Woolworths brings Ancient Animals world to life via global gaming phenomenon Minecraft 

Wednesday, 14 October 2015: Woolworths is bringing the world of ancient animals to life in a new virtual world with the global gaming phenomenon, Minecraft.

In a world first for supermarkets, Woolworths has worked with developers to create a custom Ancient Animals in Minecraft ‘map’ that allows children to explore the habitats of dinosaurs and discover more about their history.

Minecraft is a game that challenges players to be creative and build any kind of structure made from 3D cubes, and has a 13+ year age recommendation. It has been dubbed a ‘sandbox’ video game because it allows users to play around, explore and create what they want, like kids in a sandpit.

Since its launch in 2011, more than 70 million users around the world have been mining and crafting blocks within a large world of varying terrains and habitats.

The game release follows the highly successful launch of the latest Woolworths Collectibles range, Ancient Animals. From daring dinosaurs to mystic creatures of the deep, there are 108 ancient animals to discover with 81 cards and 27 stickers in the set.

Ancient Animals in Minecraft will help children learn about the prehistoric world. The game is designed to foster creativity, logic and problem solving, creativity and team work.

Professor of Disruptive Technologies at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Stuart Smith, said; “Minecraft is already being explored as an educational tool by a number of schools around the world. Standard educational objectives, for example numerical problem solving and spatial reasoning through to citizenship and history, can be built into Minecraft in a fun and engaging way.

“Teachers in Australia are increasingly using the tool in the classroom because it taps into children’s interest in games and makes lessons hands-on,” he said.

Woolworths Head of Sponsorships and Events, Karen Madden, said; “We’re excited about the opportunity to work with Minecraft in a world first for a supermarket chain. It’s a landmark move for us to be able use this gaming technology to inspire and entertain our customers.

“Not only does Minecraft extend the educational and creative aspect of our Ancient Animals Collectibles program but also creates a form of learning for families that is fun and interactive. We’re looking forward to seeing what children create in these new worlds,” she said.

A Minecraft account is available for purchase from BIG W and is required to play Ancient Animals in Minecraft.  The Ancient Animals world can then be downloaded for free.

For more information visit www.woolworths.com.au/ancientanimals

About Minecraft

Minecraft is a ‘sandbox’ video game downloaded online for a one-off payment. It is called a sandbox game because it allows users to play around, explore, and create what they want.

There are three ways you can play Minecraft:

1.     By yourself on your own computer – exploring and building by yourself.
2.     On a small local server with a group of friends – allowing friends to work together in order to build new structures, defend against the elements, or fight battles.
3.     On a large public multiplayer server with other players on the internet – allowing players to participate in even more advanced gameplay in even more complex 3D Worlds.

The creative and building aspects of Minecraft allow players to build constructions out of textured cubes in a 3D procedurally generated world. The virtual landscapes in which building or game play takes place are often referred to as ‘maps’ because of their simulation of geographic areas.

Mojang, the creators of Minecraft, describe it as:A game about breaking and placing blocks. At first, people built structures to protect against nocturnal monsters, but as the game grew players worked together to create wonderful, imaginative things.

See also: Minecraft website

Mojang, creators of Minecraft, recommend the game for players aged 13+, mainly owing to the one-off payment required to download the game. However, many younger children will enjoy playing Minecraft and Mojang offers guidance to parents for account users under 13.

Announcing ’Revision’ for the original Deus Ex

Square Enix® and Eidos®-Montréal authorize a fan-created mod that visually enhances a classic for a new generation

SYDNEY, 14^TH October 2015 – Today Square Enix and Eidos-Montréal continue to celebrate the 15^th anniversary of the release of the original Deus Ex® by authorizing a fan-created mod for the first Deus Ex game originally released in 2000. Called ‘Revision’, the mod by Caustic Creative overhauls the environments and soundtrack of the original Deus Ex and is available to download for free today on Steam®.

“Revision is a complete overhaul of the original Deus Ex. We bring in new level design, new music, and new world-building detail. On top of that, we also bundle in some of the best enhancements the community has to offer: high-detail textures and models, Direct3D 9 rendering, and alternate gameplay modes. Revision is our love letter to the game and its fans,” said John French, Creative Director, Caustic Creative.

“One of the reasons that Deus Ex has been so popular for 15 years is the way in which the gaming community has embraced the ground-breaking gameplay and a narrative that looks to the future but is inspired by real-world events,” said David Anfossi, Head of Studio, Eidos-Montréal. “‘Revision’ from Caustic Creative is a fantastic way for fans new and old to experience the original Deus Ex in a whole new way before Deus Ex: Mankind Divided® raises the bar once again.”

The launch trailer for ‘Revision’ can be viewed on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/raR8g42kmFg

‘Revision’ is now available to download for the original Deus Ex on Steam for Windows PC: http://store.steampowered.com/app/397550 

Square Enix has also confirmed that Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition and Deus Ex: Human Revolution® – Director’s Cut are available at an 80% discount as part of the Steam Stealth Sale, running October 13^th to 16^th.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, the highly-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Deus Ex: Human Revolution®, will officially launch globally on February 23, 2016 for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows PC.

To keep up-to-date on news for Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, be sure to follow the official Twitter and Facebook accounts.

YouTube Stream: https://youtu.be/raR8g42kmFg

NEXT GAMES AND AMC’S THE WALKING DEAD: NO MAN’S LAND TOPS APP STORE CHARTS AROUND THE WORLD IN ITS OPENING WEEKEND

The Official Mobile Game of the TV Show Hits #1 Free Game in 13 Countries with Over 1 Million Downloads in Its First Weekend Alone and Keeps Charting Glowing Reviews: Over 2,200 Reviews with an Exceptional Average Rating of 4.63 out of 5

NEW YORK, NY / HELSINKI, FINLAND – October 13, 2015 – AMC and Next Games released The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land, the official mobile game based on AMC’s record-breaking TV series, for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch on October 8^th, and the game quickly skyrocketed to the #1 spot on Apple’s Top Free App chart for both iPhone and iPad in the United States and 11 other countries, including the United Kingdom, Brazil and Germany.

The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land also earned the #1 spot on Apple’s Top Free Game chart in 13 countries in its opening weekend and keeps climbing up the charts in additional territories. The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land was downloaded over 1 million times in the first three days alone, drawing over 2,200 user reviews with an average rating of 4.63 out of five. Close to 80% of players gave the game the full five-star rating.

“We’re thrilled that so many people are enjoying The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land along with the launch of season six,” said Mac McKean, senior vice president of digital media for AMC and SundanceTV. “We worked closely with Next Games to give fans a mobile game that’s entertaining and true to the world of ‘The Walking Dead.’”

“Our early success speaks to the power of the unique collaboration between AMC and Next Games’,” said Teemu Huuhtanen, CEO at Next Games. “The huge amount of positive reviews within just the first days confirms we have succeeded in creating a beautiful game that resonates with gamers and ‘The Walking Dead’ fans alike. This is only the beginning – we are listening to player feedback carefully and have a strong road map of content and features to roll out.”

Here is more data on The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land opening weekend in the App Store:

• Over 1,000,000 downloads during the opening weekend
• #1 iPhone & iPad Free App in the U.S. App Store
• #1 Free App in 12 countries
• #1 Free Game in 13 countries
• #1 Role Playing Game in 117 countries
• 31 million minutes played
• 50 million walkers killed
• 5 million missions completed
• 5 million videos watched
• Top 10 countries by installs: United States, Thailand, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Vietnam, Brazil, Italy, Philippines and Germany

The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land is available to download for free on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch: http://getnomansland.com. It will be available for Android in the coming weeks.

AMC’s “The Walking Dead” is the highest rated basic cable program in the history of television and the #1 show on TV in the U.S. among adults 18-49 for three years in a row. The series kicked off its sixth season on Sunday, October 11.

For more information, please visit www.thewalkingdeadnomansland.com.

PSYONIX UNLEASHES ROCKET LEAGUE “REVENGE OF THE BATTLE-CARS” DLC TODAY

Premium Downloadable Content Comes With Vehicles, Decals, and Rocket Trails, Plus Free Maps, Flags, and More

SAN DIEGO, CA – October 13, 2015 – Independent video game developer and publisher, Psyonix, announced today that Rocket League, the sports-action game that has surprised and delighted the worldwide gaming community, will receive the new DLC Pack “Revenge of the Battle-Cars,” available now on PlayStation™Network and Steam PC.

The DLC pack features “Scarab” and “Zippy,” two fan-favorite vehicles from Rocket League’s predecessor, Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars (SARPBC). New Paint Types, Decals, Rocket Trails, Toppers, Antennas, Wheels, Trophies and Achievements are also included. Revenge of the Battle-Cars will retail for $3.99 USD or its regional equivalent.

Two alternate variations of existing Rocket League arenas: Urban Station (Night) and Utopia Coliseum (Dusk), are also available to all players for FREE, whether they’ve purchased DLC or not. New Video Game Antennas and Community Flags are part of the FREE portion of the update as well.

The official Rocket League: Revenge of the Battle-Cars DLC Pack trailer can be found in the links highlighted below:

• Watch the new Rocket League Revenge of The Battle Cars DLC Pack Video on YouTube HERE: https://youtu.be/U3lcOlXt1IY 

The Complete Revenge of the Battle-Cars DLC Pack Includes:

• 2 New Classic SARPBC Cars (Scarab and Zippy)
• 12 New Decals (Six for Each New Car)
• 3 New Paint Types (Toon Glossy, Toon Matte, Toon Wood)
• 2 New Wheels (Scarab and Zippy)
• 2 New Rocket Boosts (Accelerato and Battle-Stars)
• 4 New Toppers (Cavalier,  Locomotive, Pixelated Shades, Shark Fin)
• 2 New Antennas (Retro Balls from the Original Game)
• 5 New Trophies (PS4) and Achievements (Steam)

Rocket League is one of the most critically-acclaimed games of the summer, boasting a community that is already more than 6 million players strong. Available digitally on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system via PlayStation®Network and on PC via Steam, Rocket League brings gamers a high-powered hybrid of arcade-style soccer and vehicular mayhem. Offering easy-to-understand controls and fluid physics-driven competition for 1-8 players, Rocket League boasts more than 10 billion possible garage customizations, giving players the opportunity to distinguish their Battle-Cars in either local or online play, while showing them off in a broadcast-quality replay viewer that perfectly complements the video-editing capabilities of PlayStation® SHAREfactory™.

The multiplayer-focused successor to 2008’s Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars, Rocket League uses an advanced physics system to simulate realistic interactions, relying on mass and momentum to give players a complete sense of intuitive control in an unbelievable, high-octane re-imagining of association football. Players can breeze through the tutorial and play solo in the all-new Season Mode or vie against the AI in multiple team formations and difficulty settings. Up to four people can compete in two-to-four-player splitscreen action as well, with up to eight total players battling it out online (in Ranked, Unranked, or Private Matches) on dedicated servers located all over the world.

To learn more about Rocket League, please visit www.RocketLeagueGame.com, “Like” it on Facebook, and follow it on Twitter  at RocketLeague for all the latest developer updates and news.

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ABOUT PSYONIX

Based in San Diego, CA, Psyonix is a critically-acclaimed independent video game developer and leading experts in Unreal Engine technology. For more than a decade, the studio has been a driving force behind some of the most successful games in the industry, including Gears of War, Mass Effect 3, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Bulletstorm, Unreal Tournament III, Unreal Tournament 2004, Nosgoth, and the recently-released futuristic Sports-Action hit, Rocket League.

For more information, visit www.psyonix.com.

Jackbox Games Releases The Jackbox Party Pack 2

YOU DON’T KNOW JACK® Studio’s Sequel to the Ultimate Game Night Bundle Features Five New Titles

CHICAGO – Oct. 13, 2015 – Jackbox Games, the independent developer of YOU DON’T KNOW JACK®, has launched The Jackbox Party Pack 2, a rib-tickling collection of competitive local multiplayer party games. Like its predecessor, last year’s The Jackbox Party Pack, everything in this bundle can be played using a phone, tablet or computer as a controller through Jackbox.tv, and only one user needs to own the game for all to participate. In addition, some titles in the pack allow an audience of up to 10,000 spectators to participate and affect each match via online live stream.

Five hilariously irreverent new games make up The Jackbox Party Pack 2, three of which are completely original. Bidiots (3-6 players) is an absurd art auction game where players draw masterpieces on their touchscreens. Earwax (3-8 players) challenges party-goers to match quirky prompts with the best sound effects from their personal stashes. And Bomb Corp. (1-4 players) is a nail-biting competition to try to avoid being exploded into bits.

The Jackbox Party Pack 2 also includes two massive updates on fan-favorite Jackbox hits. Fibbage 2 (2-8 players), the sequel to the massively popular bluffing game, features over 500 questions, more than twice the content found in Fibbage. Quiplash XL (3-8 players) is a supersized bundle of everything from the original Quiplash and the first Quip Pack, plus over 100 entirely new say-anything prompts.

Moreover, The Jackbox Party Pack 2 delivers a number of enhancements on its predecessor. Audience play mechanics let spectators play along and even influence the outcomes of certain games, including Fibbage 2, Quiplash XL and Earwax. Many of the titles included in the collection have timers that can be extended to make it easier for participants to play together remotely on live streams. Jackbox has also introduced a family filter for those who wish to dial down the pack’s most provocative content.

The Jackbox Party Pack 2 arrives today as a digital release on the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems via the PlayStation®Store, Xbox One through the Xbox Games Store, and Windows and Mac via Steam for $24.99. It is also available on the Apple Mac App Store, Amazon Fire TV and Google’s Android TV. This product is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB. The titles within this pack are accessible in English only. For the latest from Jackbox Games, please visit www.jackboxgames.com, and follow the studio on Facebook, Twitter and Twitch.

About Jackbox Games

Jackbox Games, formerly Jellyvision Games, is a developer and publisher of games on major gaming platforms and home entertainment devices. The studio is best known for comedic party games like YOU DON’T KNOW JACK, Fibbage, and their recent Kickstarter-funded hit Quiplash. YOU DON’T KNOW JACK has been called “the greatest quiz-show game ever made” by The Onion’s A.V. Club and “triumphant, hilarious, even enlightening” by The New York Times. All of Jackbox’s current-generation games feature the innovative “mobile devices as controllers” concept, allowing anyone with an internet-connected phone, tablet, or even laptop to join a game without the need for extra game controllers. Players connect to games on their devices by going to http://jackbox.tv and entering the custom game code displayed via the console, PC, or home entertainment system that is actually hosting the game. This unique concept also allows for games that involve secret player input, such as typing in words or drawing on devices. The digital release of The Jackbox Party Pack – a massive collection of five of these party games – was named “Best Local Multiplayer Game of the Year” by Giant Bomb. The company is located in Chicago, Illinois.

PARTY WITH THE MINIONS IN MINIONS PARADISE,AN ALL NEW GAME AVAILABLE NOW ON MOBILE

Game Introduces Fans to Phil, a New Minion Exclusive to Minions Paradise

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – October 13, 2015 – It’s time to get this party started! Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA), Illumination Entertainment, and Universal Partnerships & Licensing today announced that Minions Paradise™ is available now as a free download* in the App Store ^SM and on Google Play.

As part of an unprecedented creative collaboration between the game makers at EA and the film makers at Illumination Entertainment, the creators of the sweet yet subversive Minions and force behind the Despicable Me global film franchise, Minions Paradise introduces players to Phil, a totally new Minion created exclusively for the game. It also features a variety of lively animations that bring all the humor and mayhem of the Minions to life. Designed to grow over time with the Minions universe, Minions Paradise will provide players with new gaming experiences for years to come.

Minions Paradise takes players on the vacation of a lifetime. When Phil sinks the cruise ship carrying his Minion buddies, he must turn a deserted tropical island into the perfect paradise for his pals. In Minions Paradise, players find fun and surprises around every corner of their own private retreat, as they’re invited to:

PARTY WITH YOUR FAVORITE MINIONS

Phil’s turning the island into a party-paradise and you’re invited – along with Kevin, Stuart, and Bob from the MINIONS movie! Help Phil organize the ultimate Minion party and see how it transforms your island into the perfect getaway.

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY

Customize your island with hot tubs, hammocks, and beach volleyball courts. Plant firefly trees, harness power from electric eels, and grow bushels of bananas to make an island paradise for Phil and his Minion buddies.

EXPLORE YOUR PARADISE

The more land you get, the more fun your Minions will have! You can also become an expert at alligator waterskiing, throw mangoes from hot air balloons, and even dive off waterslides.

TAKE VILLAINOUS VACATIONS

All Minions need a villainous boss to serve! Aid Phil in building a special resort for all your favorite villains from the MINIONS movie. Help these despicable characters enjoy paradise while putting their own dastardly plans into motion.

For news and updates on Minions Paradise visit www.minionsparadise.com, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

*Network fees may apply and includes in-app purchases

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About MINIONS

The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s MINIONS begins at the dawn of time.  Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters.  Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters—from T. rex to Napoleon—the Minions find themselves without someone to serve and fall into a deep depression.

But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he—alongside teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob—ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow.

The trio embarks upon a thrilling journey that ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (Academy Award^® winner Sandra Bullock), the world’s first-ever female super-villain.  They travel from frigid Antarctica to 1960s New York City, ending in mod London, where they must face their biggest challenge to date: saving all of Minionkind…from annihilation.

Featuring a soundtrack of hit music from the ’60s that still permeates our culture today, Minions is produced by Illumination’s Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, and is directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda.  Brian Lynch has written the screenplay for the 3D-CG comedy adventure, and Chris Renaud serves as executive producer of the film.  www.minionsmovie.com

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 2015, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.5 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized 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 SPORTS, The Sims, Dragon Age, Plants vs. Zombies and 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. App Store is a Service Mark of Apple Inc.

About Illumination Entertainment

Illumination Entertainment, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the entertainment industry’s leading producers of all-audience event films. In July 2010, Illumination, which has an exclusive financing and distribution partnership with Universal Pictures, released its first film, Despicable Me, starring Steve Carell, which earned more than $540 million worldwide and launched a beloved global franchise. With the success of 2011’s Hop (over $183 million worldwide), 2012’s Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax and 2013’s juggernaut Despicable Me 2— the highest-grossing first-run film in Universal’s history and the year’s third-highest-grossing film at the worldwide box office—Illumination’s films have made almost $2 billion. Universal and Illumination’s next film Minions, starring Academy Award®-winner Sandra Bullock and Jon Hamm, written by Brian Lynch, and directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, arrives in theaters on July 10, 2015. Fans may also experience Minion Mayhem in 3D with the Ultra-HD movie motion simulator adventure at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.

About Universal Partnerships & Licensing

Universal Partnerships & Licensing (UP&L) oversees NBCUniversal’s consumer product licensing, film, home entertainment and television promotions, and corporate alliances for Universal’s theatrical, home entertainment, television, theme parks and stage productions. This dedicated division is also responsible for monetizing the company’s vast library of films and characters through licensing, branding and marketing opportunities. UP&L is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world renowned theme parks, and a suite of leading Internet‐based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Minions Paradise is a trademark and copyright of Universal City Studios LLC. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The Scariest School Season Ever has Started— First Semester Concludes with Corpse Party: Blood Drive 

XSEED Games Launches Cult Favorite Horror Anthology Finale Presented in Physical Format and in 3D for the First Time

Torrance, Calif. – (October 13, 2015) – XSEED Games, the independent-minded console publishing brand of Marvelous USA, Inc., today announced that Corpse Party: Blood Drive has launched in North America exclusively for the PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system. For the first time ever in the Corpse Party series, the title has been released in physical format with the “Everafter Edition.” A standard edition of the game is also available digitally via PlayStation™Store.

Corpse Party: Blood Drive closes out the “Heavenly Host Elementary” storyline in this cult favorite visual novel-style horror anthology series. The final installment of the supernatural story that began with Corpse Party and continued in Corpse Party: Book of Shadows, Corpse Party: Blood Drive ups the ante by allowing players to explore Heavenly Host Elementary in full 3D for the very first time, with all of its formerly 2D environments meticulously recreated and greatly expanded.

New gameplay systems provide even more exciting interactions for players experiencing the gruesome finale to this tale of an inescapable, otherworldly school populated by vengeful spirits, including a dynamic lighting system aided by an in-game flashlight, talismans to protect the player characters from danger, deadly traps to disarm, cabinets to hide in, a stamina system that allows for limited dashing, and much more.

Presented with the original Japanese voiceovers for authenticity, Blood Drive features the return of previously offered gameplay elements such as binaural 3D audio for simulated surround sound and the screen-altering “Darkening” system, as well as bonus unlockables such as voice actor interviews, art, music, and more. Boasting 11 huge story chapters and 8 supplemental “Extra Chapters,” Corpse Party: Blood Drive caps off the Heavenly Host storyline in a big way, providing answers and shocking twists in equal measure.

Published in North America by XSEED Games, Corpse Party: Blood Drive is available exclusively for the PS Vita. The limited “Everafter Edition” (physical version only) is available for a suggested retail price of $49.99. The  “Everafter Edition” contains a two-disc compilation of songs from Corpse Party, Corpse Party: Book of Shadows, and Corpse Party: Blood Drive, as well as a “Dying Art” grimoire featuring over 100 pages of artwork from throughout the franchise. The game is also available digitally via PlayStation™Store for $39.99. This title has been rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB. More information on the game can be found at the newly launched website http://www.corpsepartyblooddrive.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.

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ESRB Guidelines for Corpse Party: Blood Drive

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