videogames, including Madden NFL football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NCAA® Football, Fight Night boxing, EA SPORTS MMA and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® golf, and EA SPORTS Active.

For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit http://www.ea.com/au/genre/sports-games to connect, share and compete.

Continue Commander Shepard’s Epic Journey When BioWare’s Universally Acclaimed Action RPG Franchise Returns in 2011

14 December 2010, AUSTRALIA – It’s humanity’s last stand and only Shepard can save us. Leading video game developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), has unveiled Mass Effect™ 3, one of the most highly anticipated games of 2011.

After weeks of rumour across dozens of gaming websites and blogs, the speculation finally came to an end as the world witnessed the broadcast of “Earth” – the game’s spectacular premier trailer. Mass Effect 3 is the pinnacle of Commander Shepard’s emotionally charged journey. To view “Earth”, please visit http://masseffect.com.

Mass Effect 3 is set to launch globally towards the end of 2011 on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC, and marks the first time the Mass Effect franchise will launch on all three major platforms simultaneously. At the Video Game Awards over the weekend, the game’s predecessor, Mass Effect 2 was awarded with the “Best RPG” and “Best Xbox 360 Game” of the year awards and BioWare was named “Studio of the Year”.

“At BioWare, we are always driving ourselves to improve and I firmly believe our best work is still ahead of us,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Group General Manager and Co-Founder of BioWare. “We could not be more proud of the team’s accomplishments with Mass Effect 2, and are excited and humbled by all of the recognition the game has received so far. We can’t wait to show you what the team is doing to make Mass Effect 3 an even bigger success.”

The Mass Effect franchise is set in an epic science fiction universe, filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious, uncharted planets. Featuring intense action, a rich, futuristic storyline, space exploration and emotionally engaging character interaction, the franchise delivers an unparalleled cinematic experience.

Mass Effect 2 is the highest rated videogame of 2010 on Xbox 360, the PC and one of the highest rated pieces of entertainment overall according to Metacritic.com. The three awards picked up at the Spike VGAs are the latest in an ongoing series of global recognition that includes “Ultimate Game of the Year” honours from The Golden Joysticks in addition to over 35 other awards and 70 perfect review scores.

Mass Effect 2 is available now for the Xbox 360 and PC. The Mass Effect franchise will make its first appearance on the PlayStation 3 console when Mass Effect 2 ships to retailers on January 23, 2011 in Australia. The PlayStation 3 demo of Mass Effect 2 will be available on PlayStation Network starting December 24, 2010.

For more information on Mass Effect, please visit http://masseffect.com or the newly redesigned BioWare website at http://bioware.com. You can also follow the game on Twitter at http://twitter.com/masseffect2 or “Like” Mass Effect on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/masseffect.

Social Competition of Autolog Hits the Next Gear

14 December 2010, Australia – Criterion Games™, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced the all-new Need for Speed™ Hot Pursuit Super Sports content pack for the award winning Need for Speed Hot Pursuit.

The content pack expands the superior racing, intense police chases and addictive rivalries found in Need for Speed Hot Pursuit with 13 new race and pursuit events, and three of the world’s fastest supercars: Porsche 911 GT2 RS, GUMPERT Apollo S and Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport.

Each vehicle was carefully chosen for their unsurpassed performance, speed and ability for players to post the fastest times on their speed wall and push the limits of social competition. All of the cars will be available as a cop and a racer, so players can use these powerful machines to either enforce or evade the law.

The Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Super Sports content pack will be available worldwide beginning 21 December on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, and from 23 December on the PlayStation®Network in Australia. The Super Sports content pack will be available for $15.95 AUD (560 Microsoft Points).

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit is the must-have game this holiday season with perfect scores from PlayStation: The Official Magazine, GamesRadar.com, 1UP.com and Joysitq.com, and 90+ scores from IGN.com, Destructoid.com, GamePro, Edge Magazine, Eurogamer.com, Gametrailers.com and more.

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit is transforming online racing by capturing the adrenaline and intensity of high speed cop pursuits and changing the way that people connect and compete with their friends. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit introduces a revolutionary social network called Need for Speed Autolog, which seamlessly connects players with their friends by automatically tracking and comparing each person’s performances. Autolog also serves up challenges based on what your friends have been doing, creating a simple, yet brilliantly dynamic social-gaming experience.

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit is available now on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PC and the Wii™*. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit is also now live on the AppStore for iPhone® and iPod touch® mobile digital devices.

For more of the latest news and information on Need for Speed Hot Pursuit, please visit http://www.needforspeed.com, “like” the game on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/needforspeed and follow the game on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/needforspeed .

* Developed by Exient, Need for Speed Autolog not available on the Wii.