CGS Announces North America Player Substitutions

Championship Gaming Series has announced a series of player substitutions in its North America team rosters.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMING SERIES ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICA PLAYER SUBSTITUTIONS

- L.A. Complexity GM Jason Lake Releases Marcus “zet” Sundstrom, Signs Corey “Hanes” Hanes - Dallas Venom GM Alex Conroy Signs Justin “sunman” Summy to Starting Roster, Sends Carson “Classified” Holt to Taxi Squad

LOS ANGELES – May 23, 2008 –Championship Gaming Series™ (CGS), the only worldwide professional video gaming league, announced a series of player substitutions in its North America team rosters. With just two weeks remaining before the start of the 2008 North America Regular Season, General Managers in the CGS North America region are making final adjustments to their lineups.

L.A. Complexity GM Jason Lake released Counter-Strike:Source (CS:S) starter Marcus “zet” Sundstrom and sent him into the CGS North America free-agent pool. Lake signed Carolina Core CS:S backup player Corey “Hanes” Hanes to a starting position on L.A. Complexity’s CS:S squad.

“Complexity has always been like a family and losing a family member is never easy,” said L.A. Complexity GM Jason Lake, “but our team will never settle for an effort less than 110% or an attitude less than the heart of a champion. We’re happy to welcome a world-class CS:S player to our world-class squad; Hanes understands the Complexity mantra and will deliver for us in 2008.”

Dolven has filled Hanes’ vacant spot on the Core taxi squad by signing free agent Gary “funshine” Laurita.

In other moves, Dallas Venom GM Alex Conroy sent Carson “Classified” Holt to the Dallas Venom taxi squad and signed L.A. Complexity backup CS:S veteran Justin “sunman” Summy to a starting position on Dallas Venom’s CS:S squad. After receiving an offer to sign Summy from Conroy, Lake waived Summy to Dallas prior to his decision to release Sundstrom.

“I am thrilled to have Justin joining Dallas Venom. He is a player with a rich history of success in both versions of Counter-Strike. He is an “X” factor whose results cannot be denied, whether it be his many past victories with Complexity or his extremely solid play with Chicago Chimera in the 2007 season. He brings a wealth of knowledge about CS and has demonstrated, time and again, that he can play in high-pressure situations. We can’t wait to begin as we are all sure that Justin will become an invaluable asset on the Dallas roster.”

To make room on the bench for Holt, Conroy released Derek “exodus” Heidinger to the CGS North America Free Agent Pool.

To fill the spot formerly occupied by Summy, Lake has called upon Griffin “Shaguar” Benger to step up and join the L.A. Complexity taxi squad from the CGS North America Free Agent Pool.


CGS Announces North American Training Camp

Madden NFL 09 Trailer

Electronic Arts released today the first trailer of Madden NFL 09 featuring a side-by-side comparison of Madden NFL 08 vs. Madden NFL 09 graphics.

EA HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL ROOKIE MADDEN BOWL

Washington Redskins Rookie Devin Thomas Claims Crown

May 22, 2008 – On Friday, May 16th, over 30 NFL rookies gathered in the Arcadia Ballroom at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel for the EA SPORTS 2008 Rookie Madden Bowl. The second annual Rookie Madden Bowl brought together top NFL rookies to compete on Madden NFL 08 to see who would be crowned the 2008 EA SPORTS Rookie Madden Bowl Champion. The eight-man tournament included New England Patriots quarterback Kevin O’Connell, Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brian Brohm, Washington Redskins wide receiver Devin Thomas, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall, New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Dexter Jackson. Devin Thomas came out victorious, proudly taking home the 2008 Rookie Madden Bowl trophy.


HD (1280x720) | SD (640x360)
Madden NFL 09 marks the 20th anniversary of one of the best-selling and most critically-acclaimed videogame franchises of all time, and the game will feature adaptable gameplay tailored to every type of gamer, online enhancements and a broadcast style presentation delivering an authentic NFL experience. Madden NFL 09 will be available in stores across North America on August 12.

The graphical enhancements of Madden NFL 09 are extremely impressive and bring the emotion of NFL football to life. Madden NFL 09 features amazing detail to stadiums, weather effects, player models and a whole host of other elements. For more information, please visit www.madden09.com.


Things On Wheels Teaser Trailer

Silent Hill Homecoming Screenshots

Silent Hill: Homecoming is the latest entry into the Silent Hill franchise. The story follows Alex Shepherd, returning to his hometown of Shepherd’s Glen to investigate the sudden disappearance of his brother.

From Shepherd’s Glen to the foggy streets of Silent Hill, Alex must face the darkest of horrors in order to find his brother. Struggling with his own grip on reality, Alex must unravel the mystery behind his nightmares, discover the truth behind his brother’s and father’s disappearances, and confront the evil that has taken hold of his own flesh and blood.

We bring you new screenshots of Silent Hill: Homecoming, the latest entry into the Silent Hill franchise.



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Beijing 2008 Weight Lifting Screenshots
Golden Axe Beast Rider Screenshots

Lost Planet Colonies Edition Akrid Hunt Video

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition provides explosive action for both online and offline players. Gamers who missed the original Lost Planet will have the opportunity to experience the epic gameplay that made the original a global hit with the added bonus of fresh new content and cross platform multi-play all at a great value price. Fans of the Lost Planet’s online action will be thrilled at the inclusion of new online modes, maps, weapons and models.

Capcom has released a new video from Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition that features one of the most exciting new mode additions to Lost Planet's multiplayer gameplay. Players will work together with teammates online against other player controlled Akrids!





Electronic Arts Announces Monopoly (Video Game)

Rock Band Invades Europe

Rock Band begins its European invasion this week as Harmonix and MTV Games, along with Electronic Arts have shipped Rock Band in the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
MTV Games, Harmonix and EA Ship Rock Band™ in the United Kingdom, France and Germany

Award-Winning Rock Band will be Available on Retail Shelves by End of Week

Geneva, CH – May 21st, 2008 – Rock Band begins its European invasion this week as Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a division of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with marketing and distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced that Rock Band has shipped to retail and will be available in the United Kingdom, France and Germany by the end of the week.

Rock Band will have an exclusive launch window on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft beginning on May 23. Rock Band will be available for additional platforms later this summer.

Rock Band is an all-new platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music. The game challenges players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune, mastering lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals. With more master recordings than any other music game, Rock Band features some of the world’s biggest rock artists and spans every genre of rock ranging from alternative and classic rock to heavy metal and punk.

In addition to the 58 tracks from the North American release, Rock Band will feature nine new tracks spanning German, French and UK hits including:

• Blur “Beetlebum” (English)*
• Oasis “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” (English)
• Tokio Hotel “Monsoon” (English)
• Muse “Hysteria” (English)
• Les Wampas “Manu Chao” (French)
• Playmo “New Wave” (French)
• Die Toten Hosen “Hier Kommt Alex” (German)
• Juli “Perfekte Welle” (German)
• H-Block X “Countdown to Insanity” (German)
(*indicates cover song)

In addition, Rock Band’s unprecedented library of more than 110 songs available for purchase and download to date in North America is now available in Europe. Each track will be available for 160 Microsoft Points on Xbox 360. All new Rock Band downloadable content will be available simultaneously in the US and Europe on a weekly basis. For a complete list of Rock Band songs available for purchase to date, please go to http://www.rockband.com/dlc.

Since its North American release in 2007, Rock Band has garnered more than 40 awards including Game Critics Award: Best of Show E3 2007 and three awards at The 11th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards including Outstanding Innovation in Gaming, Family Game of the Year, and Outstanding Achievement in Soundtrack.

Rock Band is rated 12+ by PEGI.


Europe Invades Rock Band
Free Rock Band Tracks from Disturbed

GRID Demo Roars Past the One Million Downloads Mark

Codemasters announced today that the Race Driver: GRID™ playable demo has been downloaded one million times across the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Games for Windows formats since its launch on May 8th.
RACE DRIVER: GRIDTM PLAYABLE DEMO ROARS PAST THE ONE MILLION DOWNLOADS MARK!

It's not too late to enter the race to win a BMW 3 Series for real – the European Fastest Final Lap Challenge closes at midnight on May 23rd

Wednesday, 21st May – Race gaming has never been so fierce or closely fought as Codemasters® today announced that the Race Driver: GRID™ playable demo has roared past the one million downloads mark across the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows® formats since its launch on May 8th.

For Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system gamers, racing in the demo has become seriously competitive as the European Fastest Final Lap Challenge reaches its final few days. With a brand new BMW 3 Series car† as the ultimate prize, it’s not too late to join the legions of players on the Jarama circuit and set a personal best in the demo’s Time Trial section.

To be placed amongst Europe’s finest and fastest racers, the time to beat currently stands at just over an incredible 73 seconds – 1:13.63†† – with contenders from the U.K., France and Belgium currently amongst the top-ranked drivers. To view the latest and greatest lap times on the leaderboard, visit: http://community.racedrivergrid.com/win-a-bmw/scoreboard.php.

The Fastest Final Lap Challenge concludes on Friday 23rd May at midnight. The top five ranked players will be invited to the live European playoffs, to be held on Friday 30th May at the zavvi store, Oxford Street, London, and compete head-to-head to win the BMW 3 Series as part of Race Driver: GRID’s European launch day celebrations. Further details and full terms and conditions are available from the website.

The Race Driver: GRID demo is now available to download from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace and PLAYSTATION®Network with the Games For Windows® demo available from http://community.racedrivergrid.com/. The Fastest Final Lap Challenge is exclusive to the console editions of the demo.

Taking players to dramatic and beautifully realised race locations over three continents to compete in an exhilarating variety of racing events, Race Driver: GRID is set to launch May 30th across Europe/PAL regions for the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system and Games for Windows with a Nintendo DS™ edition to follow.


Operation Darkness Demo Available Now for Download

New Ace Combat 6 Content Coming Next Week

Namco Bandai announced today that new downloadable content for Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation will be released on May 29, 2008. There will be new aircraft available for download. Below is the info provided by Namco:
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation

Xbox Live® Market Place Downloadable Content Available 29 May 2008

Su-33 - TYPE ACE2- (200 Microsoft Points)
Ace Combat 2 Aircraft. A faithful recreation of the Ace Combat 2 aircraft performance design. Outstanding stability and lack of recoil provide for a truly unique sense of flight. Although possessing an extremely durable body, this aircraft lacks SP weapons, which were not introduced until after Ace Combat 2.

Su-47 -GRABACR EMBLEM- (FREE)
Ace Combat: Squadron Leader Grabacr Squadron Aircraft. An aircraft that boasts increased mobility in designated speed zones, but a slight decrease in all other zones. The need for precise speed control makes this aircraft suitable for experienced pilots. The signature aircraft of the Belkan Air Force 229th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Originally employed as an Osean Federation offensive squadron, they took their final stand for the pride of Belka against the rival Razgriz squadron.

RAZGRIZ SET 04 – (300 Microsoft Points)

This is a 3 airplanes set with the colors from the Razgriz airplane colors from Ace Combat 5. The 3 airplanes included are: F-22A、F-117A、Mirage2000-5

F-22A Raptor - RAZGRIZ
The heroes of Ace Combat: Squadron Leader, Razgriz Squadron Aircraft. Advanced accident prevention systems, and high durability have been incorporated into the design to ensure the survival of all squadron members. Known as both heroes and demons, the Razgriz Squadron's drive towards victory smashed all who stood before them. When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself.

F-117A Night Hawk – RAZGRIZ
The heroes of Ace Combat: Squadron Leader, Razgriz Squadron Aircraft. Advanced accident prevention systems, and high durability have been incorporated into the design to ensure the survival of all squadron members. Known as both heroes and demons, the Razgriz Squadron's drive towards victory smashed all who stood before them. When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself.

Mirage2000-5 – RAZGRIZ
The heroes of Ace Combat: Squadron Leader, Razgriz Squadron Aircraft. Advanced accident prevention systems, and high durability have been incorporated into the design to ensure the survival of all squadron members. Known as both heroes and demons, the Razgriz Squadron's drive towards victory smashed all who stood before them. When history witnesses a great change, Razgriz reveals itself.

JUNGLE, FLAMINGO SET – (300 Microsoft Points)

This includes the F-14 in green and the A-10A in pink.

F-14D SuperTomcat - JUNGLE WING
Monotone color, Green Aircraft. A modified sky painting aircraft for shows and exhibitions, this aircraft is equipped with colored smoke missiles. The missile payload has been maximized for show purposes.

A-10A ThunderBoltⅡ - FLAMINGO WING
Monotone color, Pink Aircraft. A modified sky painting aircraft for shows and exhibitions, this aircraft is equipped with colored smoke missiles. The missile payload has been maximized for show purposes.

THE IDOLMASTER AMI,MAMI SET – (400 Microsoft Points)

This set includes F-16C and the F-2A with some special Idolmaster colors.

F-16C Fighting Falcon - THE IDOLMASTER MAMI
THE IDOLMASTER, Mami Futami Aircraft. It's time for this fun-loving prankster to strut her stuff! The battle will hinge on your ability to use her wild and mischievous qualities to your advantage!

F-2A - THE IDOLMASTER AMI
THE IDOLMASTER, Ami Futami Aircraft. It's time for this fun-loving prankster to strut her stuff! The battle will hinge on your ability to use her wild and mischievous qualities to your advantage!




The Bourne Conspiracy Demo Available Now for Download
Golden Axe Beast Rider Screenshots

Beijing 2008 Weight Lifting Screenshots

Sega has released new screens of Beijing 2008™ featuring Weight Lifting events. The sport of Weight Lifting at the Olympic Games consists of two types of lifts, the Snatch and the Clean and Jerk. The Snatch is executed in one motion where the barbell is lifted above the lifter’s head from a squatting position in one clean movement. The Clean and Jerk is executed in two motions where the barbell is lifted to the chest area first from a squat position and then is accelerated above the head.

The developers at Eurocom have designed the Weight Lifting mechanics to simulate the need for the athlete to generate explosive power, translating the stresses of real-life competitive weight lifting into virtual ones for the PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, and PC. Get ready to lift against the best virtual athletes in the world as Beijing 2008™ will be playable online.

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The Incredible Hulk Media
Golden Axe Beast Rider Screenshots

The Incredible Hulk Media

Sega has released new screenshots and a behind the scenes trailer of The Incredible Hulk, an intensely realistic third-person action video game soon to be available on all major video-game platforms.

Fueled with fury, SEGA’s The Incredible Hulk features key moments from the film, as well as additional plotlines and characters from the character’s rich comic-book universe. Players smash through New York City, battling gigantic enemies amidst soaring skyscrapers in a massive open world. As one of the most anticipated entertainment events of 2008, The Incredible Hulk will have fans lining up this summer on both the big and small screens.


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Golden Axe Beast Rider Screenshots

Europe Invades Rock Band

To celebrate the release of Rock Band in the Old Continent, Harmonix and MTV Games announced today that next week's DLC features the nine tracks showcased in the Euro version of the game.
EUROPE INVADES ROCK BAND

Blur, Muse, Oasis, Tokio Hotel and More Deepen Rock Band Downloadable Catalog of Hits

Harmonix and MTV Games announced today that the Rock Band™ Music Store is open for business with music from across the pond to coincide with the European launch of the best selling music game. This latest Rock Band download offering is a special collection of singles featuring the nine tracks showcased in the Euro version of the game including some of Europe's heaviest hitters: UK's Blur, Muse and Oasis, German rockers Tokio Hotel, Die Toten Hosen, H-BlockX and Juli, and French natives Les Wampas and Pleymo. In addition to having the best localized European content available to both continents, Harmonix and MTV Games are also giving European users complete access at launch to the entire Rock Band downloadable content catalog of more than 110 songs to date, which includes tracks from some of the greatest U.S. rock bands such as Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Boston, The Grateful Dead, Queens of the Stone Age and more.

Vive le Rock Band!

Each European track will be available in North America for $1.99 per track (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360).

Release date:

Tuesday, May 20, 2008 (Xbox LIVE® Marketplace)
Thursday, May 22, 2008(PLAYSTATION®Store)

Tracks:

"Beetlebum" ( Blur)*
"Hier Kommt Alex (Die Toten Hosen)
"Countdown To Insanity" (H-BlockX)
"Perfekte Welle" (Juli)
"New Wave" (Pleymo)
"Monsoon" (Tokio Hotel)
"Hysteria" (Muse)
"Rock N Roll Star" (Oasis)
"Manu Chao" (Les Wampas)
(*indicates cover song)

Price: $1.99 per track (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360)

Locations: Xbox LIVE® Marketplace and PLAYSTATION®Network

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change**

With the addition of these tracks there are now more than 170 tracks available to date via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks at http://www.rockband.com/dlc). Rock Band continues to fly off shelves and satisfy music fans and gamers’ voracious appetite for rock as more than 10 million downloads have been purchased since its launch on November 20, 2007. The Rock Band Music Store allows players to preview and purchase downloadable individual music tracks and packs from the vast selection of offerings available to date without ever leaving the game as they build their own custom Rock Band library.

Rock Band allows online play and features that expand the boundaries of music gaming. Rock Band downloadable content is playable and integrated into setlists in all game modes including: Solo Tour, Band World Tour, head-to-head competition either locally or online, and from any Quickplay mode. In order to play downloadable content for head-to-head matches or multiplayer online, all players must own the same downloadable track. Downloadable content for the Xbox®360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft will be available for purchase via Xbox LIVE Marketplace using Microsoft Points and is downloaded directly to the Xbox 360 hard drive. Downloadable content for the PLAYSTATION(r)3 computer entertainment system's version of Rock Band will be available for purchase on the PLAYSTATION®Store through the free PLAYSTATION Network and is downloaded directly to PLAYSTATION 3 system's built in hard drive. Rock Band is rated "T" for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB.


Weekly Rock Band Downloadable Content (Week 17)

Golden Axe Beast Rider Screenshots

Golden Axe Beast Rider is an all-new take on the legendary Golden Axe arcade game, optimized to harness the power of next-generation consoles. This retelling broadens the Golden Axe story while retaining all of the nostalgic elements players expect from the brand. Players take the role of Amazon warrior Tyris Flare in this adventure to vaquish the evil Death Adder.

Tyris is out for revenge, having lost loved ones to the brutal expansion of Death Adder’s dark empire. Only Tyris has the knowledge and power to end the genocide that Death Adder and his minions are responsible for. Magic and melee weaponry are at Tyris’ disposal, and both means of offense can be upgraded throughout the adventure. Backing Tyris up are a host of massive beasts – killing machines that can be used to ride into battle, provide defense from approaching enemies, and offer a substantial advantage in close combat.

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Grand-scale reconstructions of environments from the original arcade game give battlefields a greater sense of scope and history. Humorous ‘inside references’ - such as the need to kick gnomes for power-ups – will reward players who have fond memories of the prior games. And a somber, realistic tone will define Golden Axe Beast Rider as a thematic departure from the core franchise.


Things On Wheels Teaser Trailer
Iwata Microsoft’s Wiimotelike Controller Is Not a Threat

Rockstar Games Announces GTA IV Available Worldwide

Rockstar Games is proud to announce that the eagerly anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV, including the special edition package, is now available worldwide.
Rockstar Games Announces Grand Theft Auto IV Now Available Worldwide

The first next generation iteration of the groundbreaking Grand Theft Auto franchise available in stores today

New York, NY – April 29, 2008 – Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce that the eagerly anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system including the special edition package is now available worldwide.

"This release marks a major milestone for the series and for Rockstar Games," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "Grand Theft Auto IV delivers on the vision we had when we began work on the game more than three years ago. Rockstar North has created an amazing interactive entertainment experience. We hope it will resonate with our audience around the world for years to come."

Developed by series creator Rockstar North and set in Liberty City, the latest installment in the wildly successful Grand Theft Auto series features a painstakingly detailed and life like city for players to explore; a rich, immersive narrative experience; an original soundtrack highlighting the cultural eclecticism of Liberty City; and sixteen player multiplayer with more than a dozen online modes.

"We worked hard to deliver a true high definition experience" said Series Producer and Rockstar North President, Leslie Benzies. "We are very proud of all of the innovations in the game and hope fans love it."

IGN.com scored the game a perfect 10 and writes, "GTA IV gives us characters and a world with a level of depth previously unseen in gaming and elevates its story from a mere shoot-em-up to an Oscar-caliber drama. Every facet of Rockstar's new masterpiece is worthy of applause."

Game Informer scored the game a perfect 10 and writes, "Grand Theft Auto IV doesn't just raise the bar for the storied franchise, it completely changes the landscape of gaming. Once you play it, you won't look at video games the same way again."

New York Times writes the game "sets a new standard for what is possible in interactive arts".

The Rockstar Social Club, a new website that will extend your experience of Grand Theft Auto IV and all future Rockstar Games titles, is now open for business. Please visit: www.rockstargames.com/socialclub.

The Rockstar Social Club is more than just a standard gaming site. It features incredibly detailed, diverse and sometimes amusing leaderboards and player statistics that gamers have come to expect, and combines them with performance-based competitions and awards for players of all skill levels.

Grand Theft Auto IV for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 is rated "M" for Mature. For more information, log onto www.rockstargames.com/IV.


CGS to Host Call of Duty 4 Tourney
CGS Announces Deal with Eurosport

Smash Court Tennis 3 Coming Stateside

Following the European announcement, Atari announced today the upcoming North American launch of Smash Court Tennis 3 for the Xbox 360.
SMASH COURT TENNIS™3 FOR XBOX 360 WARMS UP IN NORTH AMERICA

Atari Announces Upcoming North American Release of NAMCO BANDAI Games’ Latest Star-packed Tennis Smash, Coming August 2008

NEW YORK, April 23, 2008 – Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR), one of the world’s most recognized brands and a third-party video game publisher and distributor, today announced the upcoming launch of Smash Court Tennis™ 3 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the latest star-packed tennis smash in the renowned series from NAMCO BANDAI Games . Featuring the biggest names in tennis including Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, highly realistic visuals, a host of gameplay enhancements and online play via Xbox LIVE® online game service, Smash Court Tennis™ 3 will be lobbing and smashing its way into North American retailers in August 2008.

The first in the revered tennis simulation series for the new console generation, Smash Court Tennis™ 3 for Xbox 360 tests the player’s skills against 16 of the world’s finest international tennis players. From established stars such as world number one Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal and Martina Hingis, to rising talents including Italy’s Andreas Seppi and Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech Republic, each player has their own strengths and weaknesses which come into play on the game’s painstakingly rendered courts.

Making the most of the power of Xbox 360, Smash Court Tennis™ 3 boasts enhanced graphics including improved player animations, realistic shadows, skin shaders and High Dynamic Range rendering which combine to deliver a greater level of realism and immersion for the player. A host of customizing options allows players to choose rackets, shoes, hairstyles, skin tone and clothing to create their own unique star of the courts. New gameplay includes a system which lets all players, no matter what their skill level, benefit quickly from the powerful shots and finely honed skills of the star players.

Gameplay modes include Tutorial, Arcade, Pro-Tour, and Exhibition mode where up to four players can go head to head offline. The game also features an online mode allowing players to play online via Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network. In addition to Xbox LIVE voice chat and rankings, players can take on opponents in online tournaments and in a range of different matches. Online doubles matches let players team up side by side for a long distance match against another pair, bringing the action and interaction alive like never before.

For more information about Atari’s entire product line up, visit www.atari.com.


CGS Announces North American Training Camp
Weekly Rock Band Downloadable Content (Week 17)
Too Human Dated

Too Human Dated

Microsoft and Silicon Knights announced today that Too Human will be available on August 19 in North America and August 29 in Europe.

“Too Human” is an epic, highly anticipated action game with integrated RPG elements and features a rich storyline with deep character development, both hallmarks of Silicon Knights’ legendary tradition of video game development. Additionally, Silicon Knights is showcasing for the first time, the title’s online cooperative play via Xbox LIVE; allowing gamers to experience “Too Human” with friends in a multiplayer setting.


Realtime Worlds Regains Global Distribution Rights to APB
Smash Court Tennis 3 Coming Stateside
EU Looking to Improve PEGI Video Game Rating System

Iwata Microsoft's Wiimotelike Controller Is Not a Threat

In an interview with developmag, Satoru Iwata revealed that he is aware of the the rumored Wiimote-like controller from Microsoft. However, the president and CEO of Nintendo is not worried at all about the release of such peripheral for the Xbox 360:

I am also aware of the rumor and have seen a fake image made by a fan on the web which looks like a Wii Remote with the rumor that such a controller may be launched, However there is no way for us to comment on such speculations. All I can say today is, it is not that easy to develop software which leverages the characteristics of Wii Remote. We are not concerned about what other companies may do but rather more concerned with presenting them with new ideas to our customers based on the prospect that our existing customers will surely get tired of the plays enabled by Wii Remote if we do not try to improve the experience. In other words, what matters to us is whether or not we can continue to constantly create and offer new surprises one after another. If we can, then (other company’s attempt to launch Wii Remote-like controller) should not be a big threat. The efforts in this field to try to appeal to a wide variety of customers are something in which we saw potential early on and that we have been working on the longest, so there appears to be no reason whatsoever why we need to be concerned.

Last month, we brought you the patent that Microsoft applied for a gyroscopic-based input device that looks like this:





Weekly Rock Band Downloadable Content (Week 17)
THQ And DreamWorks Announce Exclusive Video Game Licensing Agreement Based On Studio’s 2010 Fall Film

Free Rock Band Tracks from Disturbed

Best Buy has partnered with MTV Games and Hamonix to offer Xbox 360 players the chance to download two free tracks from Indestructible, the forthcoming album from best-selling hard-rock band Disturbed. Fans pre-ordering the Indestructible will receive instruction on how to get these two tracks. Below is the press release with the announcement:
DISTURBED’S UPCOMING ALBUM INDESTRUCTIBLE NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER AT BESTBUY.COM

FANS PRE-ORDERING INDESTRUCTIBLE WILL RECEIVE TWO FREE ALBUM TRACKS TO PLAY ON THE HIT MUSIC VIDEO GAME “ROCK BAND” FOR XBOX 360

May 13, 2008 — Burbank, CA — Indestructible, the forthcoming album from best-selling hard-rock band Disturbed, is now available for pre-order at BestBuy.com. The album, which was self-produced and is the follow-up to the Chicago quartet’s 2005 platinum-certified Ten Thousand Fists, will be released by Reprise Records on June 3rd, 2008.

Leading consumer electronics and entertainment retailer Best Buy has partnered for the first time ever with MTV Games and Hamonix, the makers of “Rock Band,” the best-selling music video game created for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Fans pre-ordering the album at www.BestBuy.com/disturbed will receive instructions to download two free Disturbed tracks from “Indestructible” for Rock Band from Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network: “Indestructible” and “Inside the Fire.” The latter is the band’s sixth Number One single at Active Rock, and the band’s fastest-rising chart-topper to date. Disturbed will also be featured as Xbox LIVE’s “Artist of the Month” for June.

“We believe fans of Disturbed will be excited about the exclusive access to the new album and bonus Rock Band tracks for Xbox 360,” said Jennifer Schaidler, vice president of music for Best Buy. “This special offer is one of many unique ways that Best Buy brings music fans and gamers the latest and coolest entertainment experiences.”

“We’re very excited to be working with Disturbed to bring their music to Rock Band,” stated Paul DeGooyer, SVP Electronic Games and Music, MTV. “Our partnership with Best Buy, Microsoft and Reprise has created a very cool way to introduce the new album, while delivering a fantasic value to fans of Disturbed and Rock Band alike.”

"As we grow and evolve our presence in the music space, Xbox LIVE is excited to work with publishing and retail partners to connect people with the music they love," Xbox LIVE Director of Marketing Bill Nielson explains. “Giving our Xbox LIVE members this type of great content from partners like Best Buy is why our community has more than 10 million members worldwide.”

Disturbed, which is singer David Draiman, guitar player Dan Donegan, drummer Mike Wengren and bass player John Moyer, has sold a collective 10 million copies worldwide of their three albums — 2000’s RIAA-certified triple-platinum The Sickness, 2002’s album chart-topper Believe, and their second consecutive Number One Ten Thousand Fists — since forming in Chicago in 1996. The band is currently on tour leading up to the album release, and this summer will co-headline the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival.


Weekly Rock Band Downloadable Content (Week 17)
The Bourne Conspiracy Demo Available Now for Download

CGS Announces Deal with Eurosport

EUROSPORT SIGNS ON AS CONTINENTAL EUROPEAN BROADCAST PARTNER FOR CHAMPIONSHIP GAMING SERIES

Exclusive distribution deal with only worldwide professional video gaming league expands CGS televised distribution reach to 400 million potential viewers

PARIS, LONDON and LOS ANGELES – April 22, 2008 – The Eurosport Group and Championship Gaming Series (CGS) announced today that Eurosport has signed a deal with BSkyB (Sky) that grants Eurosport the exclusive continental European broadcast rights for Championship Gaming Series, the only worldwide professional video gaming league.

Highlights from the inaugural 2007 series will be broadcast in primetime on Eurosport 2 April 28 – May 3, followed by the highly anticipated 2008 season later this year, bringing CGS programming to 41 nations in continental Europe for the first time, including France, Germany, Spain and Italy. Eurosport 2's broadcast footprint for CGS will complement Sky’s coverage in the UK and Ireland, DIRECTV’s coverage in the Americas, and STAR and ESPN STAR Sports broadcasts in Asia and Australia. The addition of Eurosport 2 coverage will expand the overall reach of televised CGS programming to more than 400 million potential viewers across five continents.

“The video game industry has exploded during the past few years and expanded its mainstream appeal to an ever-growing audience, and with this latest announcement we at CGS are increasing the level of mainstream exposure for our teams and professional players,” said Andy Reif, Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner for CGS. “Our broadcast production values are, by far, the best in pro gaming and this distribution deal with Eurosport will introduce CGS to more than thirty million new European households and raise the profile of our sport with the television audience throughout Europe.”

“We're delighted to have established this relationship with CGS and to consolidate our strong relationship with Sky," said Jean-Thierry Augustin, General Manager, Distribution and Development at Eurosport. "CGS is the right professional gaming partner for Eurosport as it shares our belief in high production values and passion in sports and combines this with an infrastructure which will turn competitive video gaming into a major spectator sport across the globe. We can’t wait to bring the excitement, energy, and entertainment of CGS competitions into Eurosport homes across Europe. This is a unique opportunity for Eurosport 2 to talk to a growing element of its youth audience and strengthen its position as the next generation sports channel."

CGS is the world’s only professional video gaming league with full-time General Managers and contracted gamers on teams throughout the world that compete in televised regional qualifying events and a World Final to win more than a million dollars in cash prizes.

Along with the televised broadcast rights for mainland Europe, Eurosport also has secondary broadcasting rights for the UK and Ireland following the original broadcasts on Sky. Additionally, Eurosport has received rights for CGS mobile and broadband broadcast.


Realtime Worlds Regains Global Distribution Rights to APB
CGS to Host Call of Duty 4 Tourney
Electronic Arts Unveils EA Sports Freestyle SubBrand

THQ And DreamWorks Announce Exclusive Video Game Licensing Agreement Based On Studio's 2010 Fall Film

THQ and DreamWorks Animation SKG announced today that they have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement to develop and publish video games based on the studio’s Master Mind animated feature film.
THQ And DreamWorks Animation Announce Exclusive Video Game Licensing Agreement Based On Studio's 2010 Fall Film

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., May 6, 2008 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) and DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (NYSE: DWA) announced today that they have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement to develop and publish video games based on the studio’s 2010 fall animated feature film. The film, acquired under the working title of Master Mind, is due in theatres on November 5, 2010. The new agreement grants THQ exclusive rights to publish interactive games based on the DreamWorks Animation property for all console and handheld systems, wireless devices and Windows PCs.

“The DreamWorks Animation brand is among the best in animation and storytelling,” said Brian Farrell, President and CEO, THQ. “The superhero theme of the fall 2010 film project lends itself seamlessly to an interactive gaming adventure. DreamWorks’ creative vision and humor will add another dimension to our portfolio, which we believe will help further distinguish both THQ and DreamWorks as leaders in our respective entertainment categories.”

The DreamWorks Animation film is a satirical send-up of the superhero genre, built around the story of a super villain who must find a new motivation after accidentally killing his archrival, Uberman, in the opening scene of the movie.

Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation SKG said, "We look forward to working with THQ, who has a tremendous legacy of success in creating games based on animated family films."

Anne Globe, Head of Worldwide Marketing and Consumer Products, DreamWorks Animation, added, “Together with THQ, we are eager to extend the world we are creating behind this film into a broad line of console, interactive and wireless games.”


It’s Official Codemasters Buys Sega U.K. Racing Studio
Electronic Arts Announces Monopoly (Video Game)
CGS Announces Deal with Eurosport

CGS to Host Call of Duty 4 Tourney

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMING SERIES TO HOST INAUGURAL CALL OF DUTY® 4: MODERN WARFARE™ TOURNAMENT AT 2008 UK/EUROPE QUALIFIER AND DRAFT

-More than £10,000 in Cash and Prizes at Stake in Highest UK Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Prize Purse Ever

WHAT: Adding to the excitement of the upcoming 2008 UK and Europe Qualifier and Draft in Birmingham, England May 16-18, Championship Gaming Series™ (CGS) announced today it will host the CGS European Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Kick-Off Tournament at the highly-anticipated event. The tournament features the award-winning, blockbuster hit title developed by Infinity Ward.

At the tournament, teams will compete for their share of £10,000 (≈USD$20,000) in prize money, which is the highest prize purse of any Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare™ competition to date in the United Kingdom. The tournament, which is expected to attract the region’s best teams to compete in 5v5 search-and-destroy double-elimination format, will be free to enter, with the top eight placing teams receiving cash valued at £10,000; there will also be Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty Soundcards and Fatal1ty Gamer Headsets awarded as prizes.

1st place team £2,500
2nd place team £1,500
3rd place team £1,250
4th place team £1,150
5th place team £1,100
6th place team £1,000
7th place team £750
8th place team £750

Total: £10,000

The newly-announced competition will occur at the Qualifier and Draft event, which will feature the best gamers from Europe and the UK competing for positions on CGS professional teams (two in Europe – Stockholm Magnetik and Berlin Allianz, and two in the UK – London Mint and Birmingham Salvo).

WHERE: All events will be held at the Omega Sektor, Europe’s premiere game center:

Omega Sektor
98 Corporation St.
Birmingham B4, United Kingdom


WHEN: Saturday, May 17 – Sunday, May 18, 2008

MORE INFO: Players can register online and view tournament rules at: thecgs.com


ABOUT CHAMPIONSHIP GAMING SERIES

Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, the Championship Gaming Series™ (CGS) is the only worldwide professional video gaming league. Launched in 2007, and a joint venture among Eurosport, BSkyB, DIRECTV and STAR, CGS features teams of the world's best gamers from North America, Latin America, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. The league distributes entertainment content to more than 400 million viewers worldwide via DIRECTV in North America and Latin America, BSkyB in the UK, Eurosport in Europe, and STAR in Asia and Australia. CGS sponsors include Mountain Dew, Dell XPS, Xbox 360 and Creative.





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Call of Duty 5 Confirmed for All Platforms
CGS Announces North American Training Camp
EU Looking to Improve PEGI Video Game Rating System

Electronic Arts Announces Monopoly (Video Game)

Electronic Arts announced today that it is developing a multiplatform video game inspired by Hasbro’s highly anticipated MONOPOLY HERE & NOW: The World Edition board game. EA DEALS PRIME REAL ESTATE IN MONOPOLY VIDEO GAME

Most Played Board Game in the World Reinvented With a Party Twist For Next-Gen Video Game Platforms
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – April 23, 2008 – The Casual Entertainment Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today released additional details on MONOPOLY (working title), the first Hasbro-branded video game set to launch on next-generation consoles including Wii™ and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system. MONOPOLY will also be appearing on the PLAYSTATION®2 computer entertainment system as well as mobile phones and Pogo.com™. The multiplatform video game is inspired by Hasbro’s highly anticipated MONOPOLY HERE & NOW: The World Edition board game. Currently, the MONOPOLY video games are set to release this fall simultaneously with the global launch of the new board game.
The MONOPOLY video games promise a fresh take on the timeless classic with accessible gameplay for players of all ages and skill levels. The all-new digital gaming edition brings a party twist and features 4-player simultaneous play, ensuring that everyone is engaged and allowing the whole family to get involved in the fun and play together. Faster gameplay eliminates downtime freeing up players to wheel and deal their way through some of the most recognizable cities and landmarks from around the world. Families can fill up their passports as they try to unlock new and never-before-seen game boards or challenge each other to fun interactive mini-games like breaking out of the jail cell and running away with all the loot. Play in offline single or multi-player mode and compete to own it all and win!
“EA is taking MONOPOLY’S core gameplay and bringing it to life in a way never before imagined,” said Chip Lange, Vice President and General Manager of EA’s Casual Label. “With this dynamic take on Hasbro’s classic board game, we’ve accelerated the pace of play, added new interactive mini-game sequences and integrated multi-player moments designed to make MONOPOLY a non-stop party for the whole family.”
“It promises to be a very exciting fall for MONOPOLY fans worldwide,” said Mark Blecher, General Manager of Digital Media and Gaming at Hasbro. “EA has done a tremendous job of re-imagining the world’s most popular board game by remaining true to the traditional gameplay that millions of consumers have come to love while also creating new digital twists that can only be achieved in an interactive world. Rolling the dice and passing go will never be the same.”





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Electronic Arts Unveils EA Sports Freestyle SubBrand
The Bourne Conspiracy Demo Available Now for Download

Call of Duty 5 Confirmed for All Platforms

Activision announced today fiscal year 2008 and fourth quarter results, confirming that the fifth installment in the Call of Duty series will arrive this fiscal year.

"We'll launch on all four platforms we've participated on in fiscal 2008, we'll launch on the PS2 and the Wii." said Activision Publishing president and CEO Mike Griffith.

Griffith also confirmed that Call of Duty 5 will be set in a "a new military theater"
Activision Reports Record Q4 and Fiscal Year 2008 Results Marking 16 Consecutive Years of Revenue Growth

-- FY 2008 Net Revenues of $2.90 Billion, Increase of 92% Year Over Year

-- Company Exceeds Peak Cycle Operating Margin Target

-- FY 2008 Earnings Per Diluted Share Grow 293% to Record $1.10

-- Company Provides Growth Outlook for Fiscal Year 2009

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 08, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATVI) today announced record fiscal year 2008 and fourth quarter results.

Net revenues for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 were $2.90 billion, as compared to $1.51 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. Net income for the fiscal year was $344.9 million, or $1.10 in earnings per diluted share, as compared to net income of $85.8 million, or $0.28 in earnings per diluted share reported for the last fiscal year. Excluding the impact of expenses related to equity-based compensation, the company reported non-GAAP net income of $377.5 million and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of $1.20 for the fiscal year. This compares to non-GAAP net income of $101.3 million and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of $0.33 for the last fiscal year, in each case excluding the impact of expenses related to equity-based compensation.

Net revenues for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2008 were $602.5 million, as compared to $312.5 million that the company reported for the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year. For the fourth quarter, the company reported net income of $44.2 million, or earnings per diluted share of $0.14, as compared to a net loss of $14.4 million, or a loss per share of $0.05, for the fiscal year 2007 fourth quarter. Excluding the impact of expenses related to equity-based compensation expense, the company reported non-GAAP net income of $54.9 million and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of $0.17 for the quarter. This compares to a non-GAAP net loss of $10.1 million and a non-GAAP loss per share of $0.04 for the fourth quarter of last fiscal year, in each case excluding the impact of expenses related to equity-based compensation.

Robert Kotick, Chairman and CEO of Activision, Inc. commented, "Fiscal 2008 was the best year in our history and Q4 was the largest and most profitable non-holiday quarter, even though we did not release any new titles. During the fiscal year, we were the #1 U.S. console and handheld publisher in dollars for the first time ever, according to The NPD Group, and we grew our worldwide share of the console, handheld and PC markets year over year. We achieved record financial performance significantly growing both net revenues and earnings per share. And, we delivered a record operating margin of 16.5% on a GAAP basis, and 18.4% on a non-GAAP basis, excluding the impact of equity-based compensation, and we increased stockholders' equity by 38%."

Kotick continued, "In fiscal 2009, we expect to deliver another year of growth. We remain committed to strengthening our global leadership position by continuing to execute on our growth strategies and cost-optimization initiatives. We own or control some of the most successful brands in interactive entertainment, and we will continue to focus our resources on proven properties with broad global appeal. Our solid lineup, which includes new titles based on such blockbuster brands as Call of Duty(R), Guitar Hero(R) and James Bond, should enable us to continue capitalizing on growth in interactive entertainment consumption worldwide."

Kotick added, "With respect to our pending combination with Vivendi Games, we are on track to complete our transaction, which will create the world's largest and most profitable independent video game company. We are pleased that Blizzard's business maintained its momentum, and combined with our continued business strength, we are well positioned to exceed the financial goals we have set for the combined company at the time of the deal announcement. The combination of Activision's solid portfolio and Vivendi Games proven properties should enable us to continue delivering exceptional returns to our stockholders."


Business Highlights

Activision's fiscal year results were driven by strong worldwide consumer response to Call of Duty(R) 4: Modern Warfare(TM), Guitar Hero(R) III: Legends of Rock, Spider-Man 3(TM), Shrek The Third(TM), as well as its new licensed intellectual property TRANSFORMERS: The Game.

The company's fourth quarter results were driven by strong market conditions and the continued success of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

-- During the fiscal year, in the U.S., Activision grew its market share by 7.2% to a record 17.3%, was the #1 console and handheld software publisher in dollars, and had three top-10 best-selling titles in dollars overall according to The NPD Group.

-- For the fiscal year, Activision set an industry record for U.S. sell-through in dollars by a single publisher, according to The NPD Group.

-- Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock was the #1 best-selling game in the U.S. and Europe in dollars during the fiscal year, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and Gfk.

-- For the fiscal year, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was the #2 best-selling game worldwide in units, selling more than 9 million units as of March 31, 2008, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and Gfk.

-- For the fiscal year, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was the #1 best-selling PC title in dollars worldwide, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and Gfk.

-- During the fiscal year, both the Guitar Hero and Call of Duty franchises surpassed a billion dollars in life to date sales.

-- Spider-Man 3(TM) and TRANSFORMERS: The Game were the #1 and #2 best-selling movie based games in dollars worldwide for fiscal year 2008, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and Gfk.

-- Activision grew its European market share from 4.8% to 7.4% during the fiscal year, according to Charttrack and Gfk.

-- Activision's international publishing revenues grew in excess of 100% year over year.

-- According to The NPD Group, for the fourth quarter, Activision ranked as the #1 U.S. console, handheld and PC publisher in dollars.

-- On September 26, 2007, Activision announced that it had acquired U.K.-based developer Bizarre Creations, one of the world's premier video game developers and a leader in the racing category. The acquisition enables Activision to enter the $1.5 billion racing category, which is the seventh most popular videogame genre and represented more than 7.5% of the total video game market worldwide in calendar 2007, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and Gfk.

-- On December 1, 2007, Activision and Vivendi entered into a definitive agreement to combine Vivendi Games, Vivendi's interactive entertainment business -- which includes Blizzard Entertainment's(R) World of Warcraft(R), the world's #1 massively multiplayer online role playing game franchise with more than 10 million global subscribers -- with Activision, which at closing will create the world's largest pure-play online and console game publisher. The transaction remains subject to approval by Activision's stockholders and other customary closing conditions.


Company Outlook

For the first quarter of fiscal 2009, Activision will release Enemy Territory(TM): QUAKE WARS for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system; Kung Fu Panda, on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Nintendo(R) Wii(TM), Games for Windows(R) and the Nintendo DS(TM); Guitar Hero(R): On Tour for the Nintendo DS; and Guitar Hero(R): Aerosmith(R) for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the Nintendo Wii.

Activision announced today that online functionality for certain key titles to be released in the December quarter of fiscal year 2009 and thereafter is expected to become a significant component of game play for certain platforms for which the company will have continuing performance obligations beyond the sale of the game. As a result, the company expects to begin recognizing a substantial amount of net revenues and costs of sales from these online-enabled games over a service period, which we currently estimate to be six months beginning the month after shipment.

Activision anticipates that a considerable amount of net revenues and costs of sales that would have been recognized in the fiscal year ending March 2009 will be recognized later in the calendar year 2009. While this will not impact the economics of Activision's business or its cash flows, these changes will have a material impact on the company's fiscal year 2009 GAAP results.

In order to provide comparable year-over-year performance information, Activision's non-GAAP results will exclude the impact of the change in deferred net revenues and cost of sales related to those online-enabled key titles on certain platforms.

Additionally, in fiscal year 2009, Activision's non-GAAP results will exclude one-time costs related to the Vivendi transaction.

For fiscal year 2009, on a stand-alone basis, (not including Vivendi Games), Activision expects net revenues of $2.75 billion and earnings per diluted share of $0.72.

For fiscal 2009, Activision expects stand-alone non-GAAP net revenues, excluding the impact of the change in deferred revenue related to online-enabled games, to be $3.1 billion. Excluding the impact of equity-based compensation expense ($0.12 per share), one-time costs related to the Vivendi transaction ($0.07 per share) and the impact of the change in deferred net revenues and cost of sales related to online-enabled games ($0.39 per share), Activision expects stand-alone non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of $1.30.

For the first quarter, Activision expects net revenues of $500.0 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.04 on a stand-alone basis. Excluding the impact of equity-based compensation expense ($0.02 per share) and one-time costs related to the Vivendi transaction ($0.07 per share), the company's stand-alone non-GAAP earnings per diluted share outlook is expected to be $0.13.


Conference Call

Today at 4:30 p.m. EDT, Activision's management will host a conference call and Webcast to discuss its fiscal 2008 year-end results and outlook for fiscal 2009. The company welcomes all members of the financial and media communities, and other interested persons, to visit the "Investor Relations" area of www.activision.com to listen to the conference call via a live Webcast or to listen to the call live by dialing in at 719-325-4752 in the U.S.


Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Activision provides net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share data both including (in accordance with GAAP) and excluding (non-GAAP) the impact of expenses related to employee stock options, employee stock purchase plans, restricted stock rights and other equity-based compensation and the associated tax benefits, and in the future Activision's non-GAAP results will also exclude the impact of the change in deferred net revenues and costs of sales, and one-time costs related to the Vivendi transaction.

Additionally, following the completion of the Vivendi transaction, Activision will exclude from its non-GAAP results the impact of expenses related to intangible amortization, as well as any one-time restructuring costs and results related to the discontinuation of operations should there be any.

Prior to April 1, 2006, Activision accounted for equity-based compensation under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB No. 25"). In accordance with APB No. 25, the company historically used the intrinsic value method to account for equity-based compensation. Beginning on April 1, 2006, Activision has accounted for equity-based compensation using the fair value method under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment" ("FAS 123(R)").

As online functionality becomes a more important component of gameplay, in fiscal 2009, the company expects that certain online-enabled games, to be released in fiscal 2009, will contain a more-than-inconsequential separate service deliverable in addition to the product, and its performance obligations for these games extend beyond the sale of the games. Vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE") of fair value does not exist for the online services, as the company does not plan to separately charge for this component of online-enabled games.

As a result, for certain key titles to be released in the December quarter of fiscal year 2009 and thereafter, the company will recognize all of the revenues from the sale of certain online-enabled games for certain platforms ratably over an estimated service period, which it currently estimates to be six months beginning the month after shipment. In addition, it will defer the costs of sales of those titles. As a consequence, the company's non-GAAP results will exclude the impact of the change in deferred revenue and costs of sales related to certain online-enabled games for certain of the Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo and PC platforms in order to provide comparable year-over-year performance.

Additionally, in order to provide comparable year-over-year performance, as of June 30, 2008, Activision will exclude from its non-GAAP operating results the impact of one-time costs related to the Vivendi transaction.

Non-GAAP net revenue, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP earnings (loss) per share, and non-GAAP operating margin, excluding the impact of changes in deferred net revenues and cost of sales, one-time costs related to the Vivendi transaction and expenses related to equity-based compensation, are not determined in accordance with GAAP, and the exclusion of those items has the effect of increasing non-GAAP net revenue, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP earnings per share and non-GAAP operating margin (and reducing non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP loss per share) by the same amounts as compared with GAAP net revenue, GAAP net income (loss), GAAP earnings (loss) per share and GAAP operating margin for the period. Activision recognizes that there are limitations associated with the use of these non-GAAP financial measures as they do not reflect net revenue, net income (loss), earnings (loss) per share and operating margin as determined in accordance with GAAP, and may reduce comparability with other companies that calculate similar non-GAAP measures differently.

Management compensates for the limitations resulting from the exclusion of these items by considering the impact of these items separately and by considering Activision's GAAP as well as non-GAAP results and outlook and, in this release, by presenting the most comparable GAAP measures, net revenue, net income (loss), earnings (loss) per share and operating margin directly ahead of non-GAAP net revenue, non-GAAP net income (loss), non-GAAP earnings (loss) per share, and non-GAAP operating margin, and by providing a reconciliation which indicates and describes the adjustments made.

Management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provides investors with additional useful information to measure Activision's financial and operating performance because they allow for a better comparison of results between periods. Management further believes that reflecting the use of non-GAAP measures that eliminate the impact of deferred revenues and costs of sales in its operating results is important to facilitate comparisons to prior periods during which the application of its accounting policies did not result in deferral of significant amounts of revenues and costs of sales related to online-enabled games. Internally, management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing the company's operating results, as well as in planning and forecasting.

These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP.

These non-GAAP financial measures are not based on a comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles, and the terms non-GAAP net revenue, net income (loss), non-GAAP earnings (loss) per share, non-GAAP operating margin do not have a standardized meaning. Therefore, other companies may use the same or similarly named measures, but exclude different items, which may not provide investors a comparable view of Activision's performance in relation to other companies.


About Activision

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $2.90 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. In this release, they are identified by references to dates after the date of this release and words such as "outlook", "will," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes", "may", "expects," "intends," and similar expressions.





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It’s Official Codemasters Buys Sega U.K. Racing Studio
Realtime Worlds Regains Global Distribution Rights to APB
Operation Darkness Demo Available Now for Download

PS3 GTA IV Presales Outpace 360 Version in Australia

Last month, we told you about an analyst's forecast that expects the Xbox 360 version of GTA IV to outsell the PS3 edition by a 2-to-1 ratio. But today, news come from the Land Downunder that the PS3 edition of GTA IV was ahead of the Xbox 360 version in terms of pre-sales.

A spokeswoman for EB Games Australia--the largest specialty games retailer in the country--told GameSpot AU that the PS3 version of GTA IV was just ahead of the 360 in terms of presales. "We are happy to tell you it's neck and neck, but at the moment, PlayStation 3 is currently in the lead," EB Games Australia brand and public relations manager Debra McGrath said.

The PS3 version was even farther ahead with retailer Gametraders. The company's national marketing manager Chad Polley said "according to the figures we have at the moment, we're [pre-]selling two PS3 versions for every one 360 unit."





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Weekly Rock Band Downloadable Content (Week 17)
“Best of Rocky & Bullwinkle” DVD Contest
The Bourne Conspiracy Demo Available Now for Download

Weekly Rock Band Downloadable Content (Week 17)

Harmonix and MTV Games announced today the first complete album to be added to the Rock Band downloadable content catalog: Judas Priest’s 1982 classic, Screaming For Vengeance. On April 22, some of the most influential metal tracks of all time will get new life as Screaming For Vengeance becomes the first complete album to be released as blistering game play levels in Rock Band. The album’s plethora of highlights includes smash radio hit “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” “Bloodstone,” title track “Screaming For Vengeance” and “Electric Eye.” Black leather and chains sold separately.

Each track will be available for $1.99 per track (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) or $14.99 (1200 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for the album.

Release date:

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 (Xbox LIVE® Marketplace)
Thursday, April 24, 2008 (PLAYSTATION®Store)

Tracks:
Judas Priest Screaming For Vengeance Album

“The Hellion”
“Electric Eye”
“Riding on the Wind”
“Bloodstone”
“(Take These) Chains”
“Pain and Pleasure”
“Screaming for Vengeance”
“You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’”
“Fever”
“Devil’s Child”


(All ten tracks utilize the original master recordings) (“The Hellion” & “Electric Eye” will be offered together as 1 DLC track)

Price:
$14.99 (1200 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for the Album or
$1.99 (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track

Locations: Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PLAYSTATION®Network





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“Best of Rocky & Bullwinkle” DVD Contest
The Bourne Conspiracy Demo Available Now for Download
Operation Darkness Demo Available Now for Download

The Bourne Conspiracy Demo Available Now for Download

Sierra Entertainment has released a playable demo of Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Conspiracy. Become Jason Bourne, a 30-million-dollar weapon on the loose, in action-packed original missions and sequences inspired by the movie The Bourne Identity.
THE CONSPIRACY HAS BEEN REVEALED – THE BOURNE CONSPIRACY DEMO DECLASSIFIED FOR XBOX LIVE® & PLAYSTATION®NETWORK

Operatives Worldwide Can Experience Life On The Run On May 8th

May 5, 2008 – Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games today announced that new demos for the Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Conspiracy™ game will be available for download on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft on May 5th and PLAYSTATION®Network on May 8th.

Fans of Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne franchise will get a peek at the action-packed game play in The Bourne Conspiracy, a blend of brutal combat and unprecedented pace designed to let players become the perfect weapon, Jason Bourne.

The Bourne Conspiracy demo will feature:

A look into how The Bourne Conspiracy combines original missions with memorable film moments to plunge players into the role of both trained Treadstone assassin and a malfunctioning government weapon on the run Brutal hand-to-hand combat choreographed by the films’ fight coordinator and stunt legend Jeff Imada, recreating Bourne’s signature combat style and ability to weaponize everyday objects in his environment Shooting using cover, wallwork, and use of destructible objects to distract and destroy enemies, along with a unique ‘expert kill’ shooting takedown system Seamless movement between hand-to-hand combat and gunplay, combined with unique ‘escape & evade’ game play where Bourne must escape deadly situations, all framed by relentless pace and camera techniques inspired by the cinematography of the films A taste of Bourne-style high speed pursuit, with a re-imagining of the escape from Paris sequence through a thrill-a-minute, arcade-racing inspired police car chase

Through close partnership with Ludlum Entertainment, and collaboration on story and character development with Bourne screenwriter Tony Gilroy, The Bourne Conspiracy is an intense interactive addition to the blockbuster films and best-selling novels.

The Bourne Conspiracy game will ship in North America June 3 and be available worldwide on June 27, 2008 on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.

For more information on the Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Conspiracy video game, including screenshots and video trailers, please visit www.bournethegame.com.





news.teamxbox.com


Operation Darkness Demo Available Now for Download
Weekly Rock Band Downloadable Content (Week 17)
“Best of Rocky & Bullwinkle” DVD Contest
Realtime Worlds Regains Global Distribution Rights to APB
EU Looking to Improve PEGI Video Game Rating System

Things On Wheels Teaser Trailer

Things On Wheels (ToW) is an over-the-top racing game that puts players at the helm of RC cars as they race through a gigantic Florida Art Deco house filled with “tracks” comprised from everyday household items and a few other surprises...

Races in ToW take place on nonlinear tracks that go from room to room in an expansive house. Normal, everyday objects become obstacles and hazards for player’s miniature vehicles to race through. Any challenge could have a player picking up speed in the straightaway of the foyer, dodging the searing coils of the electric stove, catching some air to clear a stack of magazines in the way, and thousands of other possibilities.








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It’s Official Codemasters Buys Sega U.K. Racing Studio
Operation Darkness Demo Available Now for Download
“Best of Rocky & Bullwinkle” DVD Contest

It's Official Codemasters Buys Sega U.K. Racing Studio

Codemasters officially announced today the acquisition of the Sega Racing Studio, based in Solihull, central England.

“In seizing this opportunity, we have created additional resources to escalate our plans in the racing segment,” said Rod Cousens, chief executive, Codemasters. “We hope to welcome more than 40 people to the company and we have enjoyed the full co-operation of our friends at Sega in making this happen. It is good business for Codemasters, an exciting prospect and there will be more to come as we are not content to stand still.”





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CGS Announces North American Training Camp
Things On Wheels Teaser Trailer
Electronic Arts Unveils EA Sports Freestyle SubBrand
Realtime Worlds Regains Global Distribution Rights to APB

Realtime Worlds Regains Global Distribution Rights to APB

Earlier this month, we told you about a second round funding in which Real Time Worlds secured $50 million. Now, we know what they used the money for. The creators of Crackdown announced today that they bought back the global distribution rights to All Points Bulletin (APB), the highly-anticipated urban-themed massively multiplayer online game, from Webzen, Inc.
REALTIME WORLDS REGAINS GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS TO GROUND-BREAKING ONLINE GAME APB FOLLOWING SECOND ROUND FUNDING

BOULDER, Colo. and DUNDEE, Scotland, UK – April 21, 2008 – Realtime Worlds, Inc., a leading independent video game developer, today announced that it has regained the global distribution rights to All Points Bulletin (APB), the highly-anticipated urban-themed massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) under development in the company’s Dundee studio. The move follows Realtime Worlds’ recent US$50 million second round funding and provides the company with the independence to push creative boundaries in the development of the game and to take a more active role in managing APB’s global distribution strategy.

“Owning the distribution rights to APB marks a major milestone in Realtime Worlds’ evolution into a premier online entertainment company,” said David Jones, founder and CEO, Realtime Worlds. “By controlling the rights to APB we can ensure that gamers around the globe experience the revolutionary gameplay we envisioned when we first began creating the property. We are excited about the prospect of having direct, personal relationships with our players, which is a dream come true for many development studios.”

APB is an original MMOG for the PC platform featuring an immersive urban-based community where players choose between playing the criminals or those out to catch the criminals. Players will carry out or thwart opposed crimes and build up areas of the city they control, all with unprecedented levels of character and vehicle customization.

Realtime Worlds regained the global distribution rights to APB from leading Korean online entertainment company Webzen, Inc., which originally partnered with Realtime Worlds in 2005.





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CGS Announces North American Training Camp
EU Looking to Improve PEGI Video Game Rating System
Electronic Arts Unveils EA Sports Freestyle SubBrand
“Best of Rocky & Bullwinkle” DVD Contest

Operation Darkness Demo Available Now for Download

Enter an alternate WWII-era world where history and fantasy collide! Leading an army of ruthless officers and unearthly creatures, Adolf Hitler marches through Europe, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. With his powers on the rise and his armies on the move, it falls on you and your team of elite soldiers to cut deep into the heart of the Third Reich and strike a fatal blow to Hitler's ever-growing legion of evil!

Atlus has released a playable demo of Operation Darkness, an epic fantasy WWII turn-based strategy game for the Xbox 360. The demo (493 MB) features one mission, offering a variety of attack options and access to some of the more unique spells in the game (werewolves, anyone?).





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Electronic Arts Unveils EA Sports Freestyle SubBrand
Realtime Worlds Regains Global Distribution Rights to APB

Electronic Arts Unveils EA Sports Freestyle SubBrand

Electronic Arts launched today EA Sports Freestyle™, a new sub-brand aimed at a growing, more casual sports gaming audience. Below is the press release with the announcement:
EA UNVEILS NEW ‘EA SPORTS FREESTYLE’ SUB-BRAND

EA SPORTS Freestyle to represent the lighter side of sports: No rules, just fun.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – May 6, 2008 – Electronic Arts Inc. (Nasdaq: ERTS) today launched EA SPORTS Freestyle™, a new sub-brand aimed at a growing, more casual sports gaming audience. EA SPORTS Freestyle games, while based in sports, will be playful, inclusive, casual, and easy to pick up and play for kids and parents, women and men, and casual and hardcore sports fans of all ages.

“The launch of EA SPORTS Freestyle is an exciting milestone in the evolution of the EA SPORTS brand,” said Peter Moore, president, EA SPORTS. “EA SPORTS Freestyle will be a perfect complement to our core portfolio of games that our loyal fans are deeply passionate about, and will provide compelling opportunities for new audiences looking for a lighter gaming experience and an easier entry point into EA SPORTS.”

EA SPORTS Freestyle will be the home for innovative new intellectual properties from the EA SPORTS label, including three new games in development and slated for release in the next 12 months. The first title to launch under the new sub-brand will be FaceBreaker™, an arcade-style boxing title set for release in September 2008 and the first new console IP from EA SPORTS since 2002.

EA SPORTS™ is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® and NASCAR® racing.





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CGS Announces North American Training Camp
“Best of Rocky & Bullwinkle” DVD Contest

CGS Announces North American Training Camp

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMING SERIES ANNOUNCES 2008 NORTH AMERICA TRAINING CAMP

General Managers will make final starting-roster decisions during Training Camp

LOS ANGELES – April 15, 2008 – In preparation for the 2008 North America regular season which begins in June, the Championship Gaming Series (CGS) announced the launch of the CGS North America Training Camp for players from all six North American CGS teams: Carolina Core, Chicago Chimera, Dallas Venom, Los Angeles Complexity, New York 3D and San Francisco Optx. Beginning April 22 and running through May 25, players from each team – selected during last month’s North America Draft in Austin, Texas – will compete in online matches four times each week for five consecutive weeks.

“With this first-ever official Training Camp, we’re further realizing our vision of establishing the CGS as the only worldwide professional video gaming league,” said Andy Reif, CGS Commissioner. “Our webcast programming for the Training Camp is merely the first step toward our ambitious 2008 online initiatives focused on original programming, all-new tournaments and other content which will provide us with more opportunities to engage our audiences.”

The North America Training Camp will allow General Managers (GMs) to evaluate player performance and make modifications to their teams – including player trades and substitutions in accordance with the CGS Trade & Taxi-Player Substitution Policy – serving as a valuable opportunity for the players and GMs to prepare for the regular season. The final deadline for player trades leading into the regular season is June 18.

“Training Camp is going to give me the opportunity to fine-tune the team roster that I believe will win the World Final this season,” said Jason Lake, General Manager for the Los Angeles Complexity. “My players will have to step up to the plate during Training Camp or sit down on the bench for the regular season.”

Competitions and web programming will take place each week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights, with Thursday matches broadcast live beginning at 7 p.m. EST on thecgs.com. Footage from the other matches during the week will post online following the events. Matches during the five-week CGS North America Training Camp will consist of three competitions in a Round Robin format, with players from each team going head-to-head once each night:

Tuesdays (April 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20)

Match 1: Dead or Alive 4 – Male
Match 1: Dead or Alive 4 – Female
Match 2: Dead or Alive 4 – Male
Match 2: Dead or Alive 4 – Female
Match 3: Dead or Alive 4 – Male
Match 3: Dead or Alive 4 – Female

Wednesdays (April 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21)

Match 1: FIFA 08
Match 2: FIFA 08
Match 3: FIFA 08

Thursdays (April 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22)

Match 1: Counter-Strike: Source
Match 2: Counter-Strike: Source
Match 3: Counter-Strike: Source

Sundays (April 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25)

Match 1: Forza 2
Match 2: Forza 2
Match 3: Forza 2

More information including Training Camp schedules, instant score updates, featured streaming matches and the official CGS Trade & Taxi-Player Substitution Policy can be found online at thecgs.com.





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“Best of Rocky & Bullwinkle” DVD Contest
EU Looking to Improve PEGI Video Game Rating System