How the video games industry is faring - 23rd August 2012

How the video games industry is faring

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Companies in the video games business have been reporting earnings for the most recent quarter. Here's a look at reports and results for selected companies that make or sell video games.

— July 12: NPD Group reports that U.S. retail sales of video game hardware, software and accessories fell 29 percent in June to $700 million. It's the seventh consecutive month of decline. Sales of console and portable software — the video games themselves — fell 29 percent from a year earlier, while sales of hardware fell 45 percent. Sales of accessories grew 4 percent. Excluded are sales of used games and rentals as well as digital and social-network spending. The top-selling game was "Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes," from Time Warner Inc.'s Warner Bros. Interactive.

— July 19: Microsoft Corp. says it sold 1.1 million Xbox 360 consoles, down from 1.7 million a year earlier, in what it calls a soft console market. Membership in its Xbox Live service increased more than 15 percent.

— July 25: Nintendo Co. says it sold 710,000 Wii units in the April-June quarter, down from 1.56 million a year ago. Nintendo is coming out with a successor, the Wii U, this year. It is forecasting 10.5 million units for the full fiscal year, which ends in March 2013.

— July 31: Video game publisher Electronic Arts Inc. reports a wider net loss and lower revenue in its latest quarter, but results are largely in line with expectations. It also announces a stock buyback of up to $500 million.

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., another game publisher, says its loss in the latest quarter was much bigger than expected, because sales of "Spec Ops: The Line" and "Max Payne 3" were not as high as the company hoped.

— Aug. 2: Sony Corp. says sales fell about 15 percent, largely because of lower sales of the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Portable devices and the games that go with them. The decline was partly offset by the new PlayStation Vita, which went on sale in December in Japan and in the U.S. and Europe in February.

Video game publisher Activision Blizzard Inc. says net income dropped because of lower revenue from games. But adjusted results — the more closely watched figure — easily surpassed Wall Street's expectations and were much higher than a year ago.

— Aug. 6: Video game publisher THQ Inc. says revenue fell in the latest quarter, but adjusted results beat Wall Street's expectations as the company plan to reshape its business advanced. THQ is changing its focus to its core gaming business that includes popular wrestling and action-adventure video games such as "WWE" and "Darksiders." As part of that, it exited its traditional kids' licensed game business, trimmed its product line and streamlined operations. The process, however, is still ongoing.

— Aug. 7: The Walt Disney Co.'s interactive games division saw revenue fall 22 percent to $196 million as there were fewer significant titles compared with a year ago.

— Aug. 9: NPD says retail sales of new video game hardware, software and accessories fell for the eighth straight month in July. Overall sales fell 20 percent to $548.4 million. Sales of consoles and portable software — the video games themselves — fell 23 percent, while sales of hardware fell 32 percent. Accessories sales rose 8 percent. "NCAA Football 13" from Electronic Arts Inc. was the month's top seller.

— Aug. 16: GameStop Corp., the world's biggest video game retailer, reports a 32 percent decline in its quarterly income as sales slowed because not enough new games came out to draw in customers. Revenue fell 11 percent to $1.55 billion, short of Wall Street's $1.61 billion estimate. (AP)

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Marvel Entertainment News: The Wolverine, Marvel Games; Hollywood

The Wolverine, Amazing Spider-Man, Marvel Games...

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New X Men, Wolverine 2 Film Revealed Possible New Viper Actress...

New X Men, Wolverine 2 film revealed possible new Viper actress. According to a new report from Collider, talks with Jessica Biel to play character Viper in the new Wolverine 2 flick, did not workout,so now, this new Russian actress Svetlana Khodchenkova is currently in talks to play Viper instead. It’s also reported that Svetlana is expected to close a deal with the studio pretty quickly.

The character of Viper is said to be of Eastern European decent, and has a complex relationship with Wolverine that includes, at one point, a sham marriage. Svetlana is mostly known for her work in Russia, but she appeared last year in the espionage flick “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.”

On location work on The Wolverine will be done in Japan, while stage work will be shot in Australia in August. The movie stars: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Hiroyuki Sanada, Hal Yamanouchi, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Brian Tee, and is scheduled to hit theaters on July 26th,2013. Stay tuned.


Wolverine sequel: Jessica Biel out...

Just days after Jessica Biel was announced to play Viper in the forthcoming Wolverine sequel, The Wolverine, it has emerged that the actress has now walked away from the project after contract talks broke down.

James Mangold has taken the reins for this installment with Hugh Jackman returning to play the titular title role. It will hopefully stay faithful to the Chris Claremont/Frank Miller series which sees Wolverine transported to Japan in one of his darkest storylines.

Biel had been cast as Viper, a character who has a tempestuous relationship with Wolverine/Logan, including blackmail, a forced marriage and the odd wound – both physical and mental. Viper is also known as Lady Hydra, a high ranking officer in the Hydra network, but this may not be referenced in The Wolverine as the rights to Hydra are with Disney/Marvel Studios and Hydra was used in Captain America: The First Avenger.

The Wolverine has had a bumpy ride so far getting to the big screen, with Darren Aronofsky leaving the project very early on. This caused a delay in filming, which then grew as Hugh Jackman had commitments to film Les Miserables.

It’s another setback for the production that commences in Australia this August before filming on location in Japan. Sources say that Fox are now talking to other actors about the role as they look to move quickly to replace Biel.

The film is scheduled for release July 2013.


Marvel Entertainment movies; Thor, Spider-Man boost popularity of online slot games...

The Media Man agency reports that Marvel comics themed games such as Amazing Spider-Man, Thor, Fantastic Four and The Incredible Hulk have received a boost thanks to recent and upcoming movie releases tied in with Marvel Entertainment. For the gaming world that Excelsior! (as Marvel legend Stan Lee would say). Check em out at PartyCasino, as featured across the Media Man network.


Comic Book Movies News Update...

DC Comics:

Director and screenwriter Quentin Tarantino will soon be scripting for DC Comics. The announcement, made at San Diego Comic Con, was nothing short of cryptic, and we are waiting on more details to be divulged.


Marvel Comics:

The Marvel NOW! Point-One teaser sequentially revealed the heroes that will be strongly implicated in the special issue to be released this Fall. The characters are Nick Fury, Jr., Cable, Ant Man, Loki, Wiccan, Miss America, Nova and Starlord.


Film and Television:

Dreamworks recently entered a bidding war for Classic Media film and television rights to properties like He-Man, Godzilla, Voltron, Turok, Dick Tracy, Archie, Rocky and Bullwinkle, and many more.

Marvel Studios is investigating the leak that uncovered the production of a Guardians of the Galaxy film weeks before the film's planned announcement at San Diego Comic Con.

The Dark Knight Rises has reportedly earned $162 million at the box office in its opening weekend despite tragedy. The gross puts TDKR third behind Marvel's The Avengers and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II, both of which had inflated grosses due to 3D ticket sales.


Hugh Jackman echoes sorrow over massacre...

Australian actor Hugh Jackman has expressed his sadness following the mass shooting at a US screening of The Dark Knight Rises.

'All I can echo is the sorrow I feel for the families, the community, for everybody,' he says.

'It's an issue that goes way beyond, obviously beyond acting, beyond film or anything like that.

'This is just a tragedy on a level that we have experienced in Australia many years ago in Tasmania and it's devastating and I can't comment on (it) anymore than as a human being and my feelings for those people involved.'

Jackman was speaking in Sydney at a press conference on Tuesday for his new film The Wolverine, alongside its director, James Mangold, and Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Jackman was sporting a red right eye, but it wasn't because of training for the action movie, but rather 'a very energetic game of tag with my kids', which he thinks burst a blood vessel.

Jackman says it wasn't easy getting back into shape for the part, particularly coming from his last role as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables.

'That was a particular challenge because Les Mis, I had to start at 83 kilos and I finished at about 97 kilos by the end of the movie,' he says.

'We did have a holiday recently, but it was more like boot camp for me. But the kids and Deb (his wife, actress Deborra-Lee Furness) were happy.'

Shooting of The Wolverine is scheduled to start in Sydney on July 30, after a number of setbacks for the sequel to X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Last March, director Darren Aronofsky left the project, and Mangold stepped in to replace him. Then the shoot, which was originally meant to be in Japan, was postponed last October because of weather conditions.

Mangold says The Wolverine is based on a series of comics that detail the mutant's journeys in Japan and he refuted reports that Jessica Biel had turned down the lead role of Viper.

'The story couldn't be more of a fantasy frankly, in terms of what I was reading, so it was nothing more than a list of people we were considering and still are,' he says.

Jackman, who has played Wolverine now in five different movies over the past 12 years, says he takes the movies on one at a time.

For The Wolverine, he saw the screenplay and was sold.

'I feel like a golfer, always looking for a hole in one and I thought this was the best script we've had,' he says.


Hollywood declares box office truce after massacre...

The Hollywood studio behind the Batman movies has decided not to publish weekend box office figures after the Colorado theatre massacre.

Twelve people were killed and 58 injured when a gunman dressed in full body armour opened fire at a packed midnight premier of The Dark Knight Rises in Denver.

James Holmes, 24, was taken into custody outside the cinema after the attack. He is in solitary confinement and is due in court on Monday morning.

Within hours of the attack, Warner Brothers had cancelled the movie's Paris premiere, which was to have been accompanied by a press junket with the cast and crew including director Christopher Nolan and main star Christian Bale.

The company also cancelled red carpet events for the film in France, Japan and Mexico, although screenings will go ahead as planned.

Warner Bros has now confirmed it will not publish weekend takings - a form of crowing about box office success - until Monday.

This was despite the fact that unofficial figures cited by industry daily Variety suggest that it made $US75 million on Friday alone, the third biggest opening day ever at the US box office.

The move was swiftly followed by major Hollywood rivals including Disney, Fox, Sony, Lionsgate and Universal.

After initial radio silence from most of the cast and crew, Nolan issued a statement lamenting the "senseless tragedy," and expressing "our profound sorrow at the senseless tragedy that has befallen the entire Aurora community".

On Saturday Bale, who plays Bruce Wayne aka Batman, also expressed his sadness.

"Words cannot express the horror that I feel. I cannot begin to truly understand the pain and grief of the victims and their loved ones, but my heart goes out to them," he said in a statement.

In a separate move Warner Bros scrambled to pull a trailer for another film, Gangster Squad, including a scene in which mobsters shoot at theatre audiences. (AFP)


Christian Bale: My Heart Aches for Victims

The film is expected to be among the most lucrative movie openings and possibly contend with the record $207.4 million brought in by "The Avengers."

"The Dark Knight Rises" star Christian Bale said Saturday that his heart goes out to the victims of the Colorado shootings, a tragedy that brought Hollywood studios together in a rare show of solidarity as they opted to give the weekend box-office a rest.

"Words cannot express the horror that I feel," Bale, who plays the caped crusader in the film, said in a statement. "I cannot begin to truly understand the pain and grief of the victims and their loved ones, but my heart goes out to them."

Meanwhile, Sony, Fox, Disney, Universal, Fox, Paramount and Lionsgate said Saturday that they are joining "Dark Knight Rises" distributor Warner Bros. in withholding their box-office numbers for the weekend.

Warner Bros. announced Friday that it would forgo the usual revenue reports until Monday out of respect for the victims and their families in the Aurora, Colo., shooting that killed 12 and wounded 58 at the midnight show of "The Dark Knight Rises" earlier in the day.

The other studios said they also would not report numbers until Monday. Box-office tracking service Rentrak, too, said it would not report figures this weekend.

Sunday box-office estimates are a weekly routine for Hollywood, with studios jostling for bragging rights as the No. 1 movie and always aiming to break revenue records.

Before the shooting in an Aurora, Colo., movie theater at a midnight screening of the new Batman film, the box-office performance of "The Dark Knight Rises" had been eagerly anticipated. The film is expected to be among the most lucrative movie openings and possibly contend with the record $207.4 million brought in by "The Avengers."

But that now appears unlikely, even though "The Dark Knight Rises" earned $30.6 million from midnight screenings alone. Hollywood trade publications Variety and Hollywood Reporter reported estimates of roughly $75 million to $77 million for the film on Friday, based on box-office insiders.

That would put it on track for somewhere around $165 million for the weekend. Such a total would be the second highest weekend opening ever, after "The Avengers."

Any projections, though, are bound to be rough approximates given the atypical nature of the situation. Many of Friday's tickets were presold before the shooting. Moviegoers making their way to theaters also faced increased security and, in some places, bag checks. AMC Theaters, the country's second-largest movie chain, said it would not allow costumed fans or face-covered masks into its theaters.

Warner Bros. rushed to react to the tragedy, immediately canceling a Friday night premiere in Paris. On Saturday, it also canceled the other remaining red-carpet extravaganzas in Mexico City and Tokyo.

The studio, a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., also moved to pull trailers from its upcoming film "Gangster Squad" from theaters. The trailer of the film, which stars Sean Penn and Ryan Gosling in a ruthless war between Los Angeles police and the mob, includes a scene of mobsters firing into a crowded movie theater from behind the screen.

Christopher Nolan, the director of "The Dark Knight Rises" earlier responded to the tragedy, expressing his sorrow for the victims and their families.

Said Nolan: "The movie theater is my home and the idea that someone would violate that innocent and hopeful place in such an unbearably savage way is devastating to me."

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IIGT Highlights Innovative 3D Gaming Technology and a Star-studded Gaming Lineup at the Australasian Gaming Expo

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IGT Sydney Entertainment Australia Gaming Promotions Publicity


IGT Highlights Innovative 3D Gaming Technology and a Star-studded Gaming Lineup at the Australasian Gaming Expo



LAS VEGAS, Aug. 20, 2012 -- International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT), a global leader in casino gaming entertainment and systems technology, announced today it will deliver new industry firsts for Australia's gaming enthusiasts at the Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) Aug. 21 – 23 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre in Sydney, Australia.



IGT will launch the 3D gaming technology MLD™ (Multi-Layer Display™), paired with the unveiling of one of the world's most iconic pop culture brands, Elvis The King®. This new title is now available in Australia exclusively on the IGT bluechip Neo® Tower Top cabinet after successful launches in other global markets, along with many new games and products.



"IGT continues to provide our customers with strong game performance, the widest variety of games, the latest in systems innovation and world-class service, all of which will be on display at AGE," said Eric Tom, IGT executive vice president of Global Sales.



"Our research indicates that many players are entertainment seekers who are attracted to iconic brands and IGT delivers this with our pop culture hit Elvis The King®. This game has been adapted to suit the Australasian players' playing style. The 3D capabilities of MLD with Elvis The King® also provides venues with a strong differentiator as they look to broaden gaming's appeal and provide something special for players," said Tom. "Elvis The King® is packed with multiple features and number one hits."



IGT's 3D MLD™ screens take gaming to another dimension in play. The 3D effect is simulated because the content exists on two separate LCD panels; one in front of the other which gives a depth of field, with game elements appearing and moving between the front and back screens. This allows for new game play options and heightened entertainment.



The line-up of over fifty games at AGE reflects IGT's re-invigorated game design strategy with the legendary performance of games such as Siberian Storm®and Dangerous Beauty®. Additional games debuting at AGE include:



Black Widow® – a low denomination game with a 'web capture' feature during free games for the chance to accumulate additional credits.

Dakota Thunder® - featuring the 'Thunder Shudder'.

A global leader in casino gaming entertainment and systems technology, IGT provides a holistic solution to the industry and its strength in gaming management systems and new interactive technologies will also be showcased at AGE.



The IGT Advantage Club® System will be demonstrated with new technologies such as Service Window, a small window that appears on the left hand side of the screen. The Service Window can be used for personalized player messaging and for service requests, adding a unique level of service for venues with the IGT system. The IGT Advantage Club® system is proving to be a winner with clubs in New South Wales.



IGT will again be playing host to industry experts who will present a range of topics including game floor design, customer service and systems. For more details on the free business seminar sessions visit www.igt.com.au/AGE12.



About IGT

International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a global leader in casino gaming entertainment and continues to transform the industry by translating casino player experiences to social, mobile and interactive environments for regulated markets around the world. IGT's recent acquisition of Double Down Interactive provides engaging casino style entertainment to more than 5 million players monthly. More information about IGT is available at www.IGT.com or connect with IGT at @IGTNews or www.facebook.com/IGT.



© EPE, Reg. U.S. Pat & TM O_.



Dangerous Beauty and Black Widow were created by High 5 Games. For more information on High 5 Games, go to www.High5games.com



Pure Depth™, MLD®, Multi-Layer Display® and Actual Depth™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pure Depth, Inc. All other trademarks are registered trademarks or the property of their respective owners without the intent to infringe. www.puredepth.com. All trademarks or registered trademarks are owned by IGT (Australia) Pty. Limited or its related entities. All information is subject to change without notice. Game type availability is subject to jurisdictional approval.0. SOURCE IGT



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Australasian Gaming Expo report from Sydney; Australia - Day 3 - 23rd August 2012

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Human Statue Bodyart Sydney Entertainment Australia Gaming Promotions Publicity

Today was the 3rd day for the most high profile and successful gaming expo in Australia - the Australasian Gaming Expo, which is being hosted by the Sydney Convention Centre at Darling Harbour. It's gaming, gambling, technology, sales...even creative arts elements and much more.

It's a key time for the gaming industry in Australia with all the regulation elements, responsible gambling initiatives and such, and most of the big boys of the industry were on hand to show off their wares, with some exhibitors demonstrating significant creative flair to help showoff their latest and greatest wares.

Our friends at Human Statue Bodyart were back again and they had a couple of body models made up in bodypaint (Anastasia as a butterfly and Victoria as a panda) - complete with wings and sparkles, for leading gaming brand Paltronics and its latest game 'Jungle Madness'.

The expo centre itself is huge - 15,000 square metres (about the size of an Aussie Rules football oval) and this provided more than ample opportunity for over 750 slot games on display.

The Australasian Gaming Expo is by far the largest event of its type in Australia and one of the world’s biggest.

We learned through the grapevine that a trip for 2 to Las Vegas will be won by a lucky visitor on each of the 3 days of the Expo, and this is compliments of the Gaming Technologies Association which owns the event. It's understood the winner of the trip will be named later this afternoon.

It's tipped over 20,000 people have walked through the games expo thus far, with those in the business being the majority, and no doubt a few punters, checked through the gates (but note that the games on display do not accept coins or notes).

Well done to everyone associated with the success of the expo and we'll see you there again next year.

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Australasian Gaming Expo report from Sydney; Australia - Day 2 - 22nd August 2012

Profiles

Human Statue Bodyart Sydney Entertainment Australia Gaming Promotions Publicity

Today was the 2nd day for the most high profile and successful gaming expo in Australia - the Australasian Gaming Expo, which is being hosted by the Sydney Convention Centre at Darling Harbour.

It's a key time for the gaming industry in Australia with all the regulation elements, responsible gambling initiatives and such, and most of the big boys of the industry were on hand to show off their wares, with some exhibitors demonstrating significant creative flair to help showoff their latest and greatest wares.

Our friends at Human Statue Bodyart had a couple of body models made up in bodypaint (Anastasia as a butterfly and Victoria as a panda) - complete with wings, for leading gaming brand Paltronics and its latest game 'Jungle Madness'.

The expo centre itself is huge - 15,000 square metres (about the size of an Aussie Rules football oval) and this provided more than ample opportunity for over 750 slot games aka "pokies" to strut their stuff.

The Australasian Gaming Expo is by far the largest event of its type in Australia and one of the world’s biggest.

We learned through the grapevine that a trip for 2 to Las Vegas will be won by a lucky visitor on each of the 3 days of the Expo, and this is compliments of the Gaming Technologies Association which owns the event.

We understand that over 16,000 people have walked through the games thus far, with those in the business being the majority, and no doubt a few punters, checked through the gates (but note that the games on display do not accept coins or notes).

News...

Human Statue Bodyart helps make Paltronics...

Gaming firm Paltronics was once again looking for their fair share of attention by having a few body models made up in forest like bodypaint attire to compliment their selection of games, including the very popular 'Jungle Madness'.

There's little doubt that folks Paltronics knew that competitors of sorts, IGT, were going all out with an Elvis promotion (including imitator), and may have also noted their 'Sex In The City' promotional stand from last years show.

It's always good to see Australian companies such as Paltronics take on international giants such as IGT and promotional models are just one of the weapons that gaming companies will continue to employ in the high stakes world of electronic gaming, and the folks from the Human Statue Bodyart creative arts agency certainly helped Paltronics make a positive splash today.

We hear that more bodypainted models are on the cards tomorrow (the 3rd and final day of the expo) so be sure to check the stands, with 11am to 2pm being the prime time to catch the action if bodypainted models are your thing.

Websites

Australasian Gaming Expo

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Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre

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Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

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Australasian Gaming Expo report from Sydney; Australia - Day 1 - 21st August 2012

Profiles

Human Statue Bodyart Sydney Entertainment Australia Gaming Promotions Publicity

Today was opening day for the most high profile and succesful gaming (as in gambling) expo in Australia - the Australasian Gaming Expo, which is being hosted by the Sydney Convention Centre at Darling Harbour.

It's an important time for the gaming industry in Australia with all the regulation elements, responsible gambling initiative and such, and as you would expect most of the big boys of the industry were on hand to show off their wares, with some exhibitors demonstrating considerable creative flair to help showoff their latest and greatest wares.

Our friends at Human Statue Bodyart had a couple of body models made up in bodypaint (Anastasia and Victoria as butterfly's) - complete with wings, for leading gaming brand Paltronics.

The expo centre itself is huge - 15,000 square metres (about the size of an Aussie Rules football oval) and this provided more than ample opportunity for over 750 slot games aka "pokies" to strut their stuff.

The Australasian Gaming Expo is by far the biggest event of its type in Australia and one of the world’s biggest.

We learned through the grapevine that a trip for 2 to Las Vegas will be won by a lucky visitor on each of the 3 days of the Expo, and this is compliments of the Gaming Technologies Association which owns the event.

Over 8,000 people have registered to attend and Day 1 attracted a health crowd, seeings thousands of interested folks, and no doubt a few punters, check through the gates.


Human Statue Bodyart helps make Paltronics...

Gaming firm Paltronics was looking for their fair share of attention by having a few body models made up in forest like bodypaint attire to compliment their selection of games.

There's little doubt that folks Paltronics knew that competitors of sorts, IGT, were going all out with an Elvis promotion (including imitator), and may have also noted their 'Sex In The City' promotional stand from last years show.

It's always good to see Australian companies such as Paltronics take on international giants such as IGT and promotional models are just one of the weapons that gaming companies will continue to employ in the high stakes world of electronic gaming, and the folks from the Human Statue Bodyart creative arts agency certainly helped Paltronics make a positive splash today.

We hear that more bodypainted models are on the cards tomorrow and for the duration of the gaming expo, so be sure to check the stands.


Shuffle Master promotes The Flintstones Slot...

"We are thrilled to be able to offer such an iconic brand as The Flintstones and we feel confident that it will take center stage at the show," said Adrian Halpenny, President of Shuffle Master Australasia.  "Our game development team worked very hard to deliver a final product that demonstrated meticulous attention to detail in order to maintain the high quality and authenticity of the television series. As a result, The Flintstones is a breakthrough product that is not only highly enjoyable to play as a traditional gaming machine, but also brings the much-loved characters to life with entertaining and engaging features."

Since debuting on American television, The Flintstones has endured as one of the most recognized cartoon TV shows of all time and is still shown on TV around the world. The beloved characters of The Flintstones have been a part of our childhoods for decades, and this new game allows us to play and interact with them in new and exciting ways.

Preston Kevin Lewis, Managing Director of Warner Bros. Consumer Products ANZ, said, "It is testament to the enduring nature of The Flintstones brand that the likes of Fred, Barney, Wilma and Betty continue to reach new audiences in diverse areas. Shuffle Master is one of the world's leading gaming suppliers and we're sure these fantastic machines will provide consumers with yet another opportunity to fall in love with The Flintstones."

Designed to make a big impact on the gaming floor with its broad appeal, The Flintstones is a three-level standalone progressive, low-denomination product with a suite of exciting base games and attractive jackpot prizes. It also introduces Shuffle Master's patented new "mini-reel" feature trigger that ignites the player's anticipation during game play.

The game offers three interactive bonus features that provide players with the chance to win jackpots and credit prizes. Each bonus feature evokes classic scenes from the original TV show, such as the ten-pin challenge at Bedrock Bowl, the family night out at The Drive-In and the antics of Fred Flintstone's lovable pet dinosaur in Dino's Dig.

Every element has been carefully crafted to captivate players. The Flintstones will feature themed door trims with matching halo lighting, a unique character marquee with a built-in LCD top box, and re-mastered music and sound effects from the original TV show. The three launch games - Lioness, Peacock Garden and Tiger Power - will be supplemented with more games from Shuffle Master on an ongoing basis to keep the installations fresh and exciting.


Press Release...

IGT Highlights Innovative 3D Gaming Technology and a Star-studded Gaming Lineup at the Australasian Gaming Expo...

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 20, 2012 -- International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT), a global leader in casino gaming entertainment and systems technology, announced today it will deliver new industry firsts for Australia's gaming enthusiasts at the Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) Aug. 21 – 23 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre in Sydney, Australia.

IGT will launch the 3D gaming technology MLD™ (Multi-Layer Display™), paired with the unveiling of one of the world's most iconic pop culture brands, Elvis The King®. This new title is now available in Australia exclusively on the IGT bluechip Neo® Tower Top cabinet after successful launches in other global markets, along with many new games and products.

"IGT continues to provide our customers with strong game performance, the widest variety of games, the latest in systems innovation and world-class service, all of which will be on display at AGE," said Eric Tom, IGT executive vice president of Global Sales.

"Our research indicates that many players are entertainment seekers who are attracted to iconic brands and IGT delivers this with our pop culture hit Elvis The King®. This game has been adapted to suit the Australasian players' playing style.  The 3D capabilities of MLD with Elvis The King® also provides venues with a strong differentiator as they look to broaden gaming's appeal and provide something special for players," said Tom. "Elvis The  King® is packed with multiple features and number one hits."

IGT's 3D MLD™ screens take gaming to another dimension in play. The 3D effect is simulated because the content exists on two separate LCD panels; one in front of the other which gives a depth of field, with game elements appearing and moving between the front and back screens. This allows for new game play options and heightened entertainment.

The line-up of over fifty games at AGE reflects IGT's re-invigorated game design strategy with the legendary performance of games such as Siberian Storm® and Dangerous Beauty®. Additional games debuting at AGE include:

Black Widow® – a low denomination game with a 'web capture' feature during free games for the chance to accumulate additional credits.

Dakota Thunder® - featuring the 'Thunder Shudder'.

A global leader in casino gaming entertainment and systems technology, IGT provides a holistic solution to the industry and its strength in gaming management systems and new interactive technologies will also be showcased at AGE.

The IGT Advantage Club® System will be demonstrated with new technologies such as Service Window, a small window that appears on the left hand side of the screen. The Service Window can be used for personalized player messaging and for service requests, adding a unique level of service for venues with the IGT system.  The IGT Advantage Club® system is proving to be a winner with clubs in New South Wales.

IGT will again be playing host to industry experts who will present a range of topics including game floor design, customer service and systems.  For more details on the free business seminar sessions visit www.igt.com.au/AGE12.


About IGT
International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a global leader in casino gaming entertainment and continues to transform the industry by translating casino player experiences to social, mobile and interactive environments for regulated markets around the world. IGT's recent acquisition of Double Down Interactive provides engaging casino style entertainment to more than 5 million players monthly. More information about IGT is available at www.IGT.com or connect with IGT at @IGTNews or www.facebook.com/IGT.

© EPE, Reg. U.S. Pat & TM O_.

Dangerous Beauty and Black Widow were created by High 5 Games.  For more information on High 5 Games, go to www.High5games.com

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Business and finance calendar August 20-24

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Australian business and finance calendar for the week.

MONDAY, August 20

Sydney - Australian Bureau of Statistics merchandise imports for July

Sydney - Commonwealth Bank business sales indicator for July

Perth - Imdex full-year results

Adelaide - Gerard Lighting Group full-year results

Sydney - Sydney Airport July Traffic Results

Melbourne - BlueScope Steel full-year results

Sydney - Challenger full-year results

Newcastle, NSW - NIB Holdings full-year results

Melbourne - Bendigo and Adelaide Bank full-year results

Sydney - Clearview Wealth full-year results

Perth - Macmahon Holdings full-year results

Perth - Mineral Resources full-year results

Perth - Mount Burgess Mining general meeting

Sydney - Talent2 International extraordinary general meeting

Perth - Fleetwood Corporation full-year results

Hobart - Tassal Group full-year results

TUESDAY, August 21

Sydney - Minutes of Reserve Bank of Australia August 7 monthly board meeting

Melbourne - Mcmillan Shakespeare full-year results

Melbourne - Miclyn Express Offshore full-year results

Sydney - Arrium (formerly OneSteel) full-year results

Sydney - Amcor full-year results

Melbourne - Acrux full-year results

Melbourne - Melbourne IT first half results

Sydney - Consolidated Media Holdings full-year results

Perth - Emeco Holdings full-year results

Brisbane - Flight Centre full-year results

Sydney - Mirvac Group full-year results

Brisbane - Progen Pharmaceuticals full-year results

Melbourne - SEEK Ltd full-year results

Sydney - Sonic Healthcare full-year results

Melbourne - WHK Group full-year results

Sydney - Oil Search first half results

Sydney - CFS Retail Property Trust full-year results

Sydney - Commonwealth Property Office full-year results

WEDNESDAY, August 22

Sydney - Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Indexes of Economic Activity

Department of Education and Workplace relations internet skilled vacancies for July

Melbourne - BHP Billiton full-year results

Sydney - Seven West Media full-year results

Sydney - Coca-Cola Amatil first half results

Sydney - AGL Energy full-year results

Sydney - Southern Cross Media full-year results

Perth - Woodside Petroleum first half results

Brisbane - Suncorp Group full-year results

Sydney - APA Group full-year results

Sydney - Asciano full-year results

Perth - Orbital Corporation full-year results

Melbourne - Country Road full-year results

Sydney - Noni B full-year results

Melbourne - Pacific Brands full-year results

Brisbane - Suncorp Group full-year results

Brisbane - Wotif com holdings full-year results

Melbourne - Ridley Corporation full-year results

Melbourne - CSL full-year results

Sydney - Boral full-year results

Brisbane - Super Retail Group full-year results

Adelaide - Australian Vintage full-year results

Melbourne - PaperlinX full-year results

Sydney - The Reject shop full-year results

THURSDAY August 23

CBA/HIA house affortdability for second quarter

Perth - Aditya Birla Minerals annual general meeting

Perth - Amex Resources general meeting

Perth - Blaze International general meeting

Sydney - Hillgrove Resources Ltd extraordinary general meeting

Sydney - David Jones Q4 sales

Adelaide - Ramelius Resources full-year results

Perth - Silver Lake Resources full-year results

Brisbane - QR National full-year results

Sydney - Fairfax Media full-year results

Sydney - Sims Metal Management full-year results

Brisbane - Transpacific Industries Group full-year results

Brisbane - FKP Property Group full-year results

Sydney - Macquarie Telecom full-year results

Sydney - Breville Group full-year results

Sydney - Ardent Leisure full-year results

Brisbane - RFG Food Group full-year results

Adelaide - Envestra full-year results

Perth - Decmil Group full-year results

Perth - Iluka Resources first half results

Sydney - Insurance Australia Group full-year

Perth - Fortescue Metals full-year results

Melbourne - IOOF Holdings full-year results

Melbourne - IRESS Market Technology first half results

Melbourne - Tatts Group full-year results

Perth - TFS Corp full-year results

Sydney - Sydney Airport first half results

Perth - Atlas Iron full-year results

Sydney - Ramsay Health Care full-year results

Melbourne - Service Stream full-year results

Sydney - Seven Group Holdings full-year results

Perth - St Barbara full-year results

Sydney - Qantas Airways full-year results

Brisbane - PanAust first half results

Sydney - Origin Energy full-year results

Sydney - Mortgage Choice full-year results

FRIDAY, August 24

Canberra - RBA governor Glenn Stevens scheduled to appear before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics at Parliament House

Sydney - Woolworths full-year results

Sydney - Exalt Resources general meeting

Melbourne - Tigers Realm Coal general meeting

Melbourne - TTA Holdings annual general meeting

Sydney - Yancoal Australia full-year result

Melbourne - Ceramic Fuel Cells full-year result

Sydney - Whitehaven Coal full-year results (AAP)

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Reminiscing CD of Little River Band songs collaboration with Variety - the Children's Charity

Reminiscing CD helps special needs kids...

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Music Sydney Entertainment Australia

In support of the launch of their new 'Reminiscing' CD for children in need across Australia, vocalists Danielle Blakey and Evelyn Duprai of the album will appear on stage for live performances of the jazzed up interpretations of the Little River Band songs. Produced by the Children's Charity Variety, the proceeds from the sale of the CD go directly to the charity. The CD's can be purchased for $25 and will also be on sale at the concert.

......known for their ability to take pop songs and turn them into jazzy gems
Jazz Nouveau announce the release of their debut CD "Reminiscing"

"Reminiscing" is a collection of Little River Band songs with a Jazz Nouveau twist, featuring guest vocalists Emma Pask, Evelyn Duprai, Danielle Blakey, Anthea White and Anita Spring and is available on iTunes.

Click here to preview in iTunes
http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/reminiscing/id530608254

Jazz Nouveau - the brainchild of Joseph Calderazzo, was birthed one afternoon in 2003 whilst trying to figure out how he could transform songs that were well known and current into pieces that carried an air of timeless sophistication.

Creating rhythms that echo the heartbeat of the modern metropolis they call home, Jazz Nouveau have developed a sound that not only uniquely reverberates the city of Sydney, it also merges tantalizing cosmopolitan flavours with a classic attention grabbing vintage style!

The band features amazing Sydney musicians including New Zealand prodigy CHARMAINE FORD on piano, DAVE GOODMAN on drums, the debonair GARY HOLGATE who lets the double bass know exactly who’s the boss, the elegant Ms EVELYN DUPRAI who tastefully sings it all from a whisper to a shout, and of course, JOSEPH CALDERAZZO on guitar.

Proceeds from the sale of this CD will go to Variety - The children's charity.

QUOTES AND REVIEWS...

"Jazz Nouveau are happily deconstructing a bunch of rock hits and misses into a very stylish lounge suite." Ross Clelland (Drum Media)

"You nailed Reminiscing" Chris Richards (Owner/booker Blue Beat)

"I can feel an ARIA coming on" Don Bartley (Benchmark Mastering)

".. really nice tracks hey .. we did alright !" Emma Pask (Jazz singer)

"This release and people associated with it surly have an award or two coming their way. Very high quality" (Greg Tingle/Media Man)

"Big congratulations to you guys for producing a beautifully presented tribute to Little River Band. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of it" Anthea White (Hipstones)


Track List...

1.Playing to Win (feat. Emma Pask)
2.Reminiscing (feat. Emma Pask)
3.Night Owls (feat. Danielle Blakey)
4.Down On the Border (feat. Evelyn Duprai)
5.Cool Change (feat. Anthea White)
6.Curiosity Killed the Cat (feat. Emma Pask)
7.Home On a Monday (feat. Anita Spring)
8.Happy Anniversay (feat. Evelyn Duprai)
9.Help Is On It's Way (feat. Danielle Blakey)
10.Nosotros (We Two) (feat. Evelyn Duprai)


News...

Jazz interpretations of Little River Band songs

Date Wednesday 19th September
Time 8:00 p.m.
Venue Blue Beat, Double Bay
Price $20 per person- tickets available at http://tinyurl.com/753j624

Five outstanding Australian songstresses have teamed up to create a very special CD, Reminiscing, to help kids in need across Australia. The album, which is a stunning collection of jazz interpretations of Little River Band songs, will be officially launched as part of Sydney Fringe Festival at Blue Beat in Double Bay on Wednesday 19th September, 2012.

Reminiscing presents the best of the Little River Band performed by five superb guest female vocalists with each song given a unique soulful, jazz twist.   Emma Pask, Evelyn Duprai, Danielle Blakey, Anthea White and Anita Spring, each agreed to the project - giving their voices in song to support Variety’s great work with kids across Australia. Jazz Nouveau, led by charismatic guitarist Joseph Calderazzo, are well known for turning pop songs into jazzy gems. Joseph is joined by an amazing group of musicians including New Zealand piano prodigy Charmaine Ford, rhythm king Dave Goodman on drums and Gary Holgate on double bass, Gordon Rytmeister on drums and Tony Azzopardi on percussion, all lending their talent to the album

Reminiscing merges cosmopolitan flavours and sophistication with timeless vintage style. The album includes Emma Pask, described by James Morrison as the greatest gift to Australian Jazz vocals in the last decade, sings Reminiscing, Playing to Win and Curiosity Killed the Cat; Evelyn Duprai, who is one of the most sought after female vocalists in Australia in the jazz world, gives her rendition of Down On the Border, Happy Anniversary and Nosotros (We Two);  Danielle Blakey, who won the 2011 POP Award NA2R (New Artist to Radio) with the track Fearless, sings Night Owls and Help Is On Its Way; Anthea White, an Australian artist who resides in New York leading the in demand band The Hipstones, singing a soulful rendition of Cool Change and Anita Spring singing Home on a Monday, Anita’s first single ‘Blink’ - from her album Paris can Wait reached number seven in the ARIA Australian singles chart.

At the Reminiscing CD launch on Wednesday September 19 from 8:00pm, Evelyn Duprai will be joined on stage by Jazz Nouveau featuring Dave Goodman on drums, Gary Holgate on double bass, guitarist Joseph Calderazzo, and also including New Zealand Piano prodigy, Charmaine Ford. A tantalizing tapas menu will be available before the commencement of the show.

Tickets are $20 and available online at http://tinyurl.com/753j624.

Reminiscing was produced by Variety – the Children’s Charity with all proceeds from the sale of the physical CD and digital downloads (available through iTunes and Amazon.com) directly helping Australian children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs.

Websites

Emma Pask official website

Evelyn Duprai official website

Variety - the Children's Charity

Jazz Nouveau official website

Little River Band

Sydney Fringe

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