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Microsoft Surface Studio and Windows 10 Creator Update Revealed

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Microsoft unveiled their latest hardware projects yesterday. Aimed directly at creative professionals, the company announced the new Surface Studio all in one computer, the Surface Dial accessory, the Surface Book with Performance Base, and the Windows 10 Creators update.

The Surface Studio is without a doubt the crown jewel of the announcement. It is an all in one desktop PC featuring one of the thinnest LCDs on the market. The 28-inch PixelSense Display has touchscreen support and is compatible with the included Surface Pen. The Surface Studio can be pushed down to Studio Mode where the screen sits at the same angle as a drafting board. The Surface Studio starts with a Skylake Intel Core i5, a 2GB Nvidia GPU, and 8GB of RAM for $2,399 USD. Pre-orders are being accepted in the US with shipments starting during the holiday season then stretching into early 2017.

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The Surface Dial is a new accessory designed especially for the Surface Studio. When placed on the screen, the Surface Dial serves as a radial controller that compliments the Surface Pen, allowing the user  do things like zoom in for detail work then zoom out without needing to move the pen. The Surface Dial is available for pre-order for $99 USD and will launch on November 10th.

Rumours have flown around the past few weeks about a Surface Pro and a Surface Book refresh. Instead of a full blown refresh of the Surface Book, Microsoft has opted to make a new Surface Book model available with beefier specs. Dubbed the Surface Book with Performance Base, the Skylake i5 CPU has been upgraded to an Intel i7 CPU. The Surface Book with Performance Base will start at $2,399 USD for an i7 with 256GB SSD, 8GB of RAM, and a Nvidia dedicated GPU. Pre-orders are available now and will launch in North America and Oceania on December 8th.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itc5ihHDAnY

Some news everyone should be excited about is the Windows 10 Creators Update coming in early 2017. Microsoft is introducing a new variation of the venerable Paint software, Paint 3D. The new software will allow anyone with Windows 10 to create their own 3D creations and then share them on their new Remix3D community. The software is capable of not only creating 3D objects from scratch, but also scan real-world objects to create 3D images. To encourage everyone to start dabbling in 3D, Remix3D allows the easy import of Minecraft creations. Paint 3D is not yet available to the general public as Office integration is still being developed. Interested testers can participate in the Windows Insider Program to get the first look at the new software.

While on the surface the update seems targeted only to content creators, it actually brings some good news for gamers. Microsoft’s push on the 3D front includes a consumer friendly version of Microsoft’s HoloLens. Microsoft will be relying on manufacturers like HP, Lenovo, Dell, Acer, and Asus to sell budget friendly variants of the Holo Lens. Prices will start at an incredibly competitive $299 USD and will have much lower system requirements than the HTC Vive or the Oculus Rift. The new headsets will ship in 2017

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Microsoft is also releasing some major improvements to Xbox Live on Xbox One and Windows 10. The new Beam system will allow for interactive broadcasting, allowing streamers to better interact with their audience. Additionally, user made tournaments called the Arena are coming to both platforms.

Finally, the Windows 10 Creator Update greatly improves the operating system’s social functions. The new Windows MyPeople feature allows contacts to be pinned on the taskbar and provide an overall view of all interaction with the contact. Documents, photos, and videos can be sent directly to the contact by simply dragging and dropping on their icon. Windows MyPeople will be available on all Universal Windows Platform Apps.

This week’s announcement is likely one of the most intriguing one Microsoft has put out in the last several years. It’s clear the company has learned some painful lessons after the Zune. Now that the company has a successful foothold with the mobile Surface line, Microsoft appears to be taking another aggressive bite at Apple’s traditional market share of creative professionals with the announcement of the Surface Studio and the Surface Dial. The new products are a mix of Microsoft’s lesser known history of innovative engineering and the company’s more recent push towards beautifully designed products.

For gamers, the announcement of an affordable VR headset with low system specs is exciting. The high starting cost of the first generation VR headsets has been a huge barrier to entry. Partnering with existing manufacturers that build Windows 10 ready laptops is a smart move on Microsoft’s part that may see VR prices drop with competition.

PROJECT CARS – PAGANI EDITION SCREAMS ONTO STEAM

PROJECT CARS – PAGANI EDITION SCREAMS ONTO STEAM

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (October 28, 2016) – Leading interactive entertainment company BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. and Slightly Mad Studios, in collaboration with Pagani Automobili, today announced the release of Project CARS™ – Pagani Edition in the Americas.  The game is available exclusively as a free digital download for PCs via STEAM® starting October 28, 2016.

This free, PC-only game has been built around the market-leading Project CARS game, and is the result of a unique collaboration with legendary Italian car-maker Pagani Automobili. Designed to showcase both the very best examples of Pagani’s eponymous supercars along with the world-class technology that underpins the best-selling Project CARS game, Project CARS – Pagani Edition is an invitation to encounter the digital integration of high-octane hypercars with cutting-edge racing-game technology.

Featuring the Pagani Huayra, Huayra BC, Zonda Cinque, Zonda R, and Zonda Revolucion, Project CARS – Pagani Edition has been specifically designed to run on the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive and offers both car and motorsport aficionados the last word in state-of-the-art simulation.

“Collaborating with world-class auto-makers such as Pagani is a real thrill for any racing simulation developer.” said Stephen Viljoen, Game Director for Project CARS. “Key to our thinking in creating the Project CARS – Pagani Edition game was how to showcase both the best of what is undoubtedly one of the world’s most iconic car-makers, and the leading-edge technology that underpins our Project CARS franchise. We’re confident that this will be a wonderful experience for those who haven’t yet tried our game, especially in VR, where we are market-leaders.”

“I’ve always been thrilled by videogames, and Project CARS sums all the things that I love about cars: the passion and the experience.” said Horacio Pagani, Founder and Chief Designer, Pagani Automobili “I’m proud and honored to see the Project CARS – Pagani Edition, and I hope all our fans all over the world enjoy the possibility to drive our creations, especially the new Pagani Huayra BC.”

Project CARS – Pagani Edition offers three intricately modeled tracks—the Nürburgring and Nordschleife combo, Monza GP, and Azure Coast—along with two game modes, full VR support on both Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, as well as support for 4K screens and traditional displays.

Project CARS is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and Project CARS – Pagani Edition is available exclusively as a free digital download via for PCs via STEAM® starting October 28, 2016. To learn more about BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.’s other products go to: http://www.bandainamcoent.com/home.html or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS or join the conversation at https://twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

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About BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.

BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for all major videogame consoles, iOS, Android, and online platforms. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top videogame franchises including PAC-MAN®, GALAGA®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, and ACE COMBAT®. BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. is the premier publisher in the Western hemisphere for anime based videogames including NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL Z®, and ONE PIECE®. More information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.bandainamcoent.com or www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

About SLIGHTLY MAD STUDIOS

Slightly Mad Studios is the team behind the critically acclaimed GTR® series, Need For Speed® Shift™, and Shift 2 Unleashed®. It has over 10 years of pedigree in racing games, and Project CARS represents the culmination of all that experience and heritage.

With a central studio near Tower Bridge, London and over 120 veteran staff working worldwide via a unique distributed development system, Slightly Mad Studios is currently hard at work on a number of pioneering and innovative titles.

About Pagani Automobili

Pagani Automobili S.p.A. is an Italian Supercar manufacturer. e company was founded in 1993 by Horacio Pagani, and is based in San Cesario sul Panaro, near Modena, Italy.

The philosophy driving the company embraces a concept borrowed from the Renaissance. It is embodied by the great Leonardo da Vinci over 500 years ago, when he stated: “Art and Science were disciplines that must walk together hand in hand.” For more information please visit: www.pagani.com

About Project CARS

Project CARS, created by gamers and tested by real-world racing drivers, features world-class graphics and handling, a ground-breaking, dynamic time of day and weather system, deep tuning capability, and pit stop functionality. Project CARS was a launch title for the Oculus Rift, and has become the defining racing game on PlayStation 4, XBOX One, and PC, with over 2 million units sold, as well as the outright frontrunner in the burgeoning arena of Virtual Reality both on the Oculus and HTC Vive.

ARK: SURVIVAL EVOLVED TO SPOOK SURVIVORS WITH ARK ‘FEAR EVOLVED 2’ THIS HALLOWEEN

ARK: SURVIVAL EVOLVED TO SPOOK SURVIVORS WITH ARK ‘FEAR EVOLVED 2’ THIS HALLOWEEN

Studio Wildcard Darkens the Jurassic Landscape With Stomping Dino Skeletons, Dark Quests, a DodoWyvern, and… Clowns!

Seattle, WA – October 28, 2016 – “Beware all ye who wander in the swamps of the Jurassic, for the dead have returned for the marrow in your bones!” said the ancient DodoWyvern. Yes, it’s All Saints Day, the Day of the Dead, Halloween! And before you know it, Studio Wildcard’s ARK: Survival Evolved will transform from a humid, leafy jungle into a dark, eerie landscape teeming with dino skeletons, overgrown pumpkin patches, and Halloween festivities. Prepare for the ultimate Dino-Ween event, Fear Evolved 2!

For those uninitiated with ARK: Survival Evolved, the popular survival-adventure game is on sale right now on Steam for $14.98, 50% off the retail price (normally $29.99). ARK: Scorched Earth, the expansion, is 30% off the retail price for $13.99 (normally $19.99). Both games will be on sale starting today, 10:00 am PDT, Friday, October 28, through 10 am PDT, Tuesday, November 1.

 

Watch the Fear Evolved 2 Halloween Special Video HERE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc31ilt0XHE

In the world of ARK, Dodo’s are far from extinct. They rule the living and the undead!

Running from Friday October 28 through Sunday November 6 on Steam, Fear Evolved 2 will have ARK survivors witness a reddening of the moon, a darkening of the landscape, shorter days and longer nights, with massive living Skelesaurs walking the fields, petrifying Dodo-Rexes stomping the lands, and Zombie Dodos scampering through the haunted forest! Environmental changes such as pumpkin patches, graves, and scarecrows will pop up everywhere, with loot drops, witch hats, Clown Masks, and Dodo-Rex helmets available to collect. Watch for transformations amongst beasts and keep a close watch on the Gigantosaurus, Quetzalcoatlus, Jerboa, Wyvern, and more. And for ARK: Scorched Earth owners, beware the legendary DodoWyvern and the VampireEyes!

Feel like riding a dinosaur? Join the ARK community forums HERE:

survivetheark.com/index.php?/forums/.

ARK: Survival Evolved is in development for Xbox One via the ID@Xbox program, PlayStation®4 with VR support, and Steam PC. The game is currently playable in Microsoft’s Game Preview on Xbox One and Steam’s Early Access program, which includes Oculus Rift VR support and an integration of Steam community features such as Steam Economy and Steam Workshop for custom maps and mods. Players can host private/LAN servers and have access to a custom-built version of the Unreal Engine 4 Editor for creating mods. The world of ARK is designed to be modder-friendly and ever-expanding!

To join our growing band of survivors, journey to Steam or Microsoft’s Game Preview on Xbox One to download the game. For the latest updates follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube, visit the Website at playark.com and watch us tame and train leviathan dinosaurs on Twitch.TV.

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ABOUT STUDIO WILDCARD

Studio Wildcard was co-founded in 2014 by industry veteran Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, former Technical Art Director at Microsoft Game Studios, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions that are designed for core gamers. With combined 25 years of industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Jeremy and Jesse have teamed up with other veteran developers for Seattle, WA-based and Gainesville, FL-based development studios that also include distributed team members across multiple continents. Wherever talented, driven developers may reside, Studio Wildcard intends to seek out and work with them!

ABOUT INSTINCT GAMES

Instinct Games is Egypt’s leading game development studio. Started in 2011 by former Timeline Interactive co-founders, the Instinct Games team develops and produces video games on all major platforms utilizing its competent technical team. Its mission is to collaborate with world class partners to foster Egypt’s video game development ecosystem and set a precedent of high quality, low cost, entertaining indie games with worldwide appeal.

The Little Acre lands November 22nd – and will come complete with free digital art book celebrating the creation of this wonderful point and click adventure

The Little Acre lands November 22nd – and will come complete with free digital art book celebrating the creation of this wonderful point and click adventure

Pewter Games and executive producer Charles Cecil to launch this charming graphic adventure next month

Friday 28th October 2016: Developer Pewter Games, executive producer Charles Cecil and publisher Curve Digital have today announced that the enchanting hand-drawn adventure ‘The Little Acre’ will release on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on November 22nd, priced £9.99 / $12.99 / €12.99 (though pre-order and launch discounts will be available).

The game is available to pre-order from today across various digital stores on PC and from next week on Xbox One (worldwide) and PlayStation 4 (Europe) – with every player receiving a fantastic free digital art book on release, chronicling the conception and creation of this soon-to-be classic adventure.

The Little Acre is a charming, story-led adventure which merges the wonder of classical Don Bluth animation (All Dogs Go To Heaven) with the magical wonder of a Miyazaki world. The game is set in 1950s Ireland and follows the story of Aidan and his young daughter, Lily. Investigating the sudden disappearance of his father, Aidan finds himself transported to a strange new world populated by bizarre creatures. Things are made slightly more difficult when young Lily decides that she is going to ‘help’ and encounters her own perils along the way.

“The game has been a real labour of love for us here,” says Chris Conlan, Pewter Games. “The original vision was to create something which felt classic yet modern – something I think we’ve achieved.”

“There’s a whole generation of gamers out there who won’t have played a point and click adventure before,” adds Ben Clavin, Pewter Games, “Of course, those well versed in adventures will feel at home with The Little Acre, but we’re equally excited to introduce the genre to a brand new audience.”

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the Pewter Games team,” says Charles Cecil, creator of the Broken Sword series of games. “They are full of passion and creativity, and watching that translate into a game they can be very proud of has been a real joy. I’m enormously excited to see how modern players respond to the point and click genre – if it goes well, I can see a real resurgence. I’d certainly be interested in revisiting some of our titles, too.”

The Little Acre will be available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on November 22nd. Pre-order from today and receive a free digital artbook on release.

See @CurveDigital for specific pre-order links. Please note: the digital art book will be available at launch as part of the Steam bundle. Console players will access the art book via alternate download, details of which will be given nearer the time.

Madman to Bring ‘Your Name.’ Film to Australian Cinemas in November

your-name-promo-01Madman Entertainment announced today that they will be bringing Makoto Shinkai’s latest film, Your Name., to Australian cinemas on November 24, 2016. The film, known as Kimi no Na wa. (Your Name Is.) in Japan, will premiere in New Zealand cinemas on December 1. It will run for a limited time in both countries. An English-subtitled trailer for the film is embedded below.

Your Name. is currently ranked #1 in the Japanese box office charts, a position it has now held for nine consecutive weeks. It has become the 9th highest grossing film of all time in Japan. Tickets for screenings in cinemas in all Australian states and territories can be found at yournamefilm.com.au.

Discover the Paleozoic Pokémon Genesect for your Nintendo 3DS system at GAME!

Discover the Paleozoic Pokémon Genesect for your Nintendo 3DS system at GAME!

London, United Kingdom: 28 October 2016— Pokémon 20th celebrations continue as fans are invited to head to GAME stores to collect the Mythical Pokémon Genesect and the latest Pokémon merchandise.

Owners of Pokémon Omega Ruby, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon X orPokémon Y for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems can head to their local GAME store and receive Genesect, one of the Mythical Pokémon of the Unova region, at no charge.

Genesect is the Paleozoic Pokémon which originally debuted in Pokémon Black andPokémon White in 2012. It is an ancient Bug and Steel Pokémon that was changed by the evil Team Plasma, who altered the cannon on its back. Genesect can hold four different Drives, each of which changes the colour of part of its body as well as the type of its Techno Blast move. This Genesect is distributed with the following attributes:

·         LEVEL: 100
·         TYPE: Bug/Steel
·         ABILITY: Download
·         MOVES: Techno Blast, Magnet Bomb, Solar Beam, Signal Beam

Genesect is available from 1 November at GAME. Fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game can join the celebration with the release of the Pokémon TCG: Mythical Pokémon Collection—Genesect on 1 November. This collection includes a special Genesect promo card, a pin of the Mythical Pokémon, two Pokémon TCG:Generations booster packs and a code to unlock cards in the Pokémon TCG Online.

What’s more, Pokémon players can gear up for new ways to battle in the Pokémon TCG: XYEvolutions expansion, coming 2 November. The Pokémon legacy evolves, and the new expansion restores the very first Pokémon trading cards to glory. With the exhilarating power of Mega Venusaur-EX, Mega Charizard-EX, and Mega Blastoise-EX—plus some wild surprises like Dragonite-EX and Machamp BREAK—the classic hard-battling Pokémon and old-school Trainers are reinvented for a new generation. More information can be found here: http://www.pokemon.com/uk/pokemon-tcg/xy-evolutions/explore-and-watch/

Genesect fans can also head to any GAME store and look for even more collectible items featuring the Mythical Pokémon, including a plush from TOMY and an exclusive T-shirt designed by Bioworld Europe. Both items are exclusive to GAME in the United Kingdom while stocks last.
To receive Genesect, fans must own a system in the Nintendo 3DS family andPokémon Omega Ruby, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon X or Pokémon Y. Please ask staff in a GAME store for instructions on how to receive a Genesect code.*

Pokémon. Twenty Years. Train On.™
To connect with Pokémon online:
·         Visit Pokemon.co.uk
·         Like the official Pokémon Facebook page at Facebook.com/Pokemon
·         Follow @Pokemon on Twitter
·         Check out the official Pokémon YouTube channel atwww.youtube.com/Pokemon

*For more information about the Genesect distribution at GAME, please see the following website: www.game.co.uk. One per customer, while stocks last.
How to get the Mythical Pokémon Genesect in Pokémon Omega Ruby , Pokémon Alpha Sapphire , Pokémon X and Pokémon Y :

1. Make sure your Nintendo 3DS system is connected to the internet. For Nintendo Customer Service, go to support.nintendo.uk.
2. Open your Pokémon Omega Ruby , Pokémon Alpha Sapphire , Pokémon X orPokémon Y game.
3. Select MYSTERY GIFT on the main menu.
4. Select RECEIVE GIFT, then YES.
5. Select GET WITH CODE, then YES, then YES again to connect to the internet.
6. Enter your code.
7. Watch as you receive your Mythical Pokémon Genesect.
8. Speak to the delivery girl in any Pokémon Center to receive your Genesect.
9. Be sure to save your game.

2K Announces Carnival Games® VR Now Available on HTC Vive™ and PlayStation®VR

2K Announces Carnival Games® VR Now Available on HTC Vive and PlayStation®VR

2K’s first virtual reality offering challenges consumers to step right up and play their favorite carnival games; Coming to Oculus Rift on 6th December, 2016

Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #CarnivalGamesVR

Sydney, Australia – October 28, 2016 2K today announced that Carnival Games® VR, a new take on the hit franchise created by Cat Daddy Games that has sold-in more than 9 million copies worldwide, is now available as a AUD$29.95/NZD$31.95 digital download for PlayStation®VR and USD$19.99/NZD$31.95 for HTC Vive™. Carnival Games VR marks 2K’s first virtual reality offering, bringing the thrill of 12 different carnival games into living rooms in an engaging entertainment experience for all ages.

“2K is proud to make our debut in the exciting world of VR with an accessible and light-hearted entertainment experience,” said Sarah Anderson, SVP of Marketing at 2K. “Carnival Games VR’s stylized interactive environments and mini-games make it the perfect way to enjoy virtual reality with family and friends.

Carnival Games VR immerses players in a theme park, allowing them to explore, interact with patrons and play up to 12 unique games. Whether scaling a castle in Climbing Wall, or rolling for a high score in Alley Ball – everyone will find a favorite. In each of these games, players will have the opportunity to collect tickets for fun virtual prizes when they enter one of four different Carnival Alleys. All prizes are held in the Play Room where they can be used to unlock unique achievements. In addition, players can challenge their friends and see if they can earn the top spot on the online leaderboard. For full details on all 12 games, please see the Official 2K Blog.

Carnival Games VR is rated ‘G’ in Australia and New Zealand, is available now for the HTC Vive™ and PlayStation®VR, and will be available for Oculus Rift worldwide on 6th December, 2016. For more information on Carnival Games VR, subscribe on YouTube, follow us on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook and visit http://www.2K.com/carnivalgames.

*Users should consult the operating instructions provided with their VR hardware for safety guidelines and age restrictions. 

Oculus and Rift are trademarks of Oculus VR, LLC.

2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe.  The Company develops and publishes products through its two wholly-owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K.  Our products are designed for console systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, and are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms and cloud streaming services.  The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at http://www.take2games.com.

About 2K

Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment globally for console systems, handheld gaming systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, which are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms and cloud streaming services. 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres, including shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, sports, casual, and family entertainment. The 2K label has some of the most talented development studios in the world today, including Firaxis Games, Visual Concepts, Hangar 13, and Cat Daddy Games. 2K’s stable of high quality titles includes the critically acclaimed BioShock®, Borderlands™, Mafia, and XCOM® franchises, the beloved Sid Meier’s Civilization series, Evolve™, Battleborn®, the popular WWE 2K franchise and NBA 2K, the highest rated** annual sports title of this console generation.

2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). For more information, please visit www.2k.com.

**According to 2008 – 2016 Metacritic.com and The NPD Group estimates of U.S. retail video game sales through September 2016.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “seeks,” “will,” or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company’s future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including: our dependence on key management and product development personnel, our dependence on our Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles, the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games, the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games, and risks associated with international operations. Other important factors and information are contained in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the risks summarized in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” the Company’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the Company’s other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

UBISOFT® ANNOUNCES STEEP™ OPEN BETA WEEKEND ON NOVEMBER 18

UBISOFT® ANNOUNCES STEEP™ OPEN BETA WEEKEND ON NOVEMBER 18

Players can Register Online by November 9 for an Early Access Beta Weekend

Sydney, Australia — October 28, 2016 — Today, Ubisoft announced that Steep™ will have two Beta phases from November 10th to 14th and from November 18th to 21st on Xbox One, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. The beta phases let players hit slopes of the Alps ahead of the Steep worldwide launch on December 2nd.

Access for the November 18 open beta will be available via digital download on consoles and PC giving access to all players wanting to explore Steep’s massive open-world. For those looking to start snow season sooner, early access to the beta will be available to some of the players who register at steepgame.com by November 9.

These beta phases will allow players to discover the diversity of Steep’s world by exploring, riding and completing dozens of challenges through three of the seven regions composing Steep’s massive open world inspired from the Alps –  the Aravis, the Tyrol and the Needles. Players will also find nine Mountain Stories – narrative-based challenges that will delve deeper into unique moments in the world of Steep – throughout their journey. Completing these challenges and Mountain Stories will also unlock new gear for players to customize their characters.

Finally, as they play and share their favourite lines taken from the beta, players will test Steep in a first-person view on top of the third-person view.

With development led by Ubisoft Annecy*, Steep drops players onto the peaks of mountains with exhilarating experiences that include skiing, wing-suiting, snowboarding and paragliding. These sports establish a never seen before freedom to explore the game’s open world, allowing players to choose the way they ride and play. Riders can traverse the Alps solo or drop in side-by-side with friends to record and share the most insane tricks ever captured on the slopes. Designed for a generation that’s all about sharing their experiences with the world, Steep encourages players to challenge their friends to see who truly comes out on top of the world.

For a chance to play during the first beta phase, players can still register at http://www.steepgame.com.

For more information about Steep, please visit http://www.ubisoft.com, follow us on http://www.facebook.com/steepgame or http://www.twitter.com/Steep_Game.

*Associate studios are Ubisoft Montpellier and Ubisoft Kiev.

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a leading creator, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and services, with a rich portfolio of world-renowned brands, including Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance, Watch_Dogs, Tom Clancy’s video game series, Rayman and Far Cry. The teams throughout Ubisoft’s worldwide network of studios and business offices are committed to delivering original and memorable gaming experiences across all popular platforms, including consoles, mobile phones, tablets and PCs. For the 2015–16 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of €1,394 million. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com

 

Lenovo Debuts Commercial Desktops and Notebooks Featuring 7th Generation AMD PRO Processors

Lenovo Debuts Commercial Desktops and Notebooks Featuring 7th Generation AMD PRO Processors
New Lenovo systems simplify enterprise and business IT complexity through its implementation of AMD PRO APUs 

Sydney, Australia — October 28, 2016 — AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) debuted the Lenovo ThinkCentre M715 Tiny and ThinkPad E475 and E575, new commercial desktop and notebooks featuring 7th Generation AMD PRO APUs (formerly codenamed “Bristol Ridge PRO”). AMD PRO APUs are built for business, with robust security, reliability, and increased energy efficiency to help protect customers’ IT investments.

“These latest AMD PRO based-systems from Lenovo are optimised for business and deliver increased computing and graphics performance, at levels that meet the highest of customer expectations,” said Jim Anderson, senior vice president and general manager, Computing and Graphics Group, AMD. “These systems combine commercial-grade quality, performance, and stability, with excellent video and audio capabilities, helping ensure businesses are more productive and collaborative. We are thrilled to partner with Lenovo to bring this technology to companies and enterprises around the world.”

“Businesses today are constantly evolving, demanding better performance, security, manageability, and usability from their computers. This is why Lenovo provides innovation both inside and outside our commercial products and works with partners like AMD, who bring a similar focus on giving users the best experience possible,” said Bai Peng, vice president notebook business, PC & Smart Device Business Group at Lenovo. “The ThinkPad E475 and E575 notebooks and ThinkCentre M715 Tiny, based on the AMD PRO processor portfolio, enables businesses to deliver real-world performance and dependability optimised for business’ needs”

Enabled by 7th generation AMD PRO processors the new Lenovo desktop and notebooks help ensure sensitive data and trusted applications remain secure with dedicated AMD Secure Processor technology. AMD PRO APUs meet users’ growing requirements by providing up to 14% more compute performance, up to 22% more graphic performance, and up to 32% more energy efficiency , than the previous generation AMD PRO processors. Open standards and CPU-agnostic DASH manageability allows IT departments to easily integrate and manage systems while the new AMD AM4 desktop infrastructure provides a stable and upgradable platform for the future.

New Lenovo ThinkCentre Desktop
Lenovo is breaking new ground with the ThinkCentre M715 Tiny. Despite being only one liter in size, the ThinkCentre M715 Tiny packs a punch. At 94% smaller than a traditional desktop tower , IT managers can place the tiny M715 almost anywhere with optional under desk, wall, and monitor back mounting options. The 35W 7th generation AMD PRO processors were designed for ultra-small form factor PCs providing superb compute and graphics performance with excellent efficiency. For example, performance of the new AMD PRO A12-9800E is equivalent to the system performance of the prior generation AMD PRO A10-8750, at close to 1/3 of the power . The ThinkCentre M715 Tiny is a high performance, ultra-compact desktop that can be used almost anywhere.

New Lenovo ThinkPad Notebooks
The new thin and light ThinkPad E475 and E575 provide a superb mix of performance, mobility, and security. Weighing as little as 4.1lbs. (1.87kg) and measuring less than 1 inch (23.7mm) thin the new ThinkPad notebooks offer excellent mobility and excellent battery life for extended productivity. The E475 and E575 offer an outstanding user experience with AMD Radeon™ R5 M430 graphics, enhanced VOIP features, and improved microphones for excellent videoconferencing.

The Lenovo ThinkPad E475 and E575 will be available on November 7th. The ThinkCentre M715 Tiny is available on October 31st .

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AMD Collaborates with Arka Media Works and Film Director SS Rajamouli to Create Stunning VR Experiences Based On Upcoming Baahubali Sequel

AMD Collaborates with Arka Media Works and Film Director SS Rajamouli to Create Stunning VR Experiences Based On Upcoming Baahubali Sequel  
Unprecedented 360 Video and VR experiences brought to millions through new technology

Sydney, Australia.— October 28, 2016 — AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) showcased new technology that can bring 360 video and Virtual Reality to millions through a bleeding edge Virtual Reality capture instrument with up to 32 cameras and the AMD’s renowned GPU-accelerated video stitching software. Used in conjunction with Radeon Pro Graphics, the new technology is being used initially to develop content to promote the upcoming Baahubali: The Conclusion, a movie directed by SS Rajamouli scheduled to premiere on April 28, 2017.

Under the creative direction of SS Rajamouli, Arka Media Works and AMD’s Radeon Technologies Group (RTG) are using the new technology to collaborate on two pieces of compelling VR content: a 360-degree video titled “On the Sets of Baahubali” and a fully immersive VR experience, “The Sword of Baahubali.” On the Sets of Baahubali is available now, and was shown to attendees of MAMI on October 22nd and 23rd along with early takes of The Sword of Baahubali. “We are beyond thrilled to have Baahubali: The Conclusion and AMD’s Radeon Technologies Group showcase the world’s most advanced VR experience for the first time here at MAMI,” said Anupama Chopra, director of the JIo MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star.

“As humans we are at awe when we experience things of large scale – both natural and man-made,” said Rajamouli, director for both Baahubali films. “We are at awe when we see the Grand Canyon, we are also at awe when we stand next to 2,722 feet tall man-made Bhurj Khalifa. I have been fascinated by the possibilities with scale since the first time I experienced VR. Through collaboration with AMD’s Radeon Technologies Group we have been fortunate to get access to cutting edge VR technologies that are helping us to push the boundaries like never before.”

To create these experiences, AMD has built the radical new VR capture camera – the bb360cc – and leading-edge 360-degree video stitching software. The bb360cc provides real-time VR preview and up to 32 cameras. Using AMD-created Project Loom software, videographers can rapidly stitch 360-degree video, often in real-time or nearly so, eclipsing the time needed using alternative techniques. The open source Project Loom software is expected to be widely available to content creators by the end of the year.

“AMD is committed to bringing VR to millions across the globe and that includes enabling filmmakers to provide cinematic quality to a VR experience,” said Raja Koduri, senior vice president and chief architect, Radeon Technologies Group, AMD. “On the Sets of Baahubali is being shot with the new bb360cc camera and the teaser clips being shown a MAMI are easily the most stunning 360 video yet experienced. The Sword of Baahubali is a very ambitious real-time computer graphics VR experience that is designed to push the limits of next generation GPU hardware.”

“We’re excited to be working with AMD’s Radeon Technologies Group to create state-of-the-art VR experiences,” said Shobu Yarlagadda, co-founder and CEO of Arka Media Works. “We are targeting the release of The Sword of Baahubali in April, 2017 around the release of the film. We already have a few hundred theaters planning to install the VR equipment to support the launch of this extraordinary and compelling VR experience.”

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About AMD
For more than 45 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics, and visualisation technologies ― the building blocks for gaming, immersive platforms, and the datacenter. Hundreds of millions of consumers, leading Fortune 500 businesses, and cutting-edge scientific research facilities around the world rely on AMD technology daily to improve how they live, work, and play. AMD employees around the world are focused on building great products that push the boundaries of what is possible. For more information about how AMD is enabling today and inspiring tomorrow, visit the AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) website, blog, Facebook and Twitter pages.