PLAYSTATION®MOVE MOTION CONTROLLER DELIVERS A WHOLE NEW ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE TO PLAYSTATION®3
New PlayStation®Move Sub-Controller, Enabling Intuitive Navigation, to Accompany the Release of the Motion Controller This Fall (Australian Spring) and  36 Developers and Publishers to Support PlayStation®Move Platform

Sydney, March 11, 2010 – Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today announced that PlayStation®Move motion controller for PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system, launches worldwide this fall (Australian Spring), offering a motion-based, high-definition gaming experience unlike anything on the market. Concurrently with its launch, SCE will also release PlayStation®Move sub-controller to be used along with the motion controller for intuitive navigation of in-game characters and objects.  The PlayStation Move platform, including the motion controller, sub-controller, and PlayStation®Eye camera, together with a strong lineup of software titles, will deliver an innovative and highly immersive experience on the PS3 system.

AVG and LimeWire Secure World’s Largest Peer-to-Peer Network

LimeWire Integrates AVG’s SDK into Its Premium File-Sharing Software Offering Users Anti-Virus Protection

Melbourne, 11 March 2010 – AVG (AU/NZ), the distributor for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific of the world’s most popular free anti-virus software, today announced that LimeWire LLC has licensed the AVG Anti-Virus SDK engine from AVG Technologies. LimeWire has integrated the anti-virus/ anti-spyware protection into LimeWire Pro, its premium file sharing software. Through this partnership, all files will be scanned before LimeWire PRO will allow them to play or execute on an end user’s computer, which prevents infected files from harming machines. LimeWire PRO users will see the “Protected by AVG” assurance whenever a downloaded file is safely scanned and cleaned.

The agreement is part of the AVG’s new Global Strategic Alliances (GSA) group 2010 partner program focused on development, licensing initiatives and strategic partnerships in security, social media and the online community.

Millions of people use peer-to-peer networks every day to exchange audio, video, documents and other files. LimeWire is the leading provider of peer-to-peer networking applications and distributes the most popular peer-to-peer application in the world with 50 million monthly users. LimeWire has integrated AVG’s security SDK into LimeWire PRO, its premium file-sharing software, to automatically scan each download to help keep LimeWire’s users secure.

“Peer-to-peer networks have come a long way. People are using peer-to-peer networks to share files and documents, and we are pleased to be protecting them,” said Rocco Donnino, SVP of Global Strategic Alliances, AVG Technologies. “AVG is committed to securing our online world, whatever it takes.”

The ad hoc architecture of peer-to-peer networks affords no central point where security policies can be enforced, making the networks vulnerable to infected files, adware, spyware and other malware creeping into the system. It is incumbent upon users to secure their computers in order to protect both their own computers and the general health of their peer-to-peer network.

“LimeWire is committed to providing peer-to-peer’s best user experience and we are vigilant about user security,” said Jason Herskowitz, VP Product Management, LimeWire. “We are always looking for ways to improve, and with AVG’s seamless integration into LimeWire, we will be providing users with peer-to-peer’s most secure technology.”

“It’s great to see a peer-to-peer software solutions provider like LimeWire taking a pro-active approach to online security,” said Lloyd Borrett, Marketing Manager AVG (AU/NZ). “Plenty of peer-to-peer users don’t understand the security risks associated with some of the files they’re downloading and sharing over the Internet. Now LimeWire PRO users can safely use their peer-to-peer connections on the BitTorrent and Gnutella networks to share pictures, videos and audio with friends.”

About AVG Technologies – www.avg.com

AVG is a global security software maker protecting more than 110 million consumers and small businesses in 167 countries from the ever-growing incidence of web threats, viruses, spam, cyber-scams and hackers on the Internet. AVG has nearly two decades of experience in combating cyber crime and one of the most advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating Web-borne threats from around the world. Its free, downloadable software allows novice users to have basic anti-virus protection and then easily upgrade to greater levels of safety and defence when they are ready. AVG has nearly 6,000 resellers, partners and distributors globally including Amazon.com, CNET, Cisco, Ingram Micro, Play.com, Wal-Mart, and Yahoo!

About LimeWire LLC – www.limewire.com

Founded in 2000 by Chairman Mark Gorton, LimeWire LLC (http://www.limewire.com) is an innovative leader in peer-to-peer software development. Its signature product, LimeWire, runs on the decentralized Gnutella and BitTorrent networks. The world’s most popular peer-to-peer file sharing application, LimeWire boasts over 50 million unique monthly users and approximately 5 million active users at any given moment. It is reported that up to 18% of the computers worldwide have LimeWire on their computer. In addition to the LimeWire file-sharing program, LimeWire LLC introduced the LimeWire Store in 2008. LimeWire Store sells high quality DRM-free MP3 downloads a la carte and through low-cost subscription plans. Its digital music offering has grown to include more than 4 million recordings by today’s top indie artists and music legends. LimeWire LLC is committed to providing participating artists and labels unique promotional opportunities with exclusive releases, targeted marketing, and events. The LimeWire team enjoys a dynamic work environment at company headquarters in New York City.

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.

AVG products actively protect over 110 million users worldwide, including more than 4.6 million users in Australia and New Zealand.

For the first time on Blu-ray comes the profound story of courage and sacrifice that depicts the final twelve hours in the life of Jesus Christ. The Passion Of the Christ is directed by Academy Award® Winner Mel Gibson. Experience the astounding retelling of The Passion of the Christ like never before with this Director’s Edition Blu-ray available in a limited digi-pak from April 2, 2010. Also available The Passion of the Christ two disc director’s edition on DVD, available from April 2, 2010.

New game from Creative Director Stuart Black set to reboot shooter gun play.

SYDNEY, 11^th March, 2010 – Set to rip apart the First Person Shooter and deliver genre-defining gun play that comes alive in an orgy of bullets and destruction, Codemasters today in partnership with NAMCO BANDAI Partners Australia New Zealand confirmed that Bodycount™ is the new IP in production at Codemasters Studios Guildford.

Designed by Creative Director Stuart Black (co-creator and designer of Black, 2006), Bodycount is being created by an all-star development team using the EGO® Game Technology Platform, an evolution of Codemasters’ award-winning engine, for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and scheduled for release in Q1 of 2011.

“Our core focus for Bodycount is to deliver best-in-class gun play that places the gamer at the heart of the experience,” said Executive Producer Tom Gillo. “From the jaw-dropping devastation caused by firing into enemies or shredding the world around you in a hail of bullets, Bodycount will crystallise that moment of pulling the trigger into an exhilarating sensory overload of action.”

In Bodycount players become ensnared in a clandestine global power struggle as a powerful combat asset with a green-light to eliminate enemies known only as ‘Targets’ on behalf of the ‘Network’. Equipped with a mouth-watering selection of contemporary weapons, players and opponents tear through destructible cover to execute explosive kills in a shreddable world where operatives are encouraged to leave no witnesses. Complimented by online multiplayer and co-operative game modes, Bodycount will blast outrageous action and spectacular fire-fights from both barrels.  

“We’re all massive FPS fans,” said Stuart Black, Creative Director on Bodycount “and believe that there’s room for a refresh of the shooter experience. If Race Driver: GRID™ was all about the purity of racing, then everything in Bodycount is absolutely centred on the bullet and its impact on the world. Our shredding tech enables us to create a different kind of gameplay, where players and AI can’t hide behind indestructible cover and rely on whack-a-mole mechanics. Here the environment is constantly changing as the game world is shot to hell; it’s going to be a huge amount of fun.”

Bodycount is being developed using the EGO Game Technology platform, evolved from the award winning EGO Engine. Enabling Codemasters development talent to share tools and technology across its Studios and Central Technology teams, the EGO Game Technology Platform empowers Codemasters game designers to realise their creative visions across multiple platforms featuring cutting edge graphics, powerful AI and advanced physics systems and integrated network play.

“By investing extensively in our people and tools, we have attracted an exciting team of development talent to Codemasters Studios Guildford, empowered with a mandate to create innovative, original games using award-winning technology,” said Gavin Cheshire, Vice President, Codemasters development. “As our first internally produced new IP for many years, Bodycount will deliver a fresh FPS experience powered by intense combat, compelling narrative, advanced AI and engaging online multiplayer game modes.”

For all the latest on Bodycount follow @bodycountgame on Twitter (www.twitter.com/bodycountgame), become a fan on Facebook or visit www.codemasters.com/bodycount

Australia, 10 March, 2010 –

Nintendo confirms that the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service have seized game copiers (commonly referred to as R4 cards) and other counterfeit Nintendo products from an importer attempting to distribute the products in Australia. This is the first Australian customs seizure of game copiers of this type.

Video game piracy continues to be a serious problem in Australia. Nintendo attributes it to the availability of game copiers, the devices that circumvent the technical protection measures embedded in the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems that enable the play of illegal Nintendo software downloaded via the Internet. Game copiers infringe Nintendo’s trademarks and copyright and breach the “circumvention device” provisions of the Copyright Act.

Nintendo has been working with the Australian enforcement authorities to curtail the spread of piracy for more than 10 years.

The seizure in Australia follows another recent significant Nintendo action. Earlier this month, Nintendo has taken successful action in the Federal Court in Australia against an importer and online seller of game copiers establishing that these actions are illegal and the consequences are real.

Nintendo is also taking action against distributors and sellers of game copiers and other infringing devices in many other countries around the world. In some countries, successful criminal proceedings have been brought against the manufacturers, suppliers and sellers of game copiers.

For further information regarding the recent Federal court civil action against the importer and online seller of game copiers please see our Media Release dated 22 February 2010 titled “Nintendo Successfully Takes Action Against R4 Cards” which can be found at: http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=news&nid=79

For more information about Nintendo’s global anti-piracy activities, please visit: http://ap.nintendo.com

Oulu Games Cluster released a new magazine for interest groups at the Game Developers Conference, San Francisco today. The magazine introduces game companies of northern Finland along with some of their games and their makers.
 
“In the nineteenth century, Oulu was famous for its tar industry. The end of the 20th century brought along Nokia mobile phones and our town became a noteworthy international concentration of the ICT industry. Now we stand at the beginning of a new era. The next milestone will be crafted from games”, says Ville Wittenberg, the editor-in-chief and CCO of LudoCraft Ltd one of the game companies of the region.
 
Games are already the number one article in Finnish cultural exports. Oulu is the second most significant centre of games industry in Finland, right behind the capital city region standing in the front line.
 
Wittenberg continues:
 
“Pellaaja is a local word for player. We are all united by the passion for games and playing them. We have created new jobs and opportunities for success from our very own dreams. Be the product a new console with a revolutionary interface, the foundation for 3D Internet, or a virtual gaming community for kids, the faith in oneself always lies strong in the background.”
 
The magazine is freely available online: www.ludocraft.com/pellaaja
 
Pellaaja magazine includes articles of Ball-IT, realXtend, NoviCraft, Farmind, Pixolane, Tuonela Productions, Petra´s Planet, HappyWise, Belleviews and LudoCraft. Pellaaja is made in co-operation with POEM-Foundation, Oulu Innovation and Invest in Finland. 

Codeworks Connect, the trade association supporting digital businesses in the North East of England, is proud to announce details of its 2010 Thinking Digital: The Next Generation conference, taking place at the prestigious Sage Gateshead on March 17th.

The North East of England is blooming with talent and career opportunities in the digital sector. The 2010 Thinking Digital: The Next Generation conference will bring this ever widening whirlpool of talent together in an unmissable one-day conference on March 17th. With a subtle blend of speakers representing the eclectic sub-sectors of the digital industry, the conference promises to educate and inspire students, graduates and entrepreneurs around the North East about the rapidly expanding careers in digital media and technology.

Supported by Gateshead Council, ONE North East and European Regional Development Fund, the conference features a whole host of inspirational guest speakers, including one of the UK’s leading authorities on entrepreneurship and author of The Beermat Entrepreneur, Mike Southon. The list of esteemed speakers also includes the self-proclaimed and highly popular ‘geek comedian’ Tom Scott, and the self-made accidental millionaire who’s accreditations include an IABC, the highest award in business communications, Richard St.John.

Taking place at the prestigious Sage Gateshead, the event is already over-subscribed with in excess of 400 career-hungry students, graduates and seasoned professionals from around the North East signed up to attend. Part of the day includes a Jobs in Digital recruitment fair where delegates can meet employers looking to hire staff in the North East digital sector.

The event’s producer, Jackie Boyd, Digital Skills Executive at Codeworks, is excited at the prospect of another successful event: conference, “The conference has been designed to stimulate the creative juices in the minds of the regions thriving talent pool. Through the jobs fair, the conference presents a golden opportunity for North East talent to engage with their prospective employers of tomorrow”

To find out more about the speakers, the conference programme and jobs fair visit – www.thenextgen.co.uk

Also keep an eye on www.thirteen1.com for further announcements relating to the unmissable digital conference.

From today gamers can download the recently released additions to Capcom’s survival horror masterpiece, Resident Evil 5, as one package and at a discounted price. The Untold Stories Bundle is available on Xbox Live today, Wednesday March 10th, for 960 Microsoft points and on PlayStation Network tomorrow, Thursday, March 11th, for €11.25 / £10.49. It includes both the LOST IN NIGHTMARES and DESPERATE ESCAPE DLC episodes, as well as two alternate costume packs that will give players plenty of incentive to replay the entire RE5 campaign over and over again.

Here’s a reminder of the new content:

LOST IN NIGHTMARES
Only previously viewed during cut scenes of Resident Evil 5, now play through the events leading up to the moment Chris Redfield thought he lost his partner forever. Play as Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine and journey back to the infamous Spencer Mansion from the original Resident Evil. Try and solve its treacherous puzzles and search to uncover the secrets held inside.

DESPERATE ESCAPE
After collapsing Jill is woken by BSAA agent Josh Stone. Fight off unrelenting waves of enemies as Jill and Josh attempt to escape from the Tricell facility, as they race to assist Chris and Sheva in their final showdown with Albert Wesker.

Costume Packs 1 and 2:
Players can experience Resident Evil 5 in a whole new way with four new character costumes which allow additional playability through both gameplay and cut scenes.

EA SPORTS ACTIVE JUST GOT FITTER!

Heart Rate Monitor and New Wireless Control System Highlight Innovation Coming to New Suite of Fitness Products This Spring

10 March 2010, Australia – EA SPORTS™, a label of Electronic Arts Inc., today announce that EA SPORTS Active 2.0 (working title) is now in development and will be available this Spring on PlayStation®3, Wii™, iPhone® and iPod touch®.

Millions of people around the world have experienced the revolution in home fitness since last Fall with EA SPORTS Active™, the number one rated fitness program for the Wii™*.

The new EA SPORTS Active 2.0 fitness program will deliver true fitness results by featuring an innovative wireless control system, powered by new leg and arm straps with motion sensors, a heart rate monitor to capture intensity, and a new online hub to track and share workout data.

EA SPORTS Active 2.0 will make working out simple, effective and will go with you wherever you are.

“The launch of EA SPORTS Active 2.0 will define a new era of interactive fitness with the use of innovative motion sensor peripherals and a heart rate monitor that provide users with a fitness experience delivering real, measurable results,” said Tarrnie Williams, Executive Producer, EA SPORTS Active.“ As the number one rated fitness program for the Wii*, EA SPORTS Active proved itself as the industry leader and provided the foundation for our fitness franchise. The success stories we’ve received from our users show that EA SPORTS Active is changing lives and we’re so proud to be part of it.”

The new EA SPORTS Active 2.0 innovative wireless control system will give users complete freedom of motion, making it even easier to get a workout that delivers great results. Using innovative heart rate detection technology, the heart rate monitor will help users monitor their intensity during their workout, providing constant on-screen monitoring throughout the workout and tracking user data over time to optimise performance.

The EA SPORTS Active 2.0 online hub will allow users to track and share all of their workout data providing a centralised destination for all fitness, wellness and training needs. It will host a thriving online global community of EA SPORTS Active users who can share their fitness journeys, interact with workout groups and send messages to each other online to stay inspired and engaged. Users will also have the ability to download new workouts and exercises to their online connected PlayStation3 console to keep their workouts fresh and maintain motivation**.

The new EA SPORTS Active 2.0 provides total body conditioning using progressive exercise in the new prescribed programs. A three-phase, nine-week program provides a fitness roadmap to help keep users motivated and on track of their fitness goals.  Additional mini-programs will also be available to add on, keeping workouts fresh and inspiring.

The EA SPORTS Active personal trainer will walk users through their workout and provide continued encouragement with feedback to ensure an optimal workout experience.  

EA SPORTS Active 2.0 is in development at EA Canada in Vancouver. It has not yet been rated by the OFLC. For more information please visit www.easportsactive.com.

* According to Metacritic.com, March 9th, 2010
**Internet connection and EA account required

Sydney, Australia – March 9, 2010 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announces plans to create the next Scribblenauts for Nintendo DS, a follow-up to the revolutionary hit videogame where players use their imagination to write any word bring that object to life and use it to solve puzzles. Available in spring 2010, the follow-up game expands the innovative elements from the acclaimed first title with many inventive new features, including an adjectives system that allows players to push the limits of their imagination to create their own experience.

In this new game created and developed by 5TH Cell, players use the stylus and touch screen to help Maxwell, the game’s hero, acquire the “Starite,” the prize earned from solving the puzzle in even more robust challenges and redesigned levels. Players now have the ability to write any object that comes to mind and modify it in any way they desire using adjectives to reach the goal in each level. Adjectives can change the colour, size, elements, behaviours and many other aspects of the object they are describing. Multiple adjectives can be combined together to produce incredibly creative objects, allowing the player’s imagination to run wild for a truly unique and individualistic experience.

“The Scribblenauts sequel gives all players an enhanced game experience they will love and new challenges where they can use their imaginations even more,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Development and Production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “5TH Cell is a very talented and creative developer and we are excited to add to the Scribblenauts franchise with this new game.”

“The next Scribblenauts broadens the players’ experience from the first Scribblenauts through more creativity, innovation and in-depth gameplay,” said Jeremiah Slaczka, Creative Director and Co-Founder of 5TH Cell. “All of these enhancements give players even greater control over how they want to play the game.”

The new Scribblenauts game will offer more words, more creativity and limitless possibilities for gamers of all ages.