Toronto, Canada – August 27, 2008 –Today leading computer game publisher Lighthouse Interactive, part of SilverBirch Inc.’s video game division, and developer Nitro Games, released six never-before-seen screenshots for East India Company. These print quality screenshots highlight the three basic gameplay elements: strategy, combat and trade. Scheduled to release in Q1 2009, this dynamic real-time strategy war game for Windows® PC is based on the exploits and adventures of the infamous 18th century East India Companies. It challenges players to build the World’s most powerful trading empire as they engage in fierce open sea battles in both single player and multiplayer modes.

GAME SUMMARY

In East India Company, players will assume the role of Governor Director of one of the East India Companies or other rival companies. There are eight nationalities to choose from: British, Dutch, French, Danish, Portuguese, Swedish, Italian or Spanish – with the goal of bringing new colonies and wealth such as: tea, spices, gold, diamonds and other precious cargo back to Europe, but they must dominate the other rival empires along the way. Wars will be waged and blood will be spilled. Players will also conquer the open sea and explore 40 different cities, towns and villages. Starting modestly, you will build your fleet, establish connections to far away countries, and keep the rivaling nations at bay. Choose from an array of ship classes and types of transport and military vessels: small sloops, schooners, brigantines, frigates and ship-of-the-line. Create different fleets and assign them to specific trading routes. Controlling well situated ports and upgrading them is one key to success.

Conflicts and wars are inevitable. When hostile fleets engage each other, the spectacular naval battles are fought at a real-time tactical level. Devastating broadsides are fired with a deafening roar and cannon balls tear through enemy ships and their crew. At a tactical level, you have direct command over your ship and give independent orders to each of your other fleets. Fight against the other European powers to create a trading empire that will rule above all others!

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Popular Canadian LAN party site LanPartyEh, which went into hiatus in July 2007 is back with a new look and new proprietors. Once a project of NeoSeeker’s Howard Ha, the site became too large and too time-consuming for Howard to maintain. Local LAN organizers Nathaniel Sabanski and James Charlton spearheaded the project, uniting two separate projects into one. James approached Howard with a proposal regarding the old LanPartyEh site, Howard agreed, and earlier this month the new site was relaunched with a new, updated look and a new sense of unity among Vancouver-area LAN organizers. The project brings together the CapLAN-LowermainLAN, C-Toan, AelatisLAN and Digital Storm events. The administration and staff of LanPartyEh hope to see the site grow into a community which effectively connects not only the BC lan community, but the lan community across Canada.

The ACM SIGGRAPH Vancouver Chapter has announced the calendar of events for the upcoming SPARK Animation Festival taking place this September 10 – 14 at the Vancity and Empire Theatres. With featured speakers from Dreamworks and Pixar, along with animation pioneer Ed Hooks, movie screenings and more, SPARK promises to be an exciting event to attend. Please see the Vancouver SIGGRAPH event page for further information and to purchase tickets.

Schedule of Events:

Day 1 – September 10 at the Empire Theatre
A Night With Dreamworks

Day 2 – September 11 at the Vancity Theatre
A Night With Blue Sky Studios

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August 25, 2008. Toronto, Canada: The Adventure Company, a leading worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software, today announced Murder in the Abbey for Windows® has shipped to retail stores in North America. The title will sell for a suggested retail price of $19.99 USD.

“Murder in the Abbey is a fresh approach for adventure gamers,” said Brian Gladman, Product Manager at The Adventure Company. “The game offers a remarkable reproduction of a medieval abbey, with stunning architecture and works of art. Players will have 60 locations to explore in a unique cinematic presentation which combines 2D and 3D graphics.”

Storyline:

Monks, murder, and above all, suspense…

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Montreal – August 22, 2008 – Meridian4 and Dialogue Design are pleased to announce that their highly-anticipated and critically acclaimed Indie title; Tank Universal is now available for download on most digital channels.

“After much hard work, a little digital elbow grease and in conjunction with our publishing partner, Meridian4 – Dialogue Design is thrilled to announce that today is the day for the release of our much-awaited indie tank blasting title Tank Universal.” said Phil Jones of Dialogue Design, “Interest has been strong in the lead-up to the game’s release and we would like to thank all those who pre-ordered and to wish everyone good luck (and good aiming) in the virtual tank battles ahead!”

“As I have stated before, we instantly took a liking to Tank Universal when it was shown to us. Its unique look, its gameplay features and the fun factor were all present. Now that gamers and the press have a chance to play it, I know it’ll become an instant Indie classic.” said Andy Sher, CEO at Meridian4.

Tank Universal is available now for $9.99 on most digital online channels including Steam, D2D, Impulse, GamersGate and many more.

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Black Box, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), today unveiled new details of Need for Speed™ Undercover, the intense action racing game scheduled for release worldwide this November. Need for Speed Undercover has players racing through speedways, dodging cops and chasing rivals as they go deep undercover to take down an International crime syndicate. The new game heralds the return of high-intensity police chases and introduces the all-new ‘Heroic Driving Engine’ — a unique technology that generates incredible high-performance moves at 180 miles per hour during breathtaking highway battles.

“Need for Speed Undercover puts you at the center of a big-budget Hollywood movie with all of the drama, action and dazzling chase scenes, right on your gaming console. The unique Heroic Driving Engine will give you ultimate control over the hottest cars and push you to use every ounce of skill to outrun the law and take down criminal adversaries,” said Executive Producer Bill Harrison.

A mix of stunning computer graphics and live-action movies will immerse gamers in the rich world of the Tri-City Bay Area. The city’s open-world environment features over 80 miles of roads, including an enormous highway system that sets the stage for heart-pounding highway battles. These high-speed, high-stake chase sequences will push players to the limit as they fight off cops and opponents while whipping through traffic at 180 miles per hour.
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Details and facts about the upcoming addition to the Crash Bandicoot franchise were released this week at GC Leipzig.

Publisher Sierra Entertainment
Category Action
Developer Radical Entertainment
Format Xbox360, Wii, PS2, DS, PSP

Product Overview
In Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant, a rejuvenated Neo Cortex is taking over the world one brain at a time! Cortex and N. Brio devise a new kind of evil; a text-messaging, do-anything device which controls both mutant and bandicoot minds. Armed with his quick-wits and lightening agility, Crash must free his friends, the titans and save the day!
Product Features
• Mutant in Your Pocket! – Not only does Crash keep the ability to control his enemies when he jacks them – now he can store his favorite monsters in his pocket, upgrade them and utilize their powers when they are most advantageous

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Montreal – August 19, 2008 – Meridian4 and Buka Entertainment of Moscow, Russia are pleased to announce that the long-awaited sequel to Pacific Storm; Pacific Storm Allies arrives on Steam with an unforgettable mix of real-time strategy and blistering arcade combat, recreating World War II’s most heated battles.

Save 10% off the regular price of $9.99 for Pacific Storm Allies when you buy before August 25^th or save 20% when you buy the two titles; Pacific Storm and Pacific Storm Allies as a bundle pack. Gamers can visit the games section of Meridian4’s web site or Steam for further information.

About Pacific Storm Allies

Experience large-scale naval and air operations of the Pacific as either the United States, Imperial Japan, or new playable nation – the UK. Marvel at the enhanced 3D visual engine complete with detailed damage modeling. Settle disputes via diplomacy or battle. Or assume direct control over stunningly-rendered ships and planes to personally annihilate your adversaries. From the US to USSR, Germany to Japan, new missions, tactical maneuvers and multiplayer modes offer armchair admirals greater excitement than ever.
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G4techTV is pleased to announce the Telly-Award winning TV series The Electric Playground is expanding to offer viewers daily gaming, tech and entertainment news. Starting August 18, 2008, EP Daily will air on G4techTV from Monday to Friday, at 6pm ET.

After 12 successful years as a weekly TV series, The Electric Playground will continue to bring viewers all the latest news and product reviews from the gaming universe and will expand its content as part of the move to a daily show. The show will continue to go on location and behind the scenes to provide interviews with video game developers, previews of upcoming games, industry news, technology features and celebrity gamer segments, as well as a look at the latest gadgets, toys and comics. Under the new daily format, the show will also feature the who’s who of filmmakers, animators, musicians, novelists, visual effects professionals and athletes, as well as the low down on cool websites, gadgets, television programs, movies and the top gaming and consumer tech conventions.

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Leading worldwide videogame publisher Lighthouse Interactive, part of SilverBirch Inc.’s (SVB : TSXV) video game division, announced today that it has signed a Publisher License Agreement with Nintendo of Europe GmbH. This allows Lighthouse Interactive to publish and develop products on Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ platforms.

Steve Wall, Cofounder and Vice President of Lighthouse Interactive said, “This is a significant milestone in the continued growth of the company. It gives us the opportunity to further expand our product catalogue and take Lighthouse Interactive to the next level. We look forward to working with Nintendo.”