AO Tennis Is Now Available In Australia And New Zealand

The official game for the biggest tennis event this summer delivers authenticity, real players and more customisation than ever seen in a tennis game

Melbourne, 17^th January, 2018 – Big Ant Studios, in collaboration with Tennis Australia, is proud to announce that AO Tennis, the first officially licensed game to the Australian Open, is available now.

In addition to bringing together photo-realistic tennis legends from all around the world, it’s the sheer customisation of AO Tennis that fans will especially love. Whether it’s re-creating themselves, or anyone else, through the in-depth player creator, or creating their dream competition, AO Tennis has both the complete Australian Open experience, and all the player-creation features that Big Ant has delivered in all its sports games previously.

Once made, fans can also share all their content online, giving all AO Tennis owners access to an endlessly-expanding database of content to further enhance their experience of the game.

“We give players the tools that they need to make their game their own,” Big Ant CEO, Ross Symons, said. “Through the Tennis Academy, any contest and rivalry can be played out on any of the major surfaces used in the sport.”

AO Tennis also delivers great authenticity in licensed players from the Australian Open, with photogrammetry delivering photo realistic likenesses of all the licensed players, and each stadium used in the Australian Open being recreated 1:1. This is a result of the deep involvement of Tennis Australia, giving Big Ant unprecedented access to the tournament’s facilities to make the definitive Australian Open experience.

Delivering on the promise to continue adding more players to the roster from what had been previously announced, the list of players that have completed full photogrammetry to be included in the game and will be available from launch (following the download of a critical day 1 patch) are:

• Rafael Nadal
• David Goffin
• Kevin Anderson
• Karolina Pliskova
• Johanna Konta
• Ashleigh Barty
• Angelique Kerber
• Steve Johnson
• Caroline Garcia
• Daria Gavrilova
• Agnieszka Radwanska
• Shuai Zhang
• Sam Stosur
• Naomi Osaka
• Belinda Bencic
• Destanee Aiava
• Thanasi Kokkinakis
• Hyeon Chung

More players may be added in through future patches as well.

AO Tennis is available in Australia and New Zealand on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. A global edition, as well as a Steam version for PC players, will be released in the first half of 2018.

About Tennis Australia
Australian Open 2018, presented by Kia Motors in association with ANZ, Jacob’s Creek and Rolex, will take place at Melbourne Park from 15-28 January. Australian Open tickets are now on sale at ticketek.com.au.

About Big Ant Studios

Big Ant Studios Pty Ltd, a privately owned and operated independent game developer and publisher, is one of Australia’s largest and longest-running game development studios. Founded in 2001, it has developed and published games from historic platforms including the Game Boy Advance and PlayStation Portable, through to modern consoles, including the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Big Ant is best known for producing high quality sports titles, and has developed and released bestselling titles based on AFL, Rugby League, Motorsports, Lacrosse and Cricket. www.bigant.com

2K announced today that WWE 2K18’s Enduring Icons Pack is now available as downloadable content, featuring some of the greatest WWE talent to ever step foot in the ring. This pack marks release of the final downloadable content offerings for WWE 2K18.

Talent in the Enduring Icons DLC pack includes:

• WWE Superstars Jeff and Matt Hardy;
• WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix;
• WWE Hall of Famers Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson (The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express).

The Enduring Icons Pack is available now for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Windows PC; the pack is also included as part of the WWE 2K18 Season Pass. In addition, the Enduring Icons Pack will be available for Nintendo Switch™ at a later date. For additional details, please see the blog post here: https://wwe.2k.com/news/entries/wwe-2k18-enduring-icons-pack

Developed collaboratively by Yuke’s and Visual Concepts, a 2K studio, WWE 2K18 is available now worldwide for the PS4™ system, Xbox One, Windows PC and Nintendo Switch.

For more information on WWE 2K18 and 2K, visit wwe.2k.com, become a fan on Facebook, follow the game on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #WWE2K18 and #BLN1 or subscribe on YouTube.

NEW GUNDAM GAME COMING WITH NEW GUNDAM BREAKER

A new GUNDAM BREAKER on PlayStation®4 

BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe is pleased to announce the latest Gundam game with a short trailer. NEW GUNDAM BREAKER will be available in 2018 on PlayStation®4.

NEW GUNDAM BREAKER will offer an exhilarating experience to players as they are able to destroy incoming hostile Gunplas, gather those parts and seek to construct their very own Gundam!

NEW GUNDAM BREAKER will be launched in 2018 on PlayStation 4. For more information about the game and other products from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.com, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoEU , or join the conversation at https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoEU .

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About BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe S.A.S.
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe S.A.S., part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for all major video game consoles, iOS, Android, and online platforms. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises including PAC-MAN™, GALAGA™,TEKKEN™, SOULCALIBUR™, ACE COMBAT™ and DARK SOULS™. BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe is the premier publisher for anime based video games including NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL™, and ONE PIECE™. More information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.bandainamcoent.eu or www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoEU

League of Legends OPL lands Hungry Jack’s sponsorship

Riot Games Oceania today announced that Hungry Jack’s has signed on as the presenting partner of the Oceanic Pro League (OPL) 2018 Season – a move that further shows the growth of League of Legends esports in Oceania.

This announcement follows Hungry Jack’s recent naming rights agreement with the National Basketball League and its renewed sponsorship of the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League.

“This partnership is a strong indicator that League of Legends esports is being more widely recognised as a professional sport,” said Daniel Ringland, Riot Games’ Head of Esports.

“The OPL has come so far over the past four years and it’s great to bring on a partner like Hungry Jack’s, who share our passion for building the league and providing our fans with the best esports experience in this region. Oceanic fans and pro players deserve a professional, ever evolving esports ecosystem and building that requires partners like Hungry Jack’s.

“Through the partnership with Hungry Jack’s, we’re going to be able to offer fans a range of rewarding experiences. The first initiative we have launched is a tipping platform where players can put their OPL knowledge to the test, compete against their friends and win League of Legends and Hungry Jack’s prizes.”

Hungry Jack’s also plans to engage in-game with fans, giving Australian players the chance to meet and play with top players.

“Hungry Jack’s is committed to growing esports in the Oceanic region, and by backing the OPL we’ll be able to support fans and help local League of Legends teams reach the next level of international competition,” said Scott Baird, Hungry Jack’s Chief Marketing Officer.

The 2018 OPL season will kick off on 20 January with 8 teams competing over 11 weeks for the Split 1 Championship and the opportunity to attend the Mid-Season Invitational, the second largest international League of Legends tournament aside from the World Championship, which attracts over 60 million unique viewers.

Visit oce.lolesports.com to find out more about the OPL and opltips.com.au to register for tipping.

GROTTI GT500 SPORTS CLASSIC & AIR QUOTA MODE OUT NOW PLUS FACILITY UPGRADE DISCOUNTS

GROTTI GT500 NOW AVAILABLE

Getting from point A to point B in one piece ain’t good for much unless you ooze some serious class doing so. Luckily for you, the Grotti GT500 Sports Classic is a shining example of Italian automotive excellence — seductively styled, and terribly uninterested in your health and safety. Get your Grotti GT500 today, exclusively from Legendary Motorsport.

AIR QUOTA – NEW ADVERSARY MODE OUT NOW

You picked up a couple of cheeky kills in a P-996 Lazer and dubbed yourself ‘King of the Skies’, but how are your skills in an attack helicopter? Can you duck and dodge in a Thruster? Well, Air Quota is here to put your claims of greatness to the test in a gigantic aerial fracas for up to 4 teams and 16 players. Work your way through every flavor of airborne combat the Los Santos skies have to offer the only way you know how – by blowing your opponents to bits with Missiles and Cannons. Earn Double GTA$ & RP in the brand new Air Quota mode now through January 22nd.

DISCOUNTS TO KEEP YOU STYLISH & SECURE 

We know you’re in a rush to save the world from impending doom but it’s time to add some flair to that new lair of yours. Maze Bank Foreclosures is slashing the sticker price on select customization options for your Facility including a Security Room upgrade equipped with guns and goons to strike your foes whenever your heart desires. And when you’re done plotting from the confines of your underground fortress, we’ve got two discounted vehicles designed to crush the competition with lethal proficiency:

• Facility Styles – 25% off
• Facility Graphics – 25% off
• Security Room – 25% off
• Buckingham Pyro (Plane) – 25% off (Buy It Now & Trade Price)
• HVY Nightshark (Weaponized Vehicle) – 25% off

PREMIUM RACE & TIME TRIAL SCHEDULE

Earn some extra cash by competing in this week’s Premium Race and Time Trial. Through January 22nd:

• Premium Stunt Race– “Plummet” Locked to Super
• Time Trial– “Tongva Valley”

Launch Premium Races through the Quick Job App on your in-game phone or via the yellow corona at Legion Square. The top three finishers will earn GTA$ and you’ll get Triple RP regardless of where you place. To take a shot at the Time Trial, set a waypoint to the marker on your in-game map and enter via the purple corona. Beat par time and you’ll be duly rewarded with GTA$ & RP.

WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES SCRIBBLENAUTS™ SHOWDOWN

Players Face Off in Fast-Paced Multiplayer Party Experiences for Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation® 4 and Xbox One

January 17, 2018 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced Scribblenauts™ Showdown, a new video game based on the inventive franchise that expands upon the puzzle-action series’ creativity by introducing two new party game modes for one to four players. Scribblenauts™ Showdown will be available March 7 for Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One.

“Scribblenauts™ Showdown delivers imaginative fun and the humour that Scribblenauts™ fans love with new social elements to challenge friends and family,” said Steven Chiang, Executive Vice President, Production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “Players of all skill levels will enjoy testing their creativity in the fast-paced, head-to-head party style gameplay.”

In the game’s Showdown mode, up to four players face off and imagine their way to victory through card-based strategy and creative skill. “Wordy” mini-games require unleashing the best object or character from the vast Scribblenauts™ dictionary of over thirty thousand words to outsmart an opponent. Action-oriented “Speedy” mini-games reward the player who completes a given challenge first. A board game style map displays players’ progress. With multiple ways to make up ground, every player has a chance to win, which keeps the excitement going until the end!

In Versus mode, two players can go head-to-head in more than 25 mini-games that vary in every session. The mini-games can also be enjoyed by a single player.  Versus mode allows continuous play of games by shuffling players into game after game for non-stop fun.

Sandbox mode, the Scribblenauts™ series’ cherished creative playground, allows one or two players to solve objectives in eight new levels by summoning any object they can imagine and earn hidden Starites and achievements. Players can also let their imaginations run wild by unleashing whatever objects they can think of and watching them interact in unexpected ways.

Adding to the family fun, players can either choose, or design, their own original Scribblenaut™ to represent them throughout the game, all drawn in the classic Scribblenauts™ art style. The Scribblenaut™ can be further customised with unique clothing and quirky accessories by earning Starites and completing achievements.

Follow Scribblenauts™ Showdown at:

http://www.facebook.com/ScribblenautsVideoGame   

http://twitter.com/ScribbleMaxwell

https://www.instagram.com/Scribblenauts

https://www.pinterest.com/Scribblenauts

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About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc., is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all platforms, including console, handheld, mobile and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.

650 Million Fans Celebrate the One-Year Anniversary of STAR WARS™: FORCE ARENA

A one-year anniversary infographic released today reveals that the users have played over 119 million 1V1 Ranked Matches.

SEOUL, Korea – Jan. 16, 2018 – Netmarble Games Corp., the fastest-growing mobile game company in Asia, today celebrates the one-year anniversary of its hit title, Star Wars™: Force Arena. The game, which features some of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars universe, has captured the attention of millions of players across the globe since its debut.

Star Wars: Force Arena has had over 6.5 million players globally to-date. In honor of the anniversary, Netmarble has released even more key stats from the first year of gameplay, including:

• The top five most popular leaders from Light Side are: Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Anakin Skywalker, Sabine Wren, and Han Solo.
• The five most popular leaders from dark side are The Grand Inquisitor, Director Orson Krennic, General Grievous, Boba Fett, and Darth Vader.
• Fans have played over 119 million 1vs1 Ranked matches.

“Star Wars™: Force Arena has been an enjoyable game since its debut,” said Seungwon Lee, Chief Global Officer, Netmarble Games. “Entering year two, we are looking forward to sharing many more updates that will delight our fans and users.”

Star Wars: Force Arena is celebrating this special milestone with the One-Year Anniversary Coin event until 25^th, January. Users can acquire Star Wars™: The Last Jedi™ character cards with the anniversary coin that can be acquired from gameplay.

Boasting more than 120 playable in-game cards, this action-packed game recently released an update featuring characters and content from the recently released film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, including the charismatic Poe Dameron and lovely BB-8.

Star Wars: Force Arena is available on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, visit www.StarWarsForceArena.com.

Download Star Wars: Force Arena for your iOS device here.

Check out Star Wars: Force Arena on Android here.

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About Netmarble Games Corporation

Netmarble Games Corp. strives to entertain audiences of all ages around the world by providing great mobile gaming experiences. Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble is the fastest-growing mobile game company and consistently ranks as a top mobile developer and publisher worldwide. With more than 4,000 employees, Netmarble has been producing and servicing some of the most successful mobile games including Lineage 2: Revolution, MARVEL Future Fight, Everybody’s Marble, and Seven Knights. As a parent company to Kabam, a top mobile game developer in massively multiplayer free-to-play games, and the largest shareholder to Jam City, a leading casual social game developer, Netmarble has a strategic partnership with CJ E&M Corporation, Asia’s largest entertainment company, Tencent Holdings, Asia’s largest internet company, and NCsoft, a prominent MMORPG company. More information can be found at www.netmarble.com

About Lucasfilm Ltd.

Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company’s activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

KOEI TECMO EUROPE DETAILS NEW OPEN WORLD FEATURES FOR UPCOMING EPIC, DYNASTY WARRIORS 9 

Fight Powerful Foes, Gather New Resources and Become a Powerful Warrior While Traversing a New Sizable Map!

Hertfordshire, 16^th January 2018 – Today, KOEI TECMO Europe further detailed the open world functions for upcoming epic DYNASTY WARRIORS 9, which will be released across Europe on the 13th February 2018 for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows PC via Steam®.

In DYNASTY WARRIORS 9, roaming off the beaten path opens up greater experiences outside of the main story line – allowing powerful enemies to appear and challenge players with their advanced abilities and skills. These formidable opponents come in the form of humans; such as bandits, or beasts; such as wolves, which will provide additional valuable items or materials as a reward upon defeat. It may be tempting to take on these foes to gain the plethora of takings, but the situation should be carefully assessed – as fleeing from battle may be the safer option.

One skill warriors can complete to prepare for tough encounters is cooking. By visiting a teahouse, or the player’s own hideaway, materials such as meat and vegetables can be used to prepare a meal that will grant temporary boosts to their characters. DYNASTY WARRIORS 9’s new boosts offer various effects including, but not limited to; increased experience, strength, defence, speed and jump abilities. Devouring a hearty meal ahead of an important battle is a surefire way to turn the tide of battle in the player’s favour. During a player’s stay at these locations, they not only have the option to cook and eat food to earn an advantage in battle, they can manipulate the time of day (morning, noon, dusk, night) by advancing it to speed up their health recovery.

Another way of ensuring an edge in battle is through crafting new weaponry. These new weapons are crafted through scrolls – useful items which detail the required materials for a player to collect. To unlock the abilities to craft weapons, the required scrolls for each weapon must be collected; with some weapon’s blueprints split across multiple scrolls. Players are rewarded scrolls upon completing missions or by defeating certain enemies, which will unlock a weapon which can only be crafted at a blacksmith. Gems and accessories can also be crafted, which provide substantial boosts to the player. Gems are also found throughout the world and are used in the weapon’s forging process to provide additional effects – including a variety of different elemental abilities.

When exploring DYNASTY WARRIORS 9’s vast world map, players are able to call on their noble steed to help them quickly traverse long distances. At the start, your horse will have relatively limited abilities, which can then be enhanced through riding experience via long distances or fighting on horseback. Starting abilities also differ according to the horse’s mane, thus two horses of the same species can grow in experience at completely different rates. New horses can also be unlocked and purchased at stables, all starting at different skill levels and ready for development.

KOEI TECMO Europe also announced further details to the bonus content available to fans who purchase the digital versions of DYNASTY WARRIORS 9 through the PlayStation®Store and Xbox Store during their pre-order or early purchase stages. Those who purchase the Standard version of the game will receive the previously announced seven costumes for fan-favourite characters. The costumes are inspired by traditional Chinese undergarment styles; the “Dudou Costume” for Guan Yinping, Diaochan, Sun Shangxiang, Lu Lingqi, Wang Yi, and Wang Yuanji, and an imposing Beijing Opera-style costume for Zhao Yun. On the other hand, those who purchase the Digital Deluxe Version are offered all the previously mentioned items from the Standard Version plus the Season Pass, which will grant access to all future DLC for the title, and three original DYNASTY WARRIORS weapons: The Amethyst Iron Blade, The Crimson Ring Blade and The Jade Splendid Swords.

An action-packed trailer detailing the exciting new features in DYNASTY WARRIORS 9, alongside a fresh batch of artwork assets were released, offering a look into the open world features revealed today and costume designs, alongside plenty of screenshots from the new installment to the series!

For more information and to keep in touch with the latest news on DYNASTY WARRIORS 9 please visit the official site at www.koeitecmoeurope.com/dw9 or be part of our community on  www.facebook.com/koeitecmogames and follow us on Twitter @koeitecmoeurope.

About DYNASTY WARRIORS 9

Based on real historical events and figures, DYNASTY WARRIORS 9 follows the personal struggles and progression of the player’s chosen character through the completion of both key and secondary events which can be reached in a myriad of different ways. The story of the Three Kingdoms era is presented in over ten riveting chapters, each reflecting changes in the balance of power. Each Chapter takes the player a step deeper into the impressive military and political machinations of the era, beginning with the Yellow Turban Rebellion through the ultimate unification of China.

ABOUT KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD.

KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive® and Ninja Gaiden®series. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. On April 1, 2009, KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD was established as a result of the TECMO, LTD. and KOEI Co., Ltd. merger. More information about KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.koeitecmoeurope.com 

Xbox, Xbox One are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

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

©2018 KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. The KT logo is a registered trademark of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD.