From the press release:

New York, NY – 2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that it will publish Borderlands™, the latest release from acclaimed developer Gearbox Software, for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows®. As the first title in an all-new sci-fi action franchise, Borderlands combines the best elements of Gearbox Software’s famed first-person action titles with player customization and vehicular combat to create an unprecedented gaming experience.

Gearbox Software has developed revolutionary new technology to create Borderlands’ incredible layers of gameplay depth. Borderlands features a groundbreaking content generation system allowing for near-endless variety in missions, environments, enemies, weapons, item drops and character customization.

“Borderlands represents an important evolutionary leap in game design and technology,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “By utilizing revolutionary new technology to create thousands of unique, randomly generated missions, weapons and situations, Borderlands will raise the bar for next gen action games.”

Borderlands is an extraordinary cooperative experience, allowing for multiple players to share the same game experience simultaneously online. Players can freely join or leave each other’s games at anytime, or choose to play in the full single-player mode. Borderlands features life-like character animations, impressive real-time physics, and customizable vehicles.

“Borderlands creates a universe of gameplay that goes far beyond anything anyone would expect. We’re tapping into every bit of Gearbox Software’s experience with the biggest science fiction video game franchises, then taking everything way past the next level,” said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software. “The team at 2K Games shares our passion for pushing boundaries in gameplay and storytelling and are absolutely perfect partners for Borderlands.”

Borderlands will be available holiday 2008 for PLAYSTATION 3 system, Xbox 360 and Games for Windows®.

From the press release:

FOSTER CITY, Calif. – Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today announced the availability of a new 80GB PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) at online and brick-and-mortar retailers in the United States and Canada. The system, available immediately for a suggested retailer price of $599US/$659 CND, comes with the hit online-enabled off-road racing game MotorStorm™ packed in the box.

Featuring an expanded hard disk drive , the new 80GB PS3 is designed to appeal to the online gaming and entertainment enthusiast, providing ample storage space to download more games and other entertainment content from PLAYSTATION®Network. There are currently more than 60 playable games and game-related downloads available through PLAYSTATION®Store, with expanded entertainment content coming soon. The new model features the million-selling game MotorStorm in the box, allowing up to 12 players to play online at one time, hitting the dirt in this visually-arresting, fast-paced racing title.

“The 80GB PS3 offers expanded options in the PS3 family of products for those who want to enjoy more downloadable content,” said Peter Dille, Senior Vice President of Marketing, SCEA. “The new model will provide ample storage space to meet the appetites of those who wish to download content today, and for many more years to come. With the expanded disk capacity and dynamic system upgrades, we have effectively created a system that is ‘future-proof’, providing consumers an exceptional entertainment value that will stand the test of time.”

The 80GB model joins the existing 60GB PS3 that has been available at retail since launch last November. The 60GB PS3 is currently enjoying a surge in sales following a price reduction in the US and Canada on July 9 of $100 to $499/$549 CND. Since that date, unit sales at the company’s top five retailers have jumped 113% when compared to the average sales of four weeks prior to the price drop. SCEA will continue to sell the 60GB in the US and Canada at the new, reduced price until current inventory is depleted, which is predicted to be this fall based on current consumer demand.

Throughout the holidays and this fiscal year, more than 120 new first and third-party software titles will be available for North American PS3 users to enjoy, in addition to the more than 40 software titles currently available. Key upcoming first-party titles include Folklore™, Heavenly Sword™, LAIR, NBA ’08, Ratchet & Clank® Future: Tools of Destruction™, SingStar™, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, THE EYE OF JUDGMENT™, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune™, PAIN, and Warhawk™.

Both the 80GB and 60GB PS3 models come standard with Cell Broadband Engine™ (Cell/B.E.), built-in hard disk drive, 1080p high-definition output, Wi-Fi connectivity, SIXAXIS™ wireless controller and Blu-ray Disc™ player. According to Nielsen VideoScan, there are currently more than 270 high-definition Blu-ray Disc™ movies available at retail, including the recently released “300,” “Shooter,” and “Ghost Rider.”

From the press release:

SUNNYVALE, CA - Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today 11 new songs for Guitar Hero™ III: Legends of Rock, the next installment in the #1 best-selling music and rhythm based game franchise, including master tracks from rockers AFI, Iron Maiden, Queens of the Stone Age, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Slayer and the Strokes.

The 11 additional tracks include:

· Miss Murder (by AFI)
· Through Fire and Flames (by Dragonforce)
· Number of the Beast (by Iron Maiden)
· 3’s and 7’s (by Queens of the Stone Age)
· Suck My Kiss (by Red Hot Chili Peppers)
· Raining Blood (by Slayer)
· Reptillia (by The Strokes)
· Paranoid (as made famous by Black Sabbath)
· Cities on Flame (as made famous by Blue Oyster Cult)
· Mississippi Queen (as made famous by Mountain)
· La Grange (as made famous by ZZ Top)

“Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock features the most comprehensive song list ever assembled for a game,” said Tim Riley, Activision’s worldwide executive of music. “Artists and music execs from the major and independent record labels and publishers respect the brand and have given us unrivaled access to their music vaults allowing us to give gamers what they want - to grab their Gibson guitars and shred to their favorite music.”

In fact, real rock stars like Jade Puget, guitarist for AFI, a band featured in the game is anticipating the upcoming release of the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and wants fans to know that “if you’re going to start playing Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, make sure you have, say, the next 2 years free, because that’s all you’re going to want to do.”

In addition to the newly announced tracks, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock’s previously announced tracks include:

· Slash’s Original Boss Battle Recording
· Welcome to The Jungle (by Guns N’ Roses)
· Paint It Black (by The Rolling Stones)
· Cherub Rock (by Smashing Pumpkins)
· Sabotage (by Beastie Boys)
· The Metal (by Tenacious D)
· My Name is Jonas (by Weezer)
· Knights of Cydonia (by Muse)
· Even Flow (by Pearl Jam)
· Lay Down (by Priestess)
· Cult of Personality (by Living Colour)
· Rock and Roll All Nite (as made famous by Kiss)
· School’s Out (as made famous by Alice Cooper)
· Rock You Like a Hurricane (as made famous by Scorpions)
· Slow Ride (as made famous by Foghat)
· Barracuda (as made famous by Heart)

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will include explosive new content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer game modes will also allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true legendary rock status. While continuing to retain all the key features from their prior legendary performances, fresh downloadable content will be offered on multiple platforms, and players can now shred to a killer set list from many of the most popular rock songs ever recorded.

For the first time ever, Guitar Hero fans will also be able to thrash and burn with new wireless guitar controllers available for each platform, including exclusive Gibson Guitar’s Les Paul model for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo, and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. PlayStation®2 gamers will also get to shred on a new exclusive shape, Gibson’s Kramer guitar, popularized by hard rockers and known for its body design, pickups, electronics and construction for furious finger fretting.

From the press release:

This year’s Games Convention, from 22nd – 26th August in Leipzig, will be the world’s biggest game event in 2007. More than 180,000 visitors are expected and journalists from all over the world will see the next generation of games.

This is the right place and the right time to present world exclusively „THEY“. The next generation mystery first person shooter for PC and next generation consoles will be unveiled at Leipzig Games Convention!

„THEY“ are huge – „THEY“ are different – „THEY“ are hostile!

Be one of the selected media to see a thirty minutes behind closed doors presentation – at the Business Center, Hall 1, IMC booth K36. By appointment only the brains behind „THEY“ will present the first playable scenes of this FPS, so mysterious, so stunning and so amazing – that „THEY“ might become one of the most anticipated world premiere titles from this year’s Games Convention!

„THEY“ features a technically future minded 3D engine with next generation effects, brand new gameplay elements and a revolutionary weapon system to survive the challenges ahead! But always remember: Nothing is as it seems!

For your personal 30 minute appointment please get in touch with our Head of Communication - Ingo Horn - preferably by phone or by email.

Facts and features:

Title: THEY
Platforms: PC & next generation console
Release date: 2008/2009
Genre: First person mystery shooter
Scenario: Near Future

- next generation 3D engine
- unique weapon system that makes you „love“ your weapons
- mysterious science fiction background story
- diversified enemies - thrilling and intelligent
- heroes to identify with
- heavy usage of physics
- destructible environment relevant for gameplay
- haunting single player mode
- versatile multiplayer modes

From the press release:

Assassin’s Creed is the next-gen game developed by Ubisoft Montreal that will redefine the action genre. While other games claim to be next-gen with impressive graphics and physics, Assassin’s Creed merges technology, game design, theme, and emotions into a world where you instigate chaos and become a vulnerable, yet powerful, agent of change.

The setting is 1191 AD. The Third Crusade is tearing the Holy Land apart. You, Altair, intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict.

You are an Assassin, a warrior shrouded in secrecy and feared for your ruthlessness. Your actions can throw your immediate environment into chaos, and your existence will shape events during this pivotal moment in history.

Key Features

• Be an Assassin
Master the skills, tactics, and weapons of history’s deadliest and most secretive clan of warriors. Plan your attacks, strike without mercy, and fight your way to escape.

• Realistic and responsive environments
Experience a living, breathing world in which all your actions have consequences. Crowds react to your moves and will either help or hinder you on your quests.

• Action with a new dimension – total freedom
Eliminate your targets wherever, whenever, and however. Stalk your prey through richly detailed, historically accurate, open-ended environments. Scale buildings, mount horses, blend in with crowds. Do whatever it takes to achieve your objectives.

• Relive the epic times of the Crusades
Assassin’s Creed immerses you in the realistic and historical Holy Land of the 12th century, featuring life-like graphics, ambience, and the subtle, yet detailed nuances of a living world.

• Intense action rooted in reality
Experience heavy action blended with fluid and precise animations. Use a wide range of medieval weapons, and face your enemies in realistic swordfight duels.

• Next-gen gameplay
The proprietary engine developed from the ground up for the next-gen console allows organic game design featuring open gameplay, intuitive control scheme, realistic interaction with environment, and a fluid, yet sharp, combat mechanic.

From the press release:

Play both sides of the same war and experience two unique game systems, exclusively for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system this holiday season.

Set in the year 2048 in a world where governments have outsourced military operations to private military corporations (PMCs), you play as Shane Carpenter, a newly enlisted soldier seeking fulfillment and thrills by fighting for a good cause. As the leading PMC, Mantel Global Industries offers an array of cutting-edge military equipment, including a high-tech arsenal of vehicles, deadly weaponry, and the performance-enhancing drug Nectar.

Your conflict begins in a war-torn country where you have been sent to fight a vicious rebel faction, the Promise Hand. At first all is well, but things quickly begin to look a little strange…

Uncover the truth, switch sides, and break away from Mantel’s manipulative grip when you join your former enemies, the Promise Hand.

Key Features

• Impeccable FPS credentials from the developers of the critically acclaimed TimeSplitters® series and the publishers of Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter® and Far Cry®. Free Radical and Ubisoft have proved their ability to create innovative, platform-defining FPS titles.

• Play both sides of the same war: Evolve from a ruthless high-tech Mantel Trooper to a cunning Promise Hand rebel, each featuring distinct game systems, weaponry, and abilities.

• Experience the power of a Mantel Trooper. You’ll be equipped with the most advanced gear and deadliest weapons and empowered by Nectar, Mantel’s battlefield-optimized performance-enhancing medication that lets you boost your fighting abilities and experience the highs and lows of drug-laden warfare. Perform fighting abilities such as Nectar Focus, Nectar Foresight, and Melee Blast

• Expose the truth, switch sides, and break away from Mantel’s control. Join up with your former enemies, and lead the rebels against the Mantel army. Use your knowledge of your former teammates’ weaknesses and new abilities and techniques such as Play Dead, Weapon Stealing, and the deadly Nectar Grenade.

• Cutting-edge gaming technology exclusively developed for the PLAYSTATION 3 system featuring the Disparity Rendering System™, which shapes players’ views of the world on and off Nectar. Haze also features an entirely streaming experience and the groundbreaking Conspire™ AI System, in which all enemy behaviors are entirely dynamic – nothing is scripted.

• State-of-the-art multiplayer modes. Fire up your console for online battles and choose from a variety of online modes, including furious four-player co-op action! Play as both Troopers and Rebels and unveil hidden secrets from the single-player campaign.

From the press release:

CHICAGO, IL – Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading interactive entertainment publisher and developer, world renowned developer Epic Games Inc., and Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that the highly anticipated and award-winning Unreal Tournament 3 will be exclusive to the PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system and PC in 2007. Thanks to the open network of the PLAYSTATION 3 system, Unreal Tournament 3 will also be the first game to feature robust user generated content including multiplayer maps, custom game modes and much more. Developed by North Carolina-based, Epic Games Inc., Unreal Tournament 3 is scheduled to be available in November.

The technology behind Unreal Tournament 3, Epic’s world class Unreal® Engine 3 will be fully optimized for the PLAYSTATION 3 system allowing game developers to take full advantage of the power and creativity that the engine offers.

“Midway is extremely excited to release Unreal Tournament 3 on the PLAYSTATION 3 system and PC,” said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. “We expect Unreal Tournament 3 to set the bar for what a first-person shooter and next generation game can truly be.”

“We feel very confident that Unreal Tournament 3 will continue to deliver on Epic’s promise to gamers to develop only the highest quality titles using our cutting-edge Unreal Engine 3 technology,” said Mark Rein, vice president and co-founder, Epic Games. “The game takes full advantage of the power of the PLAYSTATION 3 system, and Unreal Tournament 3 will for the first time allow users to create robust user created content, known as “mods”, on the PC version and play them on the PLAYSTATION 3 system. We’re extremely excited about this and we feel this will bring a level of creativity, innovation and replayability not previously seen on home consoles.”

“We expect Unreal Tournament 3 to be one of the most innovative and defining titles of this next generation,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment America. “We are extremely pleased that gamers will only be able to experience Unreal Tournament 3 on the PLAYSTATION 3 system later this year.”

From the press release:

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH will terrify a new generation of video game fans as its seminal horror series Silent Hill heads to PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360.

Silent Hill V (Provisional Title) marks the first appearance of the acclaimed series for Next Generation systems. The game follows Alex Shepherd, a war veteran returning home from an overseas tour of duty. Alex has taken compassionate leave following the news that his younger brother, Joshua, has gone missing. Initial investigations lead Alex to the small, insular community of Shepherd’s Glen, before he finds himself in the mist-shrouded and seemingly empty streets of Silent Hill…

Maximising the use of the PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360’s high definition capabilities, Silent Hill V draws the players into an incredibly realised world of shadowy terror, while the unfolding story sheds new light on the inherent evil of the eponymous town. Building upon the series’ trademark foundations of atmosphere, adventure and storytelling, Silent Hill V introduces players to a frightening new experience and more control than ever over its central character.

When confronted by the perverse incarnations of evil that roam both Silent Hill and Shepherd’s Glen, players can now access an enhanced combat system to execute a number of offensive and defensive moves to counter the eclectic collection of nightmarish creatures that dwell within the town. The series’ famed puzzles have also been enhanced, with players using cues from the environment to unlock Silent Hill’s darkest secrets. And as the claustrophobia and unsettling sense of horror develops, Silent Hill V turns the screw even further with the addition of an all-new soundtrack from famed composer Akira Yamaoka…

“Silent Hill V is an international, cross-cultural production, with leading development talent from around the globe collaborating to raise the bar even higher for this incredible series,” said Brian Christian, Vice President of Product Development at Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “With gritty graphics and sound combining to create a haunting atmosphere and all-new visceral gameplay elements, Silent Hill V shows the level to which next-generation hardware can enhance the player’s overall gaming experience.”

From the press release:

CULVER CITY, Calif. – Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today showcased an impressive line up of software for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™), PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), PlayStation®2 and PLAYSTATION®Network during a press event at the annual E3 2007 Media & Business Summit. In addition to unveiling new content for over 30 first-party software titles previously announced this year, attendees caught an advanced glimpse of the highly anticipated Killzone 2, the next installment of the Gran Turismo series and new franchise Infamous.

“We know implicitly that what is most on the minds of gamers right now, as we head into the important holiday season, are the games themselves,” said Jack Tretton, president and chief executive officer of SCEA. “Today, we more than delivered what those consumers have been looking for. During just our press conference today, we showed 50 first- and third-party games for all our platforms, including incredibly high profile games like God of War: Chains of Olympus, Killzone 2 and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. Add to that new franchises like Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Heavenly Sword, and Infamous and you can see why we are very well positioned to maintain our role as a leader in this industry.”

During the press conference, Phil Harrison, president of SCE WorldWide Studios, officially unveiled a new franchise for PS3. Infamous, developed by Sucker Punch Productions, the creators of the smash Sly Cooper franchise, finds players discovering extraordinary super powers. As the players power grows they will feel what its like to either be a Super Hero or wreak havoc in a city and population that will evolve and react depending on the choices the player makes.

After the presentation, SCEA gave attendees the opportunity to preview over 40 first and third party games scheduled to be on display at their software showcase in the Le Merigot hotel. At an invitation-only arcade that consisted of titles for all PlayStation systems, SCEA demonstrated their commitment to the market leading PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system with Hot Shots Tennis and the socially engaging franchises Buzz!™ and SingStar™, providing additional content for the more than 40 million PlayStation 2 owners in North America.

PS3 titles on hand included the emotionally charged Heavenly Sword™ from Ninja Theory Ltd; the action-adventure Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune™ from Jak & Daxter® developer Naughty Dog; Ratchet & Clank® Future: Tools of Destruction™ from the highly acclaimed Insomniac Games; and the trading card based THE EYE OF JUDGMENT™, produced in conjunction with Hasbro® and its Wizards of the Coast subsidiary. Attendees also had the opportunity to get hands-on time with LittleBigPlanet which allows players to design, shape and build entire levels for others to play and share then via PLAYSTATION Network, and NBA’08 featuring the most realistic basketball gameplay available in true high definition in 1080p.

Additional games and services available through PLAYSTATION Network were also demonstrated, granting guest access to previously unreleased content for MotorStorm™, Blast Factor™, High Velocity Bowling using SIXAXIS™ wireless controller, and racing Power GP in addition to previously unannounced games like echochrome and Wipeout HD. New content was also shown for PlayStation®Home, a 3D avatar-based community for PS3, including four new living spaces and a new Home Square.

For the portable gamer, the PSP system was on display with Syphon Filter®: Logan’s Shadow, the sixth installment in the critically acclaimed Syphon Filter® series; the first strategy role-playing game (RPG) for PSP to come from Level-5, Jeanne d’Arc, loosely inspired by the historical tale of Joan of Arc; and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike designed specifically for PSP featuring a unique interface that allows players to control and coordinate different members of the fireteam while experiencing the action from each soldier’s perspective.

First party games and services shown during the event included:

PLAYSTATION®3
THE EYE OF JUDGMENT™
Heavenly Sword™
Infamous
NBA ‘08
Lair
LittleBigPlanet™
Folklore™
Ratchet & Clank® Future: Tools of Destruction™
SingStar™
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation
Uncharted: Drakes Fortune™
Warhawk™

PLAYSTATION®Network
Blast Factor™ expansion 2
echochrome
High Velocity Bowling
PlayStation Home
HotShotGolf 5
MotorStorm™ Map Packs
PAIN
Resistance: Fall of Man™ Map Pack
Snakeball
Super Stardust HD
Wipeout HD

PSP®
God of War®: Chains of Olympus
Jeanne d’Arc
NBA ‘08
Pursuit Force™: Extreme Justice
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike
Syphon Filter®: Logan’s Shadow
Wipeout® Pulse

PlayStation®2
Buzz!™ The Mega Quiz
Buzz!™ Junior: Jungle Party
Hot Shots Tennis™
NBA ‘08
SingStar™: Amped
SingStar™: 80’s
Syphon Filter®: Dark Mirror

From the press release:

CULVER CITY, Calif. – Today, at their annual press conference during the E3 Media and Business Summit, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced new games and services for its PLAYSTATION®Network, an emergent entertainment network aimed at delivering innovative content and community to a worldwide audience. SCEA unveiled new features for the highly-anticipated PlayStation®Home, a 3D community-based service set to revolutionize the broadband entertainment world, and announced new content for its PLAYSTATION Network.

In addition, SCEA introduced several new downloadable games designed specifically for PLAYSTATION Network, including a crafty puzzle game called echochrome that takes full advantage of the PLAYSTATION®3 system’s (PS3™) SIXAXIS™ wireless controller; an achingly funny action game named PAIN; and the next chapter in the popular WipeOut® racing series, WipeOut HD. Also demonstrated was a pair of games available through download from PLAYSTATION®Store and on Blu-ray Disc™ (BD): SOCOM™ US Navy SEALs: Confrontation, the next title in line of one of the most popular franchises in PlayStation history; and Warhawk™, a ground-breaking online multi-player air and land combat game. These much-anticipated titles are central to the 2007 PLAYSTATION Network roadmap and are part of the more than 40 innovative games and game packs in development from SCEA for download via PLAYSTATION Network this fiscal year in North America.

“Our goal is to deliver the most compelling entertainment experience to our PlayStation fans through PLAYSTATION Network,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “The interactive content sharing features of PlayStation Home, combined with the library of innovative downloadable games and entertainment, truly push the boundaries of our customer’s imaginations and deliver on the promise of an integrated content and community service.”

During the press conference, company spokespeople presented both in person and as their own personalized avatars within the PlayStation Home 3D community service, transitioning from their virtual-world avatars to reappear live on stage. Phil Harrison, president, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, unveiled key new components of PlayStation Home. The newly introduced features, all available when the free 3D community makes its public debut this fall, include:

• Launch Games Within PlayStation Home: Users will have the ability to launch Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) or PLAYSTATION Network games from inside PlayStation Home. Since PlayStation Home is designed to be a virtual meeting place for a worldwide community, users who want to play a game together can meet in one location to set options and start the multi-player online game.
• New Home Square: The newly designed Home Square replaces the PlayStation Home lobby concept first introduced at the Game Developers Conference in March. The new open-air space provides internal developers with more flexibility to build upon the community experience.
• New Personal Spaces: Four new apartments including a Beach House, Norwegian Cabin, Manhattan Penthouse and a traditional Japanese House, were introduced today to allow for additional user choice and personalization.

“After more than three years in development, we’re preparing for a landmark global roll out of PlayStation Home in the fall,” said Phil Harrison, president, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, “As an integrated service of PLAYSTATION Network, PlayStation Home will enable people to build connected communities around all of the entertainment experiences that PS3 has to offer.”

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