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ROCK BAND Media Alert

ROCK BAND^TM FANS THROW UP THE HORNS FOR CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED HEAVY METAL MEGADETH ALBUM PEACE SELLS…BUT WHO’S BUYING?

Harmonix and MTV Games announced today the addition of Megadeth’s album Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? as the fourth album to join the Rock Band^TM Music Store catalog of downloadable content. One of the most influential heavy metal albums of its time, Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? will be available starting September 16, 2008, for the Xbox®360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and September 18, 2008, for PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainmentsystem.

Megadeth, a pioneer of the American thrash metal movement, has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and continues to stand apart with their snarling vocals and distinctive guitar style. The seminal 1986 classic Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? has sold more than one million copies nationwide, with the title track included on the Rock Band 2 disc with the DLC album including the following tracks:

1. Wake Up Dead
2. The Conjuring
3. Devil’s Island
4. Good Mourning / Black Friday
5. Bad Omen
6. I Ain’t Superstitious
7. My Last Words

Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? will be available for $10.99 (880 Microsoft Points) for the album, or $1.99 (160 Microsoft Points) per track.

With the addition of the Megadeth album there are now more than 300 tracks available to date via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks at www.rockband.com/dlc). Rock Band continues to fly off shelves and satisfy music fans and gamers’ voracious appetite for rock with more than 21 million downloads since its launch on November 20, 2007. The Rock Band Music Store allows players to preview and purchase downloadable individual music tracks and packs from the vast selection of offerings available to date without ever leaving the game as they build their own custom Rock Band library.

Rock Band allows online play and features that expand the boundaries of music gaming. Rock Band downloadable content is playable and integrated into setlists in all game modes including: Solo Tour, Band World Tour, head-to-head competition either locally or online, and from any Quickplay mode. In order to play downloadable content for head-to-head matches or multiplayer online, all players must own the same downloadable track. Downloadable content for Xbox 360 is available for purchase via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360 using Microsoft Points and is downloaded directly to the Xbox 360 hard drive. Downloadable content for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system’s version of Rock Band is available for purchase on the PLAYSTATION®Store through the free PLAYSTATION Network and is downloaded directly to PLAYSTATION 3 system’s built in hard drive.

Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game company in the world, and MTV Games, launched Rock Band 2 September 14, 2008, which supports all previously downloaded content. The groundbreaking music platform that forever changed the face of music video games is committed to taking gaming to the next level with the evolution of the franchise. Rock Band 2 will make its debut on Xbox 360 and be available for additional platforms later this year.

Rock Band is rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.

Launching today on WiiWare, “Strong Badia the Free” makes gaming history

Today’s release establishes Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People as the first ongoing episodic series on a connected console

SAN RAFAEL, CA, September 15, 2008 – The second Strong Bad episode is now available on WiiWare and PC, making Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People the first episodic series to deliver regular, timely releases on a connected console. “Strong Badia the Free” comes one month after the series premiere, “Homestar Ruiner,” which immediately jumped to the top of the North American WiiWare charts and remained at #1 on the Popular Titles list for four straight weeks.

This positive response to the interactive Strong Bad series indicates a shift in consumer preferences, with connected consoles and digital services like WiiWare poised to overtake television as a source of regularly-scheduled entertainment among mainstream audiences. The Strong Bad games play like interactive sitcoms; rather than simply sitting back and watching, players take an active role in the episodes, interacting with characters and making the story unfold. Side activities, Easter eggs, and unlockable bonuses make this an experience worth returning to long after the story ends—something that can’t be said for an episode of television.

“The entertainment world is changing in ways that allow new types of entertainment to succeed in a very competitive market,” says Telltale CEO Dan Connors. “WiiWare provides an excellent channel for unique series like Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People to reach an audience that’s hungry for high-quality interactive content.”

The Strong Bad games, which are based on the web cartoons that have been running at HomestarRunner.com since 2000, have comedic appeal that extends beyond the original cartoons’ fan base. Penned by Chuck Jordan, the lead writer on Telltale’s award-winning Sam & Max series, “Strong Badia the Free” puts an irreverent spin on global politics when Strong Bad declares war on the tyrannical King of Town and secedes to form his own nation. Join Strong Bad on his trip across the fractured countryside, reuniting his compatriots and standing up for what’s right as only a loudmouthed, destruction-prone, lucha libra wrestling mask wearing cartoon character can. The game’s cutting humor and unapologetic satire offer a refreshing alternative to the political banter that currently dominates prime time.

In North America, “Strong Badia the Free” can be downloaded through the Wii Shop Channel for 1,000 Wii Points, with availability in other territories to follow shortly. PC versions of the Strong Bad games and free demos are available at www.telltalegames.com/strongbad.

waiting for the announcement. I have a little more to do to get my review done :) It’s definately more of a good thing! Since i just had the WiiWare announcement of Ep. 2, I would have to guess that the PC version is coming today too!

Sept. 15, 2008 – Two is your lucky number at the Wii™ Shop Channel this week. You’ll find a pair of totally different yet equally awesome sequels on offer: the second installment in the outrageous Strong Bad game series on WiiWare™, and a memorable sequel from the classicMega Man™ series on the Virtual Console™. Two is also the total number of WiiWare titles debuting this week, including an eye-popping new puzzle game that’s suitable for two players. And while it only takes one Wii™ console to access them, you’ll need two hands to applaud this ever-growing selection of great games.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new games are:

WiiWare

Strong Bad Episode 2: Strong Badia the Free (Telltale Games, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older-Crude Humor, Mild Cartoon Violence, Use of Alcohol, 1,000 Wii Points):Strong Badia the Free is the second of five monthly episodes starring Strong Bad-the self-proclaimed “coolest person ever”-and the rest of the cast from the popular Homestar Runner Web cartoons. When Strong Bad fails to obey the King of Town’s totally unfair e-mail tax, he’s placed under house arrest. Once freed from his wrongful imprisonment, Strong Bad goes on a mission to unite the local warring factions under the Strong Badian flag. Is Free Country USA ready for such an awesome ruler? Strong Bad Episode 2: Strong Badia the Free also has the Videlectrix arcade classic “Math Kickers Featuring the Algebros,” plus all-new achievements, collectibles, costumes and Teen Girl Squad comics. You can even use Strong Bad’s Lappy to send e-mails and pictures to your Wii Friends™. So what are you waiting for? Fire up Strong Badia the Free and get ready to kick some doughy King of Town butt.

Potpourrii (Abstraction Games, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): In the puzzle game Potpourrii, everything revolves around the seasons. For centuries, the seasons have followed a set pattern. But then things start to go awry in the forest. Suddenly it’s snowing while the sun shines and flowers bloom while leaves are falling. Then a strange purple goo appears. The leprechauns are stunned. Even worse, the magic oak of life loses its power. It all turns out to be the fault of an evil wizard. You must help the leprechauns defeat him and restore natural order. To do this, you need to collect seasonal spirits. Pick them up with the spirit cannon, shoot them at the center of the screen, group them and make them disappear. But watch out-they get faster and faster. In short: Potpourrii is a puzzle game that keeps you hooked with its colorful visuals, beautiful effects and easy-to-use controls using the Wii Remote™ controller. Play alone or with a second player, and even use your Mii™ character.

Virtual Console

Mega Man 2 (NES™, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): Widely regarded by fans as one of the greatest action games of all time, Mega Man 2 is the second title in the seminal NES series. With even more stages and robot masters than the previous installment, its sheer size and scope are enough to get any action gamer’s heart palpitating. The year is 200X. Dr. Light’s super-robot, Mega Man, has succeeded in smashing the evil ambition of the nefarious Dr. Wily, and peace reigns over the planet. However, Dr. Wily proves to be a hard man to keep down and has returned with a new army of robot masters in tow to challenge our hero. Can Mega Man save the world again?

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.

FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, has entered an exclusive partnership with Studio X, the publishing arm of award-winning mobile media company Player X, and granted exclusive mobile game licensee rights for the America’s Got Talent, the #1 summer series on NBC produced by SyCo television and FremantleMedia North America.

Under the terms of the deal, Studio X will have exclusive rights for the US and Canada where the official America’s Got Talent mobile game has been rolled out across all operators. The mobile game encapsulates the brand properties of the TV show with innovative casual gameplay that tests gamers’ puzzle and rhythmic skills in the frenzied atmosphere of a TV show.

The mobile game is being supported by an integrated marketing campaign across both countries. Previously Player X has worked with FME in Europe and published mobile games based on five classic FME game shows that include Family Fortunes, The Price Is Right, Sale of the Century and Blockbusters.

“We are delighted to be working with FME again on one of their top-rated game shows after our previous collaborations in Europe on Family Fortunes and The Price is Right,” said Tony Pearce, CEO of Player X. “America’s Got Talent’is a phenomenon and we’re confident the casual game we have published will be similarly successful.”

“We are very excited to be working with a talented mobile partner such as Player X. Their new and unique gameplay taps into the core values of the show’s energy, quirkiness and unpredictability”, said Olivier Delfosse, Senior Manager, Interactive for FMNA.

The announcement follows the recent launch of Player X’s new branding and organisational structure into two operating divisions, Player X Distribution and Studio X, the content arm of the company.

Now in its third season, AMERICA’S GOT TALENT is produced by FremantleMedia North America and Simon Cowell’s SYCO Televison. Cowell, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Jason Raff, James Sunderland and Georgie Hurford-Jones are executive producers. Distributed by FME to more than 100 territories worldwide, the show is hosted by Jerry Springer and presided over by celebrity judges David Hasselhoff, Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne, all featured in the mobile game.

CD Projekt RED are celebrating the forthcoming launch of The Witcher: Enhanced Edition with a full week of brand new content at the official websitewww.thewitcher.com

Throughout the week visitors to the site will have exclusive access to new developer previews of the new adventures, an all-new The Witcher: Enhanced Edition ringtones pack, new developer diaries and interviews, exclusive music and much more.

Reviews of The Witcher: Enhanced Edition so far include:

“The best just got better. Own it. 10/10″
– PC Powerplay, Australia

“The Enhanced Edition confirms the unquestionable value of this title. 9/10”
– Giochi per il Mio Computer, Italy

The Witcher: Enhanced Edition ships in North America on Tuesday 16 September and will be available in Europe from Friday 19 September.

BitRaider Launches New Digital Distribution Technology

Austin, TX, September 15, 2008 - BitRaider today launched its new intelligent streaming technology at the Austin Game Developer Conference. This revolutionary technology promises to change the rules of digital distribution by letting players begin playing games when only ten percent of the installation is complete. Even more important, the player experience continues without noticeable interruption of play or reduced computing performance of the PC by the streaming of the game content in the background.

“As gamers ourselves we understand that just starting to play quickly isn’t the only challenge. We want the experience to be the same as if it were already pre-installed without any hit in performance. For gamers, they just want to play, they really do not want to be involved with how the download is being performed.” said Royal O’Brien, Founder and CEO of BitRaider. “Building a technology that is virtually invisible, yet delivers a quality play experience, is what changes the entire download distribution game.”

Whether it’s a MMO, FPS, or casual game, the BitRaider technology intuitively knows how to stream and dynamically adapt to the needed assets ahead of the game play. The technology leverages today’s multiprocessor / multicore systems by adaptive multithreading and tapping into the systems unused processing power.

“I believe this technology will create a sea change in the digital distribution of games and massively affect the economics of gaming entertainment,” said Jay Moore, BitRaider’s Director of Business Development and Founder of The Strategery Group. “I see a very wide variety of exciting new ventures, and I joined this one in a capacity beyond my normal advisory board role because I believe BitRaider will truly change the course of gaming.”

BitRaider technology works without any integration and automatically performs all of the mundane steps of installation by packaging ready to play final game files. BitRaider utilizes a small loader program that locates the needed streaming assets, installs the package, and runs the BitRaider profiled file for the player. It has been tested to work without conflict with all major DRM and virus protection software.

MOSCOW, September 15, 2008 - Leading Eastern and Central European publisher 1C Company announced today the King’s Bounty: The Legend English demo is available atftp://ftp.1cpublishing.eu/demos/Kings_Bounty - 080909/kb_demo_setup.exe. The demo includes the first city in the game, all three character types, multiple quests and dozens of spells.

King’s Bounty: The Legendis an adventure game with tactical turn-based battles and RPG elements unfolding in a rich fantasy world. The character and his army of companions travel across a huge continent, visiting dozens of different locations all connected to each other. Communicating with NPCs, collecting resources and recruiting an army the player will control their character in real-time mode, while all battles take place in classic turn-based mode with a strong emphasis on tactical elements.

Developed by faithful fans of the original King’s Bounty, King’s Bounty: The Legend continues the remarkable traditions of the legendary role-playing adventure. This creation of Katauri Interactive is not just a spiritual successor for the critically acclaimed series, but its true rejuvenation.

King’s Bounty: The Legend will be published by 1C Company and distributed in the United States by Atari and Nobilis in Europe. Please visit the website and experience the magic at www.kings-bounty.com.

RACE Pro, the ultra-realistic racing simulation exclusively for Xbox 360, is confirmed for release in January 2009. The months leading up to release will be used to ensure the game reaches the highest possible standard of excellence, the hallmark of every game created by Sweden’s world renowned racing sim development studio SimBin.

To give racing fans a tantalizing taste of the real thrill that only RACE Pro can deliver, a playable demo featuring online multiplayer and single player racing will be available via Xbox Live before Christmas.

Nothing gets closer than RACE Pro. For more information visit www.atari.com/racepro.

Stockholm, Sweden September 15, 2008 - Reachin Technologies and Paradox Interactive announced today an agreement to embed HaptX in the recently released game Penumbra: Requiem, the sequel to Penumbra: Black Plague promising further enhancement to the chilling atmosphere and player interaction with everything that the gamer experiences on the screen.

Like its predecessors, the first person horror adventure game Penumbra: Requiem is focused around story, suspense, immersion and puzzles. Requiem will tie together the previous Penumbra games and give the series its climactic resolution. Requiem picks up where Black Plague ended and sees Philip, the game’s protagonist, falling deeper into madness which forces him to fight some inner demons as well as outer ones.

“Our collaboration with Paradox and Frictional Games continues in this expansion pack to Penumbra: Black Plague and we are thrilled to be able to provide yet another game to the Novint Falcon user community displaying our capabilities along with a revolutionary new gaming experience. The Penumbra series is a perfect fit for our technology and gives the user the means to physically interact and experience the game play in a radically more interesting way – I genuinely believe that we have put mystery adventure games back on the map of the most interesting games to play today”, said Mats Lordin, CEO of Reachin Technologies.

“We’ve seen what the HaptX technology does to the Penumbra games, so continuing our relationship with Reachin has really been a no-brainer. We’ve been amazed at how the HaptX team has been able to take a great game play and improve it even further through its revolutionary game interaction with the Novint Falcon”, said Fredrik Wester, Executive Vice President of Paradox Interactive.

The standard PC version of Penumbra: Requiem was released on August 27th. The HaptX Edition will be released early December and can be played with the Novint Falcon controller.

The Novint Falcon has won numerous awards worldwide including IGN’s BEST OF E3: GEAR AWARD. The Falcon and the game Penumbra: Black plague received a 90% rating and “Recommended buy” in the June 2008 issue of the Swedish PC Gamer magazine