SMITE LAUNCHES ON STEAM

One of the World’s Top MOBAs Now Available to Steam’s 125 Million Users

ATLANTA – Sept. 8, 2015 – Hi-Rez Studios has released SMITE, the mythology-themed, free-to-play action MOBA, on Steam for PC systems. SMITE has developed a community of over 10 million players since it launched through its own proprietary service on PC last year. This new venture will advance the company’s ongoing efforts to make the title more accessible to a broader array of gamers.

“The time is right for SMITE on Steam,” said Todd Harris, co-founder and COO of Hi-Rez Studios. “The platform has evolved to include more quality free-to-play titles and, most importantly, better ways for users to discover them. Now is the best time yet to see what SMITE is all about, and we’re excited to make it even easier for the more than 125 million active users worldwide who call Steam home to dive in for free.”

SMITE on Steam supports seamless server integration with the game’s original PC infrastructure, allowing both communities to queue and play together simultaneously. Existing SMITE PC users who wish to play the game on Steam can do so by simply installing SMITE from within Steam and logging into the game with their Hi-Rez account, with no account migration required.

One of the world’s top eSports franchises, SMITE blends the team-based tactics of traditional MOBAs with a thrilling third-person perspective that emphasizes expert skill shots and pulls players right into the action. It features a rich and constantly growing pantheon of playable gods, as well as a variety of gameplay modes with which to do battle. SMITE recently launched as the first MOBA on Xbox One, with over one million players downloading the game during its beta phase.

To welcome the Steam community to the arena, SMITE’s Ultimate God Pack, which unlocks all current and future gods in the game (69 so far), is on sale for $19.99 from now until Sept. 13.

SMITE’s second season of competitive play is already well underway, leading up to the SMITE World Championship presented by Xbox One from Jan. 7-10. For the latest news and updates from SMITE, please visit www.SmiteGame.com, and follow the community on Facebook, Twitter and Twitch.

About SMITE

SMITE is the online Battleground of the Gods, a mythology-themed action game for PC and Xbox One. Since launching in Europe and North America in March 2014, SMITE has quickly established itself as one of the Top 3 games in the rapidly growing MOBA genre, with over 10 million players. Themed around gods of mythology and offering a third-person camera and more game modes than any other leading game in its genre, the game provides a unique, action-packed experience that puts the player in the thick of the action. SMITE is free-to-play on both PC and Xbox One.

About Hi-Rez Studios

Atlanta-based Hi-Rez Studios was established in 2005 to create exceptional online interactive entertainment, and is now one of the largest video game studios in the Southeast United States. Its games include the squad-based shooter Global Agenda, the critically acclaimed Tribes: Ascend and SMITE, the Battleground of the Gods. Hi-Rez Studios also has two new games currently in development. Paladins, a fantasy FPS with progression using collectible cards, and Jetpack Fighter, a swipe-to-attack high speed platformer with gear progression. www.HiRezStudios.com.

THE GREY GOO® TOURNAMENT SERIES KICKS OFF THIS MONTH WITH $75,000 WORTH OF PRIZES ON THE LINE

Grey Box, Six Foot and Petroglyph’s Competitive RTS Will Live-stream Fall Qualifying Rounds Leading Up to Finals at PAX South

HOUSTON and LAS VEGAS – Sept. 8, 2015 – Grey Box, Six Foot, and developer Petroglyph have announced the Grey Goo® Tournament Series (GGTS), a set of competitive multiplayer events for their real-time strategy (RTS) game, Grey Goo. Three qualifying rounds throughout the fall will pit Grey Goo’s top players against one another, all leading up to a final showdown from Jan. 29-31, 2016 at PAX South, where Grey Goo launched earlier this year. Grey Box and Six Foot are putting up a pool of cash and prizes estimated at $75,000, including a free trip to PAX South for the qualifying participants.

The first qualifying event in the GGTS is planned for Sept. 26, with subsequent matches coming in October and November. The top four finalists from each qualifier – as well as eight separate wild cards – will receive an invitation to compete at the championship at PAX South, with travel and lodging provided by Grey Box and Six Foot. From each qualifying round to the final battle in San Antonio, the entirety of the GGTS will be live-streamed with full casting and commentary at www.twitch.tv/greygoogame.

To register for qualifying events or read the complete list of tournament rules, restrictions and requirements, please visit www.greygoo.com/ggts.

Grey Goo combines the best elements of classic RTS design with modern enhancements and an emphasis on tactical base-building and unit management. Three distinct factions – the industrious Betas, technological Humans, and shapeshifting Goo – wage war across the game’s single-player campaign and four-player local (LAN) and online multiplayer. Grey Goo has evolved since its original release with campaign DLC, free maps and a variety of other features, including terrain editor upgrades, a spectator mode, replay mode and dedicated multiplayer servers.

Grey Goo is now available on PC via Steam. It is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB. For more information on the GGTS as it unfolds, please visit www.greygoo.com/ggts, and follow the game on Facebook, Twitter, and Twitch.

About Grey Box

Grey Box is a new video game publisher that combines digital publishing, financing, and a passion for creating fun and innovative games. Championing the idea that video games are an influential art form and players should be treated as intelligent consumers, Grey Box is set on creating its own path and publishing games it believes in.

About Petroglyph

Petroglyph is an independent game development studio in sunny Las Vegas, Nevada. The studio was founded in 2003 by industry veterans whose roots reach as far back as Dune II and the original Command & Conquer series. Petroglyph has a decade of experience developing award-winning strategy games using their proprietary GLYPHX Online engine and technology.  For more information about Petroglyph, please visit www.petroglyphgames.com.

About Six Foot

Six Foot is an interactive production company focused on brand and IP development, digital media production, and video game development, publishing services and operations. Founded in 2000 as a digital agency, they are committed to creating interactive entertainment that engages, delights, and inspires.

TEST YOUR MIGHT IN CABAL 2’S “TRIAL OF CHAMPIONS”

Latest Update Brings Two New Arenas and Ranking System to CABAL 2 Universe 

IRVINE, CALIF. – Sept. 8, 2015 – Calling all warriors! ESTSoft, Inc. revealed details for its next free update for CABAL 2, available starting Sept. 10. The new update includes two new battle arenas and a rewards system for players at the top of rankings.

The “Trial of Champions” features two new arenas, which both require players to be level 10 to enter. There is an instanced monster arena and a PvP arena. In the monster arena, players will go in alone and fight for survival against a variety of monsters across different stages. The PvP arena will give combatants the chance to prove their skills by facing off against each other in an effort to become the ultimate champion of CABAL 2.

In addition to these two arenas, there is a new ranking system that will track players in events like the monster arena, PvP arena and in-game battlegrounds. This feature tracks the amount of points that players rack up during these events and gives them a ranking. At the end of each season players will be awarded prizes based off of their ranking.

“Expect much more to come and change the ever expanding CABAL 2 universe, as we’ve got many updates and improvements in store,” said Ajmal Popal, Assistant Product Manager, ESTSoft.

CABAL 2 features combat that is fluid and skill-based, but also offers all the depth and strategy players would expect from a genuine MMO experience. Designed by passionate MMO gamers for fans of the genre, the game’s fast-paced combat and focus on role-playing game (RPG) elements harken back to classic MMOs.

Evolving from the wildly-successful CABAL Online, which hosts nearly 30 million users from more than 60 countries around the world, CABAL 2 is a high-fantasy MMO for PC which combines deep, immersive RPG elements with epic skill-based battles. This next chapter in the CABAL series bring a unique style of gameplay sure to appeal to players who are both nostalgic for the classic MMOs of the past, but also still enjoy the technical advancements of modern PC gaming.

Please visit for assets: http://bit.ly/CABAL2ArenaAssets

For more information, and to download CABAL 2, please visit www.cabal2.com.

About ESTSoft, Inc.

ESTsoft Inc. is the North American publishing and operations arm of ESTsoft Corp, a leading Korean software company since 1993. ESTsoft delivers essential software products and innovative online games around the world. ESTsoft has been a KOSDAQ listed company since 2008.

RuneScape merchandise store goes cash free by accepting Bonds as payment 

Tuesday 8^th September 2015, Cambridge, UK – Jagex Games Studio – creators and custodians of the fantasy MMORPG, RuneScape – has announced that players no longer need to use real-world currency to purchase items from the official RuneScape store. In addition to such traditional methods, cash-conscious players can now use RuneScape Bonds to acquire a range of t-shirts that pay homage to the game. Further items, including god-symbol emblazoned caps, hoodies and more will be rolled out in phases.

Bonds are accrued either by purchasing them directly from Jagex or through bartering with other players. They have proved to be exceptionally popular with the game’s massive player-base since they launched in 2013, with more than 350,000 RuneScape Bonds transacted every month.

In addition to merchandise, Bonds can be traded in for RuneScape membership or used as a donation to partner charities such as WWF and Oxfam. Players can even use their Bonds to purchase their entry to the annual RuneFest fan festival on Saturday 3^rd October at Tobacco Dock in London. Approximately 50 percent of attendees this year have used Bonds to buy their ticket for the event, compared with 40 percent in 2014. Additionally, many players attending have paid for their accommodation in the city – and even their flights – using only Bonds.

About Jagex

Established in 2001 with its flagship free-to-play MMORPG RuneScape, Jagex has created a long-standing reputation for crafting the world’s best online games services.  Today the company stands as one of the UK’s largest independent games developers. Jagex prides itself on developing and publishing hugely popular, accessible online games for millions of players globally.  For more information please visit www.jagex.com.

About RuneScape

Step into a medieval fantasy world that’s packed with epic adventures, fascinating characters and a passionate community that helps to mould the game itself. Unashamedly British in humour, RuneScape embraces an unconventional world where you’re free to play and explore the way you want to. An MMO unlike any other – become the hero you were born to be at www.runescape.com.

BERLIN (IFA), Germany – Razer™, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the complete re-design of the popular Razer Orochi notebook gaming mouse. The Razer Orochi was designed ground up for mobile gamers and features the world’s most precise mouse sensor for on the go gaming.

Retaining the name of its predecessor, the new Razer Orochi features the latest in sensor and battery technology to give gamers pinpoint accuracy and more than double the playing time in wireless mode. Complimenting this overhaul, Razer has also added Chroma lighting, dual mode connectivity and a completely re-engineered shell with a metal top to make the Razer Orochi the most advanced notebook mouse to date.

At the heart of the new Razer Orochi is a 4G, 8,200 DPI laser sensor – the highest DPI sensor ever designed into a mobile gaming mouse. The result is pinpoint precise tracking for incredible accuracy and movement speeds of up to 210 inches per second with 50 G acceleration, making the Razer Orochi ideal for every game and play style, from fast reaction FPS-gameplay through to high accuracy MOBAs.

By utilizing the latest in Bluetooth Low Energy technology, the new Razer Orochi has more than double the battery life of its predecessor with over 60 hours of continuous gaming use, or 7 months of normal use, from a single charge. It is ideal for wireless notebook use with a polling rate of 125 Hz, which increases to a blistering 1000 Hz when used in wired mode, ideal for gaming.

“With the recent advances in sensor and Bluetooth technology, it was time for us to bring the Orochi up to date, which involved a complete redesign of the entire mouse from ground up” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. “We’ve retained the portable form factor and added rubberized side grips, but on the inside is where the big changes have happened – this is a whole new feature packed mobile gaming mouse.”

The new Razer Orochi also features Razer’s industry leading Chroma lighting, giving users the choice of 16.8 million color options with which to customize their mouse. As with previous Chroma products, customizing the Razer Orochi is achieved within seconds through Razer Synapse, Razer’s cloud-based hardware configurator.

By connecting the Razer Orochi with Razer Synapse, users are able to customize their lighting settings, calibrate their Razer Orochi to the surface they are using, assign macros and functions to the seven mouse buttons, and save all their settings to the cloud for use no matter where they are.

*Battery life depends upon usage.
TECH SPECS

• Dual wired/wireless Bluetooth 4.0 technology
• 1,000 Hz Ultrapolling (Wired) / 125 Hz Ultrapolling (Wireless)
• 1 ms response time (Wired) / 8 ms response time (Wireless)
• On-The-Fly Sensitivity adjustment
• 8,200 DPI 4G laser sensor
• 210 inches per second / 50 G acceleration
• Battery life: Approximately 60 hrs. (continuous gaming) or 7 months (normal usage)
• Ambidextrous form factor with textured rubber side grips
• Chroma lighting with true 16.8 million customizable color options
• Inter-device color synchronization
• Seven independently programmable buttons
• Razer Synapse enabled
• 1 m / 3.28 ft. braided fiber USB charging cable
• Approximate size: 99 mm / 3.90 in. (Length) x 67 mm / 2.64 in. (Width) x 35 mm / 1.38 in. (Height)
• Approximate weight: 110 g / 0.24 lbs.
• 2 x AA batteries

*Actual battery life depends upon specific usage and other extrinsic factors.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

• PC or Mac with a free USB port
• Windows® 10/ Windows® 8/ Windows® 7 / Windows Vista® / Windows® XP (32-bit)/ Mac OS X (v10.8-10.10)
• Bluetooth® Smart Ready
• Internet connection
• 100 MB of hard disk space
• Razer Synapse registration (requiring a valid e-mail), software download, license acceptance, and internet connection needed to activate full features of product and for software updates. After activation, full features are available in optional offline mode.

Price: US: $69.99 /EUR: €84.99

For more information about the Razer Orochi, please visit

http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-mice/razer-orochi

About Razer:

Razer™ is a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers.

Razer is transforming the way people play games, engage with other gamers and identify with the gamer lifestyle. Having won the coveted “Best of CES” award consecutively for five years, the company’s leadership in product innovation continues to create new categories for the gaming community that is estimated to have over 1 billion gamers worldwide.

Razer’s award-winning design and technology include an array of user interface and systems devices, voice-over IP for gamers and a cloud platform for customizing and enhancing gaming devices.

Founded in 2005, Razer is backed by Intel Capital, IDG-Accel and Heliconia Capital Management (Heliconia), a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore investment company Temasek. For more information visit http://www.razerzone.com/about-razer.

FOOTBALL MANAGER 2016: ALL-NEW SQUAD UNVEILED

Enhanced line-up offers ideal football management experience for all. PC and Macintosh simulation scheduled for release on Friday, November 13th

SEGA® Europe Ltd. and Sports Interactive are proud to present football fans across the world with an opportunity to lead their favourite team to glory with the latest release in the multi-million selling, international smash hit Football Manager™ series. Due for release from mid-November, Football Manager 2016 will comprise a suite of simulations, designed to provide the perfect football management experience for the widest possible audience.

In addition to Football Manager 2016 on PC and Macintosh, the newly-assembled squad also includes Football Manager Touch (for both computer and high-end tablets) and Football Manager Mobile (for all iOS and Android devices).

Previously known as Football Manager Classic, Football Manager Touch has, until now, been available as a ‘quick play’ mode within the full simulation (and for high-end tablets since March). Now, for the first time, it will be available separately through Steam (for PC and Macintosh), as well as for high-end tablets. Football Manager Mobile was formerly known as Football Manager Handheld.

“For some time now it’s been clear to us that there is no ‘one size fits all’ football management experience,” says Sports Interactive gaffer Miles Jacobson. “While a huge number of our fans have the time and dedication required to devote themselves to the ‘full’ simulation, there’s an equally-large number who prefer a more streamlined option. Not only that, but the widespread availability of mobile devices means that people are playing in different ways. The introduction of Football Manager Touch as a standalone offering – playable across computer and tablet – means that we now offer something for everyone.”

KEY FEATURES FOR THIS SEASON’S LINE-UP

Football Manager 2016

• TWO ALL-NEW GAME MODES: Take on your mates with ‘Fantasy Draft’ mode – which gives you the chance to build your own dream team and compete in a mini league – or add your own custom-built team to any existing league you choose with the new ‘Create-A-Club’ option.
• MANAGER ON THE TOUCHLINE: Get closer to the action than ever before with your own customisable character to bark out instructions and join the celebrations from the touchline.
• IMPROVED MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE: More than 2,000 new animations make the Football Manager 2016 match engine the best ever. There’s also more control when planning set pieces and a new highlights package to keep you up-to-date with all the action from every league.

Football Manager Touch 2016

• CROSS-SAVE: All versions of Football Manager Touch 2016 ARE ‘cross-save compatible’ with one another, so careers started on a tablet can be saved to the cloud and continued on computer (and vice versa).
• MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE: Football Manager Touch 2016 offers enhanced tactical options, including set-piece planning and opposition instructions – all of which play out in the acclaimed Football Manager 3D match engine.
• CREATE-A-CLUB MODE: Add your own club to the game using the ‘Create-A-Club’ option. Name your club, choose your colours and edit your squad to your heart’s content – even adding yourself and a friend.

Football Manager Mobile 2016

• ENHANCED TACTICS: Take greater control of your squad with the introduction of new tactical instructions. You can choose where your team concentrates its passing, as well as selecting your main attacking threat and creative outlet – and even advise your goalkeeper on distribution.
• COACHING STAFF: Prepare your squad for match days better than ever before with the addition of coaches, providing your team with focused training to prepare for their next big fixture.
• MANAGEMENT STYLE: The introduction of gold, silver and bronze coaching badges allows you to define your own management style. Will you concentrate on improving your defence or attack, or focus on morale and man management? Your decision will influence your team’s style.

Further details on all three versions are available now on the Football Manager website and in the accompanying fact sheets, while even more features will be revealed over the coming weeks via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Football Manager 2016 (for PC and Macintosh) will be released on Friday, November 13^th, with Football Manager Touch and Football Manager Mobile following prior to Xmas 2015. All three are developed by Sports Interactive and published by SEGA® Europe Ltd.

For further information on Football Manager: www.footballmanager.com

For the best in Football Manager stories: www.wearethemanagers.com

To contact Sports Interactive: [email protected]

About Sports Interactive Ltd.

Sports Interactive (SI) is the world’s leading developer of football management simulations through its Football Manager series. Founded in 1994 and based in the Old Street area of London, SI has a full-time staff of more than 100 and employs the services of roughly 1,300 part-time researchers across the globe (alongside more than 200 offsite Beta testers). SI has ongoing relationships with some of the biggest names in professional football, including Prozone, the League Managers Association, The Football League, La Liga and many other leagues and national associations. SI became a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEGA in 2006. Further information on the company and its games is available at www.sigames.com.

About SEGA® Europe Ltd.

SEGA Europe Ltd. is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Games Co., Ltd., a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SEGA Europe’s website is located at www.sega.com.

Ubisoft^® developing Next-Generation Theme Park

First park to open in Malaysia in partnership with Theme Park Developer RSG 

AUSTRALIA, SYDNEY – September 8, 2015 — Ubisoft has announced that it is developing a next-generation theme park. Combining a rich portfolio of world-renowned brands and an expertise in designing highly interactive gaming experiences, Ubisoft aims to revolutionize guests’ journeys. The project is being led by Ubisoft Motion Pictures, who has a successful track record of expanding Ubisoft’s game brands to theme parks with the launch of the award-winning* Rabbids Dark Ride at French park Futuroscope.

For its first next-generation theme park, Ubisoft Motion Pictures is partnering with RSG, co-owner and co-developer of Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS). “Together we are creating a place where every guest is a player, every ride is a playground, every visit is a game,” said Jean de Rivières, senior vice president, Ubisoft Motion Pictures. “In RSG, we’ve found a partner with a successful track record in working with international brands, a shared ambition to design the family destination of the future, and a wealth of expertise in theme park development.” said Jean de Rivières.

The planned 10,000 square meter development will be located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – second most visited country in Asia** – and will feature innovative rides, attractions and shows inspired by some of Ubisoft’s biggest franchises, such as Assassin’s Creed^®, Just Dance^® and Rabbids^®. The park will open in 2020. 

“RSG is committed to redefining family fun, and video games have taken an increasingly central role in entertainment for all ages,” said Ramelle Ramli, Chairman, RSG. “Partnering with Ubisoft means we’ll work with their creative teams to develop the first of what we believe will be a revolutionary new theme park experience. We are confident that this partnership agreement highly benefits both parties and consolidates our presence in the global family entertainment market.”

Additional information about Ubisoft can be found at www.ubisoft.com.  Additional information about RSG can be found at www.rsg-group.com.my.

About Ubisoft Motion Pictures

Ubisoft Motion Pictures was created in 2011 to expand the popularity of Ubisoft’s game brands to new areas of entertainment including television and film. It is responsible for the Assassin’s Creed live-action long-feature – set for release in December 2016 – and the Rabbids animated television series, currently in its second season. Four long-feature films are also currently in development. Recently, Ubisoft Motion Pictures has expanded into theme parks, developing specific rides adapted from the group’s hit brands as well as a full-scale next generation theme park concept.

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, Tom Clancy’s video game series, Rayman, Far Cry and Watch Dogs. 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 2014-15 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of €1,464 million. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoft.com.