| | | | 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.
| | 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.
| | 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.
| | 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.
| | New Zune HD Portable Media Player
Premium Zune digital entertainment service to be available internationally on Xbox LIVE.
Microsoft today announced the evolution of Zune, the company’s end-to-end music and entertainment service, to a new platform and new markets. Zune will extend its video service to Xbox LIVE internationally this fall. This marks an important development in the Zune strategy and brings the Zune brand to more than 17 million international Xbox LIVE subscribers. In addition, Microsoft confirmed the next generation of the Zune portable media player, Zune HD. Available in the U.S. this fall, Zune HD is the first portable media player that combines a built-in HD Radio receiver, high-definition (HD) video output capabilities, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen, Wi-Fi and an Internet browser.
| | Megan Fox in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Video Game
Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Peter Cullen and Frank Welker Return to Provide Voice-Over Performances
Activision has assembled an all-star cast for the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game, including the film's leads Shia LeBeouf and Megan Fox, who will reprise their starring roles in the game, and fan favorites Peter Cullen and Frank Welker, the voices of OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON from the original animated series. In the new game, developed under license from Hasbro, players are thrust into an adrenaline-pumping battle to defend Earth from a DECEPTICON attack that threatens mankind.
| | EA Montreal Announces Army of Two: The 40th Day
The Ultimate Two-Man Private Military Team is Back in Action Delivering New and Groundbreaking Cooperative Gameplay
EA Montreal today announced ARMY OF TWO: THE 40th DAY. The ultimate two-man private military team of Salem and Rios return in this epic sequel where they must survive and prevail in a city under siege. EA Montreal is once again leading the next evolution in co-op shooter games offering a fresh, innovative and fluid co-op experience with a deep arsenal of customizable weapons so players can team up with their friends online for the fight of their lives.
| | Wednesday, February 11, 2009 |
| Covert Mission to Create Action-Packed G.I. JOE Video Game
G.I. JOE Set to Invade All Major Video Game Platforms in Summer 2009
Electronic Arts today announced that development is underway to bring Hasbro’s legendary G.I. JOE brand to all major console and handheld gaming platforms in summer 2009 to coincide with the theatrical release of the G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA live-action movie from Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment, in association with Hasbro, which opens in theaters August 7, 2009. EA will unveil a “first look” of the G.I. JOE video game at Hasbro’s Showroom at Toy Fair on February 15-17, 2009 in New York City.
| | Thursday, January 8, 2009 |
| Square Enix Signs Exclusive Distribution Agreement with Ubisoft
Agreement to Strengthen Square Enix’s Product Lineup and Diversify Japanese Game Market
Square Enix today announced that Square Enix and Ubisoft Japan entered into an exclusive distribution agreement under which Square Enix is entitled to distribute Ubisoft games exclusively in Japan starting April 2009.
| | Tuesday, September 23, 2008 |
| Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Sells 1.5 Million Units
Becomes Fastest-Selling Star Wars Game of All Time
After less than one week on store shelves worldwide, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is on track to become the best-selling Star Wars game of all time. LucasArts today announced that more than 1.5 million customers worldwide have purchased Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, making it both the fastest-selling Star Wars game and LucasArts game ever.
| | Guitar Hero: On Tour Sets Sales Record
Activision's Largest Nintendo DS Launch
Activision today announced Guitar Hero: On Tour has sold in excess of 300,000 units in North America in the first seven days since its launch, making it the largest North American launch for the Nintendo DS in the company's history by more than a factor of eight. In addition, Guitar Hero: On Tour's performance ranks it as one of Activision's top 5 best-selling launches of any title on any platform in the company's history.
| | Experience Kung Fu Awesomeness with the Kung Fu Panda Video Game
Activision is bringing a unique blend of humor and action to gamers with the release of Kung Fu Panda, the video game based on DreamWorks Animation's highly anticipated feature film. In order to become the Dragon Warrior and defeat the ultimate enemy, Tai Lung, players engage in kung fu moves and master the unique fighting style of unlikely hero Po the Panda and experience the legendary moves of Shifu, Po's Teacher, and the Furious Five - Monkey, Tigress, Viper, Mantis and Crane.
| | Gamers Skate Back into Action on Nintendo Wii and DS
Skate It Delivers Popular Flickit Controls and Introduces Support for Wii Balance Board to Deliver Unique Skateboarding Experience
Electronic Arts today announced Skate It, a new game in the award-winning Skate franchise that taps into the heart and soul of being on a skateboard. Designed exclusively for the Wii and Nintendo DS systems, Skate It has Nintendo players riding with the skate pros, owning the best spots in San Vanelona and pulling off the sickest tricks using the popular FlickIt controls. Loaded with all-new gameplay features, Skate It breaks new ground by introducing innovative support for the Wii Balance Board which gives players a fresh way to create their own signature skateboarding style.
| | Pandemic Announces Development of the Lord of the Rings: Conquest
'Conquest' Grants Players Freedom to Fight Epic 'Rings' Battles Any Way Desired
Pandemic Studios, an award-winning developer of blockbuster video games, is proud to announce the development of The Lord of the Rings: Conquest for the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, PC and Nintendo DS platforms. Pandemic Studios is a division of Electronic Arts.
| | EA and Steven Spielberg Launch BOOM BLOX
Explosive Fun With High-Energy, Action-Packed Entertainment On Wii
Throw, grab, and blast your way through the must-have Wii game for Summer 2008! The EA Casual Entertainment Label today announced that BOOM BLOX, the first game released in collaboration between EA and director and producer Steven Spielberg, has shipped in North America and will be available May 8 in Europe, May 13 across Asia, and May 22 in Japan for Wii. Perfect for kids 8-12 years old and fun for the entire family, BOOM BLOX offers action-packed destruction that takes Wii play to a new level of enjoyment and creativity. BOOM BLOX is also available across major carriers for the mobile phone.
| | Crash Franchise Returns in Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant
Crash is Back with New Abilities and his Signature Bandicoot Hilarity; Sidekick Coco Fully Playable for the First Time
Sierra Entertainment today announced the upcoming return of everyone's favorite marsupial hero, Crash Bandicoot, in Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant, the latest installment of the best-selling Crash Bandicoot video game franchise. Developed by Radical Entertainment, a Sierra Entertainment studio, Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant is scheduled for release this Fall on the Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS and PSP.
| Spyro Continues His Epic Adventure in the Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon
Spyro Trilogy Culminates with Premiere on Xbox 360 and PlayStation3 system; Elijah Wood, Gary Oldman, Christina Ricci, Blair Underwood, Wayne Brady and Mark Hamill Provide Voice-Over Performances
Sierra Entertainment today announced The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon, the third chapter in the popular Legend of Spyro trilogy. Developed by Etranges Libellules, the game will be released this Fall for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS. Reprising their roles as the characters of Spyro and his mentor Ignitus, are two popular Hollywood leading men, Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and Gary Oldman (Sirius Black from the Harry Potter films). Joining the Spyro roster this year are Christina Ricci, Blair Underwood, Mark Hamill and Wayne Brady, rounding out an all-star voice cast.
| | Brett Favre Cover Athlete for Madden NFL 09
Madden NFL 09 Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Future Hall of Famer Brett Favre
Electronic Arts announced today that former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre will be featured as the cover athlete of Madden NFL 09, coming to stores across North America on August 12 from EA SPORTS. 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.
|
| |