Archive for July 23rd, 2009

Game With Fame: Play Xbox LIVE Arcade’s Texas Hold’em with Fabolous

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Fabolous is back with his long-awaited album, LOSO’S WAY, and to celebrate, he’s breaking out the classic Xbox LIVE® Arcade game Texas Hold ‘em and challenging Xbox LIVE Gold members to a gaming session. If you’re an Xbox LIVE Gold Member (if not, upgrade now!), and you want a chance to play with Fabolous, send a friend request to the following Gamertag and be online half an hour before (4:30 P.M. ET) the Game with Fame session starts on Sunday, July 26, 5:00 P.M. ET. If you get a chance to play with Fabolous, we want to hear about it! Send us an e-mail to xboxgwf@live.com with the subject: “GWF – Fabolous.” Be sure to include your Gamertag and home town.

Brooklyn-based hip-hop artist Fabolous (John Jackson) has released five albums, the latest of which, LOSO’S WAY, is sure to gain the Gold or Platinum status that his previous albums have achieved. From Ghetto Fabolous (2001), to Street Dreams (2003), Real Talk (2004), and the influential From Nothin’ to Somethin’ (2007), Fabolous continues to explore the perils of transitioning from the street life to musical artist.

If you want a taste of the music of Fabolous, check out these videos from Xbox LIVE Marketplace:

Exclusive Behind the Scenes with Fabolous – http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/videos/media/e5be1adc-693c-4162-b2e5-b55aedeaf6a1

“Throw It In The Bag” – http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/videos/media/950280d8-8421-4c4e-836a-da4427ee8b9d

“Baby Don’t Go” – http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/videos/media/01aa5d7f-6ac1-422a-9c33-000cd363cac9

Fabolous Game With Fame on Xbox LIVE

Date: July 26th

Location: New York City

Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (EST)

Game: Xbox LIVE® Arcade’s Texas Hold’em

GAMERTAG: LososWay GwFame (**Note space between LososWay and GwFame)

URL: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/calendar/gamewithfame/2009/0726-fabolous.htm

Follow the Game With Fame Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gamewithfame

Innex shares success with kids in need

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Videogame Distributor Donates Percentage to Kids in Need Foundation Helping

Provide Free School Supplies to Impoverished Children

Innex, a major distributor of videogame peripherals and accessories, today announced that it has signed a cause marketing license agreement with the KIDS IN NEED FOUNDATION. Marathon Projects Ltd, the licensing agency for the Kids In Need Foundation negotiated the transaction. This will be the latest partnership agreement under the Kids In Need Foundation cause licensing program.

Believing that the meaning of success is the ability to help others, Innex, Inc. has announced that it will donate a percentage of its sales revenue to the KIDS IN NEED FOUNDATION, a charity that provides free school supplies to impoverished children. Moving forward, Innex will allocate a portion of all revenue, including sales of its exclusive brands (Komodo, Retro-Bit, Exo-Flex) to KIDS IN NEED.

Innex was established by Titi and Joey Ngoy, brothers whose family fled to a Thai Refugee Camp from Cambodia in 1979 while the country was suffering from violent revolution and extreme poverty inflicted by Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. Titi and Joey’s parents arrived in America with nothing, but managed, through hard work, to provide their children with the education necessary to prosper.

“Through our own family experience, we are very aware of the importance of an education and the difficulties faced by impoverished children,” stated Titi Ngoy, President of Innex. “Teaming up with KIDS IN NEED offers us the opportunity to make a contribution to a charity that is near to our heart and will hopefully make a difference in the lives of kids who need an extra hand getting ahead.”

David Smith, Executive Director of the KIDS IN NEED FOUNDATION stated, “KIDS IN NEED is very excited to partner with Innex since videogames are an important part of our youth’s culture. To be able to integrate Innex’s videogame peripheral and accessory program with KIDS IN NEED has fundamental appeal for both companies and helps strengthen KIDS IN NEED’S mission to provide school supplies for more children who need them.

Research shows that when children are provided with basic school supplies their grades go up, their confidence increases and their attitude toward learning improves. KIDS IN NEED is the number 1 charity focused on America’s under-funded educational system. KIDS IN NEED provides free school supplies to impoverished children as well as curriculum grants to under-funded teachers.

About Kids In Need Foundation

The Kids In Need Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 1995. The Foundation’s mission is to ensure that every child is prepared to learn and succeed by providing free school supplies nationally to students most in need. The Kids in Need National Network of Resource Centers includes 23 facilities that allow teachers from low-income schools to obtain free school supplies for their students. In addition, Kids In Need Teacher Grants provide K-12 educators with funding to provide innovative learning opportunities for students. The Kids in Need Foundation has distributed nearly $300 million in school supplies since its founding, directly benefiting 1.6 million students and 100,000 teachers annually, and has awarded $1 million in grants to teachers. The Kids In Need Foundation has received Charity Navigator’s highest four-star rating, indicating that it executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way and outperforms most other charities in America. For more information, visit www.kinf.org. Follow Kids In Need on Twitter, http://twitter.com/kidsinneed

Dreamland Online Tests the European and American Waters

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Dreamland Online (http://do.igg.com) is beautifully crafted 3D side-scrolling MMORPG being brought to you by IGG, the gaming developer and developer with more than 8,000,000 registered users. This game is the latest addition in a string of IGG produced titles that include Galaxy Online and their debut project, GodsWar Online. With Dreamland Online enjoying acclaim for quality and playability during the 3rd Alpha Test of its Chinese Version, the English Version is set to be released in the European and American markets by the end of this year and is expected to do very well.

The game storyline centers on the Courage Source. Dreamland was a peaceful place once, but this fairy tale world was turned upside-down when the Evil Fog brought about a deadly plague. Desperate to save themselves, the people of Dreamland were rewarded for their faith by the appearance of a huge branch of the life tree, known as the Courage Source. The branch pierced the cloud of death and gave the people a special gift: Hero Faith that can endow the brave with power. The people summoned heroes to take up arms and use the power of Hero Faith to defend their homeland from monstrous threats. War had come to Dreamland, but with it came hope.

The main feature of Dreamland Online is its pet system. In Dreamland pets play a central role – they can assist players in fighting monsters and completing quests, but they are also loyal companions on lonely adventures. Also, there is the unique Change Apparel system which enables players to customize their character’s style as they like, from clothes and gear to hairstyles and eye color. In addition, a competitive PVP system makes Dreamland a place that is not as friendly and whimsical as it might first seem.

There is a ton of captivating content available in Dreamland Online, so if you want find out more visit their website (http://do.igg.com) for all the latest game information.

CJ Internet Launches Closed Beta For Highly Anticipated Fighting Online Game Mini Fighter

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

CJ Internet, the leading global entertainment company, today announced the launch of the Mini Fighter closed beta test and released a new gameplay trailer showcasing in-game battles. In the short week leading up to the launch of the beta, thousands of players pre-registered for beta keys and downloaded the Mini Fighter client. Eager players will now have the opportunity to explore various battle zones – including tag match, free battle and gem catch – and battle opponents in 14 different modes, as well as participate in a variety of community events throughout the closed beta phase.

“Players will have a lot to experience in the first beta test of Mini Fighter,” said Youngjong Jung, President and CEO of CJ Internet. “We’ve been hard at work developing these rich new zones and inaugural events in the game, and it’s exciting to see players enter into the game for the first time and truly engage with the world and its inhabitants.”

During the closed beta phase, players can explore the following new areas in Mini Fighter: battle room, coliseum and single play mode. In addition, players have several play modes to choose from including Survival and Tag Team, and can engage in Village Grapple and Siege Warfare battles with over 200 players at a time.

Additionally, CJ Internet will host two special events during the closed beta. In the first event, called “Achieve Level 25,” players who reach level 25 will receive a colorful character name upgrade that carries over to the full version of the game. In the second event, called “Phoenix Pet Griffith,” players who collect 20 gold carp and visit the Jiang Taigong NPC can exchange the carp for a special addition pet.

To view the new gameplay trailer for Mini Fighter, please click on the following link: http://global.netmarble.com/minifighter/Download/videos.asp

For more information about Mini Fighter and to register for entry into the closed beta, please visit the official Netmarble website at: http://global.netmarble.com/minifighter/

About Mini Fighter

Mini Fighter is a frenetic, side-scrolling fighting game that features massively multiplayer online battles of up to 210 combatants. Players can level-up their fighters and compete in a wide variety of modes, from Survival and Tag Team matches to Boss fights and daily Siege Warfare. Take a break from the fisticuffs to compete in a variety of minigames, including the brain-busting Quiz Village. Combining a simple user interface with action-packed gameplay, Mini Fighter is sure to be a blast no matter what kind of MMO player you are!

Public Beta Test of Hive Rise

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Today the public beta test of Hive Rise has finally started. You are invited to check the innovative combination of a real time strategy game and an MMOG for flaws. You can start playing at once, no registration is needed.

http://www.HiveRise.com

Hive Rise is an extremely fast running real time strategy game. It takes place on huge maps, each providing space for over 1000 human players. There are 12 different play modes, each offering a unique trophy. What makes it even more outstanding is the fact that the short matches (about 10 minutes) can be started at once without having to wait for teammates.

Spartacus Conquers Comic-Con with Upcoming iPhone/iPod Touch Game

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

New Starz Original Action Series ‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand,’ Coming to Premier Fan Event with Panel Discussion,

Ultimate Fan Pack Giveaways, Sneak Peek and More

First Look at Upcoming Official “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” iPhone/iPod Touch Game, Motion Comic

Fans will be able to enter the arena of the eagerly anticipated Starz original series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con July 24 from 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM PT (room 6BCF). Starz is bringing some of the leading creative and on-air talent for fans and critics to meet in person to the leading industry fan event. Set to debut exclusively on Starz in January 2010, the violent and epic gladiator tale will have a graphic novel look and style unlike any other series on TV.

Join Lucy Lawless (“Xena: Warrior Princess,” “Battlestar Galactica”), actor Peter Mensah (300, Avatar), Executive ProducersRob Tapert (Evil Dead 1-2, Drag Me To Hell) and Steven S. DeKnight (“Angel,” “Smallville, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), and actress Erin Cummings (“Dollhouse”). They will discuss the fresh narrative approach to the ancient legend and offer exclusive first look footage at the ground-breaking series. Andy Whitfield, who plays the title character, will deliver a video message and Comic-Con greeting from New Zealand.

Ultimate “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” Fan Packs to first 2,000 Fans at Comic-Con Panel

The first 2,000 fans attending the “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” panel will be treated to complimentary “Ultimate Spartacus: Blood and Sand Fan Packs,” which will include:

* Limited edition copy of “Spartacus: Upon The Sands of Vengeance, ” issue #1 in the “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” comic book mini-series with an exclusive Comic-Con cover

* Autographed 8X10 headshots, featuring 1 of 10 randomly selected autographed photos from a member of the cast of “Spartacus: Blood and Sand”

* “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” trading cards

* “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” USB flash drive featuring cast/unit photos, graphics, poster art, cast and series biographical background information, and more.

* “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” poster with mailing tube

* “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” collectible t-shirt (one of four being created)

“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” iPhone Game, Motion Comic Details

Starz Digital Media also revealed plans to jointly develop the official “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” mobile game designed for iPhone and iPod touch with Artificial Life, Inc (OTC BB: ALIF). The games will utilize the touch screens and motion sensitive features of the popular mobile devices and bring to life the action, violence and sex soon to be seen in the series.

Also, in association with Double Barrel Motion Labs, Starz Digital Media will bring to market a four-part “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” motion comic series. These action-packed videos will feature gladiators battling for eternal glory in a gore fest derived from Devil’s Due Publishing (DDP)’s official upcoming “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” comic book mini-series, to which DeKnight contributed. “Spartacus: Upon The Sands of Vengeance” is the first in the four-part comic book mini-series. A sneak preview of the “Spartacus: Upon the Sands of Vengeance” motion comic episode will be available after the “Spartacus” Comic-Con panel at www.starz.com/spartacus.

“‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand” is the most ambitious project ever undertaken at Starz,” said Bill Hamm, executive vice president, originals production and development for Starz Media. “Comic-Con offers a terrific stage to introduce the series to fans and we are delighted to have such a strong lineup for our debut appearance in San Diego.”

“We look forward to working with a number of key production and distribution partners in bringing ‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand’ to life across multiple platforms and media,” said Marc DeBevoise, senior vice president, digital media, business development and strategy for Starz Media and lead executive for Starz Digital Media. “The projects we’re developing around this franchise offer a tremendous opportunity for us to reach mobile gamers, comic book fans and online video viewers with incredibly unique and compelling content, all prior to the series’ premiere of “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” on Starz.”

On July 24, DeKnight, along with the comic book’s editorial consultant R.H. Stavis, will sign limited edition copies of issue No. 1 in the “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” comic mini-series, with an exclusive Comic-Con cover. The autograph session will be from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM at the DDP booth (#2229).

Comic-Con attendees can swipe their electronic credentials at Starz’ Anchor Bay/Manga booth (#3345) and “enter for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind shield; an authentic prop from the battlefield of “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.

The official “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” trailer, “Spartacus: Upon the Sands of Vengeance” motion comic episode trailer and behind the scenes videos will also be available post-panel at www.starz.com/spartacus and via the Starz “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” Twitter feed, Twitter: @spartacus_starz. “Follow us,” then “direct message” to receive the videos and future “Spartacus” exclusives.

About “Spartacus: Blood and Sand”

Debuting exclusively on Starz, “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” is produced by Starz Media with Executive Producers Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi (Spider-Man and Evil Dead), Joshua Donen The Quick and the Dead), along with DeKnight .

The UK-born and Australia-based Andy Whitfield portrays Spartacus, a soldier in the Roman Auxiliary who is taken prisoner. As punishment for defying a Roman Legate, Spartacus is sentenced to die in the gladiator arena. But after surviving numerous fights, his sentence is commuted and is sold as a slave to be trained as a gladiator. A newcomer in the U.S., Whitfield has gained acclaim in numerous Australian drama series (“McLeod’s Daughters,” “Packed to the Rafters,” “The Strip” and “Out of the Blue”) and also starred in the feature film Gabriel, one of the highest grossing films at the Australian Box Office in 2007. He recently wrapped shooting on the Australian feature, The Clinic.

Lawless is cast as Lucretia, who along with her husband Batiatus (John Hannah), own the slave Spartacus and the Ludus (a gladiator camp) where the former soldier learns the ways of the arena fighter. The couple has fallen on hard times financially and has bought Spartacus hoping his fighting prowess will help them regain their status in the brutal world of gladiatorial contests. Among her many roles, Lawless is best known for portraying “Xena: Warrior Princess” in the long-running global hit series, and has appeared in Syfy’s critically acclaimed “Battlestar Galactica.”

Hannah is the BAFTA Film Awards nominee best known for his work in The Mummy trilogy as well as Four Weddings and a Funeral and on a number of successful British TV series, including “Rebus,” “New Street Law” and “MDs.”

Additional cast members include: Cummings as Spartacus’ Thracian wife, Sura; Mensah as Doctore, Batiatus’ most loyal and trusted slave; Manu Bennett (30 Days of Night, The Condemned) as Crixus, the top gladiator at Batiatus’ Ludus; Antonio Te Maioha (“Xena: Warrior Princess,” “Legend of the Seeker”) as Barca, a big, hulking brute of a man who is Batiatus’ bodyguard and hit man; Craig Parker (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, “Legend of the Seeker”) as Glaber, a Roman Legate, who blames Spartacus for his failed military campaign; and Nick E. Tarabay (“Crash,”

“The Sopranos”) as Ashur, a former gladiator who is now the Ludus’ resident bookie.

DeKnight is the head writer for the series, which is being produced in New Zealand by Starz Media. DeKnight recently finished consulting on Joss Whedon’s “Dollhouse” and will be writing the upcoming eighth installment of the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” comic book series.

Starz’s new “Spartacus” series was inspired by the actual slave of the Roman Republic who in 73 BC led a slave revolt that grew to more than 120,000 fighters. Defying the Roman Republic’s legions of soldiers, they campaigned for two years through much of what is now Italy before succumbing to a much larger army. The new series will tell a new set of stories rich in character, action, sex and combat.

Anchor Bay Entertainment will hold exclusive worldwide home entertainment distribution rights to “Spartacus,” while Starz Media’s Worldwide Distribution group will handle international television and domestic syndication sales and Starz Digital Media will be responsible for all digital distribution globally.

“Spartacus” is just the latest original series for Starz. Its first dramatic series, “Crash,” a co-production from Starz Entertainment and Lionsgate, premiered in October 2008 and is set for its second season in September 2009. Starz Media also produced “Party Down” for Starz, which debuted in early 2009 to high critical acclaim and which was recently renewed for a second season and is set to air in 2010.