ROCK BAND^TM DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT GOES “DOUBLE PLATINUM,” SELLING MORE THAN 2.5 MILLION SONGS IN JUST OVER EIGHT WEEKS

MUSIC FANS/GAMERS BURN UP XBOX LIVE^® MARKETPLACE AND PLAYSTATION^®NETWORK DOWNLOADING CHART-BUSTING HITS FROM METALLICA, FOREIGNER, WEEZER & MORE

New York, NY – January 18, 2007- Eight weeks after the release of the red-hot music video game, and while Rock Band continues to fly off store shelves, the response to the downloadable music is clear, as fans and gamers have propelled its downloadable content to “double platinum” status, purchasing more than 2.5 million game levels based on songs since its launch on November 20, 2007.

“Our goal with Rock Band was to create an entirely new way for people to interact with the music they love,” stated Van Toffler, president, MTVN Music Group/Logo/Films. “The incredible response to the downloadable content we’ve released to date motivates us even more to establish this platform as a way for people to discover new, up and coming artists through the game - in addition to delivering great game play experiences set to the music of mega-artists.”

A Metallica pack featuring three of the mega-platinum band’s most electrifying tracks—“Ride The Lightning,” “Blackened” and “And Justice For All”—is currently the game’s top-selling music download, followed by three-song packs from The Police, Queens of the Stone Age, David Bowie and a collection of Black Sabbath covers. Top-performing singles are Foreigner’s early ‘80s hit, “Juke Box Hero,” followed by a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s late ‘60s smash, “Fortunate Son,” Weezer’s mid-90s single “Buddy Holly” and a cover of The Knack’s blockbuster hit, “My Sharona.”

In addition to bringing mega-star and classic rock acts to Rock Band, this new distribution method for music has seen fans and gamers also embracing developing artists. The first selection of up and coming bands included 30 Seconds To Mars, All-American Rejects and The Sounds. These three bands were part of a special holiday promotion, offering tracks such as 30 Seconds To Mars’ “Attack” and “The Kill,” All-American Rejects’ “Dirty Little Secret” and “Move Along” and The Sounds’ “Song With A Mission” at a discounted price of $0.99 per song (80 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for the month of January. Fans can expect more music available for download every week through 2008 through a variety of song packs, albums and individual tracks with suggested retail pricing varying from $.99 to $2.99 per track (The equivalent of 80 to 240 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360), with the vast majority selling for $1.99 (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360).

Rock Band™ allows online play and possesses features that expand the boundaries of music gaming. Rock Band™ downloadable content is playable and integrated into setlists in all game modes including: Solo Tour, Band World Tour, head-to-head competition either locally or online, and from any Quickplay mode. In order to play downloadable content for head-to-head matches or multiplayer online, all players must own the same downloadable track. Downloadable content for the Xbox 360® is available for purchase via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft using Microsoft Points and is downloaded directly to Xbox 360’s built in hard drive. Downloadable content for the PLAYSTATION 3 system’s version of Rock Band is available for purchase on the PLAYSTATION®Store through the free PLAYSTATION®Network and is downloaded directly to PLAYSTATION 3 system’s built in hard drive.

Rock Band™ is rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

EA is the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band, managing distribution for the game.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com

BIONIC COMMANDO^® REARMED REPORTS FOR DUTY AS DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

Capcom Brings New Life to 8-Bit Classic with Modern Makeover

SAN MATEO, Calif. — January 18, 2008 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced Bionic Commando Rearmed™, a makeover of the classic 8-bit game originally released 20 years ago. Bionic Commando Rearmed will be available for digital download from Xbox LIVE® Arcade, PLAYSTATION®Network and PC this spring. This announcement follows the news that Capcom will be releasing an all new next-generation sequel to Bionic Commando® on Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Sony Computer Entertainment’s PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and PC platforms.

Bionic Commando Rearmed sees a return of the intense 2D side scrolling, shooting and grappling action from the much-loved 1988 Bionic Commando on the original 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System™. Bionic Commando Rearmed brings the amazing gameplay up to date with stunning new visuals, new weapons, online rankings, a reworked musical score and the addition of a 2-player co-op mode. The title will also provide cross-game interoperability, as completing parts of Bionic Commando Rearmed will unlock new content and provide secret insight into characters and plot of the brand new Bionic Commando sequel coming later in 2008.

“The release of Bionic Commando Rearmed allows us to deliver to fans of the original game a remake they have been clamoring for, while also introducing the series to a whole new audience,” commented Ben Judd, Producer of both the Bionic Commando projects. “And with GRIN taking care of development, we can ensure that there is real consistency across both the Bionic Commando titles.

Bionic Commando Rearmed will contain the following features

• Classic Bionic Commando gameplay focused around the use of the bionic grappling arm 
• 2-player co-op mode
• Total modern visual revamp, including dynamic shadows, particle effects and environmental damage
• Reworking of musical score
• Cross-game interoperability – complete specific parts of Bionic Commando Rearmed to unlock new content and hints for the Bionic Commando sequel
• In-game art designed by one of Capcom’s most talented artists, Toshiaki Mori

 
To find out more visit the official website at www.bioniccommando.com

EUGENE, OREGON – January 17, 2008 – After months of rumors and a recent video leak on the web, GarageGames today announced initial details for Fallen Empire: Legions, a first person shooter for the recently announced 3D online game platform, InstantAction.com.

“This is a first person shooter built by hardcore gamers who are wildly passionate about the genre,” said Tim Aste, project director for Fallen Empire: Legions. “The game design allows for us to create a unique experience that brings FPS gaming back to its roots. Legions won’t be just any ordinary jewel matching web game; in terms of graphics and gameplay it will set a new benchmark of what the future of gaming will be on the web.”

“We created InstantAction to give ourselves and the rest of the development community an outlet to make the games they want to play. Rather than churning out sequels or licensed games, we’re working with developers focused on creating cool gameplay,” said Josh Williams, CEO of GarageGames. “Fallen Empire: Legions will be InstantAction’s most advanced example of this so far. Marrying core games with the accessibility and social power of the web is a huge step forward in the industry, and I personally can’t wait for this game to be released so I can hop on and start playing everyone.”

Developed internally by GarageGames, Fallen Empire: Legions combines distinctive freedom of movement with fast paced first-person combat to create strategic, team-oriented gameplay. The InstantAction platform has allowed Fallen Empire: Legions to leverage the best of what the web has to offer, creating an evolving experience for players that can constantly be improved upon. This is first-person warfare at its fastest and finest!
To sign up for the beta test, receive exclusive sneak peeks of Fallen Empire: Legions, and earn free Action Tokens (InstantAction’s virtual currency), please visit www.instantaction.com.

Nintendo DS and Wii Finish as the No. 1 and No. 2 Best-Selling U.S. Systems

REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 18, 2008 – Nintendo DS™ and Wii™ finished strong in 2007, commanding sales in the holiday shopping period and finishing the year as the two best-selling video game systems in the United States, according to new data just released by the independent NPD Group. Nintendo DS was the top-selling U.S. system of 2007, with nearly 8.5 million sold, including more than 4 million in November and December alone. Wii placed second, with nearly 6.3 million sold through the year, more than 2.3 million of which sold in the final two months.

“By the end of 2007 we were sold out of virtually all hardware, and much of our stock of software and accessories was sold out as well, thanks to the broad appeal of Wii and Nintendo DS to core gamers, women, families, grandparents – and seemingly everyone in between,”said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales & marketing. “And that momentum continues here in the early weeks of 2008.”

Some additional facts about Nintendo’s 2007 performance in the United States (note: All figures are from NPD):

Nintendo accounted for 52 percent of all video game hardware systems sold in 2007 – more than all other manufacturers combined.

Since their respective launches, Nintendo has sold more than 17.6 million Nintendo DS systems and nearly 7.4 million Wii systems in the United States alone.

Wii Play™, a collection of nine fun mini-games, finished 2007 with 4.1 million units sold.

Super Mario Galaxy™ sold through more than 2.5 million copies since it launched on Nov. 12.

The two games in the Brain Age® series each sold about 1 million copies in 2007.

Half of the top 30 best-selling games of 2007 were made for Nintendo systems, including Pokemon® Pearl, Pokemon® Diamond, Mario Party® DS, Guitar Hero III™: Legends of Rock and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games™.

Nintendo continues to dominate the hand-held market: Of the top 30 best-selling portable games sold in 2007, 25 were made for Nintendo DS and another two were made for Game Boy® Advance.

Sales of Nintendo DS systems grew 60 percent over those from 2006.

In 2007, the video game industry grew by 43 percent over 2006. Nintendo is responsible for 60 percent of that growth.

Eidos Interactive, one of the world’s leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, today announced the upcoming release of HIGHLANDER for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, Playstation 3 and Games for Windows.

Based on the cult film and television franchise, HIGHLANDER lets players experience immortality as they take control of Owen MacLeod in a third person action adventure spanning 2000 years of history.

Embark on a unique journey through time, fighting a variety of enemies in highly detailed and destructible worlds. Experience first-hand, the bloody combat of the medieval highlands of Scotland, the discipline and ruthlessness of facing the Samurai in Japan and even the no-holds-barred combat of modern-day New York.

In HIGHLANDER you must master the powers and abilities of an Immortal including; the ability to use your body as a conduit to unleash electricity or fire at enemies, impaling yourself on enemy weapons to disarm them and even leaping from tall buildings to your apparent death on the streets below to avoid enemy attacks. Players can upgrade their own abilities by defeating other Immortals in combat. Once defeated, by removing an Immortal’s head from their body, generates the Quickening; which is the ability to absorb the knowledge and strength of the defeated.

“HIGHLANDER itself is a cult classic. Practically everyone has heard of it and we wanted to offer the first ever next-generation videogame of the franchise,” said Darren Barnett, Development Director, Eidos. “Having a central character that is immortal and has roamed the earth for 2000 years opens up so many gameplay opportunities in terms of story, environments, predicaments and enemies – HIGHLANDER is a thrilling adventure for both fans of the franchise and fans of explosive, fast-paced third person action games.”

“For the first time, HIGHLANDER comes to fans in a new medium that allows players to dive into the Immortal universe,” said Peter Davis of Davis-Panzer Productions. “The interactive experience permits players to gain a completely different perspective of the mythos, and experience the powers and advantages of immortality through the eyes of a MacLeod.”

Highlander is written by David Abramowitz (writer of the Highlander TV series) and uses the Unreal Engine 3 licensed from Epic Games, Inc. Developed by Widescreen in France, the game is set for release later this year on Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Games for Windows.

Atlus U.S.A., Inc., a leading publisher of interactive 
entertainment, today announced Rondo of Swords, 
a fantasy strategy RPG for the Nintendo DSTM.  
Cleanse the sacred blade, protect the princess, 
and vanquish the oppressing armies of your enemy 
on your quest to deliver the Kingdom of Bretwalde 
from tyranny!  Rondo of Swords is currently 
scheduled to release on April 15th, 2008.
   
 
For more on Rondo of Swords, please visit the 
official website: 
http://www.atlus.com/rondoofswords ;
 
About Rondo of Swords 
The King of Bretwalde is dead.  His passing, both 
unexpected and unusual, leaves the kingdom in 
distress.  As one realm mourns, another readies 
for war; the Grand Meir Empire, intent on conquering 
the world, prepares to strike the empty throne.  
Taken by surprise, the army of Bretwalde collapses 
under the vicious assault, and the capital city of Egvard 
is quick to fall.  OnlySpanta, the sacred blade, can 
spare the kingdom of its fate. Free it of its curse and 
restore honor and peace to the land!
 
 
Key Features 
• Unique combat system – Use route maneuvers to hit all enemies in your 
path and enhance your attack or defense.  
Manage your Momentum Counter to gain stat 
bonuses and control who your enemies target!
 
• Deep party management system –With the Errand System, you have the option to 
send idle party members off to run errands or go 
on quests to level up on their own, which will
become crucial to your party’s survival in later 
stages.
 
• Customizable skill options –Skills are not just skills, but dynamic strategic 
devices that you choose to build or not.  Use skill 
points to either buy more skills or strengthen what 
you have!
 
• Multiple storylines and endings –Your decisions will affect the course of the game, 
determining the character you become and the 
ending you’ll receive.
  
 
Rondo of Swords has not yet been rated by the 
ESRB.

Leisure Suit Larry Box Office Bust Features the Voice Talents of Allen Covert, Jay Mohr, Dave Attell, Shannon Elizabeth, Carmen Electra and many more!

Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, announced today that the lovable loser, Leisure Suit Larry, is back in an all new side-splitting, pants-busting adventure game, coming to Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PC and mobile phones this fall.

The Leisure Suit Larry® Box Office Bust video game gives gamers an all-access pass to the glitz, glamour and gorgeous women of Tinseltown. In this third-person adventure game, Larry takes a summer job working on his uncle Larry’s movie lot doing odd jobs and trying to uncover a mole from another studio who threatens to air the studio’s dirty laundry in the tabloids.

Leisure Suit Larry Box Office Bust is a rollicking, innuendo-laden lampoon of Hollywood that features open world sand box game play that includes exploration, platforming, racing and puzzle-solving to complete missions. Additionally, the game will feature an all-new Directors Game that allows the player to create their very own “Larry Feature.”

True to form, Leisure Suit Larry Box Office Bust will feature sophomoric comedy and bombshell babes thanks to the writing talents of Allen Covert (Happy Madison Productions) and an All-Star cast of actors and actresses, including Jay Mohr (Last Comic Standing), Dave Attell (Insomniac), Shannon Elizabeth (American Pie), Carmen Electra (Starsky and Hutch), Artie Lange (Mad TV),
Patrick Warburton (Family Guy), Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development), Nikki Cox (Las Vegas), Peter Graves (Mission Impossible), Jane Lynch (The 40 Year Old Virgin) and Josh Keaton (The Spectacular Spider-Man) as the voice of Larry Loveage.

“Leisure Suit Larry is an entertaining adventure that places gamers in the middle of Hollywood’s tabloid-filled mayhem to create a fun gaming experience,” said Al Simone, senior vice president of Global Marketing for Sierra Entertainment. “The collaborative efforts of Allen Covert and cast make this the most amusing and immersive Leisure Suit Larry video game yet.”

The Leisure Suit Larry Box Office Bust video game is being developed by Team 17 and will be rated “M” for Mature. Vivendi Games Mobile is also making Leisure Suit Larry Box Office Bust available for mobile phones throughout Europe and North America. For more information, please visit the game’s official Web site at http://www.leisuresuitlarry.com.

The teaser trailer for Leisure Suit Larry Box Office Bust will exclusively premiere Friday, 15th February both on-air on Spike TV’s “GameTrailers TV with Geoff Keighley” and online at GameTrailers.com and other MTVN properties including comedycentral.com and spike.com.