Top Gun: Hard Lock Will Take You Right into the Danger Zone

Air combat game set in film’s iconic universe will take your breath away with a new storyline, new class of aviators and amped up action

PRESS RELEASE

Los Angeles, CA – June 7, 2011 – International videogames publisher 505 Games today announced the reimagining of a classic with Top Gun: Hard Lock.
Based on Paramount Pictures’ classic film, Top Gun: Hard Lock is set in the present day with a brand new story line and new wave of elite naval aviators fresh out of the Top Gun academy. In Top Gun: Hard Lock gamers fly right back into the danger zone for a jet propelled flight combat adventure with all the flair of a modern day action blockbuster. The game is being developed by Headstrong, a division of Kuju, and is set for release in Spring 2012 for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and PC.

In development under license from Paramount Digital Entertainment, Top Gun: Hard Lock is aerial dog-fighting at jet speeds and tailgating MiGs at Mach 2, while offering a unique “Hard lock” mode where players perform air combat maneuvers that deliver an explosively satisfying visual payoff that brings them right into the action. Featuring the legendary F-14 Tomcat fighter jet and a number of additional licensed planes and weapons, and more than enough enemy MIGs to turn into smoldering rubble, the game is carefully mixed with just enough nostalgic references to remain true to its action movie roots.

“Top Gun: Hard Lock pays tribute to the brand’s heritage but will deliver the fierce action and intense aerial combat that today’s gamers expect.”
commented Ian Howe, Managing Director at 505 Games.

Top Gun: Hard Lock will be published in Spring 2012 by 505 Games.

XFIRE AND GAMERSFIRST ANNOUNCE MULTI-GAME BUNDLE PARTNERSHIP

Bundled Games To Offer Increased Level Of Social Interactivity

PRESS RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, June 7, 2011 – Xfire (http://www.xfire.com), the world’s leading social tools resource and provider for PC gamers, today announced its partnership with GamersFirst (http://www.gamersfirst.com), the world leader in Free2Play® massively multiplayer online games, to bring its services to three of their premier games: *APB Reloaded, WarRock, and Sword 2*. Xfire provides GamersFirst with its private-labeled in-game social toolset, such as: in-game text and voice chat, user generated content for screen captures, video capture and live video streaming, game-hour tracking, one-click game joining, and much more. Xfire is also managing socially driven campaigns to promote GamersFirst titles to Xfire users, including Xfire Play2Win events. The programs are expected to drive significant volumes of high quality traffic for GamersFirst.

“We all know the market is shifting its focus to socially connected games; the days of playing video games by yourself are long gone; now it’s all about being interconnected via the web and other devices,” said Xfire President, Mark Donovan. “GamersFirst and many other free-to-play publishers are recognizing the need to add enhanced social features to their games, but they are tough and expensive to build. Customized Xfire bundles and promotional programs are the most cost-effective solution to drive acquisition and engagement for game publishers.”

With Xfire, users can text and voice-chat with their friends and even browse the Internet directly inside GamersFirst-bundled games, along with more than
2,300 other titles, so players do not have to leave their game. Gamers can capture and share screen shots and videos; in fact, Xfire users recorded more than 20 million screen shots in 2010 and Xfire has the world’s largest cache of gaming content. Xfire users can broadcast live game play on the Internet, and they currently stream 75 million minutes of live game play each month. Xfire users can also track their game-play through their personal gamer profile.

“Our partnership with Xfire parallels closely with GamersFirst’s ongoing mission to place the player’s community first while adding value for our gamers and improving our player acquisition and engagement. Today’s gamer wants to share, interact, cooperate and compete with other players, and our partnership with Xfire extends us further into the gamers’ community,” said Rahul Sandil, SVP of Marketing and Public Relations for GamersFirst. “Active player communities have been a key factor to our decade-long experience in sustainable free to play MMOs and we are certain that Xfire will further enhance our position in the global market.”

*GamersFirst Game Highlights*
• *APB Reloaded*: Currently in its open beta testing stage,* APB Reloaded* is a massively multiplayer online third-person shooter game based in the modern-day fictional city of San Paro. In a state of near anarchy, players choose between two factions, Enforcers and Criminals, in order to control the city. Criminals and Enforcers battle in this open-world environment to control territories, commit or stop petty crimes, and gain notoriety within their own organizations. Be it on foot or from the driver seat, *APB Reloaded* melds player-on-player combat within the immersive world of a city on the edge of total chaos. With a robust set of customization tools, gamers can choose the exact look of their in-game avatar, character crests, clothing and even the cars they drive.

• *WarRock**: War Rock* is GamersFirst’s premier tactical massively
multiplayer online first-person shooter. Set in the fictional land of the Republic of Derbaran, War Rock allows players to join the fight for freedom as a NIU Rebel or enlist in the Derbaran Military to crush subversion. Gamers can choose one of five branches of service with unique abilities and team roles. As an Engineer, Medic, Assault Trooper, Sniper or Heavy Trooper, gamers can traverse the battlefield as they progress from objective to objective, gaining rank and unlocking new weapons, vehicles and equipment while experiencing live one-on-one or squad-based combat.

• *Sword 2**:* *Sword 2* is an action-packed tactical fantasy MMORPG
inspired by Europe’s exploration of the Americas. Gamers can delve into a visually stunning world of fantastic Baroque architecture and conspiracy and have the possibility of becoming a key representative of one of the political factions that constantly vie for power. Players explore and adventure in a world of political intrigue, conflict and danger either solo or by joining forces with other Pioneering Families to battle enemies and eventually control the world of Granada Espada.

King Arthur II: The Role-Playing Wargame Gameplay Trailer Unveiled

When the greatest tale of chivalry ends, the nightmare begins.

PRESS RELEASE

E3 Los Angeles June 7th, 2011 – Paradox Interactive announced today their first in-game trailer for King Arthur II: The Role-Playing Wargame, the highly anticipated sequel for the fantasy role-playing RTS series. The story begins long after young Arthur pulled the enchanted sword out of the stone and united the war-torn lands of Britannia. Where legends normally end, King Arthur II begins its own gruesome tale…

To watch the King Arthur II in-game trailer, please visit:

Critically praised by reviewers and gamers alike, King Arthur was seen as one of the biggest surprises to emerge on the gaming scene in 2010, and now the fantasy roleplaying RTS returns in a sequel to push the boundaries of the genre even further.
Features:

– Dark fantasy setting. King Arthur is now the Maimed King, trying to mend a land torn asunder as he strives to heal himself
– Stunning plotline, heroic battles and expanded morality chart that unlocks new features
– Large scale battles, with bigger armies to defeat more powerful foes
– Intense boss fights, where the hero’s forces are pitted against unique and terrifying foes
– Wide range of camera control options, revised animations and an extensive tutorial creating a more accessible and visually stunning experience

Pride of Nations Out Now

Immerse yourself in realistic historical gameplay set on a global map.

PRESS RELEASE

E3, 7th June 2011 – Paradox Interactive and AGEOD have today released their turn-based historical strategy game set in the colonial era of the 19th century Pride of Nations. Exclusively on PC, Pride of Nations has a recommended retail price of $19.99.

Pride of Nations is a turn-based historical strategy game set in the colonial era of the 19th century, where the player takes control of a country and guides it through industrialization, military conquest and colonization.

Download the Pride of Nations demo here:
http://www.prideofnationsgame.com/media/demos

Features:
* Immerse yourself in realistic historical gameplay set on a global map
* Play as the world’s Great Powers between 1850 and 1920
* Lead one of eight different countries, each with its own personality and agenda: the USA, Great Britain, Germany, France, Japan, Russia, Austria-Hungary, or Italy
* Experience the most original diplomatic model ever created for a grand strategy game
* Discover an involved colonization and exploration system.
* Fight against a strong, non-scripted AI through a number of new game mechanics • Battle it out with others in multiplayer with a new simultaneous turn-based engine * Engage in a detailed world economy with realistic components

UBISOFT REVEALS DETAILS FOR THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE GAME

Ubisoft collaborates on video game with Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson based on the iconic Tintin comic book series.

PRESS RELEASE

San Francisco, CA – June 6, 2011 – Today, Ubisoft unveiled product details for the upcoming release of The Adventures of Tintin: The Game. Based on the highly anticipated feature film The Adventures of Tintin directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson and Kathleen Kennedy, The Adventures of Tintin: The Game will provide Tintin fans, both young and old, the opportunity to dive into the world of Tintin and relive key adventures from the series. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier in close collaboration with Paramount Digital Entertainment, the video game will be released in the US for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Windows PC, Nintendo 3DS™ and Wii™ this Holiday 2011.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to work with such renowned filmmakers on the iconic Tintin franchise,” said Yves Guillemot, Chief Executive Officer at Ubisoft. “Our development team in Montpellier has worked very closely with the film team to ensure that players will have the chance to recreate the magical moments of the movie and to experience complete immersion into the Tintin universe.”

The Adventures of Tintin: The Game is an action-packed adventure that takes gamers on a nonstop journey through the world of Tintin; the hero and intrepid reporter from Hergé’s original comic books. Players will rediscover the movie’s enchanting environs including Captain Archibald Haddock’s ship “the Karaboudjan,” Omar Ben Salaad’s Palace and the exotic city of Bagghar and experience many of Tintin’s exciting adventures.

With various elements adapted from Tintin comic books The Crab with the Golden Claws, The Secret of the Unicorn and Red Rackham’s Treasure, gamers are able to continue the adventure from the movie solo or with friends in one of three gameplay modes. The single-player campaign offers a unique blend of exploration, puzzles and combat. It also includes exotic gameplay elements such as sword fighting, aerial combat and driving. This next-generation of Tintin includes support for the Kinect™ for Xbox 360, and PlayStation® Move for the PlayStation®3 system.

In addition to the solo adventure, The Adventures of Tintin: The Game offers cooperative challenges that introduce classic characters from Tintin’s adventures. Players can work together in special multiplayer maps straight from the moody dreams of Captain Haddock, or for those looking for extra competition; Challenge mode features many opportunities for players to compete with each other for high scores.

Victoria 2 Goes Gold, Pre-Order Now Available

And does Paradox know how to celebrate: hit the jump for a brand new trailer, along with details on what you get if you decide to pre-order.
Continue reading “Victoria 2 Goes Gold, Pre-Order Now Available”