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Players receive a free Banjo-Kazooie Xbox LIVE Arcade redeem code with pre-order at participating retailers, and new game world Jiggoseum brings the Olympic spirit to Banjo’s next adventure

Ready your spring-loaded propeller boat and fasten your seatbelt, “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” is hitting U.S. store shelves on November 14, and pre-orders begin today. For the retail price of $39.99, those who pre-order at participating retailers will get in on all the Banjo fun right off the starting line, and as a special bonus, will also receive a free download code for the original “Banjo-Kazooie,” launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade later this fall.

As Kazooie likes to say, “The early bird gets the worm.” Since the original “Banjo-Kazooie” will not debut on Xbox LIVE Arcade until a couple weeks after “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” releases, pre-ordering the game gives you a two-week head start on the Arcade title and the opportunity to take advantage of “Stop N’ Swop” before anyone else. “Stop N’ Swop” rewards players’ accomplishments in the new game with extra content and features in the Xbox LIVE Arcade game, giving fans who pre-order “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” the chance to experience more Banjo action than ever.

Additionally, everyone’s favorite bear and bird duo has Olympic fever. What do Banjo and Beijing have in common? The newly revealed game world Jiggoseum (formerly dubbed World of Sports) will have you taking on a series of Olympic-inspired events for the jiggy gold!

This giant stadium evokes themes of ancient Rome and Greece with modern day sports activities. The Jiggoseum, common stomping ground for Mr. Fit and Trophy Thomas, will include 17 challenges to test Banjo’s (and his contraptions’) athletic abilities. In order to successfully complete his adventure in this world, Banjo must transport the Olympic Torch across a large body of water to help Captain Blubber light the Olympic Cauldron. A boat may seem like the vehicle of choice for the job… but with tons of options, it’s up to the player to decide.

For brand new art and additional information on the Jiggoseum, visit banjo-kazooie.com. For additional information on the “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” pre-order program, visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/splash/b/bknutsandbolts/.

Gamers get their chance to mold the cybernetic god Baldur into a hero for the ages

The wait is over! Microsoft announced today that “Too Human,” the epic action role-playing game from famed development house Silicon Knights, has shipped to North American retailers. Available exclusively on Xbox 360, “Too Human” is available for an ESRP of $59.99 and rated “T” for Teen.

Forging an extraordinary union between cyberspace and Nordic mythology, “Too Human” allows players to take on the role of the cybernetic god Baldur as he confronts an onslaught of machines threatening to exterminate mankind. Along the way, gamers are treated to “Too Human’s” intricate character customization features which allow for virtually endless combinations of weapons, armor and cybernetic enhancements across five distinct character classes. Players can also engage in the action online through seamlessly integrated cooperative gameplay over Xbox LIVE.

In “Too Human” Silicon Knights employs a dynamic camera, groundbreaking motion capture techniques, stunning visuals and a powerful orchestral score to set a new cinematic standard for action RPGs. “Too Human” offers the combination of enthralling gameplay and mind-blowing aesthetics that defines next generation gaming on Xbox 360.

As an added bonus, gamers can now experience the fifth installment of the “Too Human” video diary series, available for download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Silicon Knights director and president Denis Dyack, director of design Henry Sterchi and director of content Ken McCulloch provide insight into the origins of “Too Human,” including origins of the storyline and how it ties in with Norse mythology. The video diary also includes the final installment of the documentary titled, “The Goblin Man of Norway,” where the researchers continue to discover secrets surrounding the mysterious ancient technology.

More information on “Too Human” is available at www.xbox.com/toohuman.

English Speed Metal Band DragonForce to Debut New Single as Part of Downloadable Track Pack for Guitar Hero(R) III: Legends of Rock

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug 19, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — Known for their out-of-control riffs, fast paced songs and twin guitar solos, DragonForce will ascend the virtual stage once again to unleash “Heroes of Our Time” — the debut single off their new album Ultra Beatdown — in a three-song track pack for Activision Publishing, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero(R) III: Legends of Rock. The DragonForce track pack will be available on August 21, 2008 giving gamers the unique opportunity to download and play “Heroes of Our Time” in advance of the album release.

After experiencing the furious fret work of “Through the Fire and Flames,” Guitar Hero(R) fans will have their shredding skills pushed to the limit with “Revolution Deathsquad” and “Operation Ground and Pound” from their third album Inhuman Rampage, in addition to “Heroes of Our Time,” which will set players’ fingers ablaze as they try to keep up with some of the most challenging riffs to date.

The three-song DragonForce Track Pack will be available for download on Xbox LIVE(R) Marketplace for Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and in the PLAYSTATION(R)Store for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system on August 21, 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. For more information visit http://community.guitarhero.com.

LEIPZIG, Germany – August 19, 2008
The PC Gaming Alliance (PCGA) today unveiled the key findings from its first “Horizons” Report, an exclusive research study of the PC gaming industry worldwide. Speaking at the Games Convention Developer’s Conference in Leipzig, PCGA president Randy Stude announced that PC gaming was a $10.7 billion industry during the year of 2007, with retail sales accounting for just 30 percent of total revenues. According to the report, growth was largely driven by online revenues from Asia, the world’s largest market, which is approaching half of total worldwide sales.

Online PC gaming revenue led the way in 2007 with $4.8 billion, nearly double the worldwide retail sales numbers for PC games. Digital distribution sales approached $2 billion, while advertising revenues from websites, portals, and in-game ads accounted for $800 million. Both are expected to grow substantially as major developers and publishers begin to adopt formal strategies to take advantage of new online opportunities.

“Our analysis clearly shows incredible growth in online PC gaming, proof that this industry is far stronger than anyone has reported,” said Stude. “Today’s consumers shop where they live – online.”

According to DFC Intelligence, there is even more room for growth as the broadband market matures.

“By pioneering new business models, the PC has quietly remained the single leading platform for games, not only in terms of consumer usage, but revenue generation,” said David Cole, an analyst with DFC Intelligence. “The most fascinating thing about PC gaming is its ability to attract such a diverse audience, both demographically and geographically. The real key has been the rapid growth in penetration of broadband-connected PCs in all markets around the world. Broadband-connected PCs are the key driver of growth for PC gaming. DFC Intelligence estimated that by the end of 2007 less than one-third of households in the top 20 markets for games had a high-speed Internet connection. That clearly indicates that there is still plenty of growth to come. The initiatives of the PCGA will be a key enabler of growth as they will help the industry identify key trends and opportunities in this rapidly emerging market.”

Updated bi-annually, the full Horizons Report is available to all PCGA members. It encompasses sales from every region around the world, and from every part of the PC gaming industry compiled by the PCGA from internal resources through a third party. This includes retail, online gaming, digital distribution, and online advertising. Those interested in joining can find membership details and additional information about the PCGA and its role as the voice of the PC gaming industry at www.pcgamingalliance.org.

Anyone interested in the state of the PC gaming industry will also be able to see Randy Stude present the key findings of the Horizons report during NVISION 08 in San Jose, Calif. on August 25 in the San Jose Hilton adjacent to the convention center at 3:30 p.m. in San Carlos rooms 1 & 2. More NVISION details can be found at www.nvision2008.com.

GAMESCAMPUS.COM’S Shot-Online To Be Included in Official 2008 Game and Game World Championship

Gamescampus.com and KIPA Invite Fans of the Popular MMO Golf Simulation Game, Shot-Online, to Participate in the 2008 GNGWC

San Jose, Calif. (August 19, 2008) – San Jose-based online game publisher, Gamescampus.com (www.gamescampus.com, run by OnNet USA), announced today that Shot-Online has been chosen as an official game of 2008 GNGWC (Game and Game World Championship) which will be hosted by KIPA (Korean Industry Promotion Agency) and sponsored by KT Corporation.

The 2008 Tournament will mark the 3rd annual GNGWC. A total of six countries, including Brazil and Singapore, will each hold local contests with the final global match being held in Korea this November.

“We are proud that Shot-Online has again been chosen as an official game for the 2008 GNGWC. This year marks the 3rd consecutive year that Shot-Online will be participating as an official game in the GNGWC World Championship,” said David Chang, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Gamescampus.com. “Shot-Online has tremendous worldwide appeal and we are confident players around the globe will enjoy the fierce competition and tremendous prizes.”

There are a total of six countries that will run local contests for the 2008 GNGWC (Germany, Singapore, U,S,  Brazil, Korea, Japan and Taiwan). The European local preliminary contests  commenced on August 1st, 2008 and the local final contests will follow, beginning in Germany on August 22nd, 2008; September 6 in Singapore; September 20 in San Jose, California, and  October 4 in Brazil. The final global competition will be held on November 16, 2008 in Korea. Gamescampus.com will keep Shot-Online fans updated on all the contest stats live as each contest takes place.

Shot-Online players can sign up by going to GamesCampus official website (http://shotonline.gamescampus.com). Players in the 2008 GNGWC will compete to win exciting prizes, including $5,000 USD in cash for the 1st prize winner.

For more information about Gamescampus.com or Shot-Online Season 2,please visit www.gamescampus.com .

For more information on the 2008 GNGWC, please visit official website (http://www.gamengame.com/gngwc/).