SQUARE ENIX UNVEILS NEW DEVELOPER VIDEO, DIGITAL NOVELLA CHAPTERS FOR DRAKENGARD®3 

LONDON (9^th April 2014) – In preparation for the launch of Drakengard®3, Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today unveiled the next series of chapters for the title’s novella, and showcased a video interview with Art Director, Kimihiko Fujisaka on the inspiration behind the game’s key characters and the game’s design process.

The game’s website (www.drakengardgame.com/) now features chapters “Two,” “Three,” “Four” and “Five” that delve in the background of each character’s namesake.

Drakengard 3 PAL Collector’s edition is now available for pre-order exclusively via the Square Enix Europe Store / French boutique Online Store for €69.99/ £59.99.

Drakengard 3 will be available as a digital exclusive on PlayStation®3 from 21^st May 2014, with the regular edition retailing at €49.99. Pre-order this edition via PSN from mid-April to get the Japanese Voiceover DLC absolutely free.

*Please note that DLC items included in the North America and Japanese Collector’s Editions cannot be activated outside of these regions.

Please see the below link for the Video:

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4L6pm2IPLg

Press Site:

http://square-enix-press.com/download/4818/26428edc9b8732ff77786a59fd66b4dda8074bd1

Related Links

Official Homepage: www.drakengardgame.com

Official Facebook® Page: http://www.facebook.com/Drakengard

About Square Enix Ltd.

Square Enix Ltd., a part of the Square Enix Europe business unit, 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. 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 boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide, DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 62 million units worldwide and TOMB RAIDER® which has sold over 35 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://www.square-enix.com/eu/en/. 

© 2013, 2014 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Character Design: Kimihiko Fujisaka.

DRAKENGARD, FINAL FANTASY, CRYSTAL DYNAMICS, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, IO INTERACTIVE, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, SPACE INVADERS, TOMB RAIDER and TAITO are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix Group. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

2K and Gearbox Software Announce Borderlands®: The Pre-Sequel™ 

Blast off to Pandora’s moon for gravity-bending gunfights and experience the never-before-told story about the rise of Handsome Jack Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #ThePreSequel

Sydney, Australia– April 9, 2014 – 2K and Gearbox Software announced today that Borderlands®: The Pre-Sequel™, an all-new standalone Borderlands game set in-between the award-winning Borderlands and Borderlands 2, is currently in co-development by Gearbox Software and 2K Australia. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel will be available in Australia and New Zealand in spring 2014 on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Windows PC.

“Borderlands is one of 2K’s premiere franchises, and Borderlands 2 is the highest-selling title in the history of our company,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “Fans are clamouring for an all-new, triple-A Borderlands experience, and we will deliver just that with Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.”

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel launches players to Pandora’s moon to experience wild, gravity-bending gunfights in zero-atmosphere environments using an array of all-new weaponry. For the very first time, fans play on the other side as four new playable characters contributing to the rise of the Hyperion Corporation. Fighting alongside Handsome Jack, players witness his transformation into the megalomaniacal tyrant that fans loved to hate in Borderlands 2.

“Since Gearbox Software first created the Borderlands franchise, we never dreamed of this much love and support from gamers,” added Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. “We are grateful that the incredible talent at 2K Australia has been able to jump in with Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel to help it live up to the high standards that Borderlands fans have come to expect.”

“Gearbox has entrusted 2K Australia with the co-development of their award-winning franchise and we are committed to delivering an all-new shoot ‘n’ loot experience that fans will love,” concluded Tony Lawrence, general manager of 2K Australia. “Fans will see for themselves at PAX East that there’s nothing quite like moon jumping in a low-gravity gunfight, completely freezing a moon bandit with one of the new Cryo weapons, and then shattering him into little pieces that float off into space. It’s pretty epic.” 

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel will be available in spring 2014 for Xbox 360, PS3, and Windows PC. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is not yet rated in Australia and New Zealand. For more information, please visit the official Borderlands web site, follow @borderlands on twitter, become a fan of Borderlands on Facebook, and subscribe to the new Borderlands channel on YouTube.

About Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel 

Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is the newest entry in the critically acclaimed Borderlands franchise that is currently being co-developed by Gearbox Software and 2K Australia. Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel continues the franchise’s tradition of industry-leading co-op, allowing up to four players to experience all-new low-gravity, shoot ‘n’ loot gameplay on Pandora’s moon. Featuring four new playable character classes armed with powerful laser and icy Cryo weapons, players will battle against an array of new enemies. Taking place in-between the events of Borderlands and Borderlands 2, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel showcases Handsome Jack’s transformation into the ruthless tyrant fans loved to hate in Borderlands 2.

About Take-Two Interactive Software

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

About 2K

Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment globally for console systems, handheld gaming systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, which are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms and cloud streaming services. 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres, including shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, sports, casual, and family entertainment. The 2K label has some of the most talented development studios in the world today, including Firaxis Games, Visual Concepts, 2K Marin, 2K Czech, 2K Australia, Cat Daddy Games and 2K China. 2K’s stable of high quality titles includes the critically acclaimed BioShock®, Borderlands™ and XCOM® franchises, the beloved Sid Meier’s Civilization series, the popular WWE 2K franchise and NBA 2K, the #1 rated and #1 selling basketball franchise*. 2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). For more information, please visit www.2K.com.

About Gearbox Software

Gearbox Software is respected industry wide for award winning, best-selling video games developed for all major video game platforms. Founded in 1999 and headquartered near Dallas, TX, Gearbox Software is well known for the creation, development and management of its original blockbuster video game franchises including the critically acclaimed, award winning Brothers in Arms franchise and the record-breaking, genre-setting Borderlands franchise. In addition to having developed video games in some of the world’s greatest video game brands, including Half-Life and Halo, Gearbox Software has also acquired and produced content for powerful, landmark intellectual property including Duke Nukem and Homeworld. Gearbox Software’s success has been supported through many key and mutually beneficial business relationships with the world’s greatest video game platform and publishing partners including Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, Valve/Steam, Apple and Take-Two/2K.

About 2K Australia 

Founded in 2006 and based in Canberra, 2K Australia has played an integral role in the development of 2K’s critically acclaimed BioShock franchise – working closely on BioShock and BioShock Infinite, as well as supporting the development of BioShock 2. 2K Australia is currently co-developing the next installment in the Borderlands franchise with Gearbox Software, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel.
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The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “seeks,” “will,” or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company’s future business and financial performance.  Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict.  Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including: our dependence on key management and product development personnel, our dependence on our Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles for current and next-generation platforms, the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games, the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games, our ability to raise capital if needed and risks associated with international operations.  Other important factors and information are contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2013, and the Company’s other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com.  All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Pop-Up City Farm Planted in Bustling Canary Wharf Station – Alex James Launches ‘Be a Farm Hero’ Campaign from King

Survey Reveals a Massive 9 Out of 10 City Dwellers Want More Local City Farms

LONDON, April 9th 2014: – Britain, take a break, spring is in full swing and it’s time to bloom! The ‘Be a Farm Hero’ campaign, championing the benefits of embracing a bite-size piece of the country life to de-stress from the chaotic city living, was launched today with a pop-up farm experience set amongst the gleaming skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. Bringing the tranquility of the countryside to the city, the ‘Be a Farm Hero’ campaign is from Farm Heroes Saga, the new match-three game from King, the creators of the phenomenally successful Candy Crush Saga.

New research findings, commissioned by Farm Heroes Saga to celebrate the game’s launch, highlighted a large proportion of urban dwellers crave the country life to relax. In response to this,Farm Heroes Saga has teamed up with Alex James, Blur bassist turned farm owner, to launch a global campaign encouraging more city dwellers to ‘Be a Farm Hero’ and try a bite-sized portion of farming as a way of switching off from busy city living.

In London’s Canary Wharf, Alex James today laid the foundations of the ‘Be a Farm Hero’ campaign, encouraging city workers to roll-up their shirt sleeves, muck in and learn some simple steps to grow their own produce, even using their office desktop space to create their very own green area.

“I completely understand the lure of country life having made the switch from city living myself,” said Alex James. “The opportunity to grow your own fruit and veg shouldn’t be limited to those who live in the country. Farm Heroes Saga brings a taste of the country to the city. Urban farms are a fantastic escape from the concrete jungle and it’s been brilliant to raise a few smiles from the Suited and booted Up farm in Canary Wharf.’’

The Event

In the dedicated allotment space in the pop-up farm, the public were treated to live demonstrations, given top tips for sowing  their Cropsie seeds and learnt how easy it is to start growing, even if they don’t have a garden or windowsill. To show how growing can even work in the office space, a lucky few had their pen pots, mugs and filing trays given a special green makeover, filled with soil and seeds, to help brighten up their working day.

“Farm Heroes Saga is played by millions across the globe every day as a way to switch off  for a few minutes and have fun on their stressful city commutes” said Tommy Palm, Games Guru at King. “Always wanting to create moments of fun for our players and in response to this global research, we’re encouraging city dwellers to be Farm Heroes themselves.  It’s well known that tending to plants or vegetables can keep stress at bay and put a spring in your step, so, we’re bringing these key qualities of the game to life by encouraging urbanites to roll up their shirt sleeves and grow their own Cropsies after the well-loved characters in the game.”

Seed packets of carrots, strawberries and lettuce were handed out for people to join the campaign and start growing. At the pop-up farm it was not all grow, grow, grow, with pampering sessions on offer, including nail art with a farm-themed twist, professional therapists offering Shiatsu massages, and also a chance to meet selection of adorable farm yard animals for that authentic countryside experience – all in the middle of Canary Wharf.

Survey Results

The campaign comes off the back of a survey conducted by Farm Heroes Saga highlighting the extent to which people feel deprived of greenery, boxed in by their concrete jungle. More than half (52.2%) of respondents felt that lack of green areas contributed to city living stress, whilst in the capital only a third of Londoner’s (33.9%) claimed to have access to a garden, compared to over 40% nationally.

The Farm Heroes Saga team is also educating people about the opportunities to tend to their plants on their desk as the survey showed that almost half of Londoner’s (45%) forget to take breaks during their busy working days, compared to the national average of nearly one in four.

When it comes to de-stressing, nearly one third of people say that playing mobile games like Farm Heroes Saga and Candy Crush Saga helps them chill out, with a quarter saying that it gives them a brief escape from the real world.

King, the world’s leading casual games company and creator of global hit game Candy Crush Saga, recently launched Farm Heroes Saga on mobile and it’s now available to download for free on iOS and Android platforms.

To join the movement today and to ‘Be A Farm Hero’, head over to www.farmheroessaga.com for tips on how to grow your own produce and much more.

Additional findings from the UK and European survey included:

• A whopping 90.6% of people agreed there should be more community gardens, city farms and rooftop gardens in cities and urban areas.
•  Three quarters of people living in Paris (78%) and Madrid (73%) reported they found their city lives stressful, compared to 60.9% of Londoners.
• Almost half of Londoner’s (45%) in a national survey said they forgot to take breaks during the day because they are so busy, compared to the national average of nearly one in five (19%).
• Nearly one third of people say that playing mobile games helps them chill out.
• 1 in 5 (22%) of people who play mobile games said it gives them a little escape from the real world, jumping to over 40% of 16-24 year olds.
• 52.2% of respondents felt that lack of green areas contributed to city living stress.
• Only 1/3 of Londoners (33.9%) claimed to have access to a garden, compared to over 40% nationally.
• 45% of London’s forget to take breaks during their busy working days.

-ENDS-

About King:
King is the world’s leading casual games company, with more than 1 billion gameplays per day globally. King offers more than 180 exclusive games in 14 languages through mobile, Facebook and the websites www.royalgames.com”>www.royalgames.com. The company has offices around the world including in Barcelona, Berlin, Bucharest, London, Malta, Malmo, San Francisco and Stockholm. For more information, visit  http://about.king.com.

© 2014 King.com Ltd. King, the King crown logo, Farm Heroes Saga and Candy Crush Saga and related marks are trade marks of King.com Ltd and/or related entities

Research was carried out by Censuswide between 11^th March 2104 and 21^st March 2014. Sample sizes as follows:

Egg-stravaganza Across the Ages: Forge of Empires Celebrates Easter!

Hamburg, April 9, 2014. InnoGames just implemented this year’s Easter Event into its online strategy game Forge of Empires. The Easter Event 2014 introduces a range of new buildings and avatars – it will also be possible to upgrade special buildings from previous events to a players’ current age. In order to gather those items, players have to collect eggs, which are hidden all over a city’s decorations. InnoGames also released a video, explaining the feature.

Friendly bunnies dash around the game’s cities and hide eggs behind bushes, trees and other decorations. At the brand new Easter Trader, those eggs can be exchanged for special buildings, units and upgrades. Even blueprints for a unique great building are exclusively available during the Easter event! Players can help their friends and neighbours by hiding eggs in their cities too, allowing them to gather the valuable goods faster. The Event will run until April 23. Players can trade Easter Eggs until April 27.

Forge of Empires is a browser-based strategy game, where players, tasked with leading their own city to prosperity, can research new technologies, build impressive historical buildings and enlarge their sphere of influence through military campaigns and skillful dealing. The game has recently been awarded the title of “Best Browser Game 2013” at the German Computer Game Award (Deutscher Computerspielpreis).

With about 120 million registered players, InnoGames is one of the world’s leading developers and providers of online games. The Hamburg-based company has scored major successes with games such as Tribal Wars, The West and Grepolis