| | | | Thursday, January 14, 2010 |
| U.S. Video Game Industry Retail Sales Reach $20.2 Billion
Software Sales Experienced 11 Percent Decline When Compared to 2008
According to leading market research company, The NPD Group, U.S. retail sales of video games, which includes portable and console hardware, software and accessories, generated revenues of close to $19.66 billion, an 8 percent decline over the $21.4 billion generated in 2008.
| | Thursday, November 12, 2009 |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Shatters Opening Day Sales Records
Most Anticipated Game of the Year Becomes Biggest Entertainment Launch in History
Activision announced today that Infinity Ward's much-anticipated Call of Duty:Modern Warfare 2 has become the biggest launch in history across all forms of entertainment with estimated sell-through sales of $310 million in North America and the United Kingdom alone in the first 24 hours, according to internal Activision estimates.
| | Guitar Hero First Videogame With Million Facebook Fans
Activision's Guitar Hero is the first console videogame franchise to surpass 1 million Facebook fans demonstrating the global appeal and passion for the brand that is quickly becoming the next platform for experiencing music and social interaction.
Guitar Hero isthe #1 best-selling third party video game franchise in North America and Europe calendar year to date. Since its release, the franchise has sold more than 38 million units worldwide, including more than 7 million units in calendar 2009 alone, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and GfK.
| | Monday, September 14, 2009 |
| Researchers Using Xbox GPU as Supercomputer
Xbox 360 Chip Shows Some Cardiac Arrhythmia are Unpredictable
A new study by a University of Warwick researcher has demonstrated that researchers trying to model a range of processes could use the power and capabilities of a particular Xbox chip as a much cheaper alternative to other forms of parallel processing hardware.
| | Wednesday, August 19, 2009 |
| Logitech Mice that Work Where Others Fail
Logitech Performance Mouse MX, Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX Feature Darkfield Laser Tracking – Let You Use Your Mouse on Clear Glass and High-Gloss Surfaces
Logitech took the computer mouse where no mouse has gone before. With Logitech Darkfield Laser Tracking, you can use your mouse virtually anywhere you want – including clear glass (that’s at least 4 mm thick) and high-gloss surfaces. This new technology is available in the Logitech Performance Mouse MX and the Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX, giving you the option of a full-size mouse or a more compact, notebook mouse.
| Maroon 5 Frontman Adam Levine Takes the Stage as Playable Character in Band Hero
Famed Vocalist and Guitarist to Appear In-Game Rocking Out to Their No. 1 Single,' She Will Be Loved'
Adam Levine, popular guitarist and singer for pop-rock band Maroon 5, will soon be able to add virtual rock star to his repertoire as he prepares to take center stage in Band Hero. When the game hits retail stores in November, family and friends will be able to live out their musical fantasies as they strum, drum and sing along to an exciting collection of songs by some of the most popular bands and artists to ever hit a music game. Levine joins Taylor Swift as an exclusive, in-game playable character by lending his popular likeness to Band Hero. Fans will be able to play as Levine as he rocks out to the Grammy nominated "She Will Be Loved," Maroon 5's hit single from their debut album Songs About Jane, which has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide and is Gold and Platinum in more than 35 countries.
| The Race for the Crown of Albion Begins in Fable III
Microsoft and Lionhead Studios unveil a thrilling new adventure in the multimillion-selling “Fable” franchise, while introducing episodic distribution of “Fable II” only on Xbox LIVE.
Alexander the Great. Genghis Khan. Queen Elizabeth I. Che Guevara. Throughout history, revolutionary leaders have taken very different paths to power, bringing about prosperity and poverty, peace and sometimes anarchy to their people. Now Microsoft Corp. and Lionhead Studios will explore the journey to rule, with you in pursuit of a kingdom, in “Fable III,” the exciting new game in the critically acclaimed “Fable” franchise. The title’s debut was confirmed today at gamescom in Germany by Peter Molyneux, Lionhead’s creative director, and will be available exclusively on Xbox 360 in the 2010 holiday season.
| | The Sims 3 World Adventures to Feature Global Artists
Nelly Furtado, Pixie Lott, and Stefanie Heinzmann Lay Down Beats in Simlish
The Sims fans around the world will be rockin’ out to new Simlish music in The Sims 3 World Adventures Expansion Pack for the PC and Mac this fall. The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts today announced that in The Sims 3 World Adventures, players will have their chance to get down, Simlish-style, to artists like GRAMMY award-winner Nelly Furtado, rising star Pixie Lott, German sensation Stefanie Heinzmann, breaking new rock band Matt & Kim, global indie dance rockers Young Punx, and more!
| | NVIDIA Tegra Provides The Multimedia Muscle In Zune HD
World’s First Ultra-Low-Power HD Processor Behind Microsoft’s Next-Generation Portable Digital Media Player
NVIDIA today announced that Microsoft’s new Zune HD portable media player is powered by the NVIDIA Tegra processor, which gives it exceptional multimedia capabilities. The Zune HD player, which Microsoft recently announced is available for preorder, is the first portable media player to combine HD-compatible video, HD Radio receiver, full-screen Internet browsing, an organic light emitting diode touch screen, and Wi-Fi. These features will connect consumers to a whole new world of entertainment, while delivering excellent battery life. Working closely with Microsoft and optimizing the Tegra processor, NVIDIA has played an important role in helping to bring the next-generation Zune HD portable digital media player to market.
| | Ozzy Osbourne to Rock BlizzCon 2009
Heavy Metal Icon to Perform before a Sold-Out Crowd at Blizzard Entertainment's Epic Gaming Festival
Blizzard Entertainment today announced that the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, will headline the closing concert at this year's BlizzCon, which will take place August 21-22 at the Anaheim Convention Center. While tickets to the convention sold out in minutes, a live Pay Per View event will be available via Internet stream and in HD on DIRECTV.
| | Highly Anticipated Batman: Arkham Asylum Supports NVIDIA PhysX
An Immersive Adventure Unfolds in Stunning Detail
Eidos Interactive, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and NVIDIA today announced that the Games for Windows LIVE release of forthcoming DC Comics-licensed videogame, Batman: Arkham Asylum, will feature NVIDIA PhysX technology, which allows for the creation of incredibly realistic worlds full of interactive materials and objects. As a result, PC gamers will get to experience intense realism and fully immerse themselves in Batman’s journey into Gotham City’s asylum for the criminally insane.
| | Wednesday, August 5, 2009 |
| Wii Sports Resort Sells More Than 500,000 Units
Nintendo has provided staycations to thousands of people nationwide since the July 26 launch of its Wii Sports Resort game. More than 500,000 units of the game for the Wii console sold in the United States through Aug. 3, according to Nintendo's internal tracking numbers. The collection of 12 fun resort-themed sports lets players of all ages escape to a tropical island for some year-round summer fun. The game comes with one Wii MotionPlus accessory, which brings unmatched accuracy to games that have been specially designed for it.
| | SEGA Announces Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll
Experience Monkey Ball Like Never Before with AiAi and Friends Using the Wii Balance Board
SEGA today announced that Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll, the amusing and exhilarating party game will be available exclusively for Wii. The loveable characters from the original Super Monkey Ball, AiAi, MeeMee, GonGon and Baby, are back with all new mind-blowing puzzles and party games specifically designed to fully utilize the Wii Balance Board accessory and the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. Currently in development at SEGA Studios Japan, Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll adds a dynamic level of interactive gameplay with the use of the Wii Balance Board while still remaining true to the original franchise with zany level design.
| | Monster Hunter Tri Going West
Four-Player Online Co-Op, 2-Player Split-Screen and New Underwater Environments Introduced When Japanese Phenomenon Comes To North American and European Markets in 2010
Capcom today announced that Monster Hunter Tri will be released in both North America and Europe for Nintendo’s Wii system in early 2010. Monster Hunter Tri will set a new bar in the action/adventure genre with the introduction of new features and game play elements as the multi-million unit selling franchise makes its debut on the Wii system.
| | Sam Raimi to Direct Warcraft Movie
Raimi, acclaimed director of the blockbuster Spider-Man series, will bring the forces of the Horde and the Alliance to life in epic live-action film. Charles Roven's Atlas Entertainment will produce alongside Raimi's Stars Road Entertainment.
Blizzard Entertainment and Legendary Pictures announced today that Sam Raimi has signed on to direct the eagerly-anticipated major motion picture based on Blizzard Entertainment's award-winning Warcraft universe. Raimi has, in the course of his career, clearly demonstrated a genius for developing and adapting existing fictional universes for mainstream audiences while staying true to the spirit of the original content.
| | Dark Horse to Publish Mass Effect Comic Series
Sci-Fi Comic Prequel Bridges Heroic conclusion of Mass Effect and Mysterious Beginning of Mass Effect 2
BioWare, a studio of Electronic Arts, and Dark Horse Comics today announced a new comic book series based on Mass Effect, the blockbuster sci–fi action videogame that IGN.com rated the #1 Xbox 360 game of all time. In Mass Effect: Redemption, the story takes readers through the treacherous events leading up to Mass Effect 2 which opens with galactic hero Commander Shepard having mysteriously gone missing and left to fight for survival. What unfolds next will expose readers to new locations, aliens and extended storyline in the Mass Effect universe. Mass Effect: Redemption is scheduled to launch in January 6, 2010.
| | Ahoy Matey! The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition Available!
LucasArts today announced that The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition is now available on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360, Steam, and Direct2Drive.
Back by popular demand, The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition faithfully re-imagines the internationally-acclaimed classic game (originally released in 1990) for old and new audiences alike. The development team at LucasArts has brought the game into the modern era with all-new HD graphics, a re-mastered musical score, full voiceover, and an in-depth hint system has been added to help players through the game's side-splitting puzzles. Purists will also delight in the ability to seamlessly switch between the updated HD graphics and the original's classic look.
| | Need for Speed SHIFT Puts Racers in Control
Los Angeles Racer Wins the Need for Speed SHIFT Competition, Drives Home in a Brand New 2009 BMW M3
Electronic Arts today announced details on the exclusive driver profile system in Need for Speed SHIFT. Driver profile is the ultimate extension of the true driver’s experience. Extending through the single player career and online multiplayer modes, driver profile gives each player a unique game experience based on the way each player drives on the track. This exclusive driver profile system pushes the entire racing genre forward.
| | Dwight Howard on the Cover of NBA LIVE 10
hree-Time NBA All-Star Currently Looking for First NBA Title
Electronic Arts announced today that Orlando Magic center, Dwight Howard, will be the cover athlete for NBA LIVE 10. A three-time NBA All-Star, Howard is currently looking to lead the Magic franchise to their first NBA Championship. The No. 1 pick of the 2004 NBA Draft was the 2009 NBA Defensive Player of the Year presented by Kia Motors, an All-NBA First Team selection the last two seasons, and stole the show at the 2008 NBA Sprite Slam Dunk Contest with his superhero antics. Additionally, Howard was the starting center of the 2008 U.S. Basketball Men’s Senior National Team which won the gold medal at the Olympics in Beijing. NBA LIVE 10 is currently in development under the EA SPORTS brand by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C. and will be available worldwide this October.
| | Millions Embrace The Sims 3 with Biggest Launch Week in History
More Than 1.4 Million Units Sold and 7 Million Downloads of Player Created Content Within First Week
Electronic Arts today announced that the hotly anticipated The Sims 3, stormed retail shelves starting June 2nd and sold thru more than 1.4 million PC/Mac units within the first week making it the best-selling PC launch in EA’s history. Fan intensity is evidenced through the more than 7 million downloads of player created content including: Sims, houses, stories and more. The Sims 3, also available for download from the Apple App Store for iPhone and iPod touch, shot up to #1 paid app position on launch day and has maintained that spot since launch.
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