Atlus, which had been threatening to pull online support for Demon’s Souls, has decided to extend the limit to March 2011. Apparently, the extreme difficulty was a major turn-off – who knew? (Aside from every game review on the planet including Yahtzee Croshaw.)

To, er, “celebrate” the fact Atlus won’t be killing off the online support – which happens to be the lifeblood of the game – the game will be set to the easiest mode for two weeks, to attract people who don’t like abusive gameplay.

To celebrate the announcement, the game server’s World Tendency, a variable that can make the game more or less difficult and unlock secrets depending on its setting, will be shifted to Pure White for a couple weeks, making the notoriously challenging game slightly easier for newcomers while also allowing long-time veterans to reach otherwise inaccessible areas and items.

This may sound like we’re harping on a theme, but there’s a reason gamers have paid $50 per year for Xbox Live – Microsoft runs its own servers and a game won’t have online support killed if there’s a low number of people playing (unless it’s on someone else’s servers, like EA Sports’. But then again, that’s entirely the point.) Sony bemoans not publishing the game themselves so it could be on their servers, but they, too, have been cutting online support for games like Calling All Cars and Eye of Judgement.

Click “Read more…” for the press release.

ATLUS EXTENDS NORTH AMERICAN ONLINE SUPPORT FOR DEMON’S SOULS, 2009 GAME OF THE YEAR*, THROUGH AT LEAST MARCH 2011; WORLD TENDENCY SHIFTS TO PURE WHITE IN CELEBRATION

Good news, everyone!

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA – JULY 21, 2010 – Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced it would continue supporting servers for online play in Demon’s SoulsTM, 2009’s Game of the Year* for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, through at least March 2011.

“We are proud to maintain our commitment to the Demon’s Souls online community by extending our support for the game’s servers, allowing current and new players to continue to enjoy the game’s vast online feature set,” stated Aram Jabbari, Manager of PR and Sales for Atlus. “One of the highest-rated, most talked about games of all time, Demon’s Souls is defined by its groundbreaking online functionality. No other game better marries suspenseful, claustrophobic solitude with unprecedented cooperative and competitive multiplayer connectivity. Each game world, each individual’s adventure, can be bridged with those of others’, making for one of the most startlingly grand yet deeply intimate RPG experiences ever created.”

To celebrate the announcement, the game server’s World Tendency, a variable that can make the game more or less difficult and unlock secrets depending on its setting, will be shifted to Pure White for a couple weeks, making the notoriously challenging game slightly easier for newcomers while also allowing long-time veterans to reach otherwise inaccessible areas and items.

Demon’s Souls is out now for PlayStation 3 system. For more information, visit the game’s official website.

While playing The Jordan Challenge, fans can try to stun the world in Jordan’s self-described greatest game by torching the Cavaliers by 69 points in March of 1990; attempt to battle back from the flu to defeat the Jazz in Game 6 of the 1997 finals; or leave the world wanting more as they relive one of Jordan’s finest performances during his last game as a Chicago Bull on June 14, 1998. In addition to The Jordan Challenge mode, gamers will have the unique opportunity to play as some of the greatest teams in NBA history, including the ‘85-’86, ‘89-’90, ‘90-’91, ‘94-’95, ‘95-’96, ‘96-’97, and ‘97-’98 Chicago Bulls.

Will the game allow you to push off Byron Russell to hit the game winning shot from the 1998 Bulls/Jazz Finals?

NBA 2K11 will be released on PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Wii on October 5. Click “Read more…” for the full press release.

NBA 2K11 Reveals The Jordan Challenge

New mode in NBA® 2K11 allows gamers to relive Michael Jordan’s greatest career moments.

New York, NY – July 22, 2010 – 2K Sports today revealed The Jordan Challenge, a new game mode for the latest iteration of the top rated and top selling basketball simulation franchise*, NBA® 2K11. This new mode will allow players to relive 10 different legendary games from Michael Jordan’s illustrious career and challenge them to replicate what he did on the court in NBA 2K11.

“Fans of the series are going to be thrilled to know that in NBA 2K11 Michael Jordan is much, much more than just a cover athlete,” said Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. “We’re excited to start talking about the ways that Michael will be used in the game and there’s still a lot more to come.”

While playing The Jordan Challenge, fans can try to stun the world in Jordan’s self-described greatest game by torching the Cavaliers by 69 points in March of 1990; attempt to battle back from the flu to defeat the Jazz in Game 6 of the 1997 finals; or leave the world wanting more as they relive one of Jordan’s finest performances during his last game as a Chicago Bull on June 14, 1998. In addition to The Jordan Challenge mode, gamers will have the unique opportunity to play as some of the greatest teams in NBA history, including the ‘85-’86, ‘89-’90, ‘90-’91, ‘94-’95, ‘95-’96, ‘96-’97, and ‘97-’98 Chicago Bulls.

NBA 2K11 is not yet rated by the ESRB and will be available October 5, 2010. For more information, please visit www.2ksports.com/nba2k11

2K Sports is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

The third iteration boasts “TRU-Life Transaction Mode”, a special season sim mode in which players are moved and rosters updated exactly how they were in that season, similar to Diamond Mind’s season replays. The game also boasts a superior managerial AI, with 200 situational “tendencies” that influence how a manager will decide in particular game situations – and the game includes all real-life managers since 1900 with customized tendences.

Check out the game – and a demo – at the official site here. Click “Read more…” for the full presser.

Wolverine Studios is proud to announce the release of PureSim Baseball 3. PureSim 3 is the most accurate career replay simulation on the market and PureSim 3 includes over 75 new features and enhancements such as

• New – TRU-Life Transaction Mode. Think you can do better than your favorite manager? Try Tru-Life Transactions mode, where player transactions happen just as they did in real life! All seasons from 1946-2009 are supported. You’ll have to manage with the cards you are dealt.
• New – Manager Tendencies Editor. On each team’s menu there is now an option to edit manager tendencies based on the situation, such as inning score etc. Over 200 tendencies can be editd.
• New – All MLB Managers since 1900 have been modeled and automatically import onto the correct teams as your association seasons unfold.
• New – 2 unique career modes available when doing historical replays:

- TRU-Life – Super accurate modeling of player performance based on real world stats.

The most accurate career replay simulation on the market. In fact, it is very similar to

the accuracy achieved in games that require expensive individual season disks. 1900-2009

is included “in the box.”

- Organic – Upon import, real players are assigned ratings and career trajectory models  based on their real world performance, but from there things are 100% ratings based and organic. Interesting mode if you’d like to have a more varied range of possibilities.

And much, much more. A full list of new features can be found athttp://puresimmer.squarespace.com/storage/update.html and more game info can be found athttp://www.wolverinestudios.com PureSim 3 is now available for $29.95 exclusively through the Wolverine Studios webstore.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Operating System : Windows 2000
CPU : Pentium II 800 mHz
Memory : 128 MB RAM
Hard Disk : 250 MB
Video Display : 1024×768

There’s only one Xbox Live Arcade title out this week, but it’s the first game in the 2010 edition of the Summer of Arcade, Limbo.

Limbo is a creepy, nightmarish monochromatic puzzle platformer in which… well, the game has no dialog, titles or even any sort of HUD, so the only description of the plot comes from the Marketplace game description: “Uncertain of his Sister’s Fate, a Boy enters LIMBO.” So, the game is developed by Playdead and is about a boy in Limbo. That just about tells you all you need to know, doesn’t it?

The game costs a hefty 1200 MSP ($15) and is reportedly not a very long game – much like its cousin Braid - so it’s up to the game to decide if they want to buy it now or wait for the inevitable Xbox Live Deal of the Week.

(Thanks, Major Nelson.)

The expansion will allow players to explore the city at night, where their Sims can “become a local celebrity, member of a music band, mixologist, director, and more.” In order to access exclusive areas, a Sim will need to develop their personalities to cater to the type of club or bar they’re trying to enter. If that weren’t enough, the expansion will allow a Sim to become a vampire, though it’s probable the vampire will be more Twilight than True Blood. Regardless, if you wanted to pen your own vampire story with Sims, this will be your chance.

The expansion will also come with the usual new objects and settings, like hot tubs and penthouses. Let us know if you’re hot for some Late Night thrills, which will be coming out this Fall for PC and Mac OS.

Click “Read more…” for the full press release.

THE SIMS GET THE PARTY STARTED IN EA’S NEW EXPANSION PACK TO MASSIVELY POPULAR THE SIMS 3

The Sims 3 Late Night Expansion Pack Gives Players VIP Treatment In A Dynamic Urban Setting Filled with High Rise Homes, Parties, Celebrities, Bars… and Even Vampires!

GUILDFORD, UK., July 20, 2010 - The Sims players will soon have a reason to stay out late on the town! The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced The Sims™ 3 Late Night Expansion pack* is in development and will hit store shelves worldwide this fall. The newest expansion to The Sims 3, the best-selling PC game of 2009**, The Sims 3 Late Night gives players all-access and lets them loose on a vibrant, active downtown scene where they’ll rub elbows with celebrities at the hottest parties, hit the local bar after work, tour the scene with their Sims’ band, kick back in a plush hot tub, and discover what’s lurking as the lights go out and adventure begins after dark.

“The community has been very vocal about unleashing their Sims in more interesting and unpredictable social situations,” said Scott Evans, General Manager of The Sims Studio at EA. “The Sims 3 Late Night is full of ways to approach a rich, new life beyond a Sims’ normal day, such as schmoozing with celebrities on the rooftop of a skyscraper, wooing the crowd with your Sim’s band, or being the best bartender in town at the hottest new lounge.”

Players will be able to take their Sims into the bustling urban setting where they’ll be able to become a local celebrity, member of a music band, mixologist, director, and more. To gain entrance into the most elite clubs in town, players need to keep their attitude in check otherwise they’ll be given the cold shoulder by tough bouncers or find another way onto the list. If chilling is the player’s forte, their Sims can lounge at a chic club or dive bar or if they like to live on the edge, they can discover the secret of becoming a vampire. Whether embarking on a new career, painting the town red, or throwing a party on the rooftop of a penthouse, it’s always up to the player to tell their unique stories with The Sims 3. What will happen when the lights go out and Sims get all access?

For more information about The Sims 3 Late Night or The Sims 3, please visit www.TheSims3.com. Developed by The Sims Studio, The Sims 3 Late Night for PC/Mac has not yet been rated by PEGI. Join more than one million The Sims fans on Facebook by visiting the official fansite page for The Sims 3 athttp://www.facebook.com/TheSims3.

*Requires The Sims 3 for PC/MAC to play.
**In North America and Europe according to NPD data, Chart-track UK, Gfk France, Gfk Spain, Gfk-MCC Germany and EA internal estimate.

The Sims players will soon have a reason to stay out late on the town! The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts will release this fall The Sims™ 3 Late Night Expansion pack*, the newest expansion to The Sims 3, the best-selling PC game of 2009**.

The Sims 3 Late Night gives players all-access and lets them loose on a vibrant, active downtown scene where they’ll rub elbows with celebrities at the hottest parties, hit the local bar after work, tour the scene with their Sims’ band, kick back in a plush hot tub, and discover what’s lurking as the lights go out and adventure begins after dark.

Players will be able to take their Sims into the bustling urban setting where they’ll be able to become a local celebrity, member of a music band, mixologist, director, and more. To gain entrance into the most elite clubs in town, players need to keep their attitude in check otherwise they’ll be given the cold shoulder by tough bouncers or find another way onto the list. If chilling is the player’s forte, their Sims can lounge at a chic club or dive bar or if they like to live on the edge, they can discover the secret of becoming a vampire.

Whether embarking on a new career, painting the town red, or throwing a party on the rooftop of a penthouse, it’s always up to the player to tell their unique stories with The Sims 3. What will happen when the lights go out and Sims get all access?

*Requires The Sims 3 for PC/MAC to play.
**In North America and Europe according to NPD data, Chart-track UK, Gfk France, Gfk Spain, Gfk-MCC Germany and EA internal estimate.

• Unleash your Sims in more interesting and unpredictable social situations! Schmooze with celebrities on the rooftop of a skyscraper, woo the crowd with your Sims’s band, or be the best bartender in town at the hottest new lounge.
• Hang out at the hippest spots in town, from dive bars to dance clubs to chic lounges, complete with bouncers.
• Gain fame and fortune as a member of a music band, mixologist, director, or local celebrity.
• Wander into a certain part of town and your Sims just might uncover the secret to becoming a vampire.
• Gain excess to exclusive areas and enjoy celebrity perks like penthouse living, luxury hot tubs and cars.

Electronic Arts has announced the sequel to the bizarre take on Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland titled American McGee’s Alice. The sequel to the 2000 game will be called Alice: Madness Returns, designed once again by McGee, and will be released for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 sometime in 2011.

According to the press release:

Alice: Madness Returns takes place 10 years after the conclusion of the original game, with Alice struggling to recover from the emotional trauma of losing her entire family in a fatal fire. After spending a decade institutionalized in an insane asylum, she is finally released to the care of a psychiatrist who just may be able to help her conquer the nightmarish hallucinations that still haunt her. Alice embarks on a mission to root out the true cause of her family’s mysterious death, jumping from a gloomy and stark London to a rich and provocative Wonderland.

You can visit the official site here for more info. Let us know if you’re psyched for the sequel.

Click “Read more…” for the press release and the disturbing teaser trailer.

EA and Spicy Horse Games Send Gamers Down the Rabbit Hole in Alice: Madness Returns

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Jul 20, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) – Gaming visionary American McGee returns to Wonderland as Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS | PowerRating) and Spicy Horse Games announce Alice: Madness Returns(TM), the dark and deranged sequel to the year 2000 PC hit, American McGee’s Alice(TM). Designed with the same dark style of the original, but now featuring entirely new visuals, story and game design, Alice: Madness Returns is a fun and addictive action adventure set to release on PC, the PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system. The game follows Alice on a journey through a wildly corrupted and shattered Wonderland to uncover the truth behind her haunted past and tortured psyche. In this journey, players will romp through highly-detailed elaborate worlds, encounter a cast of off-beat characters and engage in epic battles with deadly weapons and sinister villains.

“Alice is a classic fiction, infinitely rich with memorable characters, places and experiences. Our approach to Alice: Madness Returns takes this colorful world and reinvents it with psychotic personalities and pervasive insanity,” said American McGee, Spicy Horse Games Co-Founder and Senior Creative Director. “We can’t wait to share our vision with Alice in Wonderland fans and gamers around the world.”

Alice: Madness Returns takes place 10 years after the conclusion of the original game, with Alice struggling to recover from the emotional trauma of losing her entire family in a fatal fire. After spending a decade institutionalized in an insane asylum, she is finally released to the care of a psychiatrist who just may be able to help her conquer the nightmarish hallucinations that still haunt her. Alice embarks on a mission to root out the true cause of her family’s mysterious death, jumping from a gloomy and stark London to a rich and provocative Wonderland.

“In 2000, we launched a cult hit on the PC with American McGee’s Alice. Ten years later, I’m pleased to announce American is back on board leading the top-rate talent at Spicy Horse Games to create this sequel,” said David DeMartini, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EA Partners. “The Alice in Wonderland fiction continues to be a fan favorite all over the world. We can’t wait for them to experience the next chapter with Alice: Madness Returns.”

Alice: Madness Returns will be available in 2011 for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

For more information on Alice: Madness Returns, please visit http://AliceMadnessReturns.com.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS(TM), EA(TM), EA Mobile(TM) and POGO(TM). In fiscal 2010, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.7 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million units. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, Pogo, Alice: Madness Returns and American McGee’s Alice are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

Spicy Horse Games

Spicy Horse Games is a game development studio located in Shanghai, China. Founded by a collection of game industry vets, creative artists, and adventure seeking expats in late 2006, Spicy’s mission is to build eccentric game content for the PC and console market. Our passion for game making is fueled by an intense love for all things story, art, and fun. Spicy relies on a unique production model, strong culture, and interesting location to inspire and drive development of its game titles.

SOURCE: Electronic Arts Inc.

In addition, there will three seperate pre-order offers from certain store chains:

• GameStop: Three free songs including “Burning Down the House” by Talking Heads, “My Own Summer” by Deftones, and “Blue Monday” by New Order
• Amazon: An exclusive in-game guitar. For a limited time only, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners also get $10 off a future videogame purchase.
• Wal-Mart: For a limited time only, a $10 eGift card.

Let us know if you’re going to be picking Rock Band 3 up. Click “Read more…” for the press release.

NEW YORK, NY – July 19, 2010 – MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), and Harmonix Music Systems Inc. today announced consumer pre-order opportunities with major North American retailers GameStop, Wal-Mart and Amazon for the highly anticipated Rock Band™3.

With more than 30 awards and nominations following its impressive E3 2010 debut, including multiple Best Music and Best Casual/Social game accolades, Rock Band 3 will feature an incredible 83-song setlist and access to far more music than any other music game, as well as innovative new gameplay modes and instruments. The game will ship on October 26, 2010 in North America for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft (MSRP: $59.99), PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system (MSRP: $59.99), the Wii™ system from Nintendo (MSRP: $59.99), and Nintendo DS™ (MSRP: $29.99).

GameStop Pre-order* Opportunity:
GameStop shoppers who reserve Rock Band 3 for PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 in advance receive three downloadable Rock Band songs at launch:

• Burning Down the House by Talking Heads
• My Own Summer by Deftones
• Blue Monday by New Order

Amazon Pre-order* Opportunity:
Amazon shoppers who reserve Rock Band 3 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii in advance will receive access to an exclusive in-game guitar. Additionally, for a limited time only, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners who pre-order Rock Band 3 in advance on Amazon will receive $10 off a future videogame purchase.

Wal-Mart Pre-order* Opportunity:
Walmart.com shoppers who reserve Rock Band 3 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii in advance will receive a $10 eGift card for a limited time.

Developed by Harmonix, the world’s premier music videogame company, published by MTV Games, and distributed by Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), Rock Band 3 will ship simultaneously worldwide in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories. Rock Band 3 will be compatible with all Rock Band™ and The Beatles™: Rock Band™ peripherals, as well as most Guitar Hero® and third-party instrument and microphone controllers. Mad Catz is the official peripheral manufacturer and distributor for Rock Band 3 game controllers.

The Rock Band platform stands next to none in music content, with 2000 songs scheduled to be available at the launch of Rock Band 3, including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, AC/DC and Green Day – all exclusive to Rock Band. With more choices for fans than any other music-based videogame, Rock Band is, without question, the industry leader in providing the best selection of interactive musical content, songs and artists. Rock Band pioneered offering content in a variety of ways, through on-disc gameplay, game export, downloadable content and the Rock Band Network. The Rock Band platform allows fans to interact with their favorite music in a unique and hands-on way, as well as giving artists the ability to reach fans through a whole new channel.

For more information on Rock Band 3, art and video assets, please visit http://www.rockband.com/press.

*Conditions and restrictions apply. Please see retailer for details.

East Coast:

• July 17–18 Manhattan, NY Macy’s
• July 20–22 East Falmouth, MA Barnstable County Fair
• July 24–25 Manhattan, NY Seaport-Lower Manhattan Entertainment Area
• July 28–Aug. 1 Washington, DC Six Flags America
• Aug. 4–6 Canton, OH Football Hall of Fame – Rib Burnoff
• Aug. 7–8 Canton, OH Football Hall of Fame Festival Weekend
• Aug. 11–15 Chicago, IL Air Show/Navy Pier
• Aug. 19–21 Detroit, MI Woodward Dream Cruise – Auto Festival
• Aug. 26–30 St. Paul, MN Minnesota State Fair
• Aug. 30–Oct. 24 Tampa, FL Westfield Citrus Park Shopping Mall
• Sept. 3–6 Indianapolis, IN Rib America Festival
• Sept. 10–13 Nashville, TN Tennessee State Fair
• Sept. 15–16 Atlanta, GA Atlantic Station – Entertainment Plaza
• Sept. 18–19 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Arts Festival
• Sept. 23–26 Charlotte, NC Festival in the Park
• Oct. 1–2 Orlando, FL Disney Wine and Dine Marathon
• Oct. 8–10 Valdosta, GA Wild Adventures Theme Park
• Oct. 14–17 Dallas, TX Texas State Fair
• Oct. 21–24 Shreveport, LA Louisiana State Fair

West Coast:

• July 15–Aug. 22 Minneapolis, MN Mall of America
• July 25–26 San Diego, CA Youth Surf Cup – Soccer
• July 28–Aug. 1 Sacramento, CA California State Fair
• Aug. 6–8 Portland, OR Bite of Oregon Food Festival
• Aug.10–11 Seattle, WA Woodland Park Zoo
• Aug. 13–15 Seattle, WA Taste of Edmonds – Food Festival
• Aug. 19–22 Vancouver, BC Summerfest
• Aug. 27–Sept. 1 Pueblo, CO Colorado State Fair
• Sept. 3–6 Denver, CO Elitch Gardens
• Sept. 9–12 Albuquerque, NM New Mexico State Fair
• Sept. 16–19 Salt Lake City, UT Utah State Fair
• Sept. 24–26 Los Angeles, CA Universal City Walk
• Oct. 1–3 San Diego, CA Miramar Air Fest
• Oct. 7–11 San Francisco, CA Fleet Week – Military Ship and Air Festival
• Oct. 15–17 Phoenix, AZ Arizona State Fair
• Oct. 20–24 Las Vegas, NV PBR World Finals

(Thanks, Major Nelson.)

Professor Layton and the Unwound Future places the professor and his trusted apprentice at the center of a spellbinding adventure after they receive a strange letter sent from 10 years in the future. Players must wind their way through more than 165 mind-bending puzzles as they decipher clues and strive to unlock a time-twisting mystery that threatens to plunge London into chaos.

Unwound Future has already been released in Japan a while ago – how much did you enjoy Curious Village and Diabolical Box? Let us know.

Click “Read more…” for the full presser.

Nintendo’s Professor Layton and the Unwound Future Now Launching Sept. 12

The future will arrive sooner than expected for fans of LEVEL-5’s acclaimed Professor Layton video game series. Nintendo of America has announced a new launch date of Sept. 12 for Professor Layton and the Unwound Future™, a new hand-held adventure created exclusively for the top-selling Nintendo DS™ family of portable game systems. Previously scheduled for release on Sept. 20, the game will now be available a week earlier, treating newcomers and experienced players alike to a mesmerizing mix of mystery, time travel and puzzle-solving fun.

Professor Layton and the Unwound Future places the professor and his trusted apprentice at the center of a spellbinding adventure after they receive a strange letter sent from 10 years in the future. Players must wind their way through more than 165 mind-bending puzzles as they decipher clues and strive to unlock a time-twisting mystery that threatens to plunge London into chaos. Featuring richly rendered graphics and an engaging storyline, the Professor Layton game series has sold nearly 1.4 million units in the United States.

The popular concert series, Video Games Live, will be hitting PBS as a special; it will air sometime in July through August, depending on the PBS station.

An immersive event featuring the best game music performed by top-notch musicians and choirs combined with synchronized lighting, video, live action and audience interactivity, this performance was taped at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The lineup consists of never-before-televised live musical performances from the Mario, Zelda, Sonic, Halo, Warcraft, Final Fantasy, Castlevania, God of War, Civilization, Chrono Cross, StarCraft and Guitar Hero franchises, including a musical journey through classic gaming.

Those of you who missed the actual concert will finally be able to enjoy such performances as “Baba Yet” for Civilization IV, as seen in the video above. To see when it will air on your local PBS station, check local listings, or buy the DVD/Blu-Ray video and CD that will be released as well.

Click “Read more…” for the full press release and information on the DVD and CD releases.

In VIDEO GAMES LIVE, a new PBS special, the world’s most beloved video game franchises come together to celebrate gaming culture and the incredible music surrounding it. An immersive event featuring the best game music performed by top-notch musicians and choirs combined with synchronized lighting, video, live action and audience interactivity, this performance was taped at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The lineup consists of never-before-televised live musical performances from the Mario, Zelda, Sonic, Halo, Warcraft, Final Fantasy, Castlevania, God of War, Civilization, Chrono Cross, StarCraft and Guitar Hero franchises, including a musical journey through classic gaming. VIDEO GAMES LIVE is part of special programming airing in July-August 2010 (check local listings) on PBS stations.

“We are introducing a whole new generation to the music of a symphony orchestra,” said veteran video game composer and VIDEO GAMES LIVE CEO/executive producer and host Tommy Tallarico. “Never before in history have kids been dragging their parents to watch a symphony.”

The VIDEO GAMES LIVE CD and DVD/Blu-Ray release will coincide with the nationally televised special and will be available in North America exclusively through PBS until November 1, 2010. The CD features 16 musical performances, and the DVD/Blu-Ray includes more than three hours of bonus material, including additional and extended music segments, composer and game developer interviews, exclusive game trailers, “making the game” documentaries, behind-the-scenes footage and composer commentary.

“I’m hoping that this project will have a positive impact on the perception of video games by the non-gaming world,” said Tallarico. “We created VIDEO GAMES LIVE over eight years ago to prove to the world how culturally significant and artistic video games have become. The goal was to create a show for everyone whether they play games or not. The fact that all of the game publishers have come on board with this project to help our mission says a lot about the future of gaming and how much they believe in VIDEO GAMES LIVE.”

Filmed in New Orleans this past April in high definition with 5.1 audio surround sound, the concert features the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by VGL’s co-founder, Jack Wall; a 34-person chorus; a number of soloists including pianist Martin Leung, flautist Laura Intravia and singers Vangie Gunn, Kendrew Heriveaux, Ron Ragin and Cindy Shapiro; plus a rock band featuring Tallarico on guitar; and a full complement of state-of-the-art lighting, lasers and special effects.

There are also interview bites with actress and video game fan Jamie Lee Curtis and video game composers including Tallarico, Jack Wall, Russell Brower, Christopher Tin and Gerard Marino.

The video game music performed includes:

•    Super Mario Bros.™
•    The Legend of Zelda™
•    Sonic the Hedgehog™
•    World of Warcraft®
•    StarCraft® II
•    Halo®
•    Final Fantasy®
•    Chrono Cross®
•    Castlevania®
•    God of War™
•    Civilization IV®
•    Classic Arcade Medley
•    Guitar Hero®: Aerosmith

PBS special programming invites viewers to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. Viewer contributions are an important source of funding, making PBS programs possible. PBS and public television stations offer all Americans from every walk of life the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content.

For Video Games Live images visit PBS PressRoom at http://pressroom.pbs.org/programs/video_games_live/gallery.

Don’t miss selected PBS programs streaming free online, the day after broadcast, on the PBS Video Portal (pbs.org/video/).

Underwriters: Public Television Viewers and PBS
Producers: Tommy Tallarico/Mystical Stone Entertainment, LLC in association with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment
Executive producer: Jeff Rowland
Director: Allen Newman
Program Producer: Tom Case
Format: CC 5.1 Surround Sound HD

Using patented Depth-Enhancing Technology that uncovers depth cues hidden in 2D images, the Deep Screen uses a combination of sophisticated optical components that work seamlessly with existing TVs, PCs and LCDs by simply fitting over the screen. Once the Deep Screen is in place over the monitor any movie, show or video game will instantly exhibit a rich, multi-dimensional expansion of images, colors and space. Images seem to extend forward from the viewer, as if expanding the screen’s depth and providing a wider visual horizon. There are no glasses or software required or any type of pre-programmed content. It’s ready out of the box (larger version will be available in late 2010).

The claim it works with existing games without the need to update is strange, and currently only comes in a 23” model (which fits 19–23” monitors and TVs) and a 32” model that fits 29-33” monitors & TVs. RealView promises larger screens, however, with 32” and 42” versions to be available later this year.

Click “Read more…” for the full press release.

REALVIEW’S DEEP SCREEN LAUNCH AT E3 OFFERS ONLY

CONSUMER-READY ALTERNATIVE TO 3D MANIA

Bridging the Gap Between 2D and 3D, Deep Screen Works

With Existing Library of Movies & Video Games

COUNTY ROSCOMMON, IRELAND (JULY, 2010) – Recent surveys indicate that consumers are not sold on the idea of home-based 3DTV. Of those surveyed, nearly 70 percent of those who don’t want 3DTV cited the stereoscopic glasses as the main reason. RealView Innovations’ 23” and 32” Deep Screens, which debuted in the US at E3 in June, are the only available multi-dimensional solutions available to consumers that do not require 3D glasses. Equally important, the Deep Screen works with any current movie, DVD or video game available.

Using patented Depth-Enhancing Technology that uncovers depth cues hidden in 2D images, the Deep Screen uses a combination of sophisticated optical components that work seamlessly with existing TVs, PCs and LCDs by simply fitting over the screen. Once the Deep Screen is in place over the monitor any movie, show or video game will instantly exhibit a rich, multi-dimensional expansion of images, colors and space. Images seem to extend forward from the viewer, as if expanding the screen’s depth and providing a wider visual horizon. There are no glasses or software required or any type of pre-programmed content. It’s ready out of the box (larger version will be available in late 2010).

“The jury is still out on whether the world is ready for conventional home-based 3D that require special glasses,” stated Eamonn Ansbro, RealView’s Executive Director. “The technology is just not there yet as far as most consumers are concerned. No one wants to wear the glasses, especially for extended periods. RealView’s technology takes a completely different approach. Best of all, the solution we’ve developed is ready to go, now! Simply attach it to your screen and your movies and games will appear more spacious and multi-dimensional. The Deep Screen creates an amazing sense of depth and immersion. It’s the only viable solution on the market that’s ready for home use.”

Notable Highlights:

• No Glasses Required
• No Software or Pre-programmed Content Required
• Works with Existing Library of Movies and Games
• Comfortable to Use and Easy to Set Up
• Sleek Design Attaches Directly to TV or Monitor in Seconds
• 23” Model fits 19–23” Monitors & TVs
• 32” Model fits 29-33” Monitors & TVs
• Immersive, Multi-Dimensional Viewing Experience
• Works with Existing TV Technology
• Works with Existing PCs, LCDs, Plasmas, and LEDs
• No Configuration Required
• Compatible with 20-23” screens (32” and 42” available summer 2010)
• The nearest 3D solution available
• Affordable (23” SRP under $199, 32” SRP pending)

About RealView Innovations Ltd.

Founded in 2001, RealView Innovations Ltd. is a privately-owned research & development company based in Ireland. RVI’s management team has specialized in high-volume optical production, thin-film technology, advanced industrial and military optics, and scientific instrumentation. Presently, RVI’s focus is on applications in the personal entertainment and video game markets. Its technology will also be integrated into other areas including mobile phones, televisions, arcade games, ATMs, and flight simulators. In May 2010 RealView was awarded “Best in Show” at Retail Vision Europe 2010 and played a prominent role in the 3D TV World Forum in London.  Since 2009, RealView Innovations Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of RealView Manufacturing Ltd.  www.realview.ie

Along with giving players a chance to preview Power & Prestige’s new features, including over 60 new missions, Port Governance, and a brand new “Brawling” fighting school, Flying Lab will be running events on the Testbed server every weekend so that players can get together and experience the new content.

Power & Prestige will be available this coming August.

Click “Read more…” for the full presser.

Pirates of the Burning Sea: Power & Prestige Hits Open Beta!

7/9/2010, Seattle WA: Flying Lab Software is proud to announce that its anticipated expansion – Power & Prestige – will enter Open Beta on Friday, July 9th.  Anyone playing Pirates of the Burning Sea using a free 14-day trial (available at www.TryPirates.com) will be eligible to log into the Testbed server and try out the expansion with no level-cap before it goes live in early August.

Along with giving players a chance to preview Power & Prestige’s new features, including over 60 new missions, Port Governance, and a brand new “Brawling” fighting school, Flying Lab will be running events on the Testbed server every weekend so that players can get together and experience the new content.

“Power & Prestige’s closed Beta has been a great success,” said Tom Atkinson-Edwards, Community Manager at Flying Lab Software. “The feedback from our testers has been fantastic and we’re excited to show Power & Prestige to the world!”

Below is what our beta testers have to say about Power & Prestige:

“I like what they have done, a lot … the new missions are great. The new graphics look really nice.”

“Good writing, good stories, memorable characters, fantastic images … I laughed out loud, and still smile when I think about it.”

“Eager and Anticipating. That’s the 2 words I would use for the release of P&P.”

Power & Prestige expands upon the game’s real-time Port Conquest system, allowing players to not only capture ports on behalf of their parent nations, but to also become a Port Governor with great economic and strategic influence. It also contains over 60 new missions, a new “Brawling” fighting school, and much more.

Pirates of the Burning Sea is an MMORPG featuring high-seas action and adventure in a bold world of pirates and plunder. Set against the backdrop of the New World of the 18th century, players can choose one of three nations — England, France or Spain — or choose the role of a Pirate to battle it out for glory and power.

About Flying Lab Software
Flying Lab Software, a Seattle, Washington, based game development company established in 1997, is the maker of the critically acclaimed Rails Across America. Flying Lab Software is currently working on expanding Pirates of the Burning Sea and several new games for its Casual division. For more information about Flying Lab Software, please visit www.flyinglab.com <http://www.flyinglab.com <http://www.flyinglab.com> >

To arrange an interview with a member of our team about Power & Prestige, please contact Tom Atkinson-Edwards at tomae@flyinglab.com

PlayStation 3 and PC Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 fans can now reap the benefits of their patience: the “Resurgence” Pack is now available for purchase.

The maps, as with the Xbox 360 version, come with three new maps (”Carnival”, “Trailer Park” and “Fuel”) and two Call of Duty 4 maps, “Strike” and “Vacant”.

Click “Read more…” for the full press release.

CALL OF DUTY®: MODERN WARFARE® 2 RESURGENCE PACK

FOR PLAYSTATION®3 SYSTEM AND WINDOWS® PC NOW AVAILABLE

Santa Monica, CA – July 6, 2010 – The second pack of new multiplayer maps from Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 is now available in North America for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and worldwide for Windows® PC  with the release of the Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 Resurgence Pack. The map pack will be available for download on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system in Europe and Australia tomorrow, July 7.

Featuring five maps, the Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 Resurgence Pack can be downloaded for $14.99 from the PlayStation®Store for PlayStation 3 system and from Steam for the PC.  Developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is rated “M” (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Language.  For more information, visit www.modernwarfare2.com.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as “outlook,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” future,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition including from used games and other forms of entertainment, litigation risks and associated costs, rapid changes in technology, industry standards, business models including online and used games, and consumer preferences, including interest in specific genres such as music, first-person action and massively multiplayer online games, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors, and third-party developers, including the ability to attract, retain and develop key personnel and developers that can create high quality “hit” titles, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities and potential challenges associated with geographic expansion, and the other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

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Call of Duty, Modern Warfare and Activision are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc.  All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

“We at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe sincerely thank you for your continued support of The Eye of Judgement,” said a moderator on the official European PlayStation forums.

“The online battle service for this product will terminate on 30 September 2010. Offline play will remain available even after the conclusion of online service.”

This is the chief difference between Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Xbox Live hosts all Xbox 360 games on its servers, while PSN requires individual servers for each game, which is why Live has had a $50/year fee since inception – to maintain the servers. Otherwise, you’re at the mercy of the publisher of games; Electronic Arts discontinued so many of its EA Sports online servers.

Do or did you enjoy Eye of Judgment online? Let us know.

Major Nelson has confirmed that Hulu will be coming to Xbox Live in North America in early 2011, as was announced by Hulu earlier today as part of a larger initiative called Hulu Plus.

According to Hulu:

Hulu Plus is not a replacement for Hulu.com. Hulu Plus is a new, revolutionary ad-supported subscription product that is incremental and complementary to the existing Hulu service. For almost all of the current broadcast shows on our service, Hulu Plus offers the full season. Every single episode of the current season will be available, not just a handful of trailing episodes. Now there’s never a bad time to jump in on a hot new show like Modern Family (which I recommend highly). From Family Guy to Glee, from The Office to 30 Rock, from Grey’s Anatomy to Desperate Housewives, from Parks & Recreation to Parenthood, from House to Saturday Night Live, and dozens of other hits, the best time to jump in on any series is any time, and with any episode, that’s right for you.

Hulu Plus Premium will be available for $9.99. It will also be available for PC, Mac OS, iPad, and iPhone, as well as various branded Blu-Ray players. The service will be available on PlayStation 3 in July. Interested parties can apply to the service here. The questionnaire attached to the application also mentions the Wii, so the service may follow to other consoles eventually, as Netflix did, though they might be disc-dependent as Netflix is.

Check the video above for more info. Let us know what you think.

Related articles:

• E3 ‘09: Microsoft to Announce Hulu for Marketplace?
• E3 ‘09: Hulu to Marketplace Rumor Squashed
• E3 ‘10: Hulu to Xbox 360?