By ESPN.com news services The NCAA said Wednesday it won’t allow Electronic Arts Inc. to use its logo and name in video games while it fights a lawsuit that says the governing body owes billions of dollars to former players for allowing their likenesses to be used for free. …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at ESPN Headlines
By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
Filed under: Investing
PopCap Games Launches Bookworm ™ Heroes for iPad and iPhone
Blockbuster Word Game Franchise Comes to Apple Smart Devices in All-New Head-To-Head Adaptation
SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)– PopCap Games, a worldwide leader in mobile and social games and a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NAS: EA) , today announced the global launch of Bookworm™ Heroesfor iPad and iPhone. An all-new adaptation of PopCap’s mega-hit word game franchise that has been enjoyed by tens of millions of players around the world, Bookworm Heroes offers head-to-head, on-the-go fun with friends, and takes turn-based word battles to heroic new heights. With a host of great new features, and taking full advantage of touch screen capabilities, Bookworm Heroes is now available for free download on iTunes on a rolling basis worldwide for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.
“We’re ecstatic to introduce the next chapter of Bookworm to iOS users in a new adaptation that brings multiplayer and social gameplay to what’s previously been a solitary player experience,” said Scott Willoughby, Bookworm franchise director at PopCap Games. “Bookworm Heroes adds a new level of fun and challenge among friends, plus a ton of extras that we believe make this the best Bookworm iteration yet.”
In Bookworm Heroes, players face-off with friends as they take turns building words from letter tiles to spell victory! Along the way, they’ll be joined by legendary heroes and magical pets who boost their word power and mess with their opponent’s letter tiles in wild ways. Key features include:
-Play head-to-head against friends via Facebook or challenge random opponents
-Heroes provide unique special abilities and tiles to boost word scores
-Powerful pets will add extra bonuses, damage or health
-Players can purchase coins to rent heroes and pets
–Tap Game Center for leaderboards, including Total # of Wins and Wins per Hero
-Share via Facebook to taunt friends and boast epic word skills to the world
-Push notifications give players a heads-up for challenges and nudges
-Players can earn coins just for inviting more friends to play
About PopCap
PopCap Games is the leading global developer, publisher and operator of casual video games: fun, easy-to-learn, captivating
From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/18/popcap-games-launches-bookworm-heroes-for-ipad-and/
By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
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SimCity
Comes to Mac June 11, Players Receive Both Mac and PC with One Purchase
Maxis Unites the World As Mac and PC Players Play Together Seamlessly Across Servers
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– For more than 23 years, SimCity™ has entertained over 30 million fans worldwide and it returns to the platform that started it all on June 11. Electronic Arts Inc. (NAS: EA) today announced that SimCity will be coming to the Mac on June 11 exclusively as a digital release via Origin™ and other online retailers. Fans who purchase SimCity will be able to play the game on Mac and PC, regardless of which version they buy, as well as access their cities from across both platforms. Players who have previously purchased SimCity for PC, either as a physical or a digital copy will receive the Mac version as a free digital download on Origin* on June 11.
“SimCity is coming to Mac on June 11 and one purchase will give you both the Mac and PC versions. You only need to buy SimCity once to play together across the same servers, regardless of which version you’re playing,” said Lucy Bradshaw, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EA’s Maxis Label. “We didn’t want to make any compromises when it came to the Mac so we created a native version that is optimized for the hardware and OSX.”
With more than 1.3 million units sold on PC since launch, the beloved city-building simulator is back with the series creators at Maxis™ and it delivers the most immersive and personal SimCity experience ever, where players can create and destroy the cities of their imaginations. SimCity runs natively on Mac and its entire software renderer was rewritten for OpenGL, ensuring the best performance for the platform. Via Origin, SimCity is cross-platform compatible, so all players will be able to play together across the same servers. Players will be able to play both versions with the same Origin account, allowing them to seamlessly continue their cities, achievements and leaderboard progress across the PC and Mac.
SimCity has been rated E10+ by the ESRB and is currently available for PC and will be available for Mac on June 11. For more information regarding SimCity, please visit www.SimCity.com. Press assets for SimCity are available at www.info.ea.com.
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance
By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
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DICE Reveals Next Generation of Battlefield – New Benchmark in Game Design, Multiplayer Engagement
Battlefield 4 to Deliver Human, Dramatic and Believable Action, Powered by Best-in-Class Frostbite 3 Technology
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Only in Battlefield™ can players go through a building instead of around it or eject from a jet and take out the enemy mid-free fall. Those incredible gameplay moments that blur the line between game and glory can only be created by players, and occur only in Battlefield. DICE, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NAS: EA) , today announced Battlefield 4™, a genre-defining action blockbuster launching in Fall 2013.Powered by the advanced technology of DICE‘s proprietary Frostbite™ 3 engine, Battlefield 4 offers players a glimpse into the future of interactive entertainment – a future that is more human, dramatic and believable than anything before it. With more than 65 million players worldwide, the Battlefield series has consistently been praised by critics for its world-class multiplayer gameplay, and is recognized as the only game that allows players to own land, sea and air.
Battlefield 4 is a seminal moment for the Battlefield series as more award-winning, multiplayer game design elements are incorporated into the single-player campaign. In single-player, gamers will experience huge environments, a playground of destruction, access to an arsenal of vehicles and the ability to direct squad mates. Taking a page from the social aspect of multiplayer gaming, the single-player mode will now track players’ progress, adding an element of persistence and friendly competition to the campaign.
The game made its world debut today with a staggering 17-minute gameplay demo, available for view at Battlefield.com. The demo begins as the player – Recker – opens his eyes to discover that he is trapped in a rapidly sinking car with three of his squad mates. Shooting the window is the only way out. Panic and fear are pushed aside as Recker makes a difficult decision – take the shot and recover the intel but risk that not everyone will survive. The emotional demo features a cast of characters unrivaled in interactive entertainment. Players will learn how to work together in both the Campaign and Multiplayer, issuing squad orders and comparing achievements in both experiences. Adventure and Competition will unfold through a series of beautifully crafted locations constructed with some of the best …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance
By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
Filed under: Investing
Plants vs. Zombies ™ Adventures Launches in Limited Beta on Facebook; First Social Adaptation of PopCap Megahit
Also Coming Soon: Plants vs. Zombies 2, the Sequel to the Original Blockbuster Game
SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)– PopCap Games, a worldwide leader in mobile and social games and a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NAS: EA) , today announced the limited, regional launch of Plants vs. Zombies™ Adventures beta, the first social adaptation of PopCap’s megahit game for Facebook. During the first phase of the game’s rollout, PopCap today begins testing PvZ Adventures in a closed beta release targeted to a limited audience of Facebook users, with wider availability later this spring. This marks the second imminent new installment in the Plants vs. Zombies franchise, as PopCap also confirmed today that Plants vs. Zombies 2, the sequel to the original blockbuster game, is slated to launch in early summer.
“Plants vs. Zombies Adventures is a highly accessible, zombie-zapping adaptation of the original game designed specifically for Facebook,” said Curt Bererton, head of PopCap’s San Francisco studio where Plants vs. Zombies Adventures was designed and developed. “The game not only offers up exclusive new plants and zombies along with old favorites, it features all-new forms of zombie combat that will open PvZ to a whole new world. We like to think we’re creating a brand new twist on the classic Plants vs. Zombies that is the most social, shareable and expansive Plants vs. Zombies experience ever.”
Plants vs. Zombies Adventures is the first of several new adaptations of the hit franchise coming to consumers in the next year that will take players beyond the confines of the backyard. PvZ Adventures will present players with a wild and humorous series of “road-trips,” traveling near and far to thwart the zombie invasion in a variety of settings. Players will also be able to send hordes of zombies to their Facebook friends, a thoughtful gesture sure to be appreciated (and reciprocated). New zombie and plant types, new ways of obtaining, cultivating and deploying plant defenses, and leaderboards are among the other new features in PvZ Adventures. To hear more news about PvZ Adventures fans can like the PvZ Adventures fan page at www.facebook.com/pvzadventures and join the conversation on twitter with #PvZAdventures.
About PopCap
PopCap Games is the leading global developer, publisher and operator of casual video games: fun, easy-to-learn, captivating …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance
By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
Filed under: Investing
EA and Insomniac Games Unleash the Power of Lethal Teamwork with Fuse on May 28
Brand New IP from the Award-Winning Studio behind Ratchet & Clank, Resistance Franchises Brings Co-Op Action Gameplay to Explosive Levels
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– A new kind of arms race is about to begin. Today, Electronic Arts Inc. (NAS: EA) and Insomniac Games announced that the four-person co-op action shooter – Fuse™ – will launch on May 28 in North America and on May 31 in Europe. Fuse thrusts players into the roles of four elite, covert agents – Dalton Brooks, Izzy Sinclair, Jacob Kimble and Naya Deveraux – each with their own Xenotech weapon and set of unique skills used to fight to protect mankind from a deadly alien energy source known as Fuse. Developed by the critically-acclaimed independent studio, Insomniac Games, Fuse will mark the company’s first multiplatform release when it becomes available for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system this spring.
Fuse Key Art (Photo: Business Wire)
“Insomniac Games is known for delivering best-in-class weaponry that breaks the mold of traditional video games – and Fuse is no different,” said Ted Price, CEO and Founder of Insomniac Games. “These Xenotechweapons further the innovation players will find in this unique, action co-op shooter. We can’t wait to bring Fuse, our first multi-platform game, to gamers worldwide this May.”
Players who pre-order Fuse from select retailers will be able to unlock special armor and weapon customization for each of the game’s four elite agents. These weapons can be used to bolster their characters’ respective arsenals through increased damage on all one-handed weapons.
The pre-order bonuses include:
By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
Filed under: Investing
Chillingo, Peanuts Worldwide and CGMatic Debut ‘Snoopy Coaster’ on the App Store
MACCLESFIELD, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Chillingo, leading independent games publisher and division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NAS: EA) , independent developer, CGMatic and Peanuts Worldwide today announced the launch of SnoopyCoaster on the App Store.
Take Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Peppermint Patty and Woodstock on the wildest rollercoaster ride ever. Speed through loop-the-loops, jump over ramps and avoid pitfalls in this action arcade endless runner.
Featuring the iconic original artwork of the universally adored Peanuts comic, players simply tap the screen to jump and catch coins, pop balloons and avoid careening off the tracks. Ride from the amusement park to snowy mountains to Halloween-themed environments. Fans can chat, swap, share and compete with friends through social network integration as well as collect trading cards to unlock special Peanuts comic strips. Packed with fun at every corner, Snoopy Coaster is a must-have for fans everywhere.
Snoopy Coaster is available for $.99 on the App StoreSM as a universal build for the iPhone®, iPod touch® and iPad® at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/snoopy-coaster/id568890139?mt=8
Trailer & Screenshots:
http://chillingo.com/games/snoopy-coaster/
About Chillingo
Chillingo, a subsidiary of Electronic Arts, is a leading games publisher on iOS with numerous award-winning hits around the world including Angry Birds, Cut the Rope, Contre Jour, and Anomaly Warzone Earth. The company also publishes games for Android, Windows Phone 7, Steam, and other digital platforms. For more information about the company and its games, please visit www.chillingo.com.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NAS: 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, tablets and social networks. EA has more than 275 million registered players and operates in 75 countries.
In fiscal 2012, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.1 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance
Filed under: Investing
Research firm NPD has released its monthly data for video game sales. The industry continues to face consumer preferences for using tablets and smartphones instead of consoles as platforms. And the number of inexpensive games that can be download from app stores has risen. Some of the most popular sources of these games are free.
This movement has pressured both console makers Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Sony Corp. (NYSE: SNE) and has eroded revenue at game creators and marketers, particularly Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA).
According to Edge Online:
The software charts saw an overall year-on-year decline in unit sales of 30% compared to February 2012, though there were a similar number of new releases. Total video game software sales at retail amounted to $352 million in February 2013, compared to $484 million the previous year.
Shares of Electronic Arts closed yesterday at $19.34, in a 52-week range of $10.77 to $19.51.
Filed under: 24/7 Wall St. Wire, Video Games Tagged: EA, MSFT, SNE
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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
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EA Deploys an Explosive Downloadable Co-Op Demo for Army of TWO The Devil’s Cartel Coming March 12
Friends Band Together and Get a Sneak Peek at the Highly Anticipated Action Blockbuster Game Before it Launches March 26
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– When the stakes are high, risk it all by going double or nothing! Electronic Arts Inc. (NAS: EA) today announced that a downloadable demo for Army of TWO™ The Devil’s Cartel, the next installment of the franchise celebrated for its dynamic two player co-operative gameplay and over-the-top blockbuster action, will be available on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace and PlayStation®Network starting on March 12.
In the demo, players will step into the boots of private military contractors Alpha and Bravo as they embark on a mission to rescue a kidnapped politician while diffusing an additional hostage situation. From the bottom floor of a dangerous drug lab, to the rooftops of a sky rise, Alpha and Bravo must infiltrate the Cartel’s stronghold and overcome hordes of cartel members, all the while working together to survive. With the lives of others on the line, the dynamic duo will need to split up as one player runs into battle face-to-face with their opposition, while the other takes to the sky in a helicopter to man a mini gun and provide cover. Complete with epic explosions, massive destruction and the brand new Overkill feature, gamers will be able to experience the adrenaline and palm sweating action before the game launches on March 26.
Army of TWO The Devil’s Cartel Overkill Edition is still available to pre-order at participating retailers. Gamers who reserve their copy of the game will receive exclusive masks, outfits, a highly destructive co-op contract mission and deadly weapons, including the TAH-9. If customers pre-order their copy from GameStop, they will receive the Army of TWO The Devil’s Cartel Hit-Maker’s Kit, which will give gamers the chance to play as characters portrayed by music megastars Big Boi and B.o.B, along with an additional contract mission and custom designed gear.
In Army of TWO The Devil’s Cartel, players find themselves on the war-torn streets of Mexico as Alpha and Bravo, two operatives working for Tactical Worldwide Operations (T.W.O.), fighting for justice against a dangerous drug cartel. Featuring both online and split-screen co-op, Army of TWO The Devil’s Cartel gives players the chance to distinguish themselves from their friends by providing a …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance
By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
Filed under: Investing
DICE Unleashes Battlefield 3: End Game – Get Ready for Even More Lethal High-Speed Action
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– DICE, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NAS: EA) studio, today announced that Battlefield 3™: End Game, the fifth and final digital expansion pack for Battlefield 3, is now available for Battlefield 3 Premium members on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. In Battlefield 3: End Game, gamers battle on four new breathtaking maps inspired by each of the four seasons, including Kiasar Railroad and Operation Riverside. Gamers can jump in the seat of the speedy new dirt bike and two AA vehicles to get behind enemy lines, or use the new dropship, which can quickly turn the tide in battle by rapidly deploying air drops of troop transports. In addition to this, gamers will enjoy the return of two classic game modes, Capture the Flag and Air Superiority. In Capture the Flag gamers have to coordinate lightning fast attacks and defenses, while in Air Superiority they take to the sky and engage in massive dog fights. With five new assignments, 16 dog tags and five trophies and achievements, Battlefield 3: End Game is the exhilirating and epic capstone to the award-winning Battlefield 3 experience.
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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool
Filed under: Investing
SimCity is Available in Stores and on Origin Now
Players Worldwide Prepare to Create Their Ultimate Cities, Together!
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– After a 10-year hiatus and more than 23 years of inspiring and entertaining gamers, the king of city builders is back! Electronic Arts Inc. (NAS: EA) today announced that SimCity™ is now available on PC at retail stores across North America and for digital download via Origin™. Winner of 26 PC best of show awards in 2012 and lauded in over 50 Most Anticipated of 2013 lists, the beloved city-building simulator is back with the series creators at Maxis™ and it’s delivering the most immersive and personal SimCity experience ever, where players can create and destroy the cities of their imaginations.
“For more than 23 years, SimCity has been inspiring future mayors and urban planners,” said Lucy Bradshaw, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EA’s Maxis Label. “The new SimCity is powered by the most advanced simulation engine ever. It is more responsive and expansive than ever before. It is a SimCity where decisions you make at the local level will send rippling waves across an entire region of cities. Building on the core ethos of what made the original SimCity so powerful, this new SimCity is the game we have always dreamed of making.”
Everything is intelligently simulated in this new SimCity, from all of the Sims in a city, to every kilowatt of power pulsing through a region thanks to the powerful GlassBox Engine. It is the most expansive city management game yet where multi-city gameplay across regions delivers a larger playing field. No longer are players relegated to playing one single city, now they can manage and play up to 16 cities at once. Each city can have different specializations; they can share services and trade resources; they can help or even hinder each other; every decision a player makes in each city has impact in the broader region. It’s up to the player to decide where and how they play.
For the first time in the series multiplayer is added to the gameplay giving players a new dimension to the game, as decisions impact both the city and the region, creating new ways to play by collaborating or competing to earn achievements. Underpinning SimCity is a live service that simulates real-time updates and pushes them to players in the form of new challenges and achievements. Players will …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance
