BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT TO UNVEIL NEW CONTENT AT GAMESCOM 2016

The latest content for Blizzard games to be showcased in Cologne, Germany from August 17–21 CEST

Preview video now live on gamescom.blizzard.com

Blizzard Entertainment today revealed a detailed preview of its lineup for this month’s gamescom, the world’s largest interactive entertainment trade fair, at http://gamescom.blizzard.com. The developer plans to showcase brand-new content for six of its award-winning game franchises at what will be its largest presence at gamescom to date.

From Wednesday, August 17 to Sunday, August 21 CEST, visitors to the developer’s booth in Hall 7 of the Koelnmesse will have the chance to play World of Warcraft: Legion, Overwatch, Heroes of the Storm, StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void, Hearthstone, and all three Diablo games on more than 500 gaming stations.

World of Warcraft

• World of Warcraft: Legion will come to life during an epic celebration of the game’s upcoming sixth expansion, taking place at the Legion Café at Gürzenich Köln in central Cologne between 17:00 CEST and midnight each day from August 18-21.
  • Inspired by The Fel Hammer, the Demon Hunter Order Hall from Legion, the Legion Café will give visitors a taste of what it’s like to be the expansion’s new hero class—see Blizzard’s recent blog post on the subject for details.
• Legion will be publicly playable in Europe for the first and final time before the Legion invades Azeroth on the expansion’s August 30 release date.

Overwatch

• Just in time for gamescom, Overwatch’s new German map, Eichenwalde, will be playable at the Blizzard booth before going live in September.
  • Set in an abandoned castle town on the outskirts of Stuttgart, Germany, Eichenwalde is an Assault/Escort hybrid map where one team must escort a battering ram to the castle, while the opposing team fights to prevent the keep from being breached.
• The world premiere of the new Overwatch animated short, “The Last Bastion,” will be revealed on Blizzard’s gamescom stage and via live stream on the Blizzard gamescom site at 2:00 AM AEST on Friday, August 19.

Heroes of the Storm

• The new Machines of War event will be playable at the Blizzard booth at gamescom, introducing new StarCraft-themed battlegrounds, minions, mercenaries, bosses, and more to the Nexus.
  • The new Braxis Holdout battleground takes place on the junkyard planet of Port Scion, where terran and zerg forces clash, while Warhead Junction allows players to deal huge amounts of damage with nuclear weapons that spawn across the battleground.
  • New heroes playable at gamescom include StarCraft’s Alarak, a melee assassin, and Overwatch’s Zarya—the Nexus’ second ranged warrior.
  • Machines of War also brings us a new ‘Queen of Ghosts’ Kerrigan Legendary skin, as well as other StarCraft-themed skins and mounts.
• Brawlmania will deliver an epic Heroes of the Storm showdown on the Blizzard stage throughout gamescom as six teams of influencers and pro players face off in fun themed showmatches—see the related blog post for details.

StarCraft II

• The Tal’darim Highlord Alarak, a new Protoss commander for StarCraft II Co-op Missions, will be playable at the Blizzard booth, along with his unique Supplicant unit.
• Collections are being unveiled at gamescom, and will make it easier than ever for StarCraft II players to organise and choose vanity items like skins and voice packs.

Hearthstone

• Visitors to the Blizzard booth will be able to hone their Hearthstone card-slinging skills and join forces with a friend to take down Nefarian (again) in a new cooperative Tavern Brawl.

Diablo

• In celebration of Diablo’s 20^th anniversary, gamescom attendees will be able to play all three Diablo games at the Blizzard booth, including recent updates to Diablo II and Diablo III: Reaper of Souls.

In addition to trying out these games for themselves, gamescom attendees will be able to enjoy a variety of live entertainment on the Blizzard stage, including crowd-favourite dance and cosplay contests, showmatches with pro gamers and community personalities, developer signing sessions, quizzes, and much more. Video Games Live will be performing on the Blizzard stage on Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21 at 2:00 am AEST, featuring world premier live performances of songs from StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void, Overwatch, Hearthstone, and World of Warcraft: Legion. Visitors will also be able to pick up licensed apparel and collectibles at the Blizzard store in Hall 5. Visit this blog post for details on the Blizzard activities at gamescom.

Those who can’t make it to gamescom 2016 in person will still be able to catch all the excitement via daily live streams of stage activities on the Blizzard gamescom site, along with a daily recap video each morning at 5:00am AEST. Well-known streamers will also bring their viewers live action from the Blizzard booth, which we be viewable on the Blizzard gamescom site. The site will also be the source for a full schedule of stage activities, a social wall, and more.

For more information about Blizzard at gamescom 2016, visit http://gamescom.blizzard.com. Press kits for gamescom 2016 are available by franchise at http://blizzard.gamespress.com.

EA SPORTS CELEBRATES THE START OF A NEW SEASON WITH ALL NEW GAMEPLAY TRAILER FEATURING CLUBS FROM ACROSS EUROPE

Squad Building Challenges and FUT Champions Offer New Ways to Play While Dynamic Live Service Promises to Deliver the Biggest Season Yet in FIFA Ultimate Team New Competitive Gaming Platform Offers Fans the Opportunity to Compete For Their Share of a $1.3 Million Prize Pool Pro Clubs and Career Mode Add Innovation and Depth With New Features FIFA Mobile Announces Launch Coming This Fall

Sydney, Australia. – August 17, 2016 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today released an all-new gameplay trailer showcasing many of the new kits, transfers, celebrations, skill moves, newly-modeled players, and innovative gameplay features in EA SPORTS™ FIFA 17,powered by Frostbite™* on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. Celebrating the real-world return of several licensed football leagues from FIFA 17, the trailer, captured in-game, highlights true-to-life action powered by the industry-leading new game engine, putting fans in control of every moment on the pitch when it launches on September 29 in Australia.

Watch Football, Powered by Frostbite: here.
See Gameplay Features: here.

“This is a revolutionary season for EA SPORTS FIFA,” said David Rutter, GM and Executive Producer. “In June we revealed a new game engine, a deep set of gameplay features and mechanics, and the introduction of an immersive, narrative-driven mode in FIFA 17 The Journey. The response from fans was amazing, and now to announce what will be the biggest season yet in FIFA Ultimate Team and introduce innovation in the most popular modes across the game – we can’t wait for people to play.”

Part of the biggest season yet in Ultimate Team™, FIFA 17 introduces two new ways to play within the franchise’s most popular mode with Squad Building Challenges and FUT Champions. Squad Building Challenges gives fans the opportunity to test their management skills on console or in the FUT 17 companion app, and earn in-game rewards by fulfilling squad requirements with players from their Club. Once the requirements are met, fans can exchange squads in each challenge to redeem rewards. FUT Champions* is a new way for all fans to compete in daily knockout tournaments for in-game rewards and the chance to play in the Weekend League. Once fans make the Weekend League, they will compete to win matches and rank up for rewards. Each Weekend League performance counts, as combined wins help fans rank up the Monthly Leaderboard for the chance to earn the biggest in-game rewards in FUT. Reaching the top spots on the Leaderboard could result in an opportunity to compete in the EA SPORTS FIFA 17 Ultimate Team Championship Series** – part of a new competitive gaming platform in FIFA 17 which gives eligible fans a chance to compete*** at the highest level and their share of a $1.3 million USD prize pool.

“The popularity of Ultimate Team, combined with the global nature of the most popular sports franchise on the planet, makes FIFA 17 a very exciting title for a season of competitive gaming like the one we are announcing today,” said Peter Moore, Chief Competition Officer, Electronic Arts. “From qualifying via FUT Champions to competing in the Ultimate TeamChampionship Series and FIFA Interactive World Cup, we want all players to experience the thrill of competition, and we have a great season ahead for all our fans.”

FIFA Ultimate Team Dynamic Live Service means fans can expect compelling content throughout the season, like fresh new kits and items, chances for big in-game rewards, and more reasons to play than ever before. That starts just after launch with Ones to Watch – a new event in FUT 17 featuring some of this summer’s most notable transfers as season-long, dynamic items. Attributes of Ones to Watch player items increase if the real-world player is named to the Team of the Week, so FUT fans will want to find players who they expect to make an impact at their new club. More on FIFA Ultimate Team: here.

“We know fans of Ultimate Team want more ways to play, more items, more content, and exciting events that deliver big in-game rewards,” said Nick Wlodyka, Senior Producer of FIFAUltimate Team. “We are excited to show fans some of the new content, kits, and events in plan that will make this season the biggest yet.”

Career Mode* ups its authenticity by innovating on the Financial System to reflect the structure of teams around the world by including your Club Worth, and a detailed breakdown of income and expenses. The stakes are higher in FIFA 17 Career Mode because fans are now expected to meet objectives of their board in Total Club Management, a system based on the team’s personality which sets expectations in five categories: Domestic Success, Continental Success, Brand Exposure, Financial, Youth Development. More on Career Mode:here.

Pro Clubs* introduces a new Player Growth System which delivers a comprehensive new way to develop your player by rewarding teamwork and co-operation based on your match rating. The mode also brings a new level of customization to fans’ Clubs with 24 kit and crest templates that fans can design into their own identity. More on Pro Clubs: here.

FIFA Mobile
Launching this Fall on iOS, Android, and Windows 10, FIFA Mobile is an all-new football experience built with features for players who love playing on-the-go and interacting with other fans. Features like Attack Mode give fans quick and exciting turn-based matches focused on attacking chances one half per turn. Leagues allow fans to join people around the world to compete in inter-league championships, earn cooperative achievements, or compete against other leagues online. More on FIFA Mobile: here.

For FIFA 17 assets visit: info.ea.com.

Fans who pre-order FIFA 17 Super Deluxe Edition can get up to 40 FIFA Ultimate TeamJumbo Premium Gold Packs, Team of the Week loan players, and other FUT content. Clickhere to read about all our available pre-order offers.

EA Access**** members on Xbox One and Origin Access**** members on PC can try FIFA 17before it’s released with a Play First Trial starting September 22. EA Access members receive a 10 percent discount when they purchase a digital version of the game on Xbox Live, and Origin Access members get a 10 percent discount when they purchase the game through Origin.

FIFA 17 is developed by EA Vancouver and EA Romania and will be available in Australia on September 29 on  Origin™ for PC, Xbox One the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® games and entertainment system and PlayStation®3 entertainment system.

*FROSTBITE GAME ENGINE TECHNOLOGY, PRO CLUBS, THE JOURNEY, FUT CHAMPIONS, AND SOME FEATURES IN CAREER MODE, ARE AVAILABLE ON XBOX ONE, PLAYSTATION 4 AND PC PLATFORM VERSIONS ONLY.
**QUALIFICATION FOR THE EA SPORTS1 FIFA 17 ULTIMATE TEAM1 CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AND THE FIFA INTERACTIVE WORLD CUP IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO ELIGIBLE PLAYERS ON XBOX ONE AND PLAYSTATION 4. NO OTHER PLATFORMS AND CONSOLES ARE SUPPORTED FOR QUALIFICATION.
***RESIDENCE IN ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES REQUIRED.  FINAL TERMS AND STRUCTURE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
****CONDITIONS, LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS APPLY. SEEEA.COM/EAACCESS/TERMS AND HTTP://WWW.ORIGIN.COM/STORE/ORIGIN-ACCESSFOR DETAILS.

Join the EA SPORTS FIFA community at  facebook and on Instagram. Follow us on Twitter @easportsfifa and use the hashtag #FIFA17.  The game is rated G by the Australian Classification Board.

EA SPORTS™ is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences. EA SPORTS creates connected experiences that ignite the emotion of sports through videogames, including Madden NFL football, EA SPORTS™ FIFA,NHL^® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, Rory McIlroy PGA TOUR^® golf, and EA SPORTS UFC^®.

XSEED GAMES HAMMERS OUT NORTH AMERICA RELEASE DATE FOR THE LEGEND OF HEROES: TRAILS OF COLD STEEL II

Sequel to Critically-Acclaimed Entry in the “Trails” Franchise to Launch in North America for PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®Vita on September 6, 2016

Torrance, Calif., – August 16, 2016 – XSEED Games, the independent-minded console publishing brand of Marvelous USA, Inc., today announced that the next installment in the critically-acclaimed Trails franchise, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II, has gone gold and will launch for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system in North America on September 6, 2016, both physically at retail and digitally on the PlayStation®Store for a suggested retail price of $39.99. Owners of the limited “Lionheart Edition” of The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel will be able to complete their collection, storing both titles in the custom collectible box along with the art book and pin of the country of Erebonia that came with the first installment.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II picks up one month after the decisive collision which changed the fate of the entire nation at the conclusion of Trails of Cold Steel. Speedy, tactical turn-based combat with the newly-developed “ARCUS” system returns with all the bells and whistles players fondly remember alongside a new Overdrive mode, new means of transportation across both the land and sky, new allies, new dangers, and a renewed sense of hope as Rean tirelessly works to right the wrongs that have led the country to disarray.

Cross-Save functionality between the game’s “PS Vita” and PS3™ editions remains supported, and save data from the first game grants bonus stats and extra items. In addition, relationships cultivated during the earlier time players spent at Thors Military Academy affect future story elements and allow for more personalized conversations throughout the game.

For more information on the game and where it can be pre-ordered, visit the official site for The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II at: www.trailsofcoldsteel.com/cs2. Additional insight into the game and the “Trails” series in general can be found at XSEED’s official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/XSEEDTrails/

Developed by Nihon Falcom and published by XSEED Games in North America, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II will be available both physically and digitally on September 6, 2016 for PS3™ and “PS Vita” systems for a suggested retail price of $39.99. The title has been rated “T for Teen” by the ESRB.

For more information on XSEED Games products, please visit www.xseedgames.com. Fans can also follow XSEED Games on Facebook at www.facebook.com/XSEEDGames and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/XSEEDGames.

MAGIC, SIDEQUESTS HIGHLIGHTED IN NEW LONGFORM FINAL FANTASY XV GAMEPLAY VIDEO

New Footage from Computer Graphics (CG) Animated Movie and Anime Series Also Available

LONDON (16^th August 2016) – Three new videos from the FINAL FANTASY® XV Universewere released today, including an action packed gameplay video from the opening chapters of FINAL FANTASY® XV. A new trailer for BROTHERHOOD FINAL FANTASY XV™Episode 4 and the first 12 minutes of the highly acclaimed CG animated movie,KINGSGLAIVE: FINAL FANTASY XV™ were also revealed today.

FINAL FANTASY XV Master Version Gameplay video

• • Features extensive new footage including: Chocobo® racing, new monsters, side quests, equipment, ability and magic synthesis systems, and the Wait Mode.

BROTHERHOOD FINAL FANTASY XV Episode 4 trailer

• With the full episode ‘Bittersweet Memories’ out tomorrow on YouTube, the new trailer gives a sneak peek on the fourth episode that focuses on the bond of friendship forged between young Ignis and Noctis.

KINGSGLAIVE: FINAL FANTASY XV opening – http://bit.ly/2bvebs9

• Narrated by Lena Headey (who plays Princess Luna), the prologue sets the stage for the world of Eos, the Kingdom of Lucis and its ruler King Regis (played by Sean Bean). A battle outside the city walls of Insomnia introduces viewers to the elite unit known as the Kingsglaive, and their fearless soldier Nyx (played by Aaron Paul). The CG movie will be available digitally on August 30^th.

FINAL FANTASY XV will be available on 29^th November 2016 for Xbox One and PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system.

Related Links:
FINAL FANTASY XV Homepage:  http://www.finalfantasyxv.com/
FINAL FANTASY XV YouTube: https://YouTube.com/FinalFantasyXV
FINAL FANTASY XV Twitter®: @FFXVEN
FINAL FANTASY XV Instagram:  @FFXV

About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as IO Interactive™, Crystal Dynamics®, and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 115 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 68 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 45 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at http://eu.square-enix.com/en

FINAL FANTASY XV © 2016 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.
MAIN CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA
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