Ludlum Entertainment Reacquires Rights from Vivendi

Following the combination of Vivendi Games and Activision, Ludlum Entertainment announced today that it has reacquired the rights to develop, publish and distribute multi-platform games based on the Robert Ludlum novels, previously held by Vivendi Games.
Ludlum Entertainment Reacquires Rights to Develop, Publish and Distribute Multi-Platform Games Based on Robert Ludlum Novels

Reacquisition of Rights Enables Ludlum Entertainment to Develop New Partnerships and Fully Exploit the Multi-Platform Potential of Robert Ludlum's Works

NEW YORK, July 30, 2008 -- Ludlum Entertainment today announced that it has reacquired exclusive rights to develop, publish and distribute multi-platform games based on the literary works of late-author Robert Ludlum, the world-renown novelist whose works including the Bourne and Covert One series have sold more than 290 million copies worldwide and spawned the theatrical box office hits The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supremacy.

The rights to develop, publish and distribute games based on Ludlum's works were previously held by Vivendi Games, now Activision Blizzard following the December 2007 combination of Vivendi Games, Vivendi's Blizzard Entertainment and Activision. In June 2008, Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, launched the critically-acclaimed Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Conspiracy for the Playstation 3 computer entertainment system and Microsoft's Xbox360 videogame and entertainment system.

Ludlum Entertainment's reacquisition of the rights to develop games based on Ludlum's literary works comes at an ideal time for the company -- the international success of Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Conspiracy coupled with continued, dramatic changes in the gaming industry enable Ludlum Entertainment to develop new partnerships capable of fully exploiting the multi-platform potential of the Ludlum content and storylines.

"Robert Ludlum's thrilling stories hold vast international appeal and with their successful translation to both the big screen and the game console, they represent the backbone of one of the leading multi-media entertainment franchises in existence today," said Jeffrey Weiner, Chairman & CEO of Ludlum Entertainment and Executor of the late-author's estate. "Our colleagues at Vivendi Games did a tremendous job of capturing the spirit and allure of Robert Ludlum's writing with The Bourne Conspiracy and the gaming community's strong response is clear indication that future Ludlum games will deliver both popularity and profitability for years to come.

"Robert Ludlum's works are an ideal vehicle for realizing the promise of multi-platform gaming and capitalizing on the accelerated migration from personal computers and game consoles to a wide variety of mobile devices, online multiplayer games and social media applications," continued Weiner. "We look forward to working with innovative partners in the gaming community and new investors to further extend the reach and appeal of Robert Ludlum's stories and to help write the next chapter for this powerful and timeless entertainment franchise."


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Geometry Wars Retro Evolved 2 Available Now

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 is available now via download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 for 800 Microsoft Points. Developed by Bizarre Creations, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 is the sequel to the original smash hit, thrusting players back into the pilot's seat to blast through hordes of deadly enemy shapes in six heart-pumping gameplay modes. In addition to the frenetic single player game, each level is now playable in multiplayer mode for up to four players.

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 features all the signature eye-popping visuals, adrenaline-filled action and mesmerizing music that fans have come to know and love. The game allows players to test their skills in a diverse mix of classic modes including Deadline, Evolved and Waves, and brand new modes including King, Sequence and Pacifism. Expanding the game further than ever, gamers also have the ability to compete against or team up with their friends in the ultimate multiplayer shooter pandemonium.


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Xbox Live Arcade Celebrates the Summer of Arcade

Xbox Live Arcade Celebrates the Summer of Arcade

Microsoft has announced the schedule of August releases for Xbox Live Arcade titles. Below is the press release with the announcement:
Xbox LIVE Arcade Celebrates the “Summer of Arcade” with an Incredible Lineup of Blockbuster Games and Chances to Win Hot Prizes!

“Summer of Arcade” lineup features five incredible games launching over five scorching weeks; beat the heat and play for a chance to win prizes including 100,000 Microsoft Points, an Xbox 360 Elite console and more!

Summer is in full swing, and Xbox LIVE Arcade is celebrating with the hottest lineup of games ever, starting on Wednesday, July 30 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT) with the highly-anticipated retro shooter “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2.” Also on Wednesday, Xbox LIVE Arcade users can earn entries into our “Summer of Arcade” Sweepstakes by logging in and playing the trial or full version of the featured Summer Arcade game of the week for a chance to win amazing prizes.

The full “Summer of Arcade” lineup is:

July 30: “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2” – The latest version of the wildly popular retro shooter offers screen-melting intensity and insane new features, including six action-packed gameplay modes, new enemies, scoring strategies and a diverse list of exciting Achievements. “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will be available at 800 Microsoft Points.

August 6: “Braid” – From acclaimed developer Jonathan Blow, “Braid” is a mind-bending and artistic puzzle-platformer where the player manipulates the flow of time in strange and unusual ways. “Braid”is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB.

August 13: “Bionic Commando: Rearmed” – The classic 8-bit side-scroller reports back for duty in a stunning remake, complete with all-new HD graphics and features that put 2D gaming back on the map! “Bionic Commando: Rearmed” is rated M for Mature by the ESRB

August 20: “Galaga Legions” – The legend lives on with “Galaga Legions,” a reimagining of the classic arcade shooter. Featuring table-turning game dynamics and updated graphics, the game was created by the team behind the bestselling “PAC-MAN Championship Edition” from Namco Bandai Games. “Galaga Legions” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

August 27: “Castle Crashers” – Award-winning studio The Behemoth brings red hot arcade adventure to Xbox LIVE Arcade with “Castle Crashers,” featuring hand-drawn characters and an array of weapons to choose from as you defend your kingdom and save the princess. “Castle Crashers” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

Play the trial or full version of the featured blockbuster Summer of Arcade game of the week and receive one entry into both the weekly prize drawing and Grand Prize drawings:

Grand Prize (x1) – 100,000 Microsoft Points, 12 month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription and an Xbox 360 Elite console Runner-Up Prizes (x2) – 10,000 Microsoft points and a free 12 Month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription Weekly Prizes (x5) – 4000 Microsoft points

All games will be available worldwide, with the exception of “Bionic Commando Rearmed,” which will be available worldwide except Korea.

The “Summer of Arcade” sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom and the 50 United States or District of Columbia 17+. No purchase necessary. Skill testing question required for Canadian residents. Game ends September 2, 2008. For details including free, alternate method of entry, see Official Rules at www.xbox.com/summerofarcade.


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Bungie No Big Announcement at PAX

Bungie has announced that it won't unveil the new Halo game at the Penny Arcade Expo. The company has revealed it is currently working on three projects.

For the record, we have no plans to make any big announcements or huge reveals at PAX this year. While we will have some Halo 3 multiplayer stuff for you to check out, this is not going to be the "big announcement" many of our fans are clamoring for. Rest assured that when the time is right, we will be making announcements and talking about the stuff we're currently working on. At the moment we do have three distinct projects underway within Bungie - some familiar, some not. Some on a closer horizon, some quite far off.


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Madden NFL 09 EA Performs Simulation with Brett Favre

Electronic Arts announced today it used Madden NFL 09 to predict how Madden NFL 09 cover athlete Brett Favre would perform on a select group of NFL teams. Below is the press release with the results from the simulation along with screenshots of the test:
EA SPORTS SIMULATES 2008 NFL SEASON IN MADDEN NFL 09 WITH BRETT FAVRE ON VARIOUS NFL TEAMS

Results Show that New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings Playoff Appearances Dependant on Brett Favre

July 28, 2008 – With all the speculation currently surrounding Madden NFL 09 cover athlete Brett Favre and his pending return from retirement, EA SPORTS used Madden NFL 09 to predict how the future Hall of Famer would perform on a select group of NFL teams. Comparing the results between teams with and without Favre, the Minnesota Vikings stand to gain the most with Favre as the starter, while the New York Jets will miss the playoffs without him.

            Click here to view all screenshots
Brett Favre is currently a playable character in Madden NFL 09, on the “NFL Greats” roster. In Franchise Mode, players can transfer Favre to the free agent roster pool, and pick him up on any of the 32 NFL teams for the 2008 season.

Multiple news reports have named four NFL teams that Brett Favre may play for this coming season – the Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings. Listed below are the results of the 2008 NFL season simulated in Madden NFL 09, with Brett Favre starting for each of these NFL teams.

NFL Team

Passing
Yards

TDS

INTs

Rating

Record

Playoffs

Tampa Bay
Buccaneers

3827

34

19

98

12-4

Lose Div Playoff Game v Eagles (28 - 34)

New York
Jets

3964

31

15

103.1

11-4-1

Lose Wild Card Game v Browns (19 - 22)

Green Bay
Packers

3769

24

10

100.7

9-7

Lose Div Playoff Game v Cowboys (17 - 25)

Minnesota
Vikings

3356

29

10

100.7

10-6

Lose Wild Card Game v
Bucs (11 - 6)

As a comparison, below are the results of the 2008 NFL season simulated without Brett Favre on any NFL team roster.

NFL Team

Starting QB

Pass
Yards

TDs

Rating

Record

Playoffs

Tampa Bay
Buccaneers

Jeff Garcia

3508

19

80

11-5

Lose Conference Championship v

Eagles (28 - 35)

New York
Jets

Chad Pennington

3542

22

108.4

9-7

No Playoffs

Green Bay
Packers

Aaron Rodgers

3211

26

95.6

12-4

Lose Div Playoff Game v

 Bucs (37-31 OT)

Minnesota
Vikings

Tarvaris
Jackson

2962

11

66.8

5-11

No Playoffs

Available nation-wide August 12, Madden NFL 09, the First Sports Game That Adapts To You, introduces over 85 new features and enhancements. Whether you are a seasoned veteran, or a franchise rookie, Madden NFL 09 will continuously asses your skills and adjust the gameplay to keep the experience both fun and challenging, all while training gamers to become better Madden players. Madden NFL 09 also includes a brand-new broadcast presentation package featuring Cris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond, online leagues, and the most realistic graphics in franchise history.

Madden NFL 09 is developed in Orlando, Florida by the award-winning EA Tiburon studio, which also produces NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® and NASCAR® racing.

Madden NFL 09 will be available for the Xbox® and Xbox 360® video game systems from Microsoft, PlayStation®2 and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment systems, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and is rated E by the ESRB. For more information about Madden NFL 09, check out www.madden09.com.


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CGS World Championship to Air Next Monday

The Championship Gaming Series 2008 World Championship will take place this coming Monday, when San Francisco Optx and Birmingham Salvo will face off at 7 p.m. PDT/10 p.m. EDT, during a televised match, which will be broadcast to more than 450 million viewers worldwide, and air live in the U.S. on DIRECTV’s The 101 Network. Below is the press release with the announcement:
SAN FRANCISCO OPTX AND BIRMINGHAM (UK) SALVO SET TO BATTLE FOR TITLE OF CGS WORLD CHAMPION AND US$500,000 GRAND PRIZE

Live Televised Competition Will Broadcast to More Than 450 Million Viewers Worldwide

LOS ANGELES – July 24, 2008 – Following Semifinal matches earlier this week where San Francisco Optx defeated Berlin Allianz, 24-17, and Birmingham Salvo prevailed over Carolina Core by a single point in overtime, 21-20, the two finalists compete Monday in a live World Championship match that will award one team with the title of Championship Gaming Series 2008 World Champion, the coveted Mountain Dew trophy and the US$500,000 grand prize.

San Francisco Optx and Birmingham Salvo will face off at 7 p.m. PDT/10 p.m. EDT, Monday, July 28 during a televised match, which will be broadcast to more than 450 million viewers worldwide, and air live in the U.S. on DIRECTV’s The 101 Network. Birmingham Salvo holds a uniquely historic position in this second annual World Championship match as the first international team ever to reach the championship match in the CGS World Final.

The match will air live and in HD in the U.S. on DIRECTV’s The 101 Network and on Saturday, August 2 at 10 p.m. PDT on U.S. cable network G4. Additionally, the match will air in early August on BSkyB in the UK, Eurosport in mainland Europe, ESPN-STAR and STAR in Asia, STAR in Australia, SKY in Mexico and Brazil, and DIRECTV throughout the remainder of Latin America.

“The title of CGS World Champion is the most coveted honor in gaming and July 28 will mark an historic moment for the sport,” said CGS Commissioner and CEO Andy Reif. “2008 has featured amazing competition all season long, but it all comes down to this one night, and Monday’s final will pit our European Champion against San Francisco, who had to battle their way just to get the Wild Card spot in our World Finals. I know that gaming fans everywhere are going to see an unbelievable Championship Match.”

At the 2007 CGS World Championship, the Chicago Chimera crushed Carolina Core, 27-15, to capture the league’s inaugural World Champion title. Now in its second season, CGS has garnered increased viewership thanks to its rapidly-growing popularity and expanded television and online distribution.

Valve’s Counter-Strike®: Source® and EA’s FIFA 2008 are the official PC games for CGS. On the Xbox 360, CGS features Tecmo’s Dead or Alive® 4 (DOA4) and Forza Motorsport® 2 from Microsoft Game Studios.

Each CGS team features a total of ten athletes, each specializing in an official league game. Five of the ten players comprise a Counter-Strike: Source (CS:S) squad which competes in five-on-five matches. FIFA 08 is played one-on-one. Each CGS team also has one male and one female DOA4 player, who play against other teams in one-on-one matches on Xbox 360. The racing game Forza 2 is played by two players on each team in a two-versus-two format. For more information, visit thecgs.com.


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Mirror's Edge Comic Book Announced

Electronic Arts' DICE announced today that it is teaming up with WildStorm, an imprint of DC Comics, to create an exclusive, limited-edition Mirror’s Edge comic book. Below is the press release with the announcement:
EA AND DC COMICS TEAM UP TO CREATE MIRROR'S EDGE COMIC BOOK

Limited-Edition Prequel Sets the Stage for Faith's Adventure in Mirror's Edge Comic Book Series

Guildford, UK– July 24, 2008 – DICE, an Electronic Arts Inc. studio (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced that it is teaming up with WildStorm, an imprint of DC Comics, the largest English-language comic book publisher in the world, to create an exclusive, limited-edition Mirror’s Edge™ comic book. EA and DC Comics will distribute the first issue of the Mirror’s Edge comic book series at Comic-Con International in San Diego. The game will also be on display at booth #5233.

“This partnership with DC Comics sets the stage as readers explore Faith’s world in Mirror’s Edge,” said Owen O’Brien, Senior Producer, DICE. “The unique graphic style offered by the comic book genre is perfect for taking fans through her back-story. Frame by frame, page by page, we’ll learn more about the events that shaped both her and the city.”

Based on the upcoming Mirror’s Edge video game, the comic combines the talents of writer and story designer Rhianna Pratchett with artist Matthew Dow Smith. Pratchett is also responsible for crafting the intricate script for the game. The six-part comic series will introduce readers to Faith and her fellow ‘Runners’ – a network of couriers who use acrobatic moves to avoid being detected as they traffic packages across a network of rooftops and aerial skyways.

“Rhianna and DICE have created an amazing game with a great backstory,” said Hank Kanalz, Vice President/General Manager for WildStorm. “The characters have really come alive in the game, and we are pleased that we will be able to add to the canon of the Mirror’s Edge universe with this project.”

Mirror’s Edge is being developed at EA Digital Illusions CE AB (DICE) in Stockholm, Sweden. This revolutionary new take on the first person action adventure genre will ship this winter for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and for the PC. This product is not yet rated by PEGI or ESRB.


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GameStop Hypes Gears of War 2 with GoW Tournaments

Get the Gears turning this Friday with a Gears of War Tournament hosted by GameStop at 2,000 of its U.S. retail stores. Below is the press release with the all the details on how to participate and what the prizes are:
GameStop Hypes "Gears of War 2" with In-Store Tournaments

Participants Receive Extra 30 Percent Trade-In Credit During Event

GRAPEVINE, Texas, Jul 23, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME), the world's largest video game and entertainment software retailer, today announced that it will host GEARS OF WAR video game tournaments at 2,000 of its U.S. GameStop locations on Friday, July 25, 2008.

Each tournament will provide players with an opportunity to test their skills one-on-one with other contestants in a single-elimination tournament. Participating GameStop locations will begin their tournaments at 9:30 p.m., local time.

Customers who trade in used games during the tournament will receive an extra 30 percent trade-in credit good toward the reservation of GEARS OF WAR 2, which is available this November. In addition to the tournament and used game trade-in credit, enthusiasts can watch an exclusive 4-minute DVD created by Microsoft and Epic Games. The DVD features a personal introduction from GEARS OF WAR 2 lead designer, Cliffy B, a montage of GEARS OF WAR and footage from GEARS OF WAR 2. GEARS OF WAR 2, an Xbox 360 exclusive, continues the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad as they battle the nightmarish Locust Horde from the underbelly of the planet.

The top four tournament contestants will receive an exclusive GEARS OF WAR t-shirt, and the overall winner will go home with an Xbox 360 1,600-points card. All contestants must check-in at least 30 minutes prior to the start of play, and you must be at least 17 years old to attend or participate in the event.

For additional tournament details and to obtain a list of official rules, visit a local GameStop retail location or www.gamestop.com/gearsafterhours.





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I Love Bees Returns, Bungie Teases New Halo Game

The Pieces are Coming Together. Over the past few days, there have been rumors that a new Halo game will be announced at next week's E3 and today we have enough clues to believe the rumors are indeed true. First, Kotaku discovered that in Bungie's latest podcast, Brian Jarrard and Luke Smith teased about something being revealed at E3.

Brian: Isn't there something going on on July 14th or something like that?
Luke: Yeah, around then.
Brian: Somehow that's sticking in my head for some reason. Guess we'll have to see.
Luke: Yep, we'll just have to be patient. Who could say?

Furthermore, the I Love Bees web site has resurfaced today, leading us to believe that there's definitely something going on.


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Unreal Tournament 3 Available Now

Midway Games announced today that Unreal Tournament 3 for the Xbox 360 is now available at retail stores nationwide. You can read our review of the game here. Below is the press release with the announcement and new screenshots:
MIDWAY AND EPIC GAMES ANNOUNCE THE AWARD-WINNING UNREAL TOURNAMENT 3 FOR XBOX 360® IS NOW AVAILABLE

Xbox 360 Version of Highly Anticipated and Award-Winning Franchise has New Features, Exclusive Content and Never-Before-Seen Gears of War 2 Multiplayer Video

CHICAGO - July 7, 2008 – Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading interactive entertainment publisher and developer, and world-renowned developer Epic Games, today announced Unreal Tournament 3, for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, is now available, with several new features including split screen, five exclusive maps and two all-new characters, as well as all previously released downloadable content. Rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB, Unreal Tournament 3 is available for a suggested retail price of $59.95 in the U.S. Unreal Tournament 3, the award-winning first-person-shooter, has already shipped more than 1 million units for Windows PC and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.

            Click here to view all screenshots
Xbox 360 owners will get an exclusive video preview of Gears of War 2, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the 4.7 million unit-selling blockbuster third-person action game, included on the Unreal Tournament 3 disc. The exclusive video content will include never-before-seen footage of the game's multiplayer modes featuring new maps, new modes, new weapons and new gameplay elements. The video is narrated by Epic Games' design director, Cliff Bleszinski, and Gears of War senior producer, Rod Fergusson.

"We are extremely excited to put the fast-paced, frenetic gameplay of Unreal Tournament 3 in the hands of Xbox 360 owners," said Mona Hamilton, vice president of marketing, Midway Home Entertainment. "The exclusive maps, new characters, two-player split screen support and exclusive Gears of War 2 multiplayer video make Unreal Tournament 3 the must-have video game for Xbox 360 this summer."

"Searing-hot first-person shooter action comes to Xbox 360 this summer with Unreal Tournament 3," said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games. "With a bevy of new and exclusive content, Xbox 360 owners can now get their frag on by choosing to play online with friends over Xbox LIVE or against our amazing AI 'bots.'"


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Court Denies Activision Blizzard Injunction Request

Activision has announced that the Delaware Court of Chancery has denied the Wayne County Employees' Retirement System's request for a preliminary injunction relating to Activision's proposed combination with Vivendi Games. Below is the press release with the statement:
Court Denies Preliminary Injunction Motion Relating to Activision's Proposed Combination with Vivendi Games

Stockholders' Meeting Scheduled for July 8, 2008

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced that the Delaware Court of Chancery has denied the Wayne County Employees' Retirement System's request for a preliminary injunction relating to Activision's proposed combination with Vivendi Games, Inc., the interactive entertainment business of Vivendi S.A.

A special meeting of stockholders of Activision, Inc. will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, to consider and vote on proposals to approve the transaction and related matters. If Activision's stockholders approve the transaction and the other matters to be considered at the special meeting, Activision anticipates closing the business combination on or about July 9, 2008.

The meeting will be at 11:00 a.m., local time, at The Peninsula Hotel located at 9882 South Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.

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 $2.9 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.


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Call of Duty World at War Action Figures Announced

McFarlane Toys announces a partnership with Activision to produce action figures for the upcoming video game Call of Duty: World at War. Below is the press release with a picture of one of the action figures along with the list of soldiers that will be included in the first series.
McFARLANE TOYS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH ACTIVISION TO PRODUCE ACTION FIGURES FOR CALL OF DUTY®: WORLD AT WAR

TEMPE, Ariz. – July 3, 2008 ~ McFarlane Toys announces a partnership with Activision to produce action figures for the upcoming video game Call of Duty®: World at War. The line is expected to hit store shelves in fall, 2008 and retail for around $10-15.

Click here to view high-resolution image

Developed by Treyarch and built using the Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare™ engine, Call of Duty: World at War thrusts players into the ruthless and gritty chaos of WWII combat, challenging them to band together to survive the climactic battles of the South Pacific and European theaters that led to the demise of the Axis powers. Re-defining WWII by offering an uncensored experience with unique enemies and combat tactics, Call of Duty: World at War offers cooperative gameplay, a franchise first to enable players to fight together like never before.

McFarlane Toys’ first series of highly detailed, game-accurate Call of Duty: World at War action figures will consist of four soldiers:

Marine Infantry, Battle of Peleliu - Includes M1 Garand rifle and M1 bayonet Marine Corps with Flamethrower, Battle of Peleliu - Includes M2-2 flamethrower with removable flame, and M1911A1 pistol & holster Marine Corps with Machine Gun, Battle of Okinawa - Includes M-1928A1 machine gun w/20 round magazine and M1911A1 pistol & holster British Special Ops, Battle for the Roer Triangle - Includes Mark II Sten gun

Visit www.SPAWN.com for updates and all the latest up-to-the-minute news.


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Halo Board Game Announced

Genius Products and B1 Games unveiled today the Halo™ Interactive Strategy, the first ever board game based on the Halo universe. Below is the press release with the announcement:
Genius Products LLC and B1 Games Unleash First Board Game Based on Microsoft and Bungies' Highly Successful Video Game Franchise

Halo™ Interactive Strategy Game

Game for All Ages Maintains Critical Elements of the Hit Video Game and Offers Endless Gameplay

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Calling all Halo fans across the universe! Let the battle for supremacy begin as Genius Products, Inc. (OTCBB: GNPI) and B1 Games unveil the first ever board game based on Microsoft and Bungies' best selling entertainment property - Halo™. The all-new Halo™ Interactive Strategy Game captures the edge-of-your-seat action and storyline of the video game as it gives players the chance to control UNSC Marine and Covenant forces in strategic battles for power. Hitting retail this September, the game brings the Halo universe to a broader audience with its family-friendly features.

"Halo is one of the most recognizable and successful video game franchise of all time and boasts a tremendous worldwide presence that continues to grow," said Trevor Drinkwater, President and CEO of Genius Products. "Fans of all ages are going to love this extension of the popular brand that offers endless game play. B1 Games has created an incredibly innovative game that mirrors the hit franchise and will truly resonate with fans."

Featuring the same premise and characters as the video game - including Master Chief, A.I. and Covenant - the Halo™ Interactive Strategy Game offers a modular board that can be re-configured to create a virtually limitless game play experience. In recreating the video game's signature three dimension graphic design, the game pulls fan-favorite elements from Halo 1, 2, and 3 along with music from the video game's award-winning soundtrack and features unseen exclusive DVD content to enhance game play.

In the game, players will command armies of three-dimensional collectible character pieces for two different levels of play: Heroic for faster, more casual game play and Legendary for more strategic advanced gamers. Fans can follow storylines that expand the Halo experience in Campaign mode or go head-to-head in interactive battle sequences with Slayer or Capture the Flag modes. The battle options are endless with future add-ons of new adventures, vehicles, characters and weapons to expand the experience.

The Halo™ Interactive Strategy Game is suitable for ages 10+ and will be available at retailers nationwide.


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Rise of the Argonauts Gods Videos

In Rise of the Argonauts, Jason and his trusted band of Argonauts embark on a quest to find the Golden Fleece and revive his beloved slain wife while exploring the vast Aegean – a dynamic world of forbidding islands, shining cities, lush jungles and deep forests – in a vibrant realisation of ancient Greece. As Jason, players will carve a unique journey through the game world as their choices bring favour with the gods, shape the plot, change the outcome of quests and open up new story arcs. Codemasters released today two new developer commentary videos.

In the Gods Profile video, Lead Designer Charley Price reveals the four patron deities that watch over Jason throughout the course of the game, along with an overview of the weapons, personality traits and skills that players will acquire by dedicating deeds to particular gods.


HD (1280x720) | SD (640x360)
“Gaining intimate knowledge of each of the gods is key to Rise of the Argonauts’ gameplay experience,” said Price. “Players will need to constantly be aware of each god’s personality and abilities in order to make the most of the deeds system in the game.”

The theme of deeds is picked up by Liquid Entertainment’s President Ed Del Castillo in the second video, which details the game’s unique experience points system. Using a brand-new system for RPGs, experience points will be tracked as a series of deeds that can be dedicated to a particular god as a way to earn favour and level up with the skills and abilities of that god.


HD (1280x720) | SD (640x360)



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Top Gun Anthem to Land on Guitar Hero III

Activision announced today it will release the legendary, Grammy award-winning "Top Gun Anthem" as a free downloadable song for Guitar Hero III. Below is the press release with the announcement:
"TOP GUN ANTHEM" TO LAND ON GUITAR HEROR III: LEGENDS OF ROCK AS FREE DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT FOR FOURTH OF JULY

SANTA MONICA, CA - July 1, 2008 - BeginningGrab your wingman and fire up the F-14 for the announcement today of a special Fourth of July treat for Activision, Inc.'s Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock fans. July 3, 2008, the legendary, GRAMMYR award-winning "Top Gun Anthem" will be available as a free downloadable song for the game.

The instrumental, guitar-heavy theme was immortalized in the hit film that inspired a generation of young men to awkwardly serenade women at bars, perform perfectly-timed "flipside" high fives and threaten to "buzz the tower."

The song will be available as a free download to Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock mavericks and their wingmen everywhere for Xbox LIVER Marketplace for Xbox 360R video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and in the PLAYSTATIONRStore for the PLAYSTATIONR3 computer entertainment system on July 3, 2008.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock offers the ultimate rock experience with new wireless guitars, freshly added content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer modes allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true rock status as they riff through a star-studded soundtrack including master tracks by legendary artists such as Aerosmith, Guns 'N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and Pearl Jam, as well as original songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is now available and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB.


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Major League Baseball 2K8 Tournament at Best Buy Noho

2K Sports and Best Buy will host a video game tournament with Major League Baseball 2K8 tomorrow.
Get into the All-Star Mood Early with Major League Baseball 2K8 and Darryl Strawberry on July 1st

What: 2K Sports and Best Buy will host a video game tournament with Major League Baseball 2K8 this coming Tuesday, July 1st. Baseball fans and gamers are encouraged to come out and compete for prizes in this exciting baseball video game tournament. Players can register in-person at Best Buy that day. This is a great way for baseball fans to start off this year’s All-Star festivities in New York City.

Who: Darryl Strawberry, NY baseball legend and former 8-time All-Star player, will be in attendance to sign autographs and meet with fans. Mr. Met will also be stopping by to greet fans.

When: Tuesday, July 1st – 5PM
Registration – 5PM-6PM
Tournament – 6PM-8PM
**Space is limited so players are encouraged to arrive by 5PM in order to register for the tournament**

Where: Best Buy - Noho
622 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
**Between Houston and Bleecker Streets; take the N/R subway to Prince Street**


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