SAN FRANCISCO - August 20, 2008 - Today Ubisoft announced that Imagine(TM) Teacher for the Nintendo DS(TM) is immediately available at retail stores for an MSRP of $29.99. This new installment to the Imagine line of video games for girls ages 6-14 continues the series' goal of allowing girls to explore their favorite interests and hobbies in an interactive and entertaining way. Imagine Teacher is rated E for Everyone.

In Imagine Teacher, you can become a teacher and build the school of your dreams. Imagine Teacher allows the player to expand her creativity and gain a sense of leadership through teaching. Players can choose what teaching style they want to use while teaching their students a variety of subjects, ranging from math to writing and history. Create strong relationships with individual students and build their creativity and morale by teaching music and art and arranging fun events like class birthday parties. Play with up to three friends in fun multiplayer games.

Ubisoft first announced the Imagine series at the 2007 Electronic Entertainment Expo as part of the company's strategic expansion into the casual video game market. Through extensive lifestyle research, the Imagine line was created specifically for young tweens and will continue to grow as part of the company's long-term vision for casual gaming. Since the launch of the Imagine series, Imagine sales have exceeded expectations with more than four million units sold globally. There are currently seven Imagine games available at retail stores today: Imagine Rock Star, Imagine Fashion Designer, Imagine Babyz®, Imagine Master Chef, Imagine Animal Doctor, Imagine Figure Skater and Imagine Teacher.

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LEIPZIG, GERMANY - August 20, 2008 - Today at Games Convention in Germany, Ubisoft announced Jake Power, a new brand of video games for Nintendo DS(TM), part of the "Games for Everyone" range. Created for boys ages five to eight years, the first games in the Jake Power series feature three of every young boy's dream jobs, Policeman, Fire-Fighter and Handyman.

In Policeman, players use their own customized police vehicle to rescue innocent people and chase down criminals throughout the city.

Fire-Fighter players must save residents by putting out raging fires while navigating rapidly and safely throughout the city in their own customized fire truck.

In Handyman, players are challenged to become the country's most famous handyman. Players must help make citizen's lives easier by repairing their buildings and making the city more liveable and beautiful.

The Jake Power Fire-fighter and Policeman titles are set to launch in North America in November 2008 with Handyman releasing in early 2009.

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Space Squid and Gamecock Announce Mushroom Men Fan Fiction Contest Champions

Cockpit, Austin, TX – August 20, 2008 - A long time ago, in a room far, far away Gamecock Media and Space Squid, a fine purveyor of hand-scrubbed sci-fi and hijinx, had a private meeting to discuss the fate of the Mushroom world. The plan they hatched was so outrageous, that only the greatest minds in the fan fiction world could ever hope to win the grand prize. Hundreds wrote in, but only one would come out as top ‘shroom.

Space Squid asked their readers and contributors to craft outlandish tales from the three inch perspective of Mushroom Men! When the writing had ceased and the dust settled; they collected, read and evaluated these tall tales of mushroom mischief. They spent hours whittling down the list until six contenders were left afloat on a sea of hopes and dreams. With a renewed sense of vigor, the Space Squid team took to picking the grand prize winner and the 5 runner-ups. Now without further ado, we present winning titles in order:

 Grand Prize

"The Legend of Shiitake" by Christopher J. Oatis

Runner-Ups

"The Reply of Margarita Amanita" by Aaron DaMommio
"Roger Works, Man" by Andrew Godsey
"The Fleet Bolete" by F.W. Choi
"Tales From the Suburbs" by Justin Gordon
"Fun Guy" by Derek J. Goodman

Check out the full stories here: http://www.spacesquid.com/contest/

With his vivid and insane imagination, Christopher J. Oatis from Roosevelt, NJ has taken the top prize with his story “The Legend of Shiitake.” By completely delving into the world of Mushroom Men, Christopher crafted a tale of danger (tobacco), intrigue (Compost Heap Canyon) and action (Amanitas riders on spiders) all the while conveying an important message of responsibility and honor (lone wolf mushroom kicks ass). As the Grand Prize winner, Christopher receives a brand spankin’ new Wii, a copy of Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars and a guest post on Destructoid.com; his reaction, "I'm the Mushroom Man now, dawg!”

Runners up Aaron DaMommio, Andrew Godsey, F.W. Choi, Justin Gordon, and Derek J. Goodman receive a bag of swag that includes clothing, games and limited edition Mushroom Men autographed posters. These works of art are signed by none other than Les Claypool (of Primus fame); the musical mastermind behind Mushroom Men’s out of this world soundtrack.

PAX attendees will be able to pick up an exclusive limited-edition Mushroom Men book with art and these stories at the Gamecock booth.

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Keypad Attaches to SIXAXIS and DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controllers for Quick and Simple Text Input on PS3

 TOKYO, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that it would release the Wireless Keypad, a new peripheral for SIXAXIS(TM) and DUALSHOCK(R)3 wireless controllers for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(R)), this holiday season throughout the world.  It will be introduced in North America in late November.  It will be also introduced in Japan, Europe and Asia by the end of this year.

The highly anticipated Wireless Keypad is designed to fit precisely into the unique shape of SIXAXIS and DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controllers, and can be easily attached or removed.  By using the product instead of the on-screen keyboard, users will be able to enjoy text chat communication more easily and comfortably in their hands, just as they would use familiar portable communication devices.  It supports text chat in PlayStation(R)Home as well, and enables users to enjoy interactivity playing on-line titles and enjoying entertainment content more smoothly.

Equipped with Bluetooth(R) functionality, the Wireless Keypad can be paired to PS3 by simply connecting the keypad to the USB cable that comes bundled with the PS3 system.  Also, two shortcut buttons, a Communication Button and a Message Box Button, are placed on the lower part of the Wireless Keypad, enabling users to jump to pre-set features on XMB(TM) (XrossMediaBar) such as "Friends" and "Message Box" during game play, which help PS3 users to smoothly communicate with each other.  Additionally, a Touch Pad Button allows PS3 users to use the entire surface of the keypad as a touch pad, allowing them to easily maneuver the pointer while web browsing, simply by sliding their finger on the keypad surface.

More and more exclusive software titles that will support text chat feature are scheduled for release towards the end of the year including LittleBigPlanet(TM) (SCEI).

SCEI will vigorously promote various measures to introduce new entertainment world that can be further enriched through the network, including PlayStation Home.

Release date and price of this product will be announced later in each region.

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KONAMI ANNOUNCES SILENT HILL HOMECOMING FOR THE PC

EL SEGUNDO, CA - August 20, 2008 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today revealed that Silent Hill Homecoming, the latest installment of the popular horror franchise Silent Hill, will be available for the PC, in addition to the PLAYSTATION®3 and the Xbox 360®. 

Silent Hill Homecoming marks the fifth story in the Silent Hill mythos, and introduces a new protagonist to the mysterious town.  The story follows Alex Shepherd, who returns to his hometown of Shepherd's Glen to investigate the sudden disappearance of his brother and the strange occurrences taking place around town.  Shepherd unravels a tale that takes him from his boyhood home to the fog-shrouded streets of Silent Hill, as he faces the darkest horrors of his soul to find his missing brother. 

Silent Hill Homecoming features all-new graphics that bring the fear and terror of Silent Hill alive like never before.  Alex must survive the terrible denizens with an all-new enhanced combat system that provides a wide array of attacks and counters.  Along the way, he will encounter a variety of weapons to battle these horrific monsters and solve deadly puzzles, discovering the darkest secrets of the town.  Silent Hill Homecoming also features an all-new soundtrack by acclaimed series composer Akira Yamaoka.  

Silent Hill Homecoming for the PC will be available as a digital download through www.steamgames.com and is expected to launch September 2008.  For more information, visit the website at www.konami.com.

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SCEA Announces North American Availability of Updated PSP(R) (Playstation(R)Portable) System

Updated PSP - Featuring New LCD Screen and Built-in Microphone - Will Be Included in Ratchet & Clank(R) PSP Entertainment Pack and PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack

 FOSTER CITY, Calif., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- In conjunction with a global announcement by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the North American availability of the updated PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) system (PSP-3000).  Available on October 14 in the previously announced Ratchet & Clank(R): Size Matters(TM) PSP Entertainment Pack, the updated PSP will feature a new LCD screen with a wider color gamut and anti-reflection technology, as well as a built-in microphone to enhance both multi-player gaming and Skype(TM) calls. The form factor and overall functionality of the current, slimmed-down PSP-2000 will remain the same with the updated PSP system. SCEA today also announced the PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack ($199.99 MSRP), which will include the updated PSP, a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM) and a PLAYSTATION(R)Network voucher to download Everyday Shooter for PSP system. In addition to the bundles, the updated PSP will be available as a stand-alone product later this year.

"As we head into the holiday shopping season, both of these new Entertainment Packs represent a significant value for gift-givers, combining the updated PSP and its enhanced screen with content that showcases the PSP's gaming and entertainment functionality," said Peter Dille, senior vice president, marketing and PLAYSTATION Network, SCEA.  "The 4GB Memory bundle is geared toward the digital entertainment enthusiast who likes to bring their media files on-the-go and download content from the PLAYSTATION Network. The Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters bundle is a great family-friendly option centered on one of the most beloved PlayStation franchises."

As announced at the E3 Media & Business Summit, the Ratchet & Clank PSP Entertainment Pack will be available for $199.99 (MSRP) on October 14. The Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack includes:

    --  Updated Mystic Silver PSP system; the first updated PSP available on store shelves

    --  Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters -- In this PSP Greatest Hits title, Ratchet and Clank go back to the franchise's roots with classic Ratchet & Clank(R) gameplay. While on a much needed vacation, Ratchet and Clank's rest and relaxation time is suddenly cut short as they soon find themselves lured into a mysterious quest. 

    --  "National Treasure 2: Book Of Secrets" UMD(R) video -- Join Nicolas Cage on a heart-pounding adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat in a race to find the Lost City of Gold. Grounded in history, imbued with myth and mystery, Disney's "National Treasure 2: Book Of Secrets" takes you on a globe-trotting quest full of adrenaline-pumping twists and turns -- all leading to the final clue in a mysterious and highly guarded book containing centuries of secrets.

    --  echochrome(TM) PLAYSTATION Network voucher* -- Featuring an elegant black and white art design, echochrome is a puzzle game unlike any other. With gameplay based on optical illusions, players must utilize five simple laws of perspective to join walkways, hide dangers, and create new paths to reach the "echos," or shadow guides. Download echochrome for PSP from PLAYSTATION(R)Store (http://store.playstation.com) to your Memory Stick PRO Duo with the included voucher.

    --  1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo -- Store your photos, music, videos, downloadable games and game saves.

 The PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack will be the first bundle to feature a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, offering plenty of storage for saving movies and TV shows downloaded from the recently launched PLAYSTATION Network video delivery service. The bundle will be available in November for $199.99 (MSRP). 

The PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack includes:

    --  Updated Piano Black PSP system

    --  4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo -- Store more photos, music, videos, downloadable games and game saves.

    --  Everyday Shooter PLAYSTATION Network voucher* -- A colorful and music-driven arcade shooter, Everyday Shooter won three awards at the Independent Gaming Festival at the 2007 Game Developers Conference. Unlike traditional arcade shooters, in Everyday Shooter each on-screen interaction is a note, chord, or riff that plays in harmony with each level's unique music track. The title is available for PLAYSTATION(R)3 and will be making its debut for PSP. Download Everyday Shooter for PSP from PLAYSTATION Store to your Memory Stick PRO Duo with the included voucher.

In addition to the new PSP Entertainment Packs, an updated PSP in Piano Black will be available later this year as part of the PSP Core Pack, which includes an AC adaptor and battery pack for $169.99 (MSRP).

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