The seventh installment of the Call of Duty series based on a not so Cold War era, more like lukewarm to a soft boil because there are plenty of rounds fired and gut wrenching action here…

http://www.impulsegamer.com/360callofdutyblackops.html

Largest Entertainment Launch in History Establishes – New Xbox® LIVE™ Record with 2.6 Million Unique Players in One Day

Sydney, Australia – November 19, 2010 – Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that Treyarch’s Call of Duty®: Black Ops has shattered theatrical box office, book and video game sales records for five-day worldwide sell through in dollars. The game established an all-new five-day worldwide sell-through record of more than $650 million, exceeding Activision’s previous five-day worldwide record of $550 million set by last year’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare® 2, according to internal Activision estimates.

“Call of Duty has become the first entertainment property in history to set five-day launch records for two consecutive years across all forms of entertainment,” said Robert Kotick, CEO, Activision Blizzard. “The title’s success illustrates the mass appeal of interactive entertainment as millions of consumers are choosing to play Call of Duty: Black Ops at unprecedented levels rather than engage in other forms of media. The number of people playing online and the number of hours they are playing demonstrates how online gaming has become a mainstream form of entertainment and certainly validates Activision Blizzard’s leadership role in online entertainment.”

“There are many reasons for the success of Black Ops, but first and foremost is the fact that our team at Treyarch delivered a truly awesome game, and in the process have established themselves as one of the most talented developers in the world,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO, Activision Publishing. “There are millions of people all over the world engaging in this community. It’s our job to keep them coming back for more.”

In addition to beating all previous first-and five-day box office, book and video game sell-through records, Call of Duty: Black Ops set two new records on Xbox® LIVE™.

According to Microsoft:

· More than 5.9 million multiplayer hours were logged playing Call of Duty: Black Ops by end of launch day, November 9.

· More than 2.6 million unique gamers played Call of Duty: Black Ops in one day on November 9.

“With a record breaking performance on Xbox LIVE, home to the world’s largest Call of Duty gaming community, Call of Duty: Black Ops has already carved out its legacy as one of the biggest video games in history,” said Don Mattrick, president of the interactive entertainment business at Microsoft. “We congratulate our partners at Activision and Treyarch and are proud to continue offering the best Call of Duty experience to our 25 million global Xbox LIVE members by launching all Call of Duty map packs first on Xbox 360.”

The game also was a tremendous success on the PlayStation® 3 and the best-selling video game launch of all time on Amazon.com and at GameStop in North America.

“Call of Duty: Black Ops has been an incredible success on PlayStation 3,” said Jack Tretton, President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA). “Treyarch’s latest efforts are driving unprecedented traffic to the PlayStation Network with the flagship online experience this holiday season.”

Activision is excited about the performance of Call of Duty: Black Ops, but given that it is still very early in the holiday shopping season, the company remains cautiously optimistic.

Call of Duty: Black Ops is rated “MA15+” (Strong violence and coarse language) by the Australian Classification Board. For additional information visit www.callofduty.com/blackops and also via Twitter @JD_2020.

Nintendo offers you the chance to be one of the first people in Australia to play the upcoming game for Wii – Donkey Kong™ Country Returns!

For an exclusive hands on preview of Donkey Kong Country Returns, before it’s even available in stores, visit The Nintendo Connection at Myer Sydney City or The Nintendo
Experience at EB Games, Swanston Street Melbourne:

SYDNEY

• Saturday 27 November, 11:30am – 2:30pm, Myer Sydney City, Level 6 – The Nintendo Connection, 436 George Street, Sydney, New South Wales

MELBOURNE

• Sunday 28 November, 11:30am – 2:30pm, EB Games, Swanston Street, The Nintendo Experience, Level 2, 67 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria

The first 200 people at each location to sample Donkey Kong Country Returns will receive a special Donkey Kong poster. Plus there will be Donkey Kong Country Returns T-shirt giveaways, so don’t miss out! The game will be available to purchase in stores from 2 December 2010.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is the first time that the popular series comes to Wii. Also for the first time ever, the franchise features the ability for two people to play together at the same time – one as Donkey Kong, and one as Diddy Kong™.

For further information on Donkey Kong Country Returns, visit: http://gamesites.nintendo.com.au/donkey-kong-country-returns/en_AU/index.php

Razer goodies up for grabs this weekend ONLY with TLBB– Saturday 20th November, 2010
November 18th, 2010 – ChangYou.com today announces the start of TLBB’s in-game events in conjunction with gaming product specialists, Razer.

Engineered to exceed the exacting demands of the world’s top professional gamers, Razer and leading martial arts based MMO – TLBB – have teamed up to bring players across the EU ‘Dragon’ server three unique and rewarding challenges.

With prizes that include the Razer Lycosa Keyboard and the outstanding Razer Naga Mouse, these one-off events will be hosted across the weekend of the 20th November, 2010, and will be open to players above level 20. Those lucky enough to get their kung-fu grip on one of these awesome prizes will have plenty to contend with as TLBB turns up the heat during this fun and exciting road to victory.

In an event open to players between level 20 and 39, a series of riddles must be solved leading them to checkpoints scattered across the TLBB world in ‘The TLBB Riddle Race’. The race is sure to be intense, so make sure to bring your running shoes. For players level 40 to 79, the ‘TLBB World Competition’ is the place to be in a PvP rumble that’s sure to shake the EU server. And finally, for players level 80 and above, ChangYou.com presents: ‘The Hunted’ – a unique and potentially life-threatening event for players’ characters. At the start of the event, ‘The Hunted’ player will be announced and will receive the protection of a number of the Emperor’s Guards for the duration of the event. This full-contact extravaganza takes no prisoners, so be ready to fight for your life*.

For full details about the TLBB events sponsored by Razer, please visit the official TLBB website:

http://tlbb.eu.changyou.com/news/play-tlbb-win-awesome-gaming-gear.shtml

Please note: This event is not for the faint-hearted but, for the brave-hearted. Razer & TLBB will be giving YOU the edge.

For full details please visit the official TLBB website:

http://tlbb.eu.changyou.com

Or the TLBB landing page:

www.enter-tlbb.com

*With only a limited amount of spaces, players should make sure they turn up on time to all events.

Players Are Swept Up in Engaging In-Game Content and Costumes that Lay the Foundation for Guild Wars 2

This fall NCsoft® and ArenaNet® bring a little romance to Guild Wars® with Hearts of the North, the most recent chapter in Guild Wars Beyond, the ongoing franchise campaign that sets the stage for Guild Wars 2™. Hearts of the North is a series of missions, quests, and in-game content that takes place in the aftermath of the War in Kryta in which players help reunite the legendary heroes Gwen and Keiran Thackeray through engaging new in-game content, including special missions where they can play as Keiran himself. When wedding bells start ringing, players will prep for the wedding, participate in the ceremony, and even dress in one of the five all-new wedding costumes.

As a special treat for Guild Wars fans, the Hearts of the North lore focuses on the union of Lt. Keiran Thackeray, a figure familiar to War in Kryta players, and Gwen, a beautiful but bitter woman that players first met at the very start of the original Guild Wars. Logan Thackeray, an iconic character in the upcoming release of Guild Wars 2 and the forthcoming Guild Wars novel Edge of Destiny, is the descendant of these two legendary heroes. As part of Hearts of the North, Guild Wars players will once again take part in history, as the wedding of Gwen and Keiran have important ramifications on the world of Guild Wars 2.

In Hearts of the North, players will experience Guild Wars history through exciting in-game quests, a website that enhances the storyline and have the opportunity to don elegant wedding costumes such as formal gowns and dapper tuxedos. But before the wedding can take place, players will search for clues to Keiran’s whereabouts for a heartsick Gwen, hunt down evil as Keiran Thackeray himself and help a norn wedding planner arrange the festivities.

Only those players who have finished Guild Wars: Eye of the North and the War in Kryta can access Hearts of the North. Once players have participated in Keiran’s safe return, they can attend the wedding and associated festivities.

In the months ahead, Guild Wars Beyond will continue to establish the foundation of Guild Wars 2 via the current Guild Wars live game. For more information on Guild Wars and the Hearts of the North, please visit www.guildwars.com.

About Guild Wars

Guild Wars, Guild Wars Factions™, Guild Wars Nightfall™, and Guild Wars: Eye of the North are best-selling online role-playing games played all over the world. In Guild Wars, players adventure through a beautiful, deadly land, facing off against magical creatures, forgotten races, vengeful spirits, and even a god. Players can choose to play the game solo, form a party with friends from anywhere in the world, or test their skills in player vs. player combat. The Guild Wars franchise operates on an enormously successful subscription-free business model which has attracted a vast and diverse global online community to the game.

About NCsoft West

NCsoft West is headquartered in Seattle, WA and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korea-based NCsoft Corporation. NCsoft West holds operating responsibilities for North America, Europe, South America, and Australia/New Zealand with its own development and publishing offices in Texas, California and Washington. NCsoft West also works with other NCsoft subsidiaries and third party developers throughout North America to develop and publish innovative online entertainment software products. The company actively support multiple award-winning online titles and continues to innovate and push the industry standard with additional product launches. Current franchises include Lineage®/Lineage II, City of Heroes/City of Villains®, Guild Wars®/Guild Wars Factions®/Guild Wars Nightfall®/Guild Wars: Eye of the North™, and Aion®. NCsoft West recently released two major expansions in Europe and North America for the marquee franchises Aion (Aion: Assault on Balaurea) and City of Heroes (Going Rogue) which were both received well. More information about NCsoft West can be found at http://us.ncsoft.com/en/.

About QVS
As 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, Focus Home Interactive, Focus Multimedia , Foreign Media, Fun Box, Focus Multimedia, Koch Media, NCsoft, Nero, Nordcurrent, PDP, Purple Hills plus many more. www.qvsoftware.com.au

Agreement Brings Google Technology to AVG’s Real-Time Internet Security Solutions

MELBOURNE and AMSTERDAM, 18 November 2010 – AVG (AU/NZ), the Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific distributor of the award-winning range of AVG anti-virus and Internet Security solutions, today announced that AVG Technologies has reached an agreement with Google that will broaden the search functionality of AVG’s Security Toolbar product and real-time Internet security solution, AVG LinkScanner®.

AVG’s suite of consumer and small business Internet security products include AVG LinkScanner and AVG Security Toolbar – intuitive products that provide AVG users with real-time protection against malicious links and downloads while they search the Web, including protection on social networks. By integrating Google search technology into these industry-leading Internet security solutions, AVG is making its already best-in-class security products even more powerful and continuing to deliver on its belief that everyone is entitled to protection from Internet threats.

“AVG is committed to providing our users with intuitive technology that allows them to proactively prevent computer infections while they search the Web. Combining the power of AVG’s state-of-the-art technology with Google search technology makes perfect sense,” said J.R. Smith, Chief Executive Officer of AVG Technologies. “This agreement gives our customers extraordinary search tools and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that AVG is protecting their online experience in real time while they transact, socialise, share information and work in a rapidly changing, somewhat volatile online world.”

Availability and Pricing

The complete AVG 2011 paid family of consumer products is available now at www.avg.com.au. Pricing for a one-year, one-seat licence for AVG Internet Security 2011 is A$69.99. A one year one-seat licence for AVG Anti-Virus 2011 is A$44.75. Two year licences are also available. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2011 can be downloaded from www.avgfree.com.au.

### ENDS ###

About AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd — www.avg.com.au

Based in Melbourne, AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd distributes the AVG range of Anti-Virus and Internet Security products in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. AVG software solutions provide complete real-time protection against the malware, viruses, spam, spyware, adware, worms, Trojans, phishing and exploits used by cyber-criminals, hackers, scammers and identity thieves. AVG protects everything important and personal inside computers — documents, account details and passwords, music, photos and more — all while allowing users to work, bank, shop and play games online in safety.

AVG provides outstanding technical solutions and exceptional value for consumers, small to medium business and enterprise clients. AVG delivers always-on, always up-to-date protection across desktop, and notebook PCs, plus file and e-mail servers in the home and at work in SMBs, corporations, government agencies and educational institutions.

WHO WILL BE CROWNED AUSTRALIA’S BEST COSPLAYER?

The stage is set – Madman and Supanova proudly present the final round of the 2010 MADMAN NATIONAL COSPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP.

Finalists from all over Australia will come together for their moment in the spotlight: to compete for all the glory that comes with being officially recognised as Australia’s best Cosplayer, as well as the grand prize of a trip to Tokyo, Japan – the home of Cosplay.

The finals will be held as the main event of the Supanova Cosplay Festival in Brisbane on Saturday 27th November at the RNA Showgrounds. The grand final will also be broadcast live across the internet via www.madman.com.au/cosplay from 2.45pm AEST (3.45pm AEDST, 12.45pm WST).

University of Victoria Study Concludes EA SPORTS Active 2 Workouts Meet ACSM Fitness Guidelines

Thursday 18 November 2010, Australia – Millions of people around the world have experienced the revolution in interactive fitness with EA SPORTS Active, the number one rated fitness program for the Wii™*. Today, EA SPORTS™, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced that EA SPORTS Active 2 is now available in Australia.

EA SPORTS Active 2 is a new suite of digital fitness programs available on multiple gaming consoles focusing on improving muscular strength, endurance and flexibility – while also providing an intense cardio workout. Featuring the Total Body Tracking wireless control system that combines a heart rate monitor and motion tracking technology, EA SPORTS Active 2 provides an effective workout that delivers accurate, measurable results. Additionally, users will now be able to track and share their workout stats, including heart rate, on the new EA SPORTS Active 2 online** hub (www.easportsactive.com.au).

A recent study conducted by the University of Victoria in British Columbia concludes that EA SPORTS Active 2 workouts meet recommended exercise guidelines for exercise intensity and caloric expenditure put forth by public health guidelines, including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the leading authority on exercise science in North America.

Putting EA SPORTS Active 2 to the Test

EA SPORTS commissioned a study of the EA SPORTS Active 2 Mountain Gravity pre-set workout to determine the efficacy of its product line. The study tested 15 physically active adults between the ages of 23 and 33 to determine the relative exercise intensity and caloric expenditure of EA SPORTS Active 2. Results of the workout met both the ACSM guidelines for effective physical fitness, which recommend that individuals exercise at an intensity between 64 per cent and 94 per cent of their maximum heart rate or 40 percent to 85 percent of their maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), as well as burn a minimum of 200-300 calories per session, five days per week, in order to maintain proper fitness and to aid in weight control.

“The EA SPORTS Active 2 Mountain Gravity pre-set workout met public health guidelines for an effective workout,” says Ryan Rhodes, Professor, University of Victoria, Behavioural Medicine Laboratory. “The results indicated that EA SPORTS Active 2, when used on a regular basis as part of a healthy, active lifestyle, can improve fitness and favorably affect body composition.”

Break a sweat with EA SPORTS Active 2

EA SPORTS Active 2 will feature more than 70 new exercises and fitness activities including exercises not possible before the Total Body Tracking wireless control system. Using heart rate data that is displayed on-screen, users will be able to capture the intensity of their workout, allowing them to optimise their performance and reach their fitness goals quicker.

A new 9-week program provides a fitness roadmap to keep users motivated and on track to achieving their fitness goals. Users will also have the ability to download new workouts and exercises to their online connected PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and computer entertainment system to keep their workouts fresh and maintain motivation**. Click on the EA SPORTS Active 2 launch sizzle to see a video of what’s in store for EA SPORTS Active 2.

EA SPORTS Active 2 is now available on PlayStation®3, Kinect™ for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Wii™, and will also be available on iPhone® and iPod touch® at a later date. EA SPORTS Active 2 has been rated “G” by the OFLC and has a RRP of $149.99 from all leading retailers. For more information please visit www.easportsactive.com.au or www.facebook.com/EASPORTSActive.

Recognising the health benefits of cardiovascular exercise, EA SPORTS Active 2 is a proud sponsor of The National Heart Foundation of Australia’s Go Red For Women campaign.

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,, NHL® hockey, NBA ELITE basketball, 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 www.easports.com to connect, share and compete.

Harry and Friends Embark On Their Most Action-Packed Adventure To Date

November 18, 2010, Australia – Today the EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced that the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – Part 1 videogame is available to buy on multiple platforms in stores throughout Australia.

The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 videogame is packed from start to finish with action. Players will be on the run fighting for survival on a desperate and dangerous quest to locate and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes, engaging with Death Eaters and Snatchers in epic battle sequences at every turn. To amplify the action, players will encounter ferocious creatures, and will need to muster their most powerful magic against relentless assaults from all sides. No more lessons. No more training. It’s time for players to fight for their lives.

“There’s no doubt that this is the most exhilarating Harry Potter game we’ve made to date,” says Jonathan Bunney, VP, Head of Production at EA Bright Light™. “The darker tone of the movies and books, together with the rich action storyline of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and the potential of HD gaming technology, has enabled the development team to give the player more powerful magic, more dangerous enemies and an overall more exciting experience than ever before. It’s an entirely new Harry Potter experience that we believe both fans of the franchise and action games will love.”

Players will, for the first time, be able to use Harry’s wand as the ultimate weapon, unleashing an arsenal of formidable magic to defeat attackers, protect themselves from harm and evade capture. Players will also find a number of potions throughout the world – which can be used in combat and for stealth. A dynamic cover mechanic will enable the tactical player to utilise existing objects as cover, or magically create their own, on the fly. And Harry’s famed Invisibility Cloak will allow players to sneak past more deadly enemies, or get to various points unseen. The game also includes a series of challenges, available from the main menu and separate from the single player campaign that offers both local and online leaderboards to compare best scores and times across the globe.

Developed by EA Bright Light Studio, the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 videogame is now available for the Xbox 360®, which offers an additional KINECT mode where players can actually cast magic via gestures, PlayStation®3, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, Windows PC, and mobile devices.

Internationally Acclaimed ‘Autolog’ Network Raises the Bar in Social Competition

Australia — Criterion Games™, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced that Need for Speed™ Hot Pursuit is now available at retail stores in Australia. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit has received worldwide acclaim for its superior racing, intense police chases and addictive social competition. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit has already earned perfect scores from PlayStation: The Official Magazine, GamesRadar.com, 1UP.com and Joysitq.com, and 9.3 out of 10 from GamesMaster magazine in the UK. GamesRadar.com even said that there’s “no better racing game out there” and IGN says that the game “breathes new life into the time-honored tradition of video game competition among friends.”

“We’re extremely proud today to deliver the best racing game this holiday season. Based on the critical response, we see that fans will enjoy a return to the game’s roots of intense cops vs racers action, but now built around a highly competitive network for the ultimate in one-upmanship — Autolog,” says Craig Sullivan, Creative Director at Criterion Games. “We can’t wait to see how many new friendships this game will enhance, and also how many it may break.”

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit is poised to transform online racing by bringing to life 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 includes an Online Pass* that gives players access to head-to-head multiplayer, two exclusive cars — the Lamborghini LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni and the Lamborghini LP 570-4 Superleggera — and 10x the storage capacity at no extra charge. To access this content players use the in-game one-time-use registration code. Players that do not have a code can purchase an Online Pass for 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE™ Marketplace and $15.95AU on the PlayStation®Network.

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit is available now in Australia for 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. Created by EA Mobile’s IronMonkey Studios in Melbourne, Australia, the game puts players in the role of the enforcer as they drive as a cop in up to 24 Cop Career Events. Gamers start off as a rookie and have to collect bounty to progress to the top of the ranks. They can choose from up to 15 high performance police cars to grind, nudge and drift their way through coastal, desert, and mountain environments in night, day and dusk scenarios to score bounty points. In addition, players can experience epic takedowns and awesomely over-the-top crashes with eye-popping visual clarity maximized for the Retina Display on iPhone 4 and 4th Generation iPod touch. The game supports head-to-head action as cop or racer via local Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

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.

* Free with Need for Speed game registration using single-use Online Pass code enclosed with the new, full retail purchase of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game. Additional codes for console versions available for purchase from Xbox LIVE or PlayStation Network. Additional conditions and restrictions apply. See back of pack for details.

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