New York, NY – May 28, 2008 – 2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that BioShock®, the "genetically enhanced" story-driven action game, is in development for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system at 2K Marin. The PLAYSTATION 3 system title will be released in October 2008 with new features and content that heighten the award-winning experience.
BioShock for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows® was released in 2007 and received numerous Game of the Year honors from prestigious organizations including Associated Press, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), Game Informer, Spike TV's VGAs and Paste Magazine. BioShock's extension to the PLAYSTATION 3 system will bring exciting new content to this amazing title and reach many new players, while giving the title the opportunity to once again be named Game of the Year.
"Since BioShock for Xbox 360 and Games for Windows won countless 2007 Game of the Year awards, we are excited to see the impact of this stellar title for the PLAYSTATION 3 system when it debuts this fall," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "Over the coming months we look forward to revealing the new features and content that will make this a must-have game for its new audience, as well as for those who enjoyed it on the other platforms."
BioShock is a narrative-driven action experience that allows players to do the impossible as they journey through an amazing, immersive and terrifying world. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically mutated citizens, the player will come to grips with the mysterious and fascinating world of Rapture, a distinct Art Deco underwater utopia gone mad. BioShock not only challenges the players' capacity to adapt and survive, but brings to question their values and commitment to the inhabitants of Rapture. With smart and adaptive AI, no encounter ever plays out the same, while numerous customization options provide gamers with an experience that adapts to their playing style.
As one of the highest-rated titles of 2007, BioShock was unanimously praised by the editorial industry's top critics:
"While delivering a level of intrigue you rarely see in games, its most captivating element is its gameplay – which I can easily say delivers the most rewarding and adrenaline-filled experience I have ever had with an FPS." – Game Informer Magazine, 10 out of 10, Game of the Year
"There's ample flexibility in the game's linear storyline that makes a second run through Rapture's unique brand of madness an exciting prospect." – Associated Press, 4 stars out of 4
"Why settle for watching the hero in a film have a thrilling adventure when you can all but live a narrative this masterfully woven." – Paste Magazine, Game of the Year
"BioShock stands as a monolithic example of the convergence of entertaining gameplay and an irresistibly sinister, engrossing storyline that encompasses a host of multifaceted characters. This is an essential gaming experience." – IGN.com, 9.7 out of 10, Editor's Choice Award
"More so than any other game in recent memory, BioShock is dripping with atmosphere and intrigue, and it's one of those rare titles where story, dialogue and character development are just as important as the action sequences." – USA Today, 9 stars out of 10
BioShock for the PLAYSTATION 3 system will be available in October 2008 and is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information on BioShock, visit www.bioshockgame.com.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Blu-ray Will Soon Top DVD Player Sales
Washington, D.C. (May 26, 2008) -- Blu-ray players will outsell standard-def DVD players by this August, according to several high-end electronics retailers, as reported by Video Business.
The research firm NPD said this month that sales of standalone Blu-ray players (not including Play Station 3 consoles) fell 40 percent from January to February in the U.S. Blu-ray sales increased two percent from February to March.
The sales numbers were disappointing because Toshiba announced in February that it was pulling the plug on Blu-ray's high-def disc rival, HD DVD.
But the retail executives say Blu-ray player sales have been slowed by a lack of supplies, and not a lack of interest from consumers. Ultimate Electronics, Crutchfield and Bjorn's all say demand for Blu-ray players has exceeded demand for the standard-def DVD player since the format war ended.
The executives say Blu-ray makers such as Sony, Panasonic and Samsung will soon launch new players, leading to more supply at retail. Additionally, the new set-tops will likely allow stores to lower prices on current Blu-ray models, which also could trigger more sales.
Rick Souder, executive vice president of merchandise for Crutchfield, tells Video Business that Blu-ray supplies have been low because companies were surprised by the sudden end to the format war.
“People have been waiting weeks for Sony players, but it should get better later in the summer,” said Rick Souder, executive VP of merchandise at Crutchfield. “In August, it will be the first time that Blu-ray overtakes (standard DVD) sales for us on a unit basis.”
Souder said Blu-ray revenue has already exceeded revenue from the sales of standard-def DVD players.
Mat Duda, merchandising director for Ultimate Electronics, told Video Business that more retailers will use Blu-ray as a vehicle to educate consumers on the benefits of High-Definition.
“There should be a healthy supply (of Blu-ray players) by August and (manufacturers) should be caught up in production,” said Duda. “You’ll see Blu-ray catching up with standard DVD.”
Find Blu-Ray Players (including the Playstation 3) at the1080store.com
The research firm NPD said this month that sales of standalone Blu-ray players (not including Play Station 3 consoles) fell 40 percent from January to February in the U.S. Blu-ray sales increased two percent from February to March.
The sales numbers were disappointing because Toshiba announced in February that it was pulling the plug on Blu-ray's high-def disc rival, HD DVD.
But the retail executives say Blu-ray player sales have been slowed by a lack of supplies, and not a lack of interest from consumers. Ultimate Electronics, Crutchfield and Bjorn's all say demand for Blu-ray players has exceeded demand for the standard-def DVD player since the format war ended.
The executives say Blu-ray makers such as Sony, Panasonic and Samsung will soon launch new players, leading to more supply at retail. Additionally, the new set-tops will likely allow stores to lower prices on current Blu-ray models, which also could trigger more sales.
Rick Souder, executive vice president of merchandise for Crutchfield, tells Video Business that Blu-ray supplies have been low because companies were surprised by the sudden end to the format war.
“People have been waiting weeks for Sony players, but it should get better later in the summer,” said Rick Souder, executive VP of merchandise at Crutchfield. “In August, it will be the first time that Blu-ray overtakes (standard DVD) sales for us on a unit basis.”
Souder said Blu-ray revenue has already exceeded revenue from the sales of standard-def DVD players.
Mat Duda, merchandising director for Ultimate Electronics, told Video Business that more retailers will use Blu-ray as a vehicle to educate consumers on the benefits of High-Definition.
“There should be a healthy supply (of Blu-ray players) by August and (manufacturers) should be caught up in production,” said Duda. “You’ll see Blu-ray catching up with standard DVD.”
Find Blu-Ray Players (including the Playstation 3) at the1080store.com
Sunday, May 25, 2008
FIFA Interactive 2008 World Player Crowned
FIFA, EA AND PLAYSTATION CROWN FIFA INTERACTIVE WORLD PLAYER 2008
Spain’s Alfonso Ramos Triumphs In FIFA’s Global Football Videogame Tournament
Geneva, Switzerland and London, UK, 24 May 2008 – Berlin played host to intense football action, as the virtual football season came to an explosive end at today’s FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC) Final at the Sony Centre. 32 of the world’s best interactive footballers met face to face to compete for the ultimate title of FIFA Interactive World Player 2008. Following an incredible display of tactics and skill on EA SPORTS™ FIFA 08 on PLAYSTATION®3, Alfonso Ramos beat Michael Ribeiro from the United States 3:1 in front of a cheering crowd, securing the title and the $20,000 USD prize money. Alfonso also received an invitation to attend the FIFA World Player Gala in Zurich on 12 January 2009 where he will rub shoulders with real life football heroes.
A fantastic day’s football culminated in the two best players facing off for what turned out to be a nail biting final full of world class skill and great emotion. The game got off to an electric start as Alfonso’s Barcelona side took the lead with a beautiful header and he solidified his dominance with a decisive finish by Eto’o early in the second half. Michael, also playing as Barcelona, responded emphatically with a classy goal to bring the score back to 2:1, but Alfonso showed his determination and with less than ten minutes to go restored his 2-goal lead. Michael came back strongly but in the end Alfonso’s defense proved too strong and the game finished with a convincing 3:1 scoreline.
The third and fourth play-off was contested between Brazil’s Andre Casagrande Buffo and Austria’s Dominik Posch. In a closely fought encounter, the Austrian came out on top with a 2:1 victory.
“I came here to do my best but really didn’t believe I would make it this far. It’s been an absolutely fantastic day – to test myself against the world’s best virtual football gamers is what this tournament is all about,” said Alfonso Ramos. ” I’m really proud to be the first Spaniard to be crowned FIFA Interactive World Player and look forward to defending my title next year.”
As the sun was setting over Berlin, 20,500 spectators shared the excitement of the biggest virtual football event which provided the very best in real and virtual sporting action. Adding to the buzz were appearances by German hip-hop artist Das Bo. Anthony Baffoe, a former Ghanaian international and the first African player in the German Bundesliga co-hosted the event.
"The FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final was a marvelous event. It featured everything that a FIFA World Cup event should have: fair-play, excitement, a sense of fun social happening mixed with world-class football action. In my opinion, all the gamers who participated in Berlin have many things in common with those who display their skills at any other FIFA World Cup. They obviously were dedicated in training for the event, they were focused and determined individuals and their skills have made them the best in the world. I offer my congratulations to everyone who took part”, said Thierry Weil, FIFA’s Marketing Director.
“Congratulations to Alfonso Ramos, the fourth ever FIFA Interactive World Player of the year, who impressed us all with his skills today,” said Romain Rossi, Marketing Director, EA SPORTS. “This tournament is a fantastic demonstration of the passion we all hold as football fans and has really managed to bring the emotion of the real game to the virtual world. It’s been a great season and together FIFA and PlayStation we cannot wait to see the kick-off of the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2009 later this year.”
”This year has been the first year PlayStation has been involved in the FIFA Interactive World Cup and it has very much lived up to all of our expectations,” said Darren Carter, Vice President of Consumer Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “This tournament has truly highlighted the wonderful technology of PS3, where real football and virtual football are closer than ever before, as well as the fantastic connectivity provided by the PLAYSTATION®Network. We look forward to continuing our partnership with EA and FIFA in the years to come and heartily congratulate Alfonso on his tremendous win.”
This year’s Grand Final marks the end of the fourth annual FIFA Interactive World Cup, which saw seven months of intense competition on the virtual football pitches of EA SPORTS™ FIFA 08 on PLAYSTATION®3. Players spanning the globe from Australia to South Africa, Brazil to Korea to the USA and Italy dribbled and scored their way through the tournament’s 20 live qualifiers, while over 25,000 players competed in the online leg. Only the 32 best players were invited to the Grand Final, to take part in the ultimate battle for interactive football supremacy.
Spain’s Alfonso Ramos Triumphs In FIFA’s Global Football Videogame Tournament
Geneva, Switzerland and London, UK, 24 May 2008 – Berlin played host to intense football action, as the virtual football season came to an explosive end at today’s FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC) Final at the Sony Centre. 32 of the world’s best interactive footballers met face to face to compete for the ultimate title of FIFA Interactive World Player 2008. Following an incredible display of tactics and skill on EA SPORTS™ FIFA 08 on PLAYSTATION®3, Alfonso Ramos beat Michael Ribeiro from the United States 3:1 in front of a cheering crowd, securing the title and the $20,000 USD prize money. Alfonso also received an invitation to attend the FIFA World Player Gala in Zurich on 12 January 2009 where he will rub shoulders with real life football heroes.
A fantastic day’s football culminated in the two best players facing off for what turned out to be a nail biting final full of world class skill and great emotion. The game got off to an electric start as Alfonso’s Barcelona side took the lead with a beautiful header and he solidified his dominance with a decisive finish by Eto’o early in the second half. Michael, also playing as Barcelona, responded emphatically with a classy goal to bring the score back to 2:1, but Alfonso showed his determination and with less than ten minutes to go restored his 2-goal lead. Michael came back strongly but in the end Alfonso’s defense proved too strong and the game finished with a convincing 3:1 scoreline.
The third and fourth play-off was contested between Brazil’s Andre Casagrande Buffo and Austria’s Dominik Posch. In a closely fought encounter, the Austrian came out on top with a 2:1 victory.
“I came here to do my best but really didn’t believe I would make it this far. It’s been an absolutely fantastic day – to test myself against the world’s best virtual football gamers is what this tournament is all about,” said Alfonso Ramos. ” I’m really proud to be the first Spaniard to be crowned FIFA Interactive World Player and look forward to defending my title next year.”
As the sun was setting over Berlin, 20,500 spectators shared the excitement of the biggest virtual football event which provided the very best in real and virtual sporting action. Adding to the buzz were appearances by German hip-hop artist Das Bo. Anthony Baffoe, a former Ghanaian international and the first African player in the German Bundesliga co-hosted the event.
"The FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final was a marvelous event. It featured everything that a FIFA World Cup event should have: fair-play, excitement, a sense of fun social happening mixed with world-class football action. In my opinion, all the gamers who participated in Berlin have many things in common with those who display their skills at any other FIFA World Cup. They obviously were dedicated in training for the event, they were focused and determined individuals and their skills have made them the best in the world. I offer my congratulations to everyone who took part”, said Thierry Weil, FIFA’s Marketing Director.
“Congratulations to Alfonso Ramos, the fourth ever FIFA Interactive World Player of the year, who impressed us all with his skills today,” said Romain Rossi, Marketing Director, EA SPORTS. “This tournament is a fantastic demonstration of the passion we all hold as football fans and has really managed to bring the emotion of the real game to the virtual world. It’s been a great season and together FIFA and PlayStation we cannot wait to see the kick-off of the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2009 later this year.”
”This year has been the first year PlayStation has been involved in the FIFA Interactive World Cup and it has very much lived up to all of our expectations,” said Darren Carter, Vice President of Consumer Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “This tournament has truly highlighted the wonderful technology of PS3, where real football and virtual football are closer than ever before, as well as the fantastic connectivity provided by the PLAYSTATION®Network. We look forward to continuing our partnership with EA and FIFA in the years to come and heartily congratulate Alfonso on his tremendous win.”
This year’s Grand Final marks the end of the fourth annual FIFA Interactive World Cup, which saw seven months of intense competition on the virtual football pitches of EA SPORTS™ FIFA 08 on PLAYSTATION®3. Players spanning the globe from Australia to South Africa, Brazil to Korea to the USA and Italy dribbled and scored their way through the tournament’s 20 live qualifiers, while over 25,000 players competed in the online leg. Only the 32 best players were invited to the Grand Final, to take part in the ultimate battle for interactive football supremacy.
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