SKYLANDERS BRINGS MOBILE CARD BATTLING TO LIFE  IN AN ALL-NEW WAY STARTING TODAY WITH SKYLANDERS BATTLECAST

Skylanders Battlecast Lets Fans and Card Collection Enthusiasts Alike Try their Hand at Mastering Strategic Card Combinations to Achieve Legendary Status!

Sydney, Australia. – April 15, 2016 – Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), is ushering in a new way for Skylanders® fans and card collection enthusiasts to play with the launch of Skylanders® Battlecast. Based on Activision’s award-winning Skylanders franchise, Skylanders Battlecast is a new, free-to-play mobile card game where players build their ultimate deck of cards, master strategic card combinations and use them in never before seen battles! Starting today, players in Australia and New Zealand can head to retail stores to purchase physical card packs to begin their epic journey to become a champion of Skylands. Skylanders Battlecast will be available later this autumn in North America and Europe.

In Skylanders Battlecast, players simply download the game from their mobile app store and can begin their quest to become the ultimate Battlecaster. Fans have the option of battling in single player campaign mode to defeat Kaos and save Skylands from his legion of evil or jumping into player vs. player (PvP) combat to truly test their skills against other players from around the globe.

To enhance gameplay, players can purchase Booster Packs and Battle Packs from local retailers or digitally from the game. The special card packs bring Skylanders Battlecast cards to life in a magical way as players scan their physical cards with their mobile devices to watch cards spring to life through best-in-class augmented reality. Amplifying the experience, the game also allows players to add cards to an in-game digital spell book. By collecting more cards, players will have more pieces to customize their deck for battle!  “We expect Skylanders Battlecast to excite mobile card game players by offering not only a collectible experience but also augmented reality, PvP and an exciting single-player campaign,” says Josh Taub, senior vice president, product management, Activision Publishing. “This is another example of how we are innovating the Skylanders franchise and providing a variety of fun new ways for fans to explore the brand.”

Activision assembled a team of experts across video game design, physical card game design, pro card players and top card artists to develop Skylanders Battlecast. Unlike traditional trading card and mobile battle games, Skylanders Battlecast offer fans impressive graphical fidelity in the form of a 3D-rendered gameplay experience that is incredibly fun and highly strategic.  Players can collect more than 300 Character, Spell, Gear and Relic cards, including foil variants, to fight their way through more than 60 missions across eight elemental islands. The more challenges completed within each mission, the more rewards are earned.

Skylanders Battlecast will be available via the App Store, Google Play and the Amazon Appstore. Skylanders Battlecast Battle packs featuring 22 cards will be available at all major retailers for the suggested retail price of $14.95 AUD/ $16.95 NZD and the Skylanders Booster pack, which will include a random selection of eight cards, will retail for the suggested price of $6.95 AUD/ $7.95 NZD.

About the Skylanders^® Franchise

The award-winning, $3 billion Skylanders franchise has sold through more than 250 million toys¹ since pioneering the toys-to-life category in 2011 with the debut of Skylanders® Spyro’s Adventure. The game originated a play pattern that seamlessly bridged physical and virtual worlds across multiple platforms. In 2012, Skylanders® Giants further evolved the genre and added LightCore^® characters to the collection of interaction figures.  Skylanders® SWAP Force^™, which launched in 2013, introduced an all new play pattern – swapability. In 2014, Skylanders^® Trap Team reversed the magic of bringing toys to life by allowing players to pull characters out of the digital world into the physical world and became the number 1 kids’ console game globally². Skylanders® SuperChargers launched on September 20, 2015 and expands upon the franchise’s signature gameplay to introduce vehicles-to-life for the first time.

About Activision Publishing

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading global producer and publisher of interactive entertainment. Activision maintains operations throughout the world. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com or by following @Activision.

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including statements about the expected release dates of Skylanders Battlecast are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include unanticipated product delays and other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

© 2016 Activision Publishing, Inc., SKYLANDERS, SKYLANDERS BATTLECAST, SKYLANDERS SUPERCHARGERS, SKYLANDERS TRAP TEAM, SKYLANDERS SWAP FORCE, SWAP FORCE, SKYLANDERS GIANTS, SKYLANDERS SPYRO’S ADVENTURE and ACTIVISION are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc.

¹The NPD Group, GfK Chart-Track, Activision Blizzard internal estimates, including toys and accessories

²According to The NPD Group, GfK Chart-Track and Activision Blizzard internal estimates, including toys and accessories.

TAKE ON THE GREATEST HUNT YET WHEN MONSTER HUNTER GENERATIONS LAUNCHES WINTER 2016

New trailer showcases varied Hunter Styles, an all-new gameplay dynamic for the popular action RPG series on Nintendo 3DS

15^th April, 2016 – Monster Hunter fans eagerly anticipating the release of Capcom®’s Monster Hunter Generations™ on Nintendo 3DS family systems can look forward to the deepest, most customisable experience yet when the game launches in Australia and New Zealand this winter. New gameplay mechanics such as the individualised Hunter Styles and stunning Hunter Arts join the all-new Prowler mode for the newest instalment in a series which has already sold more than 36 million units worldwide.

For the first time in Monster Hunter history, players will be able to change up how they play with Hunter Styles and equip unique special abilities called Hunter Arts. With Hunter Styles players can now tailor their chosen hunter to how they want to play by selecting from four very different styles. Whether it’s focusing on mounting monsters by selecting Aerial Style, or maximising the Hunter Arts abilities that can be equipped with the Striker Style, there’s a way of play to suit every player. Each Hunter Style possesses unique movements and attacks only available to that particular style, encouraging players to experiment and find the perfect fit for how they want to play with each of the game’s 14 weapon types. A closer look at these unique playing styles in action can be found in the brand new Hunter Styles trailer* premiering today.

Hunter Arts are spectacular special moves which can provide a powerful offensive flurry, a quick escape from attack, or even a helpful healing boost for a hunter and their teammates. Unleashing a Hunter Art at the right time can often make the difference in tight battles against powerful monsters.  Only a limited number of Hunter Arts can be equipped however, so players will need to carefully strategise as to what suits their style of play best.

As well as mastering the new additions to playing as a Hunter, players can take on quests as a Felyne in the new Prowler mode. These loyal, furry companions now get to take a starring role as they can be directly controlled by players and set out on any of the game’s quests in single or multiplayer game modes, plus a selection of unique quests especially designed for them. Players can switch into Prowler mode quickly and easily from their house, can take two Palico supports with them on quests, or even join other hunters in local and online co-op modes.

Prowlers benefit from boundless energy, meaning they have no need for a Well Done Steak to replenish their stamina gauge. By already carrying their own supply of health-replenishing Acorns, Prowlers can restore their health with a quick bite and don’t need to carry potions like Hunters. Resource-gathering such as bug-catching, fishing and mining is also simpler than ever when playing as a Prowler, allowing advanced players to channel more time into hunting quests or forging and upgrading the hundreds of weapons and armour available to them. With their streamlined gameplay mechanics, general ease of use and the ability to participate in any of the game’s single or multiplayer quests, Prowlers are a perfect introduction for newcomers and the ideal tonic for battle-hardened hunters seeking something a little different.

As well as these new additions, Monster Hunter Generations also features:

• A roster of new, challenging monsters including the Fated Four, an elite group of powerful monsters posing a major threat to each of the game’s four villages, plus some returning favourites.
• Special Deviant Monsters such as the Deadqueen Rathian and Grimclaw Tigrex return with new traits and abilities to challenge the most seasoned of hunters.
• 21 different hunting locations which are a blend of both new and enhanced fan-favourites; including some never before seen in the west.
• Collaboration content including special themed collaboration costumes and weapons for Hunters and Prowlers, based on popular series such as Fire Emblem and more.
• Local and online co-op modes for up to four players to team up and hunt together as Hunters and Prowlers.
• Collect tickets via StreetPass to access special Deviant monster quests. Players can also send and receive customisable Guild Cards via StreetPass.
• Players with Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate save data on their Nintendo 3DS system will receive a bonus item pack that includes an exclusive Palico amour set, potions, in-game money and more, when they play Monster Hunter Generations on the same system.
• Nintendo 3DS touch screen functionality allows immediate access to in-game maps and toggling the target lock on large monsters. New Nintendo 3DS owners will also benefit from C-stick functionality and mappable controls for Hunters Arts on the ZL and ZR buttons.

For the latest updates on Monster Hunter Generations, fans should keep their eyes on the official Monster Hunter Twitter account: @MonsterHunter.

With a range of new and updated features adding a new twist to the traditional Monster Hunter gameplay, Monster Hunter Generations provides new challenges for even the most experienced of hunters. 

* Monster Hunter Generations classified ‘M’ – Fantasy violence, online interactivity

Additional Links:

Nintendo Australia website: http://www.nintendo.com.au 
Nintendo Australia Twitter: https://twitter.com/NintendoAUNZ
Nintendo Australia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NintendoAUNZ
Nintendo AU on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/nintendoau

XSEED GAMES ANNOUNCES UPCOMING NINTENDO 3DS RELEASE FOR CORPSE PARTY AND REVEALS LONG-ANTICIPATED RELEASE DATE FOR WINDOWS PC VERSION 

Original ‘Corpse Party’ Receives Nintendo 3DS Remaster and Limited ‘Back to School Edition’ Physical Release Featuring Exclusive Features and Story Content; Original Windows PC Release to Launch in April for the First Time Outside of Japan with Exclusive Bonus Chapter

Torrance, Calif.—April 14, 2016—XSEED Games, the independent-minded console publishing brand of Marvelous USA, Inc., today revealed its plans to release brand new versions of the much-lauded horror adventure, Corpse Party, for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems and Windows PC, both with exclusive content never before seen outside of Japan. Originally developed as an independent title by Team GrisGris, and previously released by XSEED Games for the PSP, Corpse Party is a chilling visual novel-style experience that takes players on a terrifying journey where each step could be their last.

This summer, Corpse Party will receive a limited ‘Back to School Edition’ physical release for Nintendo 3DS priced at $49.99, which will include high-quality miniature figurines of characters Naomi Nakashima and Seiko Shinohara, as well as a soundtrack CD containing nearly 80 minutes of music from the game not previously featured on the ‘Songs of the Dead’ compilation, including three tracks exclusive to this Nintendo 3DS version. In addition to the limited ‘Back to School Edition’ physical release, Corpse Party will also see a digital release in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS for $29.99. Remastered from the 2011 PSP game, the Nintendo 3DS rendition of Corpse Party will feature redrawn, high-resolution character sprites, newly arranged music tracks, and 3D art stills, as well as four new Extra Chapters exclusive to this version that provide insight into lesser-shown characters and plot elements previously left unexplained. This title has been rated “M for Mature” by the ESRB.

On April 25, Corpse Party will receive a digital release on Windows PC for Steam, GOG.com, and the Humble Store by Humble Bundle for $14.99. Localized directly from the original independent PC version, which was previously never released outside of Japan, the worldwide Windows PC release of Corpse Party will feature all the original art and voice-acting, as well as a bevy of new features exclusive to this version. Among other inclusions, such as multiple endings and scenes that differ from the PSP and upcoming Nintendo 3DS releases, this version boasts four bonus chapters on top of the game’s five main story chapters, one of which is a PC-exclusive retelling of the “Tooth” story from Corpse Party: Book of Shadows, recreated with added content in classic Corpse Party adventure style. Players seeking to complete every ending will find that this version also contains a speedy fast-forward function for seamless replayability. The Windows PC version of Corpse Party is not rated by the ESRB.

To commemorate the announcement of these two titles, XSEED Games has unveiled two brand new Corpse Party trailers—one for the Nintendo 3DS remaster, and one for the Windows PC version.

About Corpse Party

In Corpse Party, players take control of a group of Japanese high school students who inadvertently engage in a pagan ritual and find themselves inexplicably transported into a whole other space: an inescapable echo of a long-since demolished school building where a series of gruesome murders once took place. They must now evade the grasp of the tortured souls who roam the halls of the doomed Heavenly Host Elementary School, lest they join the ranks of the dead themselves.

Corpse Party is presented using crisp 2D sprite graphics in a classic 16-bit style, brought to life with gruesome and horribly detailed hand-drawn anime-style portraits and art stills featuring vividly descriptive text, and binaural 3D audio in the Nintendo 3DS iteration, players’ minds are prone to wander, providing a uniquely engrossing horror experience. Put on a pair of headphones and Corpse Party becomes even more terrifying, with creepy background noises that bring the terror of the game’s environment directly to players’ ears.

As players advance through Corpse Party, they will strive to avoid the game’s more than 20 “wrong ends,” in which tragedy takes over and one or more characters suffer a grim demise. Whether buried alive, forced to swallow scissors or cannibalized by a friend, wrong ends are often as disturbing as they are morbidly intriguing. To advance through the game, players must reach the one true ending in each of the game’s five chapters to unlock the next leg of the journey. The game features several “true” endings depending on how many characters survive the journey through the haunted school – and at Heavenly Host Elementary, survival is no easy task.

For more information on the Corpse Party series of horror-adventure titles, please visit www.corpsepartypsp.com. 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.

War Dragons Enters Second Phase of Global Growth with Android Launch and National TV Campaign

Partners with J.J. Sedelmaier and Wexley School for Girls

SAN FRANCISCO – April 14, 2016 – Pocket Gems is announcing today that its top-grossing mobile game War Dragons is now available on Android and is launching a national TV commercial with renowned animator J.J. Sedelmaier (Beavis and Butt-head, Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law, Saturday TV Funhouse on Saturday Night Live). These things combined mark the start of War Dragons’ second phase of growth, which will significantly increase the game’s global player base.

War Dragons has been steadily climbing Apple’s top-grossing charts since launching last April. The game has also built an incredible community in its first year with more than 183 million battles fought and 13 million dragons bred. With the Android launch, War Dragons will have cross-platform capabilities, allowing players to form alliances or attack anyone, whether they’re on iOS or Android.

“War Dragons’ first year was all about refining the game to make it as kickass as possible. We’ve drastically improved everything from the art to the multiplayer components, and it really shows,” said Harlan Crystal, Pocket Gems’ founder and product lead on War Dragons. “As we enter our next phase of growth, we wanted something different for our first big TV spot and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”

The commercial, titled Dragon Days, takes viewers back to a simpler time when dragons and humans co-existed peacefully… and then burns it all to the ground. The tongue-in-cheek spot seamlessly contrasts the cheesy morning cartoon style of the ‘90s with War Dragons’ rich 3D graphics. Renowned animator, J.J. Sedelmaier, was chosen as the project’s creative director due to his sharp sense of humor and visionary comedic work. The commercial will begin airing nationally this month.

“Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to contrast the children’s programming we all grew up watching with the intensity of the gaming realm?! On top of that, this was a wonderful chance to combine two animation techniques that have been fighting each other for decades anyway,” said Sedelmaier.

The creative agency, Wexley School for Girls, brought its considerable talent to the commercial with Ian Cohen serving as chief creative director. For the animation and production duties, acclaimed creative studio Fellow LA was brought onto the project. Tying it all together thematically, the commercial’s distinctive song was penned by GRAMMY Award winners Adam Schlesinger and Steven Gold.

War Dragons is now available in the Google Play store here.

“Since War Dragons launched, our community has been clamoring for an Android version, so it was really important that we got it right,” said Priyanka Jindal who oversaw the game’s Android expansion. “We’re really happy with the results and are very excited to make this game available to many more people around the world.”

About War Dragons:
Launched in April 2015 for iOS devices, War Dragons is a 3D Real-Time Strategy game with weekly tournaments, hundreds of dragons to collect and real-time PVP. Pocket Gems built War Dragons on its proprietary Mantis Engine, which contains full native support for 3D graphics with a small memory footprint optimized for mobile devices. It was designed specifically to handle the connectivity issues generally associated with mobile networks while still having true synchronous multiplayer. Pocket Gems built the Mantis Engine to ensure that War Dragons could achieve a high level of visual fidelity and the smooth, cross-platform online performance gamers demand.

About Pocket Gems:
Founded in 2009, Pocket Gems is a leading developer of original mobile games and interactive entertainment. As one of the pioneers in games for smartphones, Pocket Gems’ titles have been downloaded more than 200 million times across iOS and Android. The Pocket Gems team has grown to 200 people based in San Francisco. To learn more about War Dragons, visit www.wardragons.com