WELLINGTON, New Zealand - July 23, 2009 - Sidhe, New Zealand's largest game production studio, today announced that its self-published original title, Shatter™, is now available on PlayStation®Network in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australasia. The retro-inspired brick-breaking game, merging familiar action with a modern-crafted production approach, has already started receiving critical acclaim and now gamers can see what editors are raving about. Shatter™ is available for $7.99 in the US, € 5.99 in Europe and £4.99 in the United Kingdom.

"We hope that PlayStation gamers really enjoy Shatter and we look forward to seeing new records being set on the game leaderboards," said Mario Wynands, Managing Director of Sidhe. "We've had a fantastic time making the game and are proud to have delivered a fun experience that anyone can pick up and play."

Shatter will remind players of classic brick-breaking games, but with twists that make it modern and unique including:

Shatter continues Sidhe's moves to self publish a range of original, high-quality titles for the console download market. For more information on Shatter, visit:www.shattergame.com

Funding Will Enable Leading New Zealand Developer to Extend Framework Feature Set and Accelerate Original IP Development

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - May 6, 2009 - Sidhe, New Zealand's largest and most successful game production studio, today announced that it has been awarded additional funding from TechNZ to enhance and extend the studio's cross-platform development technology. The proprietary framework enables developers to save thousands of hours of programming and reduces console platform compliance issues and risks on multi-platform development projects.

"The TechNZ funding will enable us to reach our goals faster by accelerating our development of technology to address the largest issues for this and future generations of game production," said Mario Wynands, Managing Director and co-founder of Sidhe Interactive. "Every production would benefit from having issues surrounding compliance, usability, and standardized functionality addressed from the outset. The framework is already providing massive benefits to our original IP and publisher-funded projects."

TechNZ is the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology's business investment program, and it invests more than $50 million each year in New Zealand businesses to grow world-class companies through innovative technology.

"TechNZ invests in research that will have a significant impact on industries and the ability to have worldwide impact," said Joseph Stuart, a Senior Business Manager with TechNZ. "Sidhe has continued to grow its leadership position in New Zealand's interactive entertainment industry, and its technology is an exemplar of what New Zealand companies are doing to address global innovation needs."

Sidhe Interactive is a licensed publisher and developer for the PLAYSTATIONR3 computer entertainment system, and licensed developer for Xbox 360R video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and NintendoR WiiT. The company has been developing titles across multiple platforms for over a decade, recognizing key components that could be addressed by an integrated cross-platform framework. With years of programming and design already invested into the project, the technology addresses core issues of platform compliance, usability, network functionality, and more, reducing development timeframes, budgets, and risk.

About Sidhe

Founded in 1997, Sidhe is an award-winning developer of console, handheld and PC games. The largest game production studio in New Zealand, Sidhe has a proven track record of creating high-quality, mass-market, licensed and original titles for a worldwide audience. The studio has produced more than 20 high-profile titles including GripShiftR (Xbox 360, PS3, PSP), Jackass the Game (PSP, PS2), and Speed Racer (Wii, PS2), as well as multiple games based on the NRL Rugby League franchise. For more information on Sidhe, please visit: www.sidheinteractive.com

About the Foundation

The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology invests over $530 million a year on behalf of the New Zealand Government in research and development to enhance the wealth and well being of New Zealanders.

TechNZ is the Foundation's business investment programme. It puts $50 million a year into research and development by New Zealand companies, targeting key sectors of the economy with strong growth potential including specialised manufacturing, information technology, biotechnology and food and beverages. For more information visit www.frst.govt.nz

###
Contacts:
Sean Kauppinen
International Digital Entertainment Agency
+1-415-299-2156
sean@ide-agency.com

Jill Rolston
Senior Marketing & Communications Advisor Foundation for Research, Science and Technology
+64 4 916 5894
jill.rolston@frst.govt.nz

15 May 2009 - Focus on a Retro-Inspired, Modern-Crafted Package Makes Shatter a Game for Today’s Gamers

Focus on a Retro-Inspired, Modern-Crafted Package Makes Shatter a Game for Today’s Gamers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, WELLINGTON, New Zealand – May 14, 2009 - Sidhe, New Zealand's largest game production studio, today announced its new original title, Shatter™, which will debut on PlayStation®Network later this year. Shatter is a retro-inspired brick-breaking game that merges familiar action with a modern-crafted production approach.

“We were inspired by classics in the genre, but were very aware of the limitations that most examples don’t overcome, which means they don’t reach the full potential possible,” said Mario Wynands, Managing Director of Sidhe. “We stripped brick-breaking back to the base elements, and rebuilt it from the ground up. The result is a much more connected and visceral experience.”

Shatter will remind players of classic brick-breaking games, but with twists that make it modern and unique including:

Founded in 1997, Sidhe is an award-winning developer of console, handheld and PC games. The largest game production studio in New Zealand, Sidhe has a proven track record of creating high-quality, mass-market, licensed and original titles for a worldwide audience. The studio has produced more than 20 high-profile titles including GripShift® (Xbox 360, PS3, PSP), Jackass™ the Game (PSP, PS2), and most recently Speed Racer The Videogame™ (Wii, PS2), as well as multiple games based on the NRL Rugby League franchise. For more information on Sidhe, please visit: www.sidheinteractive.com

Copyright © 2009 Prodigy Design Limited. Shatter and Sidhe are trademarks or registered trademarks of Prodigy Design Limited. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved.

# # #

CONTACT
Sean Kauppinen
International Digital Entertainment Agency
+1-415-299-2156
sean@ide-agency.com

22 October 2008 - Sidhe Interactive Awarded TechNZ Funding for Innovative Games Technology Platform

Funding Will Enable Leading New Zealand Developer to Focus Resources on Cross-Platform Framework

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - October 21, 2008 - Sidhe Interactive, New Zealand's largest and most successful game production studio, today announced that it has been awarded funding from TechNZ to help the Wellington-based company create an innovative game development framework.

The new framework will enable developers to save thousands of hours of programming and reduce platform compliance issues on future projects as the market shifts from platform exclusives to a fully multi-platform development market with extensive compliance requirements.

TechNZ is the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology's business investment program, and it invests more than $50 million each year in New Zealand businesses to grow world-class companies through innovative technology.

Many development tasks are repeated each time a new game is developed, including interfaces, achievements, credits, network support, menus and other checkbox requirements for each platform. Through standardization of a multi-platform development environment, Sidhe can achieve higher quality and confidently meet all the terms of code approval faster and more efficiently than ever before.

"With our rich console game production history we're acutely aware of the requirements of cross-platform development and the need to create reusable technology to lower development costs, reduce risk and improve quality," said Tyrone McAuley, Technical Director and co-founder of Sidhe Interactive.

"We're confident we're addressing one of the largest issues for this and future generations of game development and the TechNZ funding will enable us to reach our goals faster."

"Sidhe is a highly-creative company, and a leader in the games space within New Zealand bringing international attention and interest from abroad," said Joseph Stuart, TechNZ business manager. "Sidhe has consistently increased the number of jobs and projects for the country, while driving the creative industry, so we expect to see a real return on the investment we are making."

Sidhe Interactive is a licensed publisher and developer for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, and licensed developer for Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Nintendo(R) Wii(TM). The company has been developing titles across multiple platforms for several years, recognizing key components that could be addressed by an integrated cross-platform framework. Sidhe's programming team led by McAuley have already put years of programming and design into the project, addressing core issues of platform compliance, usability, network functionality, and more. The full framework will be announced in the coming months.

About Sidhe Interactive
Founded in 1997, Sidhe Interactive is an award-winning developer of console, handheld and PC games. The largest game production studio in New Zealand, Sidhe has a proven track record of creating high-quality, mass-market, licensed and original titles for a worldwide audience. The studio has produced more than 20 high-profile titles including GripShift(R) (Xbox 360, PS3, PSP), Jackass the Game (PSP, PS2), and most recently Speed Racer (Wii, PS2), as well as multiple games based on the NRL Rugby League franchise. For more information on Sidhe Interactive, please visit: Sidhe Interactive

About TechNZ
TechNZ targets supports to sectors that can produce world-class companies and improve overall economic performance. TechNZ priorities include information communication technology, biotechnology, food and beverage manufacturing and specialised manufacturing.

Contacts:

Sean Kauppinen
International Digital Entertainment Agency
+1-415-299-2156
sean@ide-agency.com

Joseph Stuart
Business Manager, TechNZ
+64 21 977 706
joseph.stuart@frst.govt.nz

22 September 2008 - RUGBY LEAGUE 2: World Cup Edition for PlayStation®2 Announced

SYDNEY, Australia – September 22, 2008 – Home Entertainment Suppliers Pty Ltd (HES) announced today the development of Rugby League 2: World Cup Edition for Sony PlayStation®2, by leading games developer Sidhe Interactive. The game builds on the highly successful 2005 release of Rugby League 2, bringing updated and new content in time for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

“Rugby League 2 was a massive success and gamers had been asking for an updated version for a long time,” said David Robles, Business Development Manager for HES. “By working with Sidhe to deliver a new version of the game, with updated features, and rosters, we’re giving the fans what they want on the platform they want it most.”

Rugby League 2: World Cup Edition includes a host of features and new updates for Rugby fans including:

• All New World Cup Mode
• Squad and Jersey updates for the 2008 NRL, Super League and World Cup International Teams
• Addition of new NRL franchise the Gold Coast Titans including player likenesses
• Stadia updates and five new stadia including Skilled Park (Gold Coast), Browne Park (Rockhampton, QLD), New Craven Park (UK), Twickenham Stoop (UK) and Stade Gilbert Brutus (France)
• New in-game cut scenes
• New Twilight NRL Grand Final Stadia

Rugby League 2: World Cup Edition is expected to be release for PS2 in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom in early November 2008.

About HES
Home Entertainment Suppliers Pty Ltd (HES) are a Sydney-based firm specialising in the distribution of video game consoles, games and accessories throughout the Australian market. Established in 1984, HES are the exclusive distributors of Mad Catz, Saitek and Tru Blu accessories and games in Australia, including 2003’s record breaking NRL Rugby League for PS2, XBOX and PC. HES also has a video game publishing arm, Tru Blu Entertainment.

About Sidhe Interactive
Founded in 1997, Sidhe Interactive is an award-winning developer of console, handheld and PC games. The largest game production studio in New Zealand, Sidhe has a proven track record of creating high-quality, mass-market, licensed and original titles for a worldwide audience. The studio has produced more than 20 high-profile titles including GripShift (Xbox 360, PS3, PSP), Jackass the Game (PS2, PSP), and most recently Speed Racer (Wii, PS2), as well as multiple games based on the NRL Rugby League franchise For more information on Sidhe Interactive, please visit: http://www.sidheinteractive.com

Note to media: Screenshots from the game are available for download from http://www.rl2worldcupedition.com. Permission is given for these to be used in your publication or website.

Contact:

Australian Distributor/Publisher

David Robles
Business Development Manager
Home Entertainment Suppliers P/L
Ph: + 61 2 9533 3055
Fx: + 61 2 9533 3277
E: david@hes.net
W: http://www.hes.net

Developer Media Contact

Sean Kauppinen
International Digital Entertainment Agency
+1-415-299-2156
sidhe@ide-agency.com

NZ Distributor

Raja Henley
Group Product Manager
GameWizz Digital Entertainment Ltd
Ph: + 64 9 477 4007
Fx: + 64 9 475 5000
E: raja@gamewizz.co.nz
W: http://www.gamewizz.com

European Distributor

Roger Hulley
Managing Director
Alternative Software Ltd
Ph: +44 (0)1977 555000
Fx: +44 (0)1977 555111
E: roger@alternativesoftware.com
W: http://www.alternativesoftware.com

6 May 2008 GO SPEED RACER! IN STORES NOW!

WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS

SPEED RACER: THE VIDEOGAME

Players Delve into a High-Octane World of Combat Action Racing Based on the Upcoming Film Opening this Friday, May 9th

Burbank, Calif. — May 6, 2008 — Speed Racer: The Videogame, published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, hits stores across North America today on Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. Based on the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures film directed by the Wachowski brothers, Speed Racer: The Videogame features the voices of Emile Hirsch as Speed Racer, Matthew Fox as Racer X and Christina Ricci as Trixie, who reprise their film roles as playable characters.

In Speed Racer: The Videogame, developed by Sidhe Interactive for the Wii and Virtuos for the Nintendo DS, players will race at amazing speeds to engage in “Car-Fu” battles to outmaneuver opponents as they jump, flip, smash and spin competing cars off the track. Select from 19 different drivers and their extreme cars as players take to the track in an effort to win the illustrious World Racing League cup. One of the first games compatible with the Wii Wheel, Speed Racer: The Videogame allows players to experience all the twists and turns of the film’s racing sequences first hand as they jump behind the wheel of Speed’sT180 race car the Mach 6, or the specially designed T180 race cars of more than 15 other characters, including Racer X, Trixie and other film favorites.

Speed Racer: The Videogame captures the action, look and feel of the high adrenaline arena racing developed for the movie in an accessible, fun-filled game with intense, rollercoaster-like race tracks. Award-winning composer Winifred Phillips, created an original score for the videogame, fusing rock, classical and retro beats into a truly unique game soundtrack.

Speed Racer: The Videogame is a fast-paced, action racer for kids of all ages. Speed Racer: The Videogame is rated “E” for Everyone and is available on Wii at the suggested retail price of $49.99 and Nintendo DS for $29.99.

Contact:

Jos Ruffell
Business Development Executive
Sidhe Interactive
www.sidheinteractive.com
jos@sidheinteractive.com

Remi Sklar
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
818.977.3023
remi.sklar@warnerbros.com

13 February 2008 GRIPSHIFT® TURBO EXPANSION PACK EXPLODES ONTO XBOX LIVE ARCADE

Wellington, New Zealand - February 13, 2008 - Sidhe Interactive, industry leading developer of cross platform titles, today announced the immediate availability of the Turbo Expansion Pack for GripShift® on Xbox LIVE® Arcade, the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games. GripShift fans will enjoy tons of bonus content including all-new single player and multiplayer modes, eight new Race Tracks, eight new Deathmatch Arenas, and eighteen brand new music tracks.

"With Turbo we wanted to extend the GripShift experience for fans that loved the game's initial content." said Mario Wynands, Managing Director of Sidhe Interactive. "GripShift Turbo's bonus single player mini-games will ensure endless excitement for veteran players, while the new multiplayer mode gives new players a competitive edge. Penguin Bowling, the popular mini-game from the PSP version, is returning with as much penguin crushing excitement as ever."

The Turbo Expansion Pack has brand-new single player bonus mini-games including the immensely popular Penguin Bowling and challenging Playground as well as the exciting Snaker. Reverse Tag, the new multiplayer mode, challenges competitors to master their wit, weapons, and skills like never before.

The Turbo Expansion Pack for GripShift® on Xbox LIVE Arcade is available for download now from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for only 350 Microsoft points.

09 January 2008 Wandering Monster Studios launches libRocket, Game UI Authoring Tool

Wadering Monster Studios has released libRocket, a middleware tool for C++ game developers that simplifies the construction of user interfaces.

libRocket lets game developers design interface screens with the commonly known languages HTML and CSS. This provides separation of content from visual representation, allowing style changes to propagate easily across the entire game interface.

"No longer will elements have to be manually positioned and wrapped with clumsy resizing code." said Lloyd Weehuizen, Director of Wandering Monster Studios, "Historically, a disproportionate amount of development time is spent on the interface and we hope libRocket will help alleviate that problem. We've bent over backwards to open it up for extensibility and customisation, and have included the full source code to the user controls."

libRocket is available for Windows PC, Intel Mac and Linux. For more information, or a free trial version, visit the website at www.librocket.com.

Contact: Peter Curry

Email: peter@wanderingmonster.co.nz

01 November 2007 ENTERTAINMENT GURUS CONVERGE ON WELLINGTON NEXT WEEK!

Wellington is hosting AnimfxNZ next week, a showcase of the best and brightest talent from the games, animation and special effects industry.

The line-up is a mix of both Emmy and Academy Award winners from across the globe for magic behind the scenes in digital design and technology innovation.

Dan Curry Visual Effects Producer for Star Trek: Enterprise; Michael Carrington, Executive Creative Director of CBeebies (the top performing children’s television brand, U.K.), Duncan Brinsmead, one of the principal scientists at Autodesk and creator of Maya Paint Effects, Maya Hair and Maya Toon, Rita Street co-producer of the Nicktoons Film Festival with Frederator Studios for the Nicktoons cable channel and Jason Manley CEO of Massive Black.

Another giant of the sfx world speaking at AnimfxNZ is Warren Franklin, CEO of Rainmaker, Canada’s largest animation and VFX studio. Franklin was a key member of George Lucas' creative and management team for more than a decade where he was responsible for creating the Lucasfilm Entertainment Group and served as the Group Vice President managing its six divisions.

AnimfxNZ will also include the leading lights of the New Zealand animation, games and sfx industry with speakers from Academy Award winning studio Weta Digital, the largest games studio in New Zealand, Sidhe Interactive and a number of studios from all over New Zealand (Flux Media, Karactaz, Cobalt vfx, Straylight and many more…).

The combination of local and international talent will not only foster dialogue about design and technology innovation, but take the audience behind the scenes to see the intricacies of production. It is hoped that new partnerships will from to create new collaborations for the future.

AnimfxNZ proves to be an exciting foray into the digital world for students, local creative technology industry talent and international producers and directors looking for new ideas and talent.

No great entertainment symposium is complete without a party and Sidhe Interactive have organised a waterfront party to coincide with Guy Fawkes night in Wellington on Monday 5th November. The party is set to literally going to ‘go off’!

Register now! We look forward to seeing you in Wellington on the 5th and 6th of November, Guy Fawkes night for the Party and 7th for the Student Masterclass Day.

www.animfxnz.com

17 October 2007 Pixelthis Game Nominated for Award

Pixelthis Mobile Flash Lite game ‘Mr. Ice Cream’ has been nominated in the preliminary judging round of the International Mobile Gaming Awards (IMGA). Mr. Ice Cream is nominated as one of 5 finalists in the ‘Best Casual Game’ category, is the only Flash Lite game in this category, and only one of two Flash Lite games nominated overall (of 25 games over 5 categories).

ABOUT THE GAME
Name: Mr. Ice Cream
Category: Arcade
Everyone's favourite Mr. Ice Cream is on his way! Serve delicious ice cream and toppings in 5 stunningly drawn locations around the world, and meet 30 international characters with their own unique animations. Can you help Mr. Ice Cream keep his customers happy?
Available: Late 2007

ABOUT PIXELTHIS MOBILE

Pixelthis is one of the worlds premier developers of quality, exciting casual games for the global market using Adobe Flash Lite technology.

Pixelthis has a successful history of developing online Flash games and other Flash based media for blue-chip clients such as Telecom (NZ), and have now turned their talents to the mobile games space.

Pixelthis works with aggregators and other content distributors to deliver their games throughout the world.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, go to www.pixelthismobile.com, www.imgawards.com, or contact Peter Vullings (peter@pixelthis.co.nz).

09 August 2007 Sidhe to develop Speed Racer for PS2 And Wii

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will launch the Speed Racer videogame based on the upcoming film written and directed by the Wachowski brothers. Speed Racer is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, of a Silver Pictures production. The game will be available in 2008 on the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ systems as the Speed Racer film hits theaters. It will be released on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system with the DVD launch.

In the Wii and PlayStation®2 system games, developed by Sidhe Interactive and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, players will be able to take on the role of the characters from the film, getting behind the wheels of each character's signature vehicles to experience firsthand the film's high adrenaline, combative racing style. The car-fu style of action within the game will closely represent the action style being designed by the Wachowski brothers for the film itself as they lend direction and assets to the development team directly from their Berlin set. John Gaeta, a long time Wachowski collaborator and Co-VFX Supervisor on the Speed Racer film, is working with Sidhe and WBIE to assist in maintaining a close film-to-game aesthetic connection.

"Speed Racer is an exceptionally creative property and teamed with the Wachowski brothers' vision it makes for action-packed racing gameplay," said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Development and Production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "The game will capture the intensity of the racing in the film to give gamers and movie fans a chance to take the wheel after the experience the film."

"We are very excited about this natural extension from the SPEED RACER film to the videogame. Larry and Andy are videogame fans themselves, so they believe that an interactive game is a key component to the entire SPEED RACER experience," said film producer Joel Silver.

The game's development for the Wii™ and PlayStation®2 system platforms is led by the New Zealand-based Sidhe, a game development studio recognized for producing high quality entertainment titles with world class creative and software development skills. Developing across console, handheld, and PC, Sidhe has created a range of innovative products including a variety of racing titles.

Written and directed by the Wachowski brothers (The Matrix trilogy, V for Vendetta) and produced by Joel Silver, Speed Racer is based on the classic series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida. A live-action family adventure, Speed Racer follows the young race car driver Speed in his quest for glory on and off the track in his thundering Mach 5. The film will feature other characters that fans of the show will remember, including Speed's family and his mysterious arch-rival, Racer X. The new high-octane actioner will combine the kind of revolutionary visual effects and cutting-edge storytelling that have become the benchmarks of the Wachowski brothers' films, bringing Speed Racer into the 21st century. The film stars Emile Hirsch ("Alpha Dog") as Speed, Christina Ricci ("Black Snake Moan") as Trixie and Matthew Fox (TV's "Lost") as Racer X as well as Oscar winner Susan Sarandon ("Dead Man Walking") and John Goodman ("Evan Almighty") as Mom and Pops Racer.

26th July 2007 - The Vision Quest Experience invites you to Change the Future

In the future, audiences won’t just sit back and watch a story unfold; they’ll have the power to warp worlds, to meld mythologies, to become the story. The future is here, as V Global Media and Straylight Studios announce the world’s first interactive novels!

Deborah M Pratt –award winning producer and head writer of Quantum Leap- invites you to enter the wondrous landscape of The Vision Quest Online Experience. TheVisionQuest.com is a unique community-driven world where you can create a character, find items, watch videos, play games, make friends, and develop an online personality in a world of towering cities, strange creatures, and rogue artificial intelligence.

Join up and you could make history as on October 31 2007 the top user-generated character will be chosen to become a character in the series’ next book, making The Vision Quest the world’s first series of community-participation novels.

Imagine reading a novel set in a world that you can contribute to and influence its destiny. Imagine meeting your heroes from the books online. Imagine turning the page and seeing your character as part of the world and story!

Imagine no longer, the power is now in your hands to become part of this revolutionary new mode of storytelling called Interactive Narrative. This first competition will go live on August 1st to coincide with the release of Book One: The Age of Light at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com

Join now: www.thevisionquest.com

4th July 2007 - Games, Girls & Graphics

With New Zealand's youth rapidly increasing their digital awareness, and girls showing they aren't afraid to have a go, the games and graphics industry is thriving.

Join New Zealand's Game Development Community as they converge on Auckland's Town Hall to celebrate our most digitally advanced creative industry. With two jam-packed days of National and International speakers, G3 will be both interactive and spectacularly informative.

The event is free of charge and registration is essential. To view the programme and register your interest, please follow this link http://www.shoko.co.nz/g3/

22nd June 2007 - STRAYLIGHT ENTER 3D TRAINING MARKET with VIRTUAL KITCHEN

In a world first, Straylight Studios -New Zealand’s leading developer of games for training- announce the pilot release of their Virtual Kitchen Training Environment, raising the bar for food safety training and firmly establishing the company as a global competitor in the Serious Games marketplace.

Straylight’s CEO, Tim Nixon, has been guiding the company’s vision to bring games to the mass market by finding immediate vertical opportunities in the Serious Games sector, a highly untapped and lucrative marketplace. Previous Straylight developments focusing on such markets as Small Business and Injury Prevention training have paved the way for this highly detailed, yet incredibly intuitive educational tool.

Mr Nixon states that the unique challenge with mass market games lies not in driving graphics performance, but rather in “building an intuitive interface that can be understood by someone with no existing computer skills.” The team at Straylight offer a unique perspective in that their combination of design and engineering expertise drives a user centric approach, whether that user is a computer whiz or café kitchen hand.

THE KITCHEN

In this Serious Game, players are walked through a day in the life of a real world kitchen hand, thawing meats, baking pies, and preparing sandwiches.

Throughout the process the player must observe all the correct food safety standards such as cleaning down benches, checking temperatures of food, and washing hands. After being guided through the process once by a virtual tutor, the player must then complete the tasks on their own. Should they follow all the correct food hygiene steps, the player will pass and walk away with the required knowledge to safely work in a food handling environment.

The first client of The Kitchen, Otago Polytechnic, are thrilled to be trialling the technology within their campus. Mike Waddell, Marketing and Business Development Manager for the Polytechnic, cited the “high turnover of staff in the hospitality industry and constant concern about standards” as key issues demanding new approaches to a traditional problem.

As the list of queuing clients grows locally, the focus now shifts to the international marketplace, in particular to Europe, where world leading partners are already making plans to adopt the technology into their catalogue.

THE RESPONSE

Not only has the game quickly found a first client, but already it is attracting accolades from industry, being announced as a finalist in the Computerland Excellence Awards in the category of Innovative Use of IT.

The Kitchen is being commercialised by partner company The Street, whose CEO Nigel Kirkpatrick has heard nothing but glowing reviews for the product as he takes it to the international market. “It’s fantastic to see such innovative technology coming once again from our small yet significant country,” Mr Kirkpatrick said. “It’s becoming very obvious very quickly that there is a massive opportunity for Serious Games, especially in the compliance space.”

THE FUTURE

While the momentum gathered for this product is already huge, Mr Nixon insists that this really is only the beginning. “We’re working with partners in Europe, and the USA to ensure that we’re finding the most exciting opportunities worldwide, not just in the training space, but also in ways we can bring our distinct accessibility to the entertainment market.”

This innovative development and more are profiled on Straylight’s website http://www.straylight-studios.com/

Full resolution images available upon request.

All press enquiries:

Timothy Nixon
CEO
Straylight Studios
tim@straylight-studios.com
cell: +64 21 377 282
office: +64 3 474 2108

Straylight Studios
First Floor
115 Lower Stuart St
Dunedin
New Zealand

10 April 2007 - Cube™ for PlayStation®Portable

Game development studio Metia Interactive announced today that their original title, Cube™ for PlayStation®Portable, is due for release in the North America 24 April 2007, Japan 27 May 2007 and Europe 25 June 2007.

In preparation for the forthcoming launch, the official Cube website with screenshots, information and trailer has been launched www.thecubegame.com.

“Cube was designed specifically to take advantage of the PlayStation®Portable with features such as gameshare and adhoc multiplayer modes, " said Maru Nihoniho, Managing Director of Metia Interactive. "Cube comes in at a very competitive price point is a great purchase for PlayStation®Portable owners".

Warwick Light, Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand's General Manager - Sales & Marketing said "It's fantastic to see New Zealand made content on the PSP format. We offer our congratulations to Metia, Cube's thrilling and addictive game-play will surely make it a winning title on the PSP this year".

Available exclusively for the PlayStation®Portable, Cube is an addictive strategy/puzzle game that challenges players to make their way through suspended 3D worlds of platforms and mazes. Cube offers compelling single and multiplayer modes and allows players to create and share custom levels with friends. Each level is jam-packed with obstacles and collectible items for players of all ages to enjoy. Offering endless hours of replayability, players can explore Cube on impulse or take down total environments in one sitting. Cube delivers the addiction casual gamers have come to expect!

The features of Cube include:

• Multiple Environments and Levels – Explore 9 themed zones and 135 compelling levels of gameplay.
• Create And Share Puzzles With Friends – Build your own unique and custom levels by using the level editor.
• Bonus Levels – Unlock 9 bonus levels and receive new challenges to conquer.
• Unlockable Content – Unlock hidden music and add that music to your custom levels by completing the Rhythm Modes.
• Challenging Obstacles – More than 13 different entities/triggers/hazards from “rolling bombs” to “sinker cubes” either helps or hinders your progress or use them to create and share custom puzzles.
• Wireless Multiplayer Mode – Play Battle and Co-op mode in more than 35 levels!
• Game Sharing – Share game-share levels with friends that don’t have their own copy of Cube.
• Original Sound Track - Cube also features it’s own original soundtrack developed by Paddy Free and Michael Hodgson from New Zealand music group Pitch Black.

“Metia Interactive has a great working relationship with the team at D3Publisher and we are pleased to be collaborating with them on Cube. D3Publisher has given us the opportunity, time and freedom to create a game that will provide the fun factor that people expect in a puzzle game with simplistic stylish graphics, action elements and shared content” said Maru Nihoniho, Managing Director of Metia Interactive.

16 November 2006 - Media Design School is urgently looking for students for its Graduate Diploma of Game Development (Programming Stream).

Anyone with computer science degree or background could be eligible for the course.

The Goliath game by Media Design School's Game Development graduates was winner of the 2006 Independent Games Festival Student Showcase, San Francisco, USA.

Microsoft has also recently announced a landmark partnership between Kiwi filmmakers Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh and Microsoft Game Studios to establish Wingnut Interactive - a New Zealand-based studio dedicated to the creation of world-class interactive entertainment.

As for the problems with some industries where graduates exceed industry need, the New Zealand Game Developers Association also said this year, "Given current enrolment numbers it would take until 2018 before we have enough graduates to get anywhere near (the target needed)."

For more information, visit Media Design School.

02 October 2006 - Sidhe continues scholarship support for Game Development students

Sidhe continues scholarship support for Game Development students Sidhe Interactive announced that they will offer a tuition scholarship to the value of NZ$4,000 for students wishing to study on Media Design School's Graduate Diploma of Game Development.

"The New Zealand game development industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years", commented Mario Wynands, Managing Director of Sidhe Interactive. "Sidhe is delighted to continue helping ensure this growth is sustainable by offering opportunities to emerging, talented individuals".

Sidhe will award the scholarship to one first year student enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Game Development commencing 6 November 2006. All NZ citizen or permanent resident students currently enrolled in this intake will be eligible, along with any subsequent applicants who submit their application to Media Design School before 27 October 2006.

The scholarship will be based upon candidates' skills and abilities, motivations and evidence of financial hardship. Media Design School will match the value of the scholarship for the student's second year of study.

"As the New Zealand games industry grows, Sidhe Interactive's partnership with Media Design School grows increasingly crucial in identifying, training and pushing top talents into New Zealand's games industry. With that goal in mind, this scholarship provides an opportunity for a promising New Zealand game developer to take game programming or game art to the next level,"said Jin Wan, Media Design School's Marketing Manager.

Media Design School's 16 month Graduate Diploma of Game Development is the only qualification of its kind in New Zealand that offers such specialized games focused training. For scholarship eligibility criteria and application details, contact Simon Earle at Media Design School on (09) 3030 402 or email simon@mediadesign.school.nz

Sidhe Interactive develops games for the PC, Sony PlayStation(tm), Sony PlayStation™ 2, Sony PSP™, and Microsoft Xbox™. You can find out more about Sidhe Interactive online at www.sidheinteractive.com.

29 September 2006 - Melbourne Cup Videogame Lines Up For The Starter's Gate

Home Entertainment Suppliers Pty Ltd (HES) today announced the release date for the hotly anticipated horse racing videogame, Melbourne Cup Challenge for the Sony PlayStation(R) 2, Microsoft Xbox™ and PC. Galloping into stores across Australia and New Zealand on 26 October 2006, Melbourne Cup Challenge brings the energy and excitement of the great race into homes ahead of the 2006 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

"The Emirates Melbourne Cup is the race that stops a nation", said David Robles, Business Development Manager for HES. "The excitement, passion, and glamour of the horse racing industry are captured in Melbourne Cup Challenge allowing gamers themselves to compete in their very own legendary horse racing events".

"From horse racing enthusiast to casual gamer, there is something for everyone in Melbourne Cup Challenge", said Robles. "The success of the title will build into an ongoing franchise from which we can continue to push the boundaries of the genre."

The features of Melbourne Cup Challenge include -

• Official licenses including access to the Emirates Melbourne Cup Race, Flemington Race Course, Classic Caulfield, The Caulfield Cup, Royal Ascot Race Course, leading jockey Frankie Dettori, and more
• Multiplayer online play for all platforms, allowing competitive and friendly play over the Internet with up to 8 people
• Multiple game modes including Season Mode, Jockey Challenge, Betting Party, and Simulation Mode.
• In depth Season Mode including auctions, horse breeding, training, personnel hiring and firing, and stable management
• Highly detailed graphics including realistic horses and jockeys, weather effects, and accurately modelled Australian and international race courses.
• Live race commentary by Matthew Hill from Sky Channel
• Lifelike horse and jockey animation, motion captured by Weta Digital, the VFX wizards behind The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy

"We are very pleased with what we have been able to achieve with the title" said Mario Wynands, Managing Director of Sidhe Interactive, the development studio behind the title. "Melbourne Cup Challenge raises the bar in the horse racing gaming genre by providing ease of accessibility, online connectivity and superior graphical realism".

Melbourne Cup Challenge will release on PS2, Xbox and PC in Australasia on 26 October 2006 under 'Tru Blu Games', the publishing division of HES. The title will also be released in Europe at a later date under the name "Frankie Dettori Racing".

28 September 2006 - Landmark Partnership Announced

A landmark partnership announced between Academy Award-winning writer, director and producer Peter Jackson, Academy Award-winning screenwriter Fran Walsh, and Microsoft Game Studios will create two new interactive entertainment series exclusively for Xbox 360 and Xbox LiveR. The first series will be a collaborative effort with Bungie Studios to co-create the next great chapter in the "HaloR" universe. The second series will be an entirely original property targeted at bringing new audiences into the captivating world of interactive entertainment. In addition, Microsoft Game Studios will partner with Jackson and Walsh to establish Wingnut Interactive, a studio dedicated to the creation of world-class interactive entertainment.

28 September 2006 - bro'Town Game Launches Today!

Ignite Studios Ltd is thrilled to announce the release of the first bro’Town mobile phone game.

The team at Ignite Studios worked closely with Firehorse Films, Vodafone, Gamer Experience and Beanbag to create ‘Handle the Jandal’, the first locally made mobile game on the Vodafone network.

In this game Mrs Tapili has baked three pavlovas for the Minister… but Vale, Valea, Mack, Sione and Jeff da Maori want to eat them first! You play as Mrs Tapili. Can you Handle the Jandal and stop the boys from reaching the pavlovas?

To download this game text ‘bro’ to Live (5483) and Vodafone will send you a link to a free mobile WAP page.

From there you’ll be able to download ‘Handle the Jandle’ and other cool bro’Town things for your mobile, including choice ringtones, pictures and the latest bro’Town clips!

Plus, download or watch any bro'Town stuff on your Vodafone live! mobile before 18th November and you'll go in the draw to win a walk on part in the next series!

12 July 2006 - Haka in Rugby League 2 for Xbox™ Videogame Breaks New Ground

Wellington, New Zealand - 12 July 2006 – Game developer Sidhe Interactive and Ngati Kimihia Hapu (sub-tribe) of Ngati Toa Rangatira announced today that Sidhe’s upcoming videogame title “Rugby League 2” for Xbox(TM) would feature the traditional Maori Haka known as Ka Mate.

The Haka is a warrior challenge, traditionally performed at the meeting of Maori tribes as a means to both show respect and intimidate opponents. Ka Mate is a form of Haka, originally choreographed around 1820 by famous Maori chief Te Rauparaha of the Ngati Toa Rangatira tribe. Still used ceremonially today, Ka Mate has also been adopted by New Zealand sports teams and is performed before international sporting events.

“As New Zealanders, we were passionate about including Ka Mate in the title to enrich the gaming experience” said Mario Wynands, Managing Director of Sidhe Interactive, “However, we were also conscious that we needed to ensure the tradition was presented with integrity and in a respectful way.”

Sidhe Interactive consulted with the Ngati Toa Rangatira at length to ensure both the accuracy of Ka Mate within the game and obtain tribal approval. Ignite Studios acted as advisor to the collaboration and produced the haka component - traditionally trained specialists were sourced to record the vocals and perform motion captured actions. In the game, Ka Mate is performed by computer animated representations of the New Zealand national rugby league team, the Kiwis, before international matches. Ngati Toa Rangatira elders reviewed and approved the final result.

“This is a unique opportunity for Ngati Toa Rangatira to exercise ‘mana’ (authority) over their treasured haka Ka Mate in the modern multi-media digital world” said Ngati Toa Rangatira spokesperson Oriwa Solomon. “It is hoped that this will be a template for future collaborative arrangements between Ngati Kimihia and other parties wishing to use or currently using Ka Mate. Sidhe should be applauded for acknowledging Ngati Kimihia and Ngati Toa as the rightful owners of Ka Mate and that the ownership of cultural Intellectual Property resides with their indigenous communities of origin.”

Rugby League 2 for Xbox™ will be released in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe on 13 July 2006 under "Tru Blu Games", the publishing division of HES. The game is currently available for the PlayStation(R)2 and PC platforms which do not include Ka Mate, but were the number one selling videogames in Australasia at release in December 2005.

More information, media and downloads for Rugby League 2 can be found at www.rugbyleague2.com. For more information about the haka Ka Mate please contact www.ngatikimihia.com.

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Note to media: Permission is given for all media available at www.rugbyleague2.com to be used in your publication or website. Higher resolution assets available on request.

07 December 2005 - Rugby League 2 Fever Pitch

Home Entertainment Suppliers Pty Ltd(HES) has announced "incredibly strong" presales of "Rugby League 2" for PlayStation(R)2 and PC, with some retailers organising midnight releases to cope with the high demand. The game follows on from the highly successful 2003 release "Rugby League", which was the number 1 selling title in Australasia over Christmas 2003. Total presales for Rugby League 2 are over double that of the previous title, which had itself broken a global single store presales record for Electronics Boutique.

"The positive response to the sequel from both retailers and consumers alike has been overwhelming" said Sebastian Giompaolo, Managing Director for HES. "We are very pleased with both the final product resulting from our continuing investment in the franchise, and the support we have had from our development, distribution, and licensing partners".

Features of "Rugby League 2" include

• Multiplayer online play for both platforms, allowing competitive and friendly play over the Internet, player rankings, and statistics.
• All major teams and competitions including the NRL, SuperLeague (including, in addition, the 2006 teams Les Catalans and Castleford), State of Origin, City versus Country, and 17 different International Teams.
• 40 stadia from around the world including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and France
• Brand new gameplay features including video ref, enhanced AI, ball stripping, shoulder barges, diving on and kicking the loose ball, contesting the high ball, pass to playmaker and more.
• New 10 year Franchise Mode, including player contract management, injuries, judiciary, and mid season representative games.
• Highly realistic, individually modelled likenesses for over 500 players.
• Lifelike animation, motion captured by Weta Digital, the VFX wizards behind The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.

Mario Wynands, Managing Director of Sidhe Interactive, the development studio behind the title said, "Rugby League 2 delivers an even richer and more engrossing sports gaming experience than the first title in the series. Our commitment to development and listening to the fans has allowed us to bring rugby gaming to a whole new level".

Rugby League 2 will be released in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe on PlayStation(R)2 and PC on December 8th under "Tru Blu Games", the publishing division of HES. NRL players will be making appearances for the launch at stores within the greater Sydney region at EB Games Miranda, Gamesmen Penshurst, EB Games Macarthur and Gamesmen Penrith (see www.hes.net for details).

More information, media and downloads for Rugby League 2 can be found at www.rugbyleague2.com.

10 November 2005 - GripShift™ for PSP Jumps Over to Europe and Australasia

Game development studio Sidhe Interactive announced today that their original title, GripShift™ for PlayStation™ Portable, would be released in Europe on 11 November, Australia on 17 November and New Zealand on 18 November 2005. In preparation for the imminent launch, new screenshots and a brand new trailer have been made available for download from www.gripshiftgame.com.

GripShift™ mixes platform, driving and puzzle elements to create a unique gameplay experience for PSP™.

"The PlayStation Portable is a fantastic platform, offering fun new gaming possibilities. GripShift was designed from the ground up specifically to take advantage of this great new handheld" said Mario Wynands, Managing Director of Sidhe Interactive. "With a very competitive price point and a huge amount of content on offer, GripShift is the perfect purchase for new PSP owners".

The features of GripShift™ include

• Stunt Driving, Platform-Action and Puzzle Solving genres combined offer the ultimate on-the-go driving experience.
• More than 100 diverse levels in 4 themed worlds with brilliant 3D graphics, vibrant colour, dynamic visual effects, and full screen anti-aliasing.
• Multiple routes, short-cuts, loops, jumps, ramps, power-ups and dangers to avoid will challenge even the most skilled drivers.
• Exciting Race Mode provides action for players to race against the CPU or human drivers.
• 8 Bonus games including Penguin Bowling, Bomb Pool, Soccer Crazy, Snaker, Ice Hockey and more offer varied challenges to suit your mood.
• Wireless multiplayer action for up to 4 players.
• Create custom levels with the in-game Track Editor and share them wirelessly with friends or trade over the Internet via PC for ongoing fun.
• Choose one of 6 playable characters and customise your vehicles for a unique look.
• Short load times keep you in the action, not waiting around.

"We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from fans on our message boards and across the Internet" said GripShift™ producer and designer, Andy Satterthwaite. "We look forward to seeing the unique level solutions and custom track creations of a whole new set of gamers in the PAL territories".

GripShift™ also features music from talented New Zealand artists including chart topping hiphop duo Misfits of Science, drum and bass outfit Shapeshifter, and Auckland based DJs Filterbrats.

10 November 2005 - Media Design School - Studying options for 2006

If you are interested in a career in 3D Animation or Game Development you may like to attend Media Design School's open evening. You can learn more about the courses, see some work showcased and talk to succesful graduates already in the industry.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday 7 December 2005, at 6pm. Courses covered include:

• 3D Computer Animation
• Visual Effects and Motion Graphics
• 3D Imagery and Visualisation
• Game Development
• Interactive Gaming

Places are limited. Please confirm your place by emailing rsvp@mediadesign.school.nz or call (09) 3030 402

23 October 2005 - NZ Game Developers pick up TUANZ (e)-vision awards

The 2005 TUANZ (e)-vision awards winners were announced Thursday night. Straylight Interactive's StarTag picked up the Entertainment Award. Students from Media Design School won the Craft Award with their game Goliath.

05 September 2005 - Sidhe Continues Scholarship Support For Game Development Diploma

Sidhe Interactive announced today that they will offer a tuition scholarship to the value of NZ$4,000 for students wishing to study on Media Design School's Graduate Diploma of Game Development.

"The New Zealand game development industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years", commented Mario Wynands, Managing Director of Sidhe Interactive. "Sidhe is delighted to continue helping ensure this growth is sustainable by offering opportunities to emerging, talented individuals".

Sidhe will award the scholarship to one first year student enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Game Development commencing 26 September 2005. All NZ citizen or permanent resident students currently enrolled in this intake will be eligible, along with any subsequent applicants who submit their application to Media Design School before 16 September 2005.

The scholarship will be based upon candidates' skills and abilities, motivations and evidence of financial hardship. Media Design School will match the value of the scholarship for the student's second year of study.

"The continued support from Sidhe Interactive is fantastic and enables us to continue to assist in the development of New Zealand's up and coming games industry. The scholarship will give one worthy recipient the chance to pursue a career as a game artist or game programmer," said Caroline Booth, Media Design School's Marketing Communications Manager.

Media Design School's 16 month Graduate Diploma of Game Development is the only qualification of its kind in New Zealand that offers such specialized games focused training.

For scholarship eligibility criteria and application details, contact Simon Earle at Media Design School on (09) 3030 402 or email simon@mediadesign.school.nz

Sidhe Interactive is currently developing multiple titles for Sony PlayStation™ 2, Sony PlayStation Portable™, Microsoft Xbox™, and PC.