Microsoft to acquire GitHub for $7.5 billion

Acquisition will empower developers, accelerate GitHub’s growth and advance Microsoft services with new audiences.

REDMOND, Wash., June 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Microsoft Corp. on Monday announced it has reached an agreement to acquire GitHub, the world’s leading software development platform where more than 28 million developers learn, share and collaborate to create the future. Together, the two companies will empower developers to achieve more at every stage of the development lifecycle, accelerate enterprise use of GitHub, and bring Microsoft’s developer tools and services to new audiences.

Microsoft company logo. (PRNewsFoto/Microsoft Corp.)

“Microsoft is a developer-first company, and by joining forces with GitHub we strengthen our commitment to developer freedom, openness and innovation,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. “We recognize the community responsibility we take on with this agreement and will do our best work to empower every developer to build, innovate and solve the world’s most pressing challenges.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will acquire GitHub for $7.5 billion in Microsoft stock. Subject to customary closing conditions and completion of regulatory review, the acquisition is expected to close by the end of the calendar year.

GitHub will retain its developer-first ethos and will operate independently to provide an open platform for all developers in all industries. Developers will continue to be able to use the programming languages, tools and operating systems of their choice for their projects — and will still be able to deploy their code to any operating system, any cloud and any device.

Microsoft Corporate Vice President Nat Friedman, founder of Xamarin and an open source veteran, will assume the role of GitHub CEO. GitHub’s current CEO, Chris Wanstrath, will become a Microsoft technical fellow, reporting to Executive Vice President Scott Guthrie, to work on strategic software initiatives.

“I’m extremely proud of what GitHub and our community have accomplished over the past decade, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead. The future of software development is bright, and I’m thrilled to be joining forces with Microsoft to help make it a reality,” Wanstrath said. “Their focus on developers lines up perfectly with our own, and their scale, tools and global cloud will play a huge role in making GitHub even more valuable for developers everywhere.”

Today, every company is becoming a software company and developers are at the center of digital transformation; they drive business processes and functions across organizations from customer service and HR to marketing and IT. And the choices these developers make will increasingly determine value creation and growth across every industry. GitHub is home for modern developers and the world’s most popular destination for open source projects and software innovation. The platform hosts a growing network of developers in nearly every country representing more than 1.5 million companies across healthcare, manufacturing, technology, financial services, retail and more.

Upon closing, Microsoft expects GitHub’s financials to be reported as part of the Intelligent Cloud segment. Microsoft expects the acquisition will be accretive to operating income in fiscal year 2020 on a non-GAAP basis, and to have minimal dilution of less than 1 percent to earnings per share in fiscal years 2019 and 2020 on a non-GAAP basis, based on the expected close time frame. Non-GAAP excludes expected impact of purchase accounting adjustments, as well as integration and transaction-related expenses. An incremental share buyback, beyond Microsoft’s recent historical quarterly pace, is expected to offset stock consideration paid within six months after closing. Microsoft will use a portion of the remaining ~$30 billion of its current share repurchase authorization for the purchase.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is acting as legal advisor to Microsoft. Morgan Stanley is acting as exclusive financial advisor to GitHub, while Fenwick & West LLP is acting as its legal advisor.

Media & Analyst Conference Call

Nadella, Friedman, Wanstrath and Microsoft Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood will host a joint conference call for media today, June 4, 2018, at 7 a.m.Pacific/10 a.m. Eastern to discuss this transaction. The call will be available to international callers at +1 (201) 689-8023 (no password required), to U.S. callers at (877) 407-0666 (no password required), or via webcast at https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/eudfciq3 at that time. More information is available on http://news.microsoft.com.

Additional details will be available when the acquisition closes.

About GitHub

GitHub is the developer company. We make it easier for developers to be developers: to work together, to solve challenging problems, to create the world’s most important technologies. We foster a collaborative community that can come together — as individuals and in teams — to create the future of software and make a difference in the world.

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

Forward looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are any predictions, projections or other statements about future events based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, that the expected financial and other benefits from the GitHub transaction may not be realized, including because of: the risk that the transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all; any restrictions or limitations imposed by regulatory authorities; the impact of the acquisition on GitHub’s developer community and enterprise customers; the extent to which we achieve anticipated financial and buyback targets; the impact of management and organizational changes on GitHub’s business; the impact on GitHub employees and our ability to retain key personnel; our effectiveness in integrating the GitHub platform and operations with Microsoft’s business; and our ability to realize our broader strategic and operating objectives. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements because of these and other risks and uncertainties of our business, which are described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our Forms 10-K and 10-Q. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Microsoft undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the company’s expectations.

Source: Microsoft Corp.

MapleStory M, The Epic Mobile MMORPG, Pre-registration Starts Today

Register Now to Receive Exclusive Rewards

Seoul – June 4, 2018 –  The highly anticipated MapleStory M is here! Originally launched in Korea, MapleStory M is now making its debut. MapleStory M, an all-new mobile adventure based on the original side-scrolling MMORPG franchise, will be available on all iOS and Android devices in the App Store and Google Play as a free download.

Pre-registration for MapleStory M is now available here: http://maplestorym.nexon.com/.

MapleStory M brings the nostalgia of MapleStory to mobile — an authentic MMORPG experience that you can play right on your mobile device. MapleStory M offers the same endless amount of customization, immersive storylines and epic boss raids that fans come to expect from the epic MapleStory franchise.

In MapleStory M, players will return to the Maple World with all the familiar characters and monsters. Play as five unique MapleStory Characters hunting for loot in Daily Dungeons. Level up, discover new locations, and play with friends in epic boss battles!

FEATURES: 

• Relive the MapleStory straight from your mobile device;
• Explore familiar cities like Henesys, Perion, Kerning City, Elinia, and more;
• Play in a real-time, open world MMORPG with live game events;
• Distinguish and celebrate your individuality through an endless variety of cosmetic decorations;
• Compete with players from around the world in Level Ranking, Mu Lung Dojo, and more;
• Create or join a guild with friends to raid challenging epic bosses;
• Meet MapleStory’s iconic raid boss, Zakum! Join a raid party with up to 10 players and battle against Zakum for exclusive rewards!

Eager players who pre-register will be rewarded with unique cosmetics, equipment and more! The game has soft-launched in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, and Indonesia on May 30 and will fully launch globally (excluding China and Japan) in total nine languages this year.

Social Media: Twitch / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Discord

About MapleStory M

First released in Korea in October 2016, MapleStory M quickly became the #1 ranked free game on both the App Store and the Google Play Store and amassed over two million downloads in the first two weeks. The game will be available on all iOS and Android devices as a free download from the App Store and Google Play.

About NEXON Co. Ltd.
NEXON Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) (3659.TO) is a worldwide leader in free-to-play online and mobile games. Founded in Korea in 1994, Nexon developed one of the world’s first graphics-based massively multiplayer online games. Nexon also pioneered the concept of microtransactions and the free-to-play business model, setting a new standard in which play is free, and users have the option to purchase in-game items to enhance their experience. Nexon currently services nearly 100 titles in more than 190 countries. The Company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and its shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

NEW UNDERWORLD ASCENDANT TRAILER REVEALS AN UNRIVALED INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE

Godfathers of the Immersive Sim Genre to Release Long-Awaited Follow-Up to their Seminal Game this Fall; E3 Attendees Can be Among the First to Try Demo

Sydney, Australia – June 4, 2018 – A new gameplay trailer and screenshots debuted today for Underworld Ascendant, the first major title from OtherSide Entertainment, an independent game developer founded by industry legends Paul Neurath (Ultima Underworld, Thief) and Warren Spector (Deus Ex, Epic Mickey). The trailer also revealed that the long-awaited return to the Stygian Abyss will launch in September this year:

Published by 505 Games, Underworld Ascendant will return players to a memorable and breathtaking fantasy realm rife with danger and full of intrigue. The game encourages and rewards player experimentation, boasting an environment that reacts dynamically to player choices and a wide range of items, skills and abilities that affords players meaningful gameplay decisions. OtherSide is innovating upon the player-authored gameplay of the original series in bold new ways to bring the ‘immersive sim’ genre forward in this action-RPG.

Underworld Ascendant will be playable for all attendees of E3 at the Alienware booth #647 from June 12-14.

Underworld Ascendant will be published on Steam for PC in September 2018. Players can Wishlist the game now at: http://store.steampowered.com/app/692840.

To learn more about Underworld Ascendant, please visit: www.underworldascendant.com.

Social Media
Twitter: @Underworld_Asc
Facebook: @UnderworldAscendantGame
  

About OtherSide Entertainment
OtherSide Entertainment is an independent game studio with offices in Boston, MA and Austin, TX. We are focused on providing players with innovative gameplay, immersive worlds, and engaging narrative. Our specialty is what we call “player-authored” experience in the tradition of Ultima Underworld, System Shock, Thief, Deus Ex and Epic Mickey– games developed by the company’s founders, Paul Neurath and Warren Spector. In 2016, the company launched Underworld Overlord, one of the most highly rated Google Daydream VR games. Currently in development are System Shock 3 and Underworld Ascendant.  For more information about OtherSide Entertainment and its products please visit www.otherside-e.com.

About 505 Games
505 Games is a global video game publisher focused on offering a broad selection of titles for players of all ages and levels. The company publishes and distributes premium and free-to-play games on leading console, PC and handheld platforms as well as for mobile devices and social networks.

Publishing highlights in premium games include Last Day of June, PAYDAY 2, Terraria, Portal Knights, Assetto Corsa, ABZÛ, Virginia, Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons, Laser League and How to Survive. Free-to-play publishing highlights include Battle Islands, Gems of War and Hawken. Distribution highlights include Stardew Valley, Dead by Daylight and Inside/Limbo. Upcoming titles include Indivisible (from the development team behind Skullgirls), Underworld Ascendant and Koji Igarashi’s next project, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night.

505 Games has offices in California, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and China. It works with a network of distribution and sub-licensing partners in all other markets.  For more information on 505 Games and its products please visit www.505games.com.

Xbox Game Pass Has a Remarkable First Year Creating New Opportunities for Gamers and Developers

by Ashley Speicher, Head of Engineering, Xbox Game Pass

It’s been one year since we launched Xbox Game Pass, a monthly membership built for gamers. From the very outset, our goal with Xbox Game Pass has been to provide you with more value and choice by delivering a diverse library of games reflective of the long history of Xbox, as well as create new opportunities for our industry partners that make a positive impact. Thanks to you, this last year has been remarkable – we’ve been humbled by your enthusiasm and support.

Over the last year, we’ve achieved several important milestones based on feedback from our fans. We heard from around the world that you wanted Xbox Game Pass, so we expanded and now support 40 markets across the globe.

You also told us your number one must-have feature was to have more AAA blockbuster titles available. In response, we announced in January that going forward, we plan to release all new Xbox games from Microsoft Studios into Xbox Game Pass the same day as their global launch, including new iterations of future unannounced games from some of our biggest franchises such as Halo, Forza and Gears of War.

So, how is Game Pass creating new opportunities for both gamers and developers? In its first year, Xbox Game Pass has proven to be great for both gamers and game developers as an additive means to drive discovery and engagement of games. The freedom to explore and play more great games is changing gaming habits in incredibly positive ways.

After joining Xbox Game Pass, Game Pass members are playing more games than ever before — not only games in the Game Pass catalogue, but also other Xbox games outside the catalogue. As a result, we’re seeing more active players for games across the board, which is having a notable positive impact for our publishers and developers, including increased sales for games in Xbox Game Pass.

Xbox Game Pass is also creating bigger player communities, more buzz and excitement, and longer lifespan for games that enables our partners to drive more business opportunity. For example, in March, Sea of Thieves marked the first Xbox title to release into Xbox Game Pass timed with its global release, which contributed to a thriving Sea of Thieves community that saw more than 2 million players within its first week of release.

And building on this momentum, in May, we made the second Xbox exclusive title from Microsoft Studios available to Xbox Game Pass members with the release of State of Decay 2 on May 22. The response from our community has been extremely positive, contributing to the over one million players across the globe playing and creating their own zombie survival story.

In addition to our first-party portfolio, we’ve continued to add a variety of new titles for you to explore and enjoy every month, so you always have something new to play. We’ve seen an incredible community response to newer titles in the catalogue such as Pro Evolution Soccer 18, theHunter: Call of the Wild and Clustertruck and can’t wait to bring you more popular titles in the year ahead.

It’s also been exciting to see titles in Xbox Game Pass experience revived gaming communities across a variety of genres and franchises. Games in Xbox Game Pass have a longer tail of engagement, sustain their community and help developers connect with new audiences than before.

What’s more, those same community members often go on to then try the next major release from those franchises thanks to being introduced to new genres and content they may not have otherwise explored, simply by having unlimited access through the Xbox Game Pass catalogue.

We have a long-term commitment and belief in making subscriptions a model that benefits gamers with more choice and game creators with more opportunity. We will continue to invest in this space. We look forward to further evolving Xbox Game Pass by bringing even more great games in the year ahead to continue to meet the needs of gamers and game developers.

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY OPERA OMNIA CELEBRATES TWO MILLION DOWNLOADS

New Milestone Update Features Iconic FINAL FANTASY XIII Heroine, Login Bonuses, Rewards and More

SYDNEY, 1^ST June 2018 –   Square Enix Ltd., announced today that over two million players have joined the mobile adventure in DISSIDIA® FINAL FANTASY® OPERA OMNIA™ to take on solo and co-op quests with dozens of their favourite FINAL FANTASY heroes and villains. The current roster of 47 FINAL FANTASY characters includes fan favourites like Cloud, Squall, Tifa, Yuna and Y’shtola. To commemorate this milestone, players can access a variety of new content and rewards in the latest update, including Lightning, the popular heroine from the FINAL FANTASY XIII series.

The update also includes the eighth and newest chapter, introducing Papalymo Totolymo (FINAL FANTASY XIV) and Cyan Garamonde (FINAL FANTASY VI) to the ongoing story. For a limited time from now until 15^th June, all players who log in to the game will receive 2,000 in-game currency Gems. Doubled Cycle Quest Rewards will also be available, where players receive double the normal rewards when clearing daily cycle quests.

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY OPERA OMNIA is available now in the App Store® for iPhone and iPad, and on Google Play™ for Android devices.

Related Links:
Official Website: https://www.dissidiaoperaomnia.com/home/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dissidiaffoo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dissidiaffoo/

# ENDS #

FIRE PRO WRESTLING WORLD TAKES ON THE PS4 AUGUST 28 (NA) WITH A BONUS ALMANAC WITH FIRST-PRINT COPIES!

NEW STORY MODE SCREENSHOTS AND WEBSITE UPDATED!

LONG BEACH, CA, MARCH 31, 2018 — It’s almost time for the championship title match! Fire Pro Wrestling World™ arrives on the PlayStation®4 system for North America on August 28! The first-print run will include a New Japan Pro Wrestling Bonus Almanac. Supplies are limited, so pre-order today!

The Fire Pro Wrestling World website is now live and fully updated! Visit the official site here.

About Fire Pro Wrestling World

The greatest grappling game returns to take on the world on the PlayStation 4 system! In Fire Pro Wrestling World, customize every aspect of the match, from your wrestler to the ring itself, to fight your way to the championship belt.

Key Features

• Real Wrestlers, Real Moves – NJPW, Japan’s premiere pro-wrestling promotion, joins the roster! Battle alongside and against your favorites in the all-new Fighting Road scenario mode.
• Mix Up the Rules – Modes include Deathmatch (steel cage, barbed wire, or landmines), no-holds barred Gruesome Fighting, and SWA homebrew rules that mix pro-wrestling and MMA.
• Unlimited Customization – Create your dream wrestler from over a thousand devastating moves, and even more body parts, to battle for custom championship belts. Personalize the ring, mat logos, and even the referee!
• Realistic Simulation – Give your creations personalities with a robust system that defines their every action. Does your wrestler play to the crowd, or play dirty? You provide actors for the ringside drama.
• Play Online – Share your custom wrestlers and organize bouts with players from around the world.

Log in to the Spike Chunsoft Press Page to download press releases, screenshots, key art, and more!

Spike Chunsoft Press Page
http://spike-chunsoft.com/login

OPEN WORLD MMORPG, TALION, ENTERS CLOSED BETA FOR ANDROID TODAY

LOS ANGELES – May 31, 2018 – GAMEVIL, Leading mobile developer and publisher, invites Android gamers to join the closed beta test for TALION, an all-new open-world MMORPG. TALION features robust customization, intuitive progression, and a plethora of multiplayer options to engage players while collecting gear, battling in raids and leveling up. Players can join the battle now via Android.

The TALION closed beta test will consist of three hero characters for players to choose from, including Kyle the Warrior, Velletrin the Assassin, and Pell the Mage. Each class possesses multiple combat abilities, hack and slash skills, and upgradable passive skills.

In single player mode, players can gain XP points, collect materials, while earning gold through dungeons and quests. Multiplayer options consist of party dungeons, hunting the raid boss in 50v50 PVP, and synchronous 5v5 and 20v20 PVP modes. With action-packed content in both single and multiplayer modes, TALION is the complete open world package.

Participate in TALION closed beta testing for Android

Like TALION on Facebook

For more information about TALION please visit https://gamevil.com/

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About Gamevil:

Gamevil is a leading developer and publisher of mobile games that span across all genres. Our mission is simple. We thrive to create games with a level of depth and engagement rarely experienced on mobile platforms. Our dedication to building a robust gaming community through active engagement with our players has made this possible. Established in 2000 and headquartered in South Korea, we operate international offices in the Los Angeles, Tokyo, Beijing, Berlin, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hanoi and Taipei. For more information about Gamevil and our portfolio of groundbreaking mobile games, visit https://gamevil.com/.

Follow Gamevil on Twitter at https://twitter.com/gamevil and “Like” Gamevil on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gamevil.

BUS SIMULATOR 18 MULTIPLAYER TRAILER INTRODUCES NEW MULTIPLAYER EXPERIENCE

Moenchengladbach, Germany, May 31, 2018 – As the release of Bus Simulator 18 on June 13, 2018 draws steadily closer, Astragon Entertainment GmbH and the developers of stillalive studios would like to offer their fans a closer look at the game’s cooperative multiplayer mode today.

The official multiplayer trailer of Bus Simulator 18 will also give a closer look on this highly anticipated feature

In Bus Simulator 18 players will get the unique opportunity to create and manage their very own bus company with up to three friends and lead it to success in the fictional European city of Seaside Valley. Thanks to the new synchronous multiplayer mode an exciting gaming experience for all bus and simulation fans!

Not only will players get the chance to manage and expand their bus fleet or create their own network of routes in Bus Simulator 18, they will also be able to chat with each other in real-time and start driving their buses synchronously. While driving around the city they will not only be able to meet and see each other in real-time as well, but also change buses to get a lift with one of their colleagues or completely switch buses to complete the route of another bus driver.

In the event that a teammate will be unavailable the other members of the virtual multiplayer-company will of course still be able continue playing either alone or with a reduced team to keep advancing their common bus enterprise. It is also of course possible to use the end of a successful bus driving day to leisurely discover Seaside Valley on foot – either alone or together as a team – and go in search of the many secrets and sights hidden in the sprawling metropolis

Bus Simulator 18 for PC will be first available on June 13, 2018 in retail and digital stores. The recommended sales price will be 29.99 Euro, 34.99 USD, 26.99 GBP.

For more information visit:
Homepage:       http://www.bussimulator-game.com/
Facebook:        https://www.facebook.com/BusSimulatorGame/
Twitter:           https://twitter.com/BusSimGame
Instagram:        https://www.instagram.com/bussimgame/
Steam Link:    http://store.steampowered.com/app/515180/Bus_Simulator_18/
Discord:           https://discord.gg/astragon

© 2018 astragon Entertainment GmbH and stillalive studios. Published and distributed by astragon Entertainment GmbH. Bus Simulator 18, astragon, astragon Entertainment and its logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of astragon Entertainment GmbH. “Mercedes-Benz” and the “three-pointed star in a ring” are trademarks of Daimler AG and used under license by astragon Entertainment GmbH. Manufactured under license from MAN. MAN is a trademark of MAN Truck & Bus AG. IVECO BUS and URBANWAY are brands of CNH Industrial. Manufactured under license from CNH Industrial. “Setra” and “K im Kreis” are trademarks of EvoBus GmbH and used under license by astragon Entertainment GmbH. Unreal, Unreal Engine, the circle-U logo and the Powered by the Unreal Engine logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Epic Games, Inc. in the United States and elsewhere. All intellectual property relating to the buses and bus equipment, associated brands and images (including trademarks and/or copyrighted materials) featured in the game are therefore the property of their respective companies. The buses in this game may vary from the actual products in shape, colour and performance. All rights reserved. All other names, trademarks and logos are property of their respective owners.

astragon Entertainment GmbH
astragon Entertainment (founded in 2000) ranks among the leading independent games publishers in Germany. Our versatile product portfolio focuses on high-quality technical simulation games such as Construction Simulator, Farming Simulator or Bus Simulator, but also covers complex economic simulations and strategy games. The distribution of the Big Fish franchise (Mystery Case Files, Dark Parables, Grim Tales) completes our exciting product range. Games by astragon are available worldwide on many different platforms such as consoles, smartphones, tablets and PC. Please visit us for more information at http://www.astragon.de/en/.

stillalive studios
stillalive studios is an award-winning game development team whose goal is to create dynamic and unique games. The company was incorporated in early 2013 in Innsbruck (Austria) and today counts about 20 members. We are an experienced and enthusiastic team of game developers embracing both gameplay and technological challenges, working with both Unity and Unreal. For more information visit http://stillalive-studios.com/.