Dragon Riders Take Flight on the Xbox 360®, Nintendo Wii™, Wii U™, 3DS™ and PlayStation® 3

SANTA ANA, Calif., June 10, 2014 — Little Orbit, a worldwide video game publisher, unveils the   ultimate dragon racing experience with the release of How to Train Your Dragon 2 video games based on Friday’s highly anticipated 3-D animated film from DreamWorks Animation.   Developed by Torus Games, the game is now available on the Xbox 360®, Nintendo Wii™, Wii U™ and PlayStation® 3.

Dragon trainers will put their skills to the test in this high-flying adventure featuring Hiccup and Toothless and other fan favorite dragon and rider teams, high-energy tournaments and all the fire-breathing fun as they explore the dynamic Island of Berk.  Along the way, players will face multiple challenges in this heroic quest as they play their way through an epic world of Dragons and Vikings.

“The How to Train Your Dragon 2  video game is one of the biggest and most exciting launches Little Orbit has ever had, and we are so excited for fans of this beloved franchise to take flight and experience the game,” said Matt Scott, President of Little Orbit.

Eager fans should keep their eye out for Dragon-wrapped Redbox kiosk as How to Train Your Dragon 2 video games “take over” Redbox locations across the country beginning this week!  Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Wii U and PlayStation 3 rentals will be available throughout the summer at most Redbox locations.

DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon 2 is in theaters nationwide in just a few short days on June 13, 2014!

To get the latest news on the How To Train Your Dragon 2 video games and more, follow Little Orbit on Twitter (@littleorbit) or visit the official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LittleOrbitGames

The game is rated E-10 for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB.

Disney Interactive And Harmonix Announce October 21 Release And Unveil New Content For The Award-winning Music And Motion Video Game “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” At The 2014 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)
Experience All-New City Realm and the Game’s Narrative Plus Playable Songs from Drake, The Who, and others in Disney Interactive & Microsoft Booths at E3

BURBANK, Calif., June 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Disney Interactive and Harmonix today announce the official release date for the award-winning music and motion video game, “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved,” along with new content to be revealed at this year’s E3. The breakthrough musical motion video game inspired by Disney’s classic animated film “Fantasia,” will be available worldwide for Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Kinect for Xbox 360 on October 21, 2014.

At E3, the team will follow last year’s standout performance where it received awards from Game Critics for ‘Best Social/Casual Game,’ GameSpot for ‘Best of E3,’ Polygon for ‘Editor’s Choice,’ and Game Informer for ‘Best Music/Rhythm Game.’ This year’s show will set the stage for new multiplayer gameplay and reveal the latest musical additions, along with a vibrant city realm, “The Neighborhood.”

In “The Neighborhood,” players will work their way through a restrained 2D urban cityscape, using music and magic to unleash a vibrant and magical 3D environment by interacting with billboards, rooftops, trains and other surprises hidden within the city landscape. Through this mind-bending experience, players will watch and listen as their movements create bold colors and whimsical music that make “The Neighborhood” a fantastical adventure.

The latest announced tracks from a range of award-winning artists that will appear in-game include:

Depeche Mode – “Enjoy the Silence”
Drake – “Take Care” (ft. Rihanna)
Tchaikovsky – “The Nutcracker Medley”
Police – “Message in a Bottle”
MIA – “Galang”
The Who – “The Real Me”

Additionally, players will be introduced to Yen Sid’s previous apprentice, Scout, via the game’s narrative, who will guide the player as they perform, transform and create music to restore order to the world.

Featuring over 30 tracks – including contemporary hits, classic rock, classical music, and more – “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” transports players to a breathtaking world where music and magic combine to transform extraordinary interactive landscapes in entirely new and creative ways.

Previously announced tracks for the title include:

AVICII – “Levels”
David Bowie – “Ziggy Stardust”
Antonin Dvorak – “Symphony No. 9 from the New World”
Fun. – “Some Nights”
Peter Gabriel – “In Your Eyes”
Gorillaz – “Feel Good Inc.”
Cee Lo Green – “Forget You”
Elton John – “Rocket Man”
Kimbra – “Settle Down”
Lorde – “Royals”
Bruno Mars – “Locked Out of Heaven”
Nicki Minaj – “Super Bass”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik”
Modest Mussorgsky – “Night on Bald Mountain”
Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”
White Stripes – “Seven Nation Army”
Antonio Vivaldi – “The Four Seasons: Winter, 1st Movement”

“Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” will be available worldwide on October 21, 2014 with an ESRB rating of E10+ with lyrics descriptor. For additional information about “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved,” join the Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/fantasiagame, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @FantasiaGame and view all videos on our YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/FantasiaGame.

To play “Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved” at E3, visit Disney Interactive located in South Hall, booth #2047 and Microsoft located in West Hall, booth #4100.

About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and established in 1995, is the leading developer of groundbreaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix was founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more information please visit www.harmonixmusic.com.

About Disney Interactive
Disney Interactive, one of the world’s largest creators of high-quality interactive entertainment across all platforms, is the part of The Walt Disney Company responsible for the global creation and delivery of interactive entertainment, multi-platform video games, and family-focused content across all current and emerging digital media platforms. Disney Interactive produces and distributes a broad portfolio of content from Disney Interactive Games and Disney Interactive Media. Products and content released and operated by Disney Interactive include blockbuster mobile, social and console games, online virtual worlds, #1 kid’s entertainment destination Disney.com and the #1 Family/Parenting portfolio on the Web.

Disney Interactive is the interactive entertainment part of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS).

Disney Interactive officially announced today the latest playable characters to appear in the 2.0 Edition of Disney Infinity – Merida and Maleficent. A new gameplay trailer, featuring a glimpse into how the characters will interact in the game, is also available today to coincide with the release of “Maleficent” in theatres nationwide.

Merida and Maleficent are playable in the all-new Toy Box 2.0 mode of the game, along with all characters previously released for Disney Infinity.  Players will be able to use both characters, plus hundreds of Disney-themed items, locations, props and vehicles, to create new adventures in customized worlds.

In addition to the trailer, the new asset pack includes Merida and Maleficent character images and action screenshots showing the two characters in the Toy Box 2.0 mode.

Key highlights include: 

• Merida: With her untamed fiery red locks, this headstrong Princess will definitely leave her mark in Disney Infinity. Between her sharp sword and bow combo attacks with ricocheting arrows, she can upgrade her aim with elemental freeze arrows, freezing enemies in front of her then following up with rapid shots showing off her impressive athletic skills as an archer and sword fighter.

• Maleficent: The wicked title character from the upcoming Walt Disney Studios film employs numerous magical powers and can attack using her magic in melee and ranged combat. To defeat enemies, Maleficent has the ability to utilize projectile and area of effect attacks that affect multiple targets within a specified area, brambles that she summons from the ground and ravens that she can call on to attack targets.

Both Merida and Maleficent will be available in retail stores this fall. Additional Play Sets and characters will be announced in the coming months.

About Disney Infinity
Disney Infinity is an interactive gaming platform where players have unprecedented freedom and endless opportunity to create stories and play experiences starring the beloved characters from across the worlds of Disney. Building on the success of last year’s initial launch, Disney Interactive announced that  Disney Infinity’s next chapter, Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes, will hit stores this fall. In the all new game, players use real-world interactive figures to activate original storylines (Play Sets) in the virtual game worlds of popular Marvel franchises and create new adventures with other Disney Infinity characters in the Toy Box mode. For more information, visit Disney.com/Infinity.

Only a few days left before the release of Watch_Dogs! Get ready to take control over a whole city, using hacking as your weapon to exact your own style of revenge. Available in stores on May 27th.

Visit the Official Website: http://watchdogsgame.com
Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watchdogsgame
Preorder: http://shop.ubi.com/promo/94766900

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Disney Interactive today released additional details and a new trailer for Marvel’s The Avengers Play Set which will be available for Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition). Slated for release this fall, gamers will be invited to take part in a brand new true-to-property storyline crafted with the help of award-winning Marvel comic writer Brian Michael Bendis and featuring The Avengers Super Heroes Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Captain America, Hulk and Hawkeye.

Play Set: The Avengers Play Set is the first play set to be announced for Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes and features Iron Man, Thor and Black Widow, with Captain America, Hawkeye and Hulk sold separately. Players will take the role of earth’s mightiest heroes as they try to put an end to Loki’s cold-hearted plans to invade New York City. Along the way, they will learn that Loki isn’t working alone and that this is but the first step in a villainous plot that threatens the entire planet. The Avengers will need not only their strength and wits, but also the technology and insight of S.H.I.E.L.D. to have any chance of saving the world.

Toy Box: In the all-new Toy Box 2.0, players will be able to use Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow and all of The Avengers characters, plus hundreds of Marvel-themed items, locations, props and vehicles, to create new and exciting adventures in customized worlds.

The Avengers Play Set and new Toy Box mode will be included in the Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes Starter Pack. Additional Play Sets and characters will be announced in the coming months.

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                       New Chapter in Best-Selling Disney Infinity Franchise Delivers More than 20 Marvel Super Heroes Including Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor and More

BURBANK, Calif. – (April 30, 2014) – Today, Disney Interactive and Marvel Entertainment confirmed that the world’s most iconic Super Heroes are assembling for Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes – the 2.0 edition of the #1 best-selling new hybrid toy / video game of 2013, according to the NPD Group’s video games retail sales data.

Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes features more than 20 new interactive figures from across the Marvel universe, original storylines penned by award-wining Marvel comic writer Brian Michael Bendis, and an all-new Toy Box mode that makes it easier for players to create and share their one-of-a-kind levels and mini-games with family and friends. In addition, all characters and power discs from last year’s release of Disney Infinity will be compatible with the Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes Toy Box.

“Disney Infinity was, from the start, built to be an interactive experience where players could bring together their favorite Disney characters and stories to create new Disney memories.  With the introduction of Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes, we’re ushering in a new chapter of adventures, featuring a cast of the world’s most popular Super Heroes,” said Jimmy Pitaro, President of Disney Interactive.  “Bringing popular and iconic Marvel characters to the Disney Infinity platform truly takes this game to the next level.”

“We’ve worked closely with the Disney Interactive team to deliver an incredible line-up of Marvel characters and great storytelling for the next chapter of Disney Infinity,” said Peter Phillips, EVP and General Manager, Interactive & Digital Distribution at Marvel Entertainment. “The 2.0 edition will allow Marvel fans around the world to interact with their favorite Marvel Super Heroes in entirely new ways, including compelling gameplay and a new line of collectible interactive figures.”

The Avengers’ Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Captain America, Hulk and Hawkeye will debut when the game launches this fall, along with additional Play Sets and characters from other popular Marvel and Disney franchises, which will be announced in the coming months. Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes will be available for the PlayStation^®4 and PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system and Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii U™ system from Nintendo, PC and iOS tablets and smart phones.

“Marvel Super Heroes fit perfectly into Disney Infinity, and with them we are pushing the platform’s limits of creativity and imagination,” said John Blackburn, VP and General Manager of Avalanche Software. “We’ve enhanced and redesigned the gameplay to match the Marvel characters, while also making it easier than ever for players to express and share their own creativity.”

Disney Interactive
Disney Interactive, one of the world’s largest creators of high-quality interactive entertainment across all platforms, is the part of The Walt Disney Company responsible for the global creation and delivery of interactive entertainment, multi-platform video games, and family-focused content across all current and emerging digital media platforms.  Disney Interactive produces and distributes a broad portfolio of content from Disney Interactive Games and Disney Interactive Media.  Products and content released and operated by Disney Interactive include blockbuster mobile, social and console games, online virtual worlds, #1 kid’s entertainment destination Disney.com and the #1 Family/Parenting portfolio on the Web.  Disney Interactive is the interactive entertainment part of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS).

About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years

Still not sure what to get that hardcore board gamer in your family for a present? Don’t want to just go the impersonal gift card route? Well, here’s my top four for the person who is really into board games:

#4: Well, I suppose I should have called this my top five, because four is a tie between “Alien Frontiers” (Game Salute) and “Star Trek Catan” (Mayday Games).

Both are what we call ‘resource building’ games and depend on your resources to build up your settlements. “Alien Frontiers” uses dice as the actual ships, and you place them in various builder positions based on your rolls, while “Star Trek Catan” uses the dice rolls to correspond to randomly placed tiles that make up the game board which you them place on to determine what resources you get. Both games end in victory points based on what you’ve built, and both have strategies that not only allow you to find better/faster ways to build, but also allow for some blocking of other players. “Alien Encounters” does this more so as you can place your dice where you want, as opposed to “Star Trek Catan,” where blocking is based on random dice rolls. While both are space exploration/expansion games, “Alien Frontiers” gets a bit of an edge in that you have more control over what happens since you have more control of what you do with the dice rolls, but “Star Trek Catan” also gets an edge because, well come on…it’s “Star Trek”!! You get to build starships and space stations and even use the original crew members for their special abilities that help you throughout the game.

#3: “Pathfinder Adventure” Cardgame (Paizo Publishing)

This game is very well done!! It combines so many elements of other games while being quite original and exceptionally versatile. The game is essentially a dungeon crawl game, but unlike other dungeon crawl game, there are no little miniatures or card board-cut outs to move around on a dungeon/game board. Instead, it’s all cards. Imagine “Dungeons & Dragons” as a card game. This is truly a cooperative game, the party has to work together to defeat the scenarios, but you also get to customize your character/deck to start and then continuously build your character/deck as you go through different adventures/scenarios/campaigns. The greatest part of this game is you can play a short 45-minute scenario, a 3-hour adventure, or an entire campaign that can last a week, a month, a year…etc. Not only that, but you can play with different play groups and keep your character along with the deck you’ve created by printing out a card/deck list off of the Paizo website, or play a completely different character, yet still save that one for later with a different deck list. Future expansion will probably keep this game fresh for years to come.

#2: “Thunderstone” (AEG)

This game just squeaks ahead of Pathfinder based on its pure addictiveness. It’s a deck building game with a High Fantasy (and somewhat Sci-Fi) taste to it, where every player starts with the same cards in his/her deck, but then builds their own unique decks based on decisions throughout the game. You gain heroes, weapons, equipment, spells, etc, to defeat monsters and gain victory points. The best part of this game is that each game you play is randomized, so you never have the same game choices. Each game is completely different in what it has to offer based on what random cards are used in that particular game. My playgroup seriously played this game for three days straight when we first got it. So much fun!!

#1: “Lords of Waterdeep” (Wizards of the Coast/Avalon/Hasbro)

Why #1? Simply because this is the game I play the most. It’s like one of your favorite band’s CDs, you just keep coming back to it after trying something else. Another resource building game (this one placed in High Fantasy “Dungeons & Dragons” settings), in this game each player collects different resources for different quests to gain victory points based on completed quests. Different from most resource building games, each player isn’t trying to collect the same items, as each quest has different requirements. To make it even more fun, you get bonus points at the end of the game based on which random ‘Lord’ you are for the game, so players have a chance to jump ahead in points at the end of the game. Again, a different game every time because of the random set up of Lords & quests, it keeps anyone with a short attention span entertained. I was introduced to this game at GenCon (nerdom’s annual amazing gaming convention), and I haven’t looked back since.

Next time…COMICS!!

Bear Wolf operates the New Game in Town shops in Dekalb and Dixon, Illinois
Visit them at www.newgame-intown.com

Ubisoft revealed the full lineup of Super Heroes and Super Villains for Marvel Avengers Battle for Earth and key art created by Marvel Comics artist Stefano Caselli.  Fans will get to play as 20 different Marvel characters including:

1. Black Widow
2. Captain America
3. Doctor Doom
4. Dr. Strange
5. Hawkeye
6. Human Torch
7. Iceman
8. Iron Man
9. Loki
10. Magneto
11. Phoenix
12. Queen Veranke
13. Scarlet Witch
14. Spider Man
15. Storm
16. Super Skrull
17. The Hulk
18. Thor
19. Venom
20. Wolverine

About Marvel Avengers Battle for Earth:
Marvel Avengers Battle for Earth is the ultimate super hero brawler set in authentic comic book-style art environments based on the iconic Secret Invasion storyline. Battle for Earth provides endless entertainment through a variety of gameplay modes including co-op, campaign, arcade, challenges, versus and tournament. Fans will enjoy embodying their favorite Marvel super heroes or villains within the game including Avengers Captain America, The Hulk, Iron Man, Hawkeye, Black Widow and Loki.

Developed by Ubisoft Quebec, Marvel Avengers Battle for Earth will be released in North America on Kinect for Xbox 360 on October 30th and Nintendo’s Wii U system this Holiday.

For more information on Marvel Avengers Battle for Earth, please visit: http://AvengersBattleforEarth.com

IT’S TIME TO PLAY THE MUSIC AS “TAP TAP MUPPETS” LAUNCHES ON THE APP STORE

New Free Muppets Music Game Will Have Fans Tapping Along To Music From Disney’s “The Muppets” Favorite Songs And Movie Soundtrack

Burbank, Calif. — November 17, 2011 — Disney Mobile today released “Tap Tap Muppets” for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Available for free from the App Store, “Tap Tap Muppets” brings Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal and the rest of the gang together for what fans will surely agree is the most sensational celebration of their favorite Muppet music.

Based on the popular “Tap Tap Revenge” gameplay, the most successful mobile music franchise of all time, “Tap Tap Muppets” features six full tracks including three songs from Disney’s “The Muppets” soundtrack, which will be released by Walt Disney Records on November 21. The app also includes three of the most memorable songs from the Muppets tribute compilation, “The Green Album.”

“Tap Tap Muppets” Full Song List Includes:

· “Life’s A Happy Song” Performed by Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Walter

· “Let’s Talk About Me” Performed by Chris Cooper

· “Me Party” Performed by Amy Adams and Miss Piggy

· “The Muppet Show Theme” Performed by OK Go

· “Movin’ Right Along” Performed by Alkaline Trio

· “Night Life” Performed by Brandon Saller and Billy Martin (Good Charlotte)

“Tap Tap Muppets” is also jam-packed with video, character profiles, movie info, and more. In addition, players can connect socially to the Muppets.

“Given the important role music has always played with the Muppets, it makes perfect sense that ‘Tap Tap Muppets’ is the first Disney-branded game for the ‘Tap Tap’ franchise,” said Bart Decrem, general manager of Disney Mobile. “This app gives Muppets fans and gamers alike an opportunity to experience the beloved music of the Muppets in an entirely new environment.”

The launch of “Tap Tap Muppets” on the App Store coincides with the theatrical release of Disney’s “The Muppets.” On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze Muppet Studios and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the studio, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With a screenplay written by Jason Segel & Nicholas Stoller, the film is directed by James Bobin. Featuring signature celebrity cameos, Disney’s “The Muppets” hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011. The film is rated PG by the MPAA.

The “Tap Tap Muppets” App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, or at http://www.itunes.com/app/taptapmuppets

NEW YORK—October 20, 2011—Major League Gaming (MLG), the world’s largest competitive video game league, continued its record breaking 2011 Pro Circuit season with 181,000 unique concurrent online viewers tuning in for the LIVE streaming broadcast of the Orlando Pro Circuit competition last weekend.  The fourth consecutive record breaking online broadcast of the season, Orlando viewing numbers surpassed the previous record of 138,000 concurrent viewers for the Raleigh Pro Circuit in August. Over the three-day competition October 14-16th, more than 3.2 million hours of video were consumed online and more than 15,000 fans attended in person. Working with Streamworks, the global, end-to-end streaming company that delivers a superior video experience across any network to any device, MLG delivered uninterrupted 720p high definition, high-quality video streams of the competition. Pro Circuit competitions and rebroadcasts of all matches are available on MLG.tv.

“The record-breaking viewership of our LIVE broadcasts this year is truly elevating the global presence of e-sports, placing MLG viewing in the same ballpark as traditional TV viewing numbers,” said Sundance DiGiovanni, CEO, Major League Gaming. “The support of our community is undeniable and fans can expect more high-quality streaming, intense match ups and 2012 season announcements during our 2011 Pro Circuit Championship LIVE from Providence, Rhode Island, November 18-20.”

The six-city 2011 MLG Pro Circuit places the most talented video game players alongside their toughest opponents as they battle for more than $1 million in prizes. The season culminates with the 2011 National Championship next month where the world’s best players will compete for more than $600,000 in prizes and stipends. Spectator and competitor passes can be purchased online.

To receive ad-free streams, discounts on passes and other added benefits, fans can become MLG League Members.  Gold MLG League members ($29.99-12 months) receive $10 off competitor passes and $5 off spectator passes, early entry into the event, high definition ad-free LIVE video streams for home viewing, discounts on MLG apparel and partner products and more. Silver MLG League members ($9.99-3 months) receive access to high definition, ad-free streams of Pro Circuit competitions,  premium VoD, access to member only forums and more.

About Major League Gaming:
Founded in 2002, Major League Gaming (MLG) (www.majorleaguegaming.com) is the dominant media property exclusively targeting tens of millions of consumers worldwide who have a passion for playing video games as a competitive social activity. The company gives aspiring gamers around the world an opportunity to compete, improve their skills, and socialize through a thriving competitive community with more than 750,000 matches each month online and LIVE in-person Pro Circuit tournaments in cities nationwide. MLG broadcasts all Pro Circuit play via LIVE streaming online to hundreds of thousands of fans in more than 170 countries.  MLG also provides extensive online editorial and video content to more than 8 million unique fans each month including LIVE and on-demand original programming related to games, technology and more at MLG.tv and MLG Live.

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Major League Gaming Pro Circuit
Gaylord Palms Hotel
Orlando, FL – October 14-16, 2011

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

This weekend I had the privilege of attending the Major League Gaming (MLG) event held in Orlando, FL, at the beautiful Gaylord Palms Hotel. The Major League Gaming event is a tournament event that brings hardcore gamers together to compete in tournaments against each other.

MLG was founded in 2002 by Sundance DiGiovann and Mike Sepso, who wanted to bring computer and console game tournaments to a competitive and spectator market. They have partnered with PlayStation and have many sponsors such as Sony Ericsson and Alienware who provide the computers and monitors, and Dr. Pepper and Stride gum who not only sponsor the organization but also provide free samples at the events.

The event it’s self is very well organized, allowing for amateur players to play against already established professional players after competing against each other. The games are displayed on large screens above the players so the audience can watch from a “spectator” perspective. There was a section for “Halo: Reach” for the Xbox 360, “Call of Duty: Black Ops” on PlayStation 3, and “StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty” on the PC. The excitement of the audience was so intense as the competitors get into watching the players competed, clapping and shouting with as much enthusiasm as a rock concert.

Audience members are even allowed the option, for a minimal increase to their attendance fee, to play the games in separate areas on individual computers and console. This allows the opportunity for gamers who have not played the games before to experience them.

I made several attempts to try getting an interview with any of the professional gamers and since they were so busy most of the time playing games I was extremely fortunate to catch a few minutes with each Michael Cavanaugh and Cody “Wethy” Wetherald, who are both on teams sponsored by “QuanTic”.

Pro Gamer: Michael Cavanaugh, age 23

Desiree Yates: So Michael, how long have you been with your current team?
Michael Cavanaugh: About 6 years.

DY: When did you first start playing video games as a career?
MC: I started when I was in High School on “Halo 2” then “Halo: Reach”.

DY: From experience I understand there were a lot of major changes from “Halo 2” to “Halo: Reach”, such as the major increase in weapon choices. Do you think maybe the weapon choices has gone a little overboard?
MC: No, I don’t think they went overboard at all. In fact I think they were perfect. I like the new sprint feature and jet pack the most.

DY: So when did you sign on with MLG and can you tell us roughly how much you make playing console games professionally?
MC: I’ve been with MLG since July 2005 and contracted for $250,000 a year.

DY: Wow, impressive! Do you have your own sponsers?
MC: Yeah, RedBull, Apex Esports, partnered with Twitch.tv, and a few others. (National Guard)

DY: So you are here in Orlando, FL right now for this tournament. How do you like Orlando?
MC: I like Orlando because of the sights and activities and I am staying four more days after the competition with my girlfriend.

Pro Gamer: Cody “Wethy” Wetherald

Desiree Yates: So Cody, what team are you on and how long have you played on that team?
Cody “Wethy” Wetherald: I’ve been on “QuanTic LeveraGe” team since “Call of Duty: Black Ops” and “Modern Warfare II” and I’ve also been playing “Modern Warfare III”.

DY: So can you tell me a bit about your experience as a professional gamer?
CW: I travel with MLG and love these events. There has been a major increase in sponsorship and turnout (from spectators). This is an industry that is still growing and will never go away, it will keep getting bigger and bigger.

Both Michael Cavanaugh and Cody Wetherald only had so much time before they had to get into another game, but it was obvious by their big smiles and energy they absolutely loved what they do for a living. And who wouldn’t? There are kids and adults of all ages out there that would love a chance to play video games and get paid for it. I know I sure would!

While the games themselves were terrific and the competitions were, well, competitive, I found the announcers though to be rather amateur. They gave off the impression they were probably related to someone to get the position as an announcer. After speaking to a few of the spectators, there seemed to be a somewhat general consensus agreeing with my observation that everyone would appreciate a little more swag, other then the free “Dr. Pepper” drinks and samples of “Warheads” candy and “STRIDE” gum.

Overall I found the event to be a terrific opportunity to experience what the hardcore gamer can do when put to the test. Their reaction times are phenomenal and they clearly know every inch of every map on their specialized games. Having been addicted to “Halo 2” myself, I can definitely understand their drive to want to know everything they can to exploit their opportunity to get just one more win. The sense of achievement even with something as simple as winning a video game is one that gamers have experienced since the early arcade games…where kids would burn through quarter after quarter.

Games today are much easier then they were originally. Just play a game of “Zelda” and you will notice it. But in a sense gamers have not really changed much…we all love the games…we play the ones we love the most several times working out several angles and scenarios on the “RPG” games and continue to strive to kick the heck out of our friends and others. This industry may still be in it’s beginning stages in some ways, but from the location of the event, the increasing sponsors and attendance from spectators…it is obvious this industry will just keep getting bigger and bigger.

Have a Pet or Be a Pet: The Sims 3 Pets Is Available on Store Shelves Today

Fetch a Copy of the Latest Standalone Release for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo 3DS and Expansion Pack on the PC/Mac

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. –(BUSINESS WIRE)– Let the fur fly! Will you have a pet or be a pet? Now you can play both ways as pets are Sims too! Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced The Sims™ 3 Pets is now available in North America on PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, Nintendo 3DS™ and as an Expansion Pack on the PC/ Mac*. Developed by the award-winning team at The Sims Studio, The Sims 3 Pets gives players the ability to play as a pet for the first time in franchise history and see The Sims world through their eyes.

Across all platforms, players will be able to use the robust Create a Pet tool to customize dozens of breeds of cats and dogs. On the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC/Mac, players are able to design their pet from their coats, colors and body shapes, and even down to their snouts and age. Players can also choose from a variety of unique personality traits such as friendly, hyper, clueless and piggy, offering limitless opportunities for fans to create the pets of their dreams or nightmares.

“Pets have always been the top requested theme from our players, and we are delivering a deep, rich experience in The Sims 3 Pets for our fans to enjoy,” said Scott Evans , General Manager of The Sims Studio. “From the moment a player starts the game, they’ll revel in the opportunities to recreate their childhood pet, train their dog to be the most desirable or despicable animal in the neighborhood, share their favorite pet on The Sims 3 Exchange or witness the special lasting relationships their Sims build with their pets. The Sims 3 Pets is about the moments that are unique to the player who lives them.”

The Sims 3 Pets also features gameplay experiences specific to each platform. Exclusive to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, players will explore all new venues and embark on mysteries in the New England -style town of Sugar Maple Coast . Karma Powers return to the console games and give players the ability to bestow wealth on their Sim or completely uproot their lives. New Karma Powers include: Transmogrify that allows a Sim, cat or dog to turn into a different species; Meteor Strike that drops space rocks from the sky; Feral Possession which turns players’ pets into furry terrors; and more. Exclusive to the Xbox 360, players who are Kinect-enabled can use voice commands to quickly jump between areas of Create a Sim and live mode to change outfits, fulfill the needs of both their Sims and pets and more.

In The Sims 3 Pets PC/Mac Expansion Pack, players are able to create and adopt dogs, cats and, another first for the franchise, horses. Fans are able to take their Sims and their pets on wild adventures while exploring the new world with animal-specific venues and environments such as the dog park, cat jungle or horse stables. Another exclusive to the PC/Mac version, players will be able to search through their world for the elusive unicorn. The magical unicorn can be added to a player’s household after they’ve built up the relationship enough. Unicorns offer fun opportunities to play with life by being able to bless other Sims, teleport around the world and even spark fires. Other minor pets that Sims can own and interact with, but are not fully controllable, include birds, rodents, lizards, turtles and snakes.

Unique to the Nintendo 3DS version of The Sims 3 Pets, players can now create, customize and control a household full of pets without any human Sims. In addition, players will be able to save up to three separate games, each with its own household of three playable Sims. Through gameplay, players can add a fourth member to their household. The Sims 3 Pets on Nintendo 3DS lets fans use Play Coins collected from the Nintendo’s 3DS pedometer feature to spend as Karma Power points. Additionally, players will be able to use Nintendo’s StreetPass™ function to share their Sims and pets with other Nintendo 3DS users in near vicinity.

The Sims 3 Pets is rated “T” for Teen, with an MSRP of $49.99 on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and $39.99 on Nintendo 3DS and PC/Mac.

The Sims 3 Plus Pets is also available on PC/Mac and bundles The Sims 3 base game and The Sims 3 Pets Expansion Pack with an MSRP of $49.99 .

For more information, visit http://www.thesims3.com/content/en_US/promo/pets/pets.htm, like the game on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. For more information on The Sims 3, visit http://www.thesims3.com/.

*Requires The Sims 3 for PC/Mac to play.

About The Sims

The Sims™ franchise, the groundbreaking game series that allows players to create and live a virtual, simulated life on a computer, celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2010 and has sold more than 140 million units since its launch in February 2000 . Now translated into 20 different languages and available in 60 different countries, The Sims series has quickly become a universal gaming and cultural phenomenon. Since its June 2009 launch, The Sims 3 has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide across multiple platforms and was the #1 best-selling PC title for 2009 in North America and Europe . Fan intensity is evidenced through nearly 250 million downloads of player-created content including: The Sims characters, houses, stories and more. The Sims 3 community site, www.thesims3.com, welcomes up to seven million unique visitors monthly, handles more than 240 content downloads every minute and more than 3.5 million uploads to date, including 11 movies each hour. The Sims 3 YouTube Channel is within the top 10 most-viewed sponsored channels of all time, with more than 45 million video views. Visit The Sims 3 official website to see what the players are creating at www.TheSims3.com or the official YouTube Channel for The Sims at http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSims. The Sims 3 is available for PC, Mac, iPhone®, iPod touch®, mobile devices, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, Nintendo DS™, Wii™ and Nintendo 3DS™. Join The Sims 3 Facebook or Twitter communities at www.facebook.com/thesims3 and www.twitter.com/thesims3. In August, 2011, The Sims Social browser-based game launched on Facebook and within one month garnered an impressive 50M monthly active users and secured the #2 position on Appdata’s chart of top Facebook games. To play The Sims Social, visit www.facebook.com/TheSimsSocial.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company’s game franchises are offered as both packaged goods products and online services delivered through Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 100 million registered players and operates in 75 countries.

In fiscal 2011, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.6 billion . Headquartered in Redwood City, California , EA is recognized for critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster franchises such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, Need for Speed™, Battlefield, and Mass Effect™. More information about EA is available at http://info.ea.com.

The Sims and Need for Speed are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Mass Effect is a trademark of EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. John Madden, NFL and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.

Thousands of the World’s Best Video Game Players to Compete in Orlando at the Major League Gaming Pro Circuit October 14-16

Competitor and Spectator Passes Now Available

Purchase an MLG League Membership for Discounts on Passes, Early Entry and More

Major League Gaming (MLG), the world’s largest competitive video game league, is returning to Florida from October 14-16 for the Orlando Pro Circuit video game competition at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. Competitor and spectator passes are now on-sale at www.majorleaguegaming.com.

The Orlando competition is the last stop before the championship on the 8^th annual MLG Pro Circuit tour. Thousands of fans will attend as the world’s best players square off in a three-day, double-elimination video game tournament for a chance at more than $120,000 in prizes. Gamers from as far as Korea, Sweden and Australia will compete against locals playing some of the most popular video games of all time including Blizzard Entertainment’s blockbuster real-time strategy game, StarCraft^® II: Wings of Liberty^™ on PC, the record-setting Call of Duty®: Black Ops on the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) system, and the popular Halo: Reach on Xbox 360.

Spectators will view the action via huge video screens and experience LIVE commentating. Attendees can visit an array of booths featuring meet and greets with the Pros, the latest products from MLG partners, pre-release access to games and more.

To receive discounts and added benefits, fans can purchase an MLG League Membership online.  Gold MLG League members ($29.99-12 months) receive $10 off a competitor pass and $5 off a spectator pass, early entry into the event, ad-free high quality live video streams for home viewing, discounts on MLG apparel and partner products and more. Silver MLG League members ($9.99-3 months) receive access to high quality, ad-free streams, premium VoD, access to member only forums and more.

For those that can’t make the event in-person, they can watch LIVE via streams online at www.majorleaguegaming.com.

The 2011 Pro Circuit culminates with the national championship in Providence, RI, November 18-20.

Details about the Orlando Pro Circuit:

Dates:                   Friday, October 14 – Sunday, October 16

Hours:

• Friday, October 14 – Doors open at 1:30 PM with the official welcome at 5:00 PM and competition on the main stages from 5:30 PM – 12:30 AM
• Saturday, October 15 – 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
• Sunday, October 16 – 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, championship matches on the main stages from approximately 4:30 PM – 8:30PM

Location:              Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center

6000 W. Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, Florida 34746

Pricing:

• Spectator Passes for the weekend = $25
• Halo: Reach Team Pass = $280
• Call of Duty: Black Ops Team Pass = $240
• Starcraft 2 Player Pass = $70

ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE GAMING

Founded in 2002, Major League Gaming (MLG) is the dominant media property exclusively targeting the approximately 40 million consumers in North America who have a passion for playing video games as a competitive social activity. The company exclusively represents the best professional gamers and gives millions of aspiring gamers around the world an opportunity to compete, improve their skills, and socialize through a thriving online competitive community and live Pro Circuit competitions. For more information: www.majorleaguegaming.com.

EA Sets Gamers on a Race for Their Life on October 18 with “Need for Speed: The Run” Demo

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Do you have what it takes to beat your friends in a high-speed race from the Golden Gate to the Empire State? Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced that gamers will get a chance to test their mettle in an action-packed demo for Need for Speed The Run beginning October 18. Using the Need for Speed franchise’s signature Autolog feature*, gamers will compete to see who will come out on top and who will be left in the dust as they race through the Desert Hills of California and Independence Pass of Colorado.

In the Need for Speed The Run demo, players will have access to two high-powered supercars including the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni. The second car, the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S, will be unlocked when gamers refer a friend to download the demo, giving them one of first opportunities to get behind the wheel of this 400HP luxury ride. The Need for Speed The Run demo will be available on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace worldwide and the PlayStation®Network in North America from October 18^th to November 1^st, and available on the PlayStation Network in Europe from October 19^th to November 1^st.

Need for Speed The Run takes gamers on a heart-pounding, high-stakes race that will have them surrounded by a constant feeling of danger. The heat is on and lethal action unfolds as gamers take on the role of Jack Rourke and battle 200 of the world’s most notorious racers for a $25M cash prize. Weaving through dense urban traffic, rocketing down icy mountain passes and navigating narrow canyons at breakneck speeds, gamers will be challenged in this illicit race for their life. Powered by Frostbite™ 2, Black Box makes its return and takes the action racing genre to new heights with stunning visuals and car physics that hug the road at insanely fast speeds. In Need for Speed The Run, the cars are hot, the racing is intense and the story will have players at the edge of their seat, delivering this holiday’s hottest action racing game.

Developed by Black Box, an EA studio, Need for Speed The Run will be available November 15, 2011 in North America and November 17, 2011 in Europe for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PC, Wii™ and Nintendo 3DS™. For more information on Need for Speed, visit http://www.needforspeed.com or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/needforspeed and follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/needforspeed.

* Available in the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and Nintendo 3DS versions only

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company’s game franchises are offered as both packaged goods products and online services delivered through Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 100 million registered players and operates in 75 countries.

In fiscal 2011, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.6 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster franchises such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, Need for Speed™, Battlefield, and Mass Effect™. More information about EA is available at http://info.ea.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, POGO and Need for Speed are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Frostbite is a trademark of EA Digital Illusions CE AB. The names, designs, and logos of all products are the property of their respective owners and used by permission. Microsoft, Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. “PlayStation” and “PlayStation Network” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Wii and Nintendo 3DS are trademarks of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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EA Teams up with Football Stars for Battlefield 3: Operation Gridiron

Drew Brees, Clay Matthews, Larry Fitzgerald, and Jared Allen Team Up to Experience the Ultimate Special Operations Training Inspired by Battlefield 3 Videogame

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– From the football field to the battlefield, the Battlefield 3™ experience comes alive this fall! Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced that it has teamed up with some of football’s biggest stars for an exclusive reality show titled GTTV Presents Battlefield 3: Operation Gridiron. Airing on Spike TV this fall, the show takes quarterback Drew Brees, linebacker Clay Matthews, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and defensive end Jared Allen into real-life combat scenarios inspired by the award—winning videogame, Battlefield 3. Filmed at a top secret location, these all-star athletes are provided the ultimate in combat training by some of the world’s most elite Special Operations Warriors. Following their advanced training, they must work together as a team to accomplish a live simulated operation, pulled straight from the gritty war scenarios players will face in the game. Starting today, weekly Tuesday webisodes will be posted at 9:00am PDT on the Battlefield Facebook page. The finale will air on Spike TV on October 24 at 12:00am EST/PDT and at 11:00pm CST. Gamers can “LIKE” Battlefield 3 on www.facebook.com/battlefield to view the Battlefield 3: Operation Gridiron webseries.

“Taking to the battlefield in these real life war settings was really exciting and eye-opening,” said All-Pro quarterback Drew Brees. “Every day men and women face challenges similar to what we tackled in this show but with potential dire consequences. Filming this show once again reinforced my respect for the soldiers who fight every day for our freedom.”

Battlefield 3, developed by DICE in Stockholm Sweden, is one of the most anticipated games of 2011, having already earned more than 50 awards including ‘Best Action Game’ and ‘Best Online Multiplayer Game.’ Critics praise the game for its intense gameplay experience, powered by the Frostbite™ 2 state-of-the-art game engine that delivers superior performance in character animation, visual rendering, audio and physical destruction. To accompany the game, Orion Publishing will release a novel called Battlefield 3: The Russian written by the highly decorated ex-SAS operator and best-selling author of Bravo Two Zero, Andy McNab, with co-author Peter Grimsdale. McNab is working with the creative team at DICE to ensure the authenticity and grittiness of today’s warfare is experienced in the single player, co-op and multiplayer campaigns.

Battlefield 3 will be available October 25, 2011 in North America for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® videogame entertainment system and the PC. For the latest news on Battlefield please visit www.facebook.com/battlefield or follow us on Twitter a www.twitter.com/battlefield.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company’s game franchises are offered as both packaged goods products and online services delivered through Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 100 million registered players and operates in 75 countries.

In fiscal 2011, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.6 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster franchises such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, Need for Speed™, Battlefield, and Mass Effect™. More information about EA is available at http://info.ea.com.

The Sims and Need for Speed are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Battlefield 3 and Frostbite are trademarks of EA Digital Illusions CE AB. Mass Effect is a trademark of EA International (Studio and Publishing) LTD. Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. John Madden, NFL and FIFA are the property of their respective owners. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.