EA ANNOUNCES THE SIMS 4 CATS & DOGS EXPANSION PACK

Get Your Paws on The Sims 4’s Furriest Expansion Pack Yet Available November 10th on PC and Mac

SYDNEY, Australia – August 22, 2017 – Life is better with cats and dogs! Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and Maxis today announced that The Sims™ 4 Cats & Dogs Expansion Pack is coming to PC and Mac on November 10^th. The highly anticipated expansion pack allows players to experience the cuddly companionship and delightful surprises cats and dogs will bring into their Sims’ daily lives. The all new Create A Pet tool provides players with the ability to create and design their perfect pet. Choose from an expansive variety of cat and dog breeds or mix multiple breeds to create something truly unique. Customise furry friends’ coats with crazy patterns or match the spots and stripes of an in-game pet to a real-life pet. For the first time ever, special outfits and accessories will also be available to finish off the look, and tailored personality traits ensure no two pets are alike inside-or-out.

“The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs offers fans some of the cutest, most charming pets ever seen in The Sims. From dogs and cats to puppies and kittens, the new tools for customising pets are so flexible and powerful, players can really create anything they can imagine,” said Executive Producer, Lyndsay Pearson. “We know how much our community values four-legged friends as part of their families and I am thrilled at what the team has been able to bring to life.”

The animals’ unique personality traits will be discovered along the way as Sims care for, train and play games with their pets. A brand-new veterinarian business will allow players to pursue dreams of building their own veterinary clinic, hiring a dedicated staff, and diagnosing and curing pets from the occasional fleas to the more bizarre sicknesses they encounter.

Lastly, The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs will expand The Sims 4 with the beautiful coastal shores of a brand-new world, Brindleton Bay. Here Sims and their pets can play fetch near the harbor docks, take a walk to the lighthouse, visit a park to setup an obstacle course, meet other pet-loving locals, and even find stray pets that Sims can take in as their own!

The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs Expansion Pack is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information and to pre-order The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs, please visit www.TheSims.com.

*REQUIRES THE SIMS 4 GAME (SOLD SEPARATELY) AND ALL GAME UPDATES TO PLAY.

About The Sims
The Sims is a world-renowned interactive entertainment phenomenon that has entertained hundreds of millions of people across the globe for more than 17 years. The Sims empowers players to play with life by creating virtual people, customising their worlds and ruling their lives. The Sims has one of the most active player communities in the world with more than 20 million fans across social channels. The Sims embraces life in all of its dimensions, continually adding new ways to play through gameplay innovations, collaboration with top brands and artists, and exploring new gaming platforms. For more information about The Sims, visit www.TheSims.com.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers. EA has more than 300 million registered players around the world.

In fiscal year 2017, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.8 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognised for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Battlefield™, Need for Speed™, Dragon Age™ and Plants vs. Zombies™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.

Ultimate Team, EA SPORTS, Battlefield, Battlefield 1, The Sims, Need for Speed, Dragon Age, and Plants vs. Zombies are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. NBA, John Madden, NFL and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.

EA AND BMW DEBUT THE ALL-NEW BMW M5 IN NEED FOR SPEED PAYBACK

Car Fans Can Drive This High-Performance Luxury Sedan in the Game this Fall Before it Hits the Road Next Year

See the First Full Reveal of the 2018 BMW M5 in the New Need for Speed Payback High Stakes Trailer 

SYDNEY, Australia – August 22, 2017 – Today, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA) and the BMW Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium automobiles and motorcycles, debuted the all-new BMW M5 in Need for Speed™ Payback, the action driving blockbuster releasing this holiday. This marks the first time BMW has revealed a car through a videogame partnership, unveiling the new in-game BMW M5 at gamescom, Europe’s biggest trade fair for interactive games and entertainment. The new BMW M5 builds on the traditional concept of a luxurious four-door business sedan by appealing to drivers with a taste for high speed and adrenaline. Need for Speed Payback players will be among the first to experience the new M xDrive all-wheel drive as they tear through the city streets and diverse landscape of Fortune Valley this Fall.

“The new BMW M5 is a stunning car,” said Marcus Nilsson, Executive Producer at Ghost Games. “With immense power combined with gorgeous design, our players are going to love getting behind the wheel of the new M5. Whether it’s pulling off intense heist missions, or outrunning cops in epic pursuits or just cruising the open world, this car embodies performance, speed and desire, making it one of the pinnacle rides in Need for Speed Payback.”

The M5 takes the BMW M-series into new territory, with 441 kW/600 hp, peak torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) and 10.5 l/100 km [26.9 mpg imp] fuel consumption combined/ 241 g/km CO2 emissions combined, which promise supreme propulsive power and formidable performance. The new M xDrive developed by BMW M GmbH is the most engaging all-wheel-drive system yet to grace the high-performance segment and will be on display across various terrains in Need for Speed Payback.

“The M is not only synonymous for the world’s most powerful letter, but has also become a synonym worldwide for the prototype of the Ultimate Driving Machine. Take a look at the new BMW M5: its power output, torque and acceleration, the M specific all-wheel drive system M xDrive and its stunning design make our all-new toy the perfect feature for Need for Speed,” said Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division. “While the M5 won’t be officially released until next spring, Need for Speed players can drive it first and exclusively in Need for Speed Payback. We at BMW M are really proud of this collaboration.”

“Young, enthusiastic and 100% devoted to their passion: This is not only true for BMW M fans but also for millions of gamers around the globe, who love Need for Speed. BMW is joy and excitement for cars, whether it is in real life or digital,” said Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President Brand BMW. “With this cooperation BMW can reach out to a new audience that is truly digital. Millions of gamers now experience the thrilling new BMW M5, an absolute dream car, even before it actually hits the road. This is a perfect example of a fruitful cooperation in modern marketing with benefits for everyone and a new milestone after the BMW M2’s debut in 2015’s Need for Speed.”

Need for Speed, one of the world’s bestselling video game franchises, returns with a vengeance in Need for Speed Payback. Drive as three distinct characters united by a common goal: revenge at any cost. Craft unique rides with deeper performance and visual customisation than ever before. Get on a roll and win big with risk-versus-reward gameplay. The return of intense cop chases also means the stakes have never been higher. From insane heist missions to devastating car battles to jaw dropping set pieces, Need for Speed Payback delivers an edge-of-your-seat, action-driving fantasy.

Need for Speed Payback will be available worldwide on November 10^th for Xbox One, PlayStation®4, and Origin™ for PC. Need for Speed Payback Deluxe Edition owners will get their three-day early access starting Tuesday, November 7^th. Players can also get into the action before launch through EA Access and Origin Access, where members can play for up to 10 hours starting Thursday, November 2^nd with the EA Access and Origin Access Play First Trial.

About Electronic Arts 

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers. EA has more than 300 million registered players around the world.

In fiscal year 2017, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.8 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognised for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Battlefield™, Need for Speed™, Dragon Age™ and Plants vs. Zombies™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.

EA, Need for Speed, The Sims, Dragon Age, Plants vs. Zombies, Battlefield are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. and its subsidiaries.  John Madden, NFL, and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. Xbox is a trademark of the Microsoft group of companies. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

www.bmwgroup.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview
Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

EA UNVEILS BATTLEFIELD 1 REVOLUTION AND BATTLEFIELD 1 INCURSIONS, AT GAMESCOM

Revolutionise Your Play – New Modes, New Maps, New Conflicts Available Now

Players Can Get A First Look at Competitive Play in Battlefield 1 Incursions 
Closed Alpha , Beginning in September

SYDNEY, Australia – August 22, 2017 – DICE, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA) today unveiled a Revolution for Battlefield™ 1. In the complete Battlefield 1 experience, Battlefield 1 Revolution allows players to experience the dawn of all-out war through epic multiplayer battles where no battle is ever the same, immersive single player War Stories, more maps, deeper progression and new modes, all in a single package. Battlefield 1 Revolution is now available worldwide for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Origin on PC. In addition, Battlefield 1 Incursions is a new intense gaming experience being developed in collaboration with players, and optimised for competition. Players can register now for the Closed Alpha beginning in September.

Battlefield 1 Revolution is the quintessential way to join the Battlefield community and experience war on an unmatched scale. Battlefield 1 Revolution contains the Battlefield 1 base game and Battlefield 1 Premium Pass which includes four themed expansion packs*, each filled with all new maps, new modes and more, making it the complete Battlefield 1 experience. Players will have immediate access to Battlefield 1 They Shall Not Pass, featuring six maps including the game’s first night maps, Nivelle Nights and Prise de Tahure. Players can further expand the battle with Battlefield 1 Revolution in Battlefield 1 In the Name of the Tsar in September, partake in amphibious warfare in Battlefield 1 Turning Tides set to launch in December, and the most infamous battles of the Great War in Battlefield 1 Apocalypse,available in early 2018. Those who purchase Battlefield 1 Revolution will also receive the Red Baron Pack, Lawrence of Arabia Pack and Hellfighter Pack which contain themed weapons, vehicles and emblems based on the famous heroes and units.

Also available today for those that own Battlefield 1 Revolution or Battlefield 1 Premium Pass is Lupkow Pass, the first map to be released from the upcoming expansion In the Name of the Tsar. In Lupkow Pass, players can battle it out in the snow-covered ravines and treacherous vertical drops of World War I. Then, when the full expansion releases in early September, players will further enter the war’s biggest front with the Russian Army and the Women’s Battalion of Death with five additional all new maps and two new Operations. In the Name of the Tsar also includes 11 new weapons, the new Ilya-Muromets Heavy Bomber vehicle, the Putilov-Garford Heavy Armored Car, the new Supply Drop game mode, new medals, dog tags, service stars and more, making it the most extensive update in Battlefield franchise history.

In the Battlefield 1 Incursions Closed Alpha, players will be introduced to a tight, teamplay focused competitive experience in the game. Competitors will have to put their skills to the test in intense 5 vs. 5 matches, creating dramatic moments that include the signature Battlefieldvehicle gameplay. Starting in September, players in the Closed Alpha will be able to choose from eight different kits (Trench Surgeon, Control Leader, AT Assault, Battle Mechanic, Mortar Support, Raid Leader, Shock Assault, Proximity Recon) on the modified Battlefield 1 Giant’s Shadow map, and rank up to gain access to improved weapons and abilities based on a combination of time and performance. The Battlefield 1 Incursions Closed Alpha is just the beginning of the team’s journey in crafting a long term-competitive experience in collaboration with the Battlefield community. The features, content, and systems of Battlefield 1 Incursions may change between Closed Alpha and its final, finished form. More details on the competitive gaming structure and events will be shared in the coming months.

For more information on Battlefield 1, please visit www.battlefield.com or join the conversation on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter ^®. Press assets for Battlefield 1 are available at http://info.ea.com.

*Check www.battlefield.com/games/battlefield-1/premium often for details and release dates for each expansion pack

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 300 million registered players around the world.

In fiscal year 2016, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.4 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognised for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Battlefield™, Dragon Age™ and Plants vs. Zombies™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news .

EA, EA SPORTS, Origin, The Sims, Dragon Age, Plants vs. Zombies, Battlefield, and Battlefield 1 are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. John Madden, NFL, NHL, NBA, PGA TOUR, UFC and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Puzzle Bobble Journey Now Available on the App Store and the Google Play Store 

Classic Puzzle Game Has Arrived

SYDNEY, 22^ND August 2017 – TAITO Corporation (Main office: Shinjuku, Tokyo, herein after TAITO) today announced the release of the classic puzzle game “Puzzle Bobble Journey” on the App Store® and Google Play™ Store for mobile devices and tablets.

Brothers “Bubblun” and “Bobblun” have been turned into dragons by the curse of a witch. The brothers blow and burst bubbles to search a way to turn back into human form. Bust-A-Move/Puzzle Bobble’s classic, exciting play formula is simple but addictive: connect three or more bubbles of the same color to remove them from the field and progress.

Features:
– Shoot bubbles to match 3 or more of the same color to make them pop!
– Complete your missions in every stage such as “Pop all the bubbles!”, “Reach the target score!” and “Save Chack’n!”!
– Clearing a stage unlocks the next stage. Move forward on your way!
– Skillfully use the helpful items and characters to advance stages!
–  “EASY MODE” to assist “Guide & Change Up” functions are now available!
– The game includes 270+ stages with a variety of mechanics!
– Players can purchase maps to play additional stages from Stage 271.

Formula 1® enters esports with the launch of the Formula 1® Esports Series

SYDNEY, 22^ND August 2017 – Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, today announced their entry into the esports arena with the launch of the Formula 1® Esports Series. The competition, starting in September 2017, will see fans and gamers from all over the world battle it out to uncover  the best virtual F1 driver and be crowned the Formula 1 Esports Series World Champion. The Formula 1 Esports Series is a partnership between Formula 1, the world’s premier motor sport; Codemasters, the leading racing game developer and publisher; and Gfinity, the global leader in esports events and competitions. The 2017 F1 Esport Series will be the first year of an annual competition, highlighting the sport’s long-term investment in esports and gaming as well as its continued ambition to build a greater connection with wider audiences, especially younger fans.

The launch of the competition coincides with the release of the official F1™ 2017 game allowing gamers to get closer to Formula 1 than ever before. Releasing worldwide on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Windows PC (via Steam) on August 25^th, F1 2017 is the most feature rich game in the franchise’s history and the new F1 Esport Series will be open to players on all three platforms. Competitors will race through three different stages. Qualification events will take place throughout September to determine  the quickest 40 drivers: these will progress to the live semifinal events, to be hosted at the Gfinity Arena in London on October 10th and 11th. The top 20 will progress to the Finals, which will take place at the Yas Marina as part of the 2017 FORMULA 1 Etihad Airways Abu  Dhabi Grand Prix on 24th and 25^th November. At the end of a three-race event, the first Formula 1 Esports World Champion will be crowned on the same weekend as the final 2017 Formula 1 Grand Prix. Alongside the pride and prestige of being the first ever champion, the winner will also be the Formula 1 Esports Champion Expert for 2018 and will automatically qualify for the semifinals of next year’s Formula 1 Esports Series. The first winner will also be offered the opportunity to live the full experience of a Formula 1 race by attending one of the 2018 Grand Prix, as well as becoming a character in the F1™ 2018 game: a timeless reminder of his or her’s accomplishment.

Sean Bratches, Managing Director, Commercial Operations at Formula 1 said:

“This launch presents an amazing opportunity for our business: strategically and in the way we engage fans. First, it’s a growing category with tremendous fan engagement that we’re entering in a big way; and we are proud to have Codemasters and Gfinity joining us on this ride. Of course as we do in Formula 1, we’ll continue to evolve and innovate in the way we run this virtual counterpart to the F1 Championship to ensure we provide the most exciting and enjoyable experience we can for our fans.”

Frank Sagnier, CEO at Codemasters said:

“Esports is one of the fastest growing sectors of gaming already attracting audiences in the tens of millions. We are delighted to be announcing this incredible racing series with Formula 1 for our upcoming F1 2017 game. The highly competitive nature and high-speed  spectacle of the sport combined with the authenticity of our game will provide a thrilling experience for players and viewers across the world. We look forward to engaging more deeply with our loyal and passionate community, and to bring new fans to both our game and the sport itself.”

Neville Upton, CEO, Gfinity said:

“Formula 1 entering esports is a ringing endorsement for what spectacular entertainment esports provides and how vital it is to cutting-edge organisations that want to push the boundaries of entertainment and fan experience. Like Formula 1, Gfinity has the experience, skill and infrastructure to put on world-class events and we look forward to delivering fans the Formula 1 esports Series with excellence.”

All the details about the Formula 1 Esport Series and how to compete are available at F1Esports.com.

FINAL FANTASY XV ANNOUNCED FOR PC

NVIDIA and SQUARE ENIX Team-Up to Deliver Spectacular Version With GameWorks Technology and Other Advanced Features 

SYDNEY, 22^ND August 2017 – Square Enix Ltd., today announced they are bringing FINAL FANTASY® XV to Windows PC. Set for release in early 2018, FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION comes loaded with NVIDIA® GameWorks™ technology and other advanced PC features adding cutting-edge graphics and physics simulation technologies with support for NVIDIA’s capture and share tools.

SQUARE ENIX will use its cutting-edge Luminous Engine* together with NVIDIA GameWorks and other advanced technologies to make FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION the definitive version of the game with support for native 4K and 8K resolutions, as well as HDR10 and DOLBY ATMOS®. FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION boasts a wealth of bonus content from the console versions originally available through the Season Pass and free updates, while the addition of a new first-person mode allows a more immersive experience than ever before.

“With the help of NVIDIA, we are creating a stunning visual experience in FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION, one worthy of this beloved franchise,” said Hajime Tabata, Director of FINAL FANTASY XV at SQUARE ENIX. “NVIDIA pushes the pace of innovation in our industry, and that benefits gamers and developers alike.”

FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION will include the following GameWorks technology for real-time graphics and physics simulations:

• NVIDIA Flow – to create dynamic, combustible fluid, fire and smoke.
• NVIDIA HairWorks – to create dynamic, life-like hair and fur for characters, animals and monsters that inhabit the game.
• NVIDIA ShadowWorks – to enable characters to cast shadows on themselves.
• NVIDIA Turf Effects – to create dynamic grass and vegetation in the game environment.
• NVIDIA VXAO – adds depth and realism based on the physics principles shadows and light.

There is also support for both GeForce® Experience™ capture and share tools:

• NVIDIA Ansel™ an in-game photography tool that allows gamers to compose shots from any position, adjust with post-process filters, capture HDR images in high fidelity formats, and share screenshots in 360 via a smartphone, PC or VR headset.
• NVIDIA ShadowPlay™ Highlights automatically captures a gamer’s greatest gaming achievements in video and screenshot and enables seamless sharing through social channels.

FINAL FANTASY WINDOWS EDITION will be available Early 2018 for Windows PC. For more information about FINAL FANTASY XV, please visit: www.finalfantasyxv.com

Related Links:
FINAL FANTASY XV YouTube: https://YouTube.com/FinalFantasyXV
FINAL FANTASY XV Twitter®: @FFXVEN
FINAL FANTASY XV Instagram: @FFXV
FINAL FANTASY XV Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/ffxv/