Chinese 12 Sheng Xiao, the guarding demon of everyone, will come to World of Kung Fu

Do you know Sheng Xiao, the Chinese zodiac? Maybe it’s a fresh word in English world. But in China, everyone has Sheng Xiao as the guarding demon of themselves. When a little baby comes to this world, he will get Sheng Xiao depending on his date of birth.

In Chinese traditional culture, each year has an animal to symbolize. There are totally 12 animals as a rotation: rat, bull, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, cock, dog and pig. They are called 12 Sheng Xiao in China.

Now 12 Sheng Xiao will arrive as pets of players in World of Kung Fu, the popular MMORPG from VestGame Entertainment next week. The pets not only can pick up loots for their owner, but also bless people with nice buff.

Do you know which animal is the guarding demon of you? Here are some years related to different Sheng Xiao. Check the year you were born and get your Sheng Xiao.

Rat: 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008

Bull: 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 2009

Tiger: 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998

Rabbit : 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999

Dragon : 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000

Snake : 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001

Horse : 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002

Goat: 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003

Monkey : 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004

Cock : 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005

Dog: 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006

Pig: 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007

My Friends Friend Maker Nintendo DS video game out in July

Create your own friends from a massive collection of clothes, accessories and colours. Ever wanted a friend with purple hair, green shoes, who is cool and loves heavy metal?

The possibilities are endless! Lots of funky hats, glasses, clothes and unusual items you can give your friends – it all adds to the fun!

Give your best friend a makeover and then go out and play together!

Once you’ve given your friend a makeover, you can give them a funky new name and then chose different animations and characteristics! And if you don’t like them – you can go back and change them! The happier your friends are, the more games, clothes, accessories and hairstyles you can unlock… you can even unlock new locations to go and explore and play games in! You can share gifts and friends with other Nintendo DS™ owners and also chat with up to three of them via DS Wireless Communications.

This summer, let My Friends take you to a whole new world of fun & games!

Make Friends, Play Games, Have Fun with My Friends, available for Nintendo DS on 31st July 2009.

The Sims re-write the ten commandments - video game screenshots

Brits suggest updated Commandments as they fail to remember, understand or see relevance in many of the traditional ten

New research out today reveals that over a quarter (28 per cent) of 11 to 16 year old British children can’t recite a single one of the Ten Commandments and only six per cent of British adults and children can recite all ten from memory.

Despite traditionally being viewed as the ultimate set of moral standards for society to live by, research conducted by computer game The Sims 3 reveals that many of the commandments are now seen as outdated and irrelevant to modern life in the UK, with the average number Brits can quote from memory only being four out of the 10.

To mark the launch of The Sims 3 on Friday 5th June, the British public has been invited to suggest a new modern day set of Ten Commandments to reflect the world we live in today.

The Ten Commandments Rewritten have been hand carved into two stone tablets (as referred to in the Bible when they were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai) and will be offered to the Houses of Parliament this week as a benchmark of public opinion about the standards that we should all live by today.

The limestone tablets feature updated versions of six of the traditional commandments that Brits still find relevant to life today but replace the remaining four with the most common themes of over 1,000 suggestions of those polled. Each of the new Ten Commandments uses modern language to help make them more easily understood.
The remaining four new commandments act as a real sign of the times focusing around not being motivated by greed following the MPs’ expenses scandal, not committing acts of terrorism, respecting and protecting the planet, and respecting all people regardless of race, religion or sexuality.

Modernised Traditional Commandments (ranked in order of importance to the British public)
1. Do not kill
2. Do not steal
3. Do not cheat on your partner with another person
4. Do not envy others
5. Respect your parents
6. Do not accuse a person of something they did not do

New Commandments
7. Respect all people regardless of race, religion or sexuality
8. Do not commit acts of terrorism
9. Respect and protect the planet
10. Do not be motivated by greed

Play God
The Sims 3 effectively allows users to ‘play God’. Players become the creators of their own world and the characters that live (or die) within it. They control the lives, personalities and moral conduct of the characters they create. They can then decide whether they choose to ‘play nice’ and give their characters (Sims) happy, prosperous life or to ‘play nasty’ and make things difficult or dangerous.

With this in mind over 1,000 adults and 11 to 16 year olds were quizzed on their knowledge of the Ten Commandments and their opinions on their relevance to modern society, exploring which moral standards actually matter most to modern day Britain.

While the majority of Brits believe that six of the Ten Commandments are still relevant today (ranging from 61 per cent to 91 per cent), around two thirds of the population question the relevance of the remaining four (ranging from 62 per cent to 70 per cent).

Using both traditional and modern wording these four include:
• Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy / You shall remember and keep the Sabbath day holy (only 30 per cent of Brits believe this to still be relevant as people increasingly use Sunday as a day to work and shop)
• Thou shalt have no other gods before me / You shall have no other Gods but me (only 34 per cent of Brits believe this to still be relevant as Brits increasingly adopt other religions and beliefs)
• Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image / You shall not make for yourself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it (only 34 per cent of Brits believe this to still be relevant as Brits increasingly idolise and ‘worship’ celebrities)
• Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain / You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God (only 38 per cent of Brits believe this to still be relevant as the name ‘God’ is so often used to express irritation or unfairness)

Many school children aged 11 to 16 also fail to understand the traditional wording of several of the Ten Commandments according to the research. These include:
• Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image (only 16 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Thou shalt have no gods before me (only 24 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s goods (only 25 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain (only 26 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour (only 27 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)
• Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy (only 29 per cent claim to fully understand the meaning)

Claire Ridley, UK Marketing Manager for The Sims 3 comments:
“The Sims 3 is all about messing with life and making decisions that will affect the lives of each of the characters in the game. Whilst it is ultimately a game, a person’s moral standards will quickly start to show through revealing what sort ‘God’ they will play over their creations.”

In line with The Sims 3, the research also asked what people would be most likely to do if they could ‘play God’ for a day. While eight per cent said that they would help themselves first by making themselves more attractive or wealthy and four per cent said they were use their power to wreak revenge on someone who had done wrong by them in the past, 17 per cent would help improve the lives of friends and family.

However, the overwhelming majority of 65 per cent of Brits would choose to help the world as a whole, such as putting an end to poverty, bringing about world peace and stopping global warming.

While very few people admitted that they would be likely to break any of the Ten Commandments, the ones that people are most likely to break are keeping the Sabbath day holy (38 per cent) misusing God’s name (23 per cent), envying neighbours (19 per cent) and committing adultery (five per cent).

The Sims 3 launches on both PC and Mac formats on Friday 5th June. Photography is available on request.
ENDS
For further information please contact Laura Bonney & Daisy Swan at Mischief PR on ea@mischiefpr.com or on 0207 100 9999.

To find out more about The Sims 3 visit www.gb.thesims3.com.

More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at www.electronicarts.co.uk/press

Notes to editors
The Sims 3 used the independent online research company Fly Research who surveyed over 1,000 adults and children in the UK, from across the country aged 11 and over, in May 2009.

When conducting the following wording of the traditional Ten Commandments was used:
• Thou shalt have no other god before me
• Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
• Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
• Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy
• Honour thy father and thy mother
• Thou shalt not kill
• Thou shalt not commit adultery
• Thou shalt not steal
• Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour
• Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s goods

Fireteam Mode launched for Combat Arms video game in Europe

Nexon Europe unveils today the anticipated new Fireteam mode for its popular free-to-play online first-person-shooter, Combat Arms Europe.

Unlike previous missions, Fireteam is a cooperative based mission and pits four to eight players against the ‘Sand Hog’, a computer-controlled enemy terrorist army, in an intense multi-staged hostage rescue mission. Players can choose from three different difficulty degrees (Normal, Hard and Extreme) and are further challenged with a limited amount of HP and ammunition.

Both can be replenished by picking up ammos and medical kits dropped by fallen enemies, or by reaching certain checkpoints which will also revive fallen teammates.

The goal of the mission is to clear all of the stages before the mission timer runs out, and each game is individually scored based on the player’s performance.

The ‘Sand Hog’ is a terrorist military organization suspected of illegally supplying weapons to nearby countries. An infiltration team sent in earlier had signaled that it had obtained some vital Intel, but failed to make it to the extraction point and is now believed to be captured or killed. The mission is now for players to infiltrate the area and gather the necessary Intel, and if possible, find and rescue the infiltration team.

"Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?" Comes to the mobile phone!

Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old? The hit Sky one quiz show is now available for your mobile phone.
Reminisce about your old school days and test your skills in 15 different subjects ranging from History and Maths to Geography and English. Will you be brave enough to answer the questions alone or will you rely on your 10 year old classmates to help you out?

Choose carefully as each classmate has different strengths and weaknesses. Answer 11 questions to avoid the humiliation of having to admit “I am not smarter than a 10 year old!

Biggest Loser video game Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS Exclusive

THQ announce The Biggest Loser interactive health and fitness video game is currently in development exclusively for Wii and Nintendo DS and is scheduled for release this fall. The Biggest Loser video game is based on the highly rated NBC television show and will feature the expertise of trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels who will provide comprehensive workouts and nutrition goals to help players transform their lives through diet and exercise. The video game will also include Alison Sweeney, host of The Biggest Loser TV show. The Biggest Loser video game is being developed and released through a license agreement with NBC Universal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group and Reveille LLC.

“NBC’s The Biggest Loser show has transformed so many lives across the globe,” said Randy Shoemaker, vice president, global brand management, THQ. “The Biggest Loser video game will help Nintendo players everywhere achieve that same success at home. The video game offers fun, innovative work-out routines and functions as a complete, personalized health and fitness experience, giving players the tools they need to change their bodies and change their lives.”

“The hardest part of getting in shape and staying fit is knowing what to do, as well as maintaining the desire to stick with it,” said Bob Harper, The Biggest Loser trainer. “The Biggest Loser video game incorporates years of research and proven results taken from The Biggest Loser television show. This program offers personalized fitness and nutrition goals to give players the tools they need to lose weight and keep it off. ”

“We are really proud to be able to introduce this video game as part of the great line of product affiliated with ‘The Biggest Loser,’” said Kim Niemi, Senior Vice President, NBC Universal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group. “This video game presents an opportunity for the whole family to exercise and get fit, while having fun together.”

"The Wii is the perfect video game platform for The Biggest Loser, as it encourages activity and motivation,” said Mark Koops, Managing Director at Reveille, the production company behind The Biggest Loser. “The video game not only offers a really fun way to work out, but it also provides users with an effective weight loss tool to help them meet their personal goals. It is a perfect complement to our existing Biggest Loser lifestyle products."

About The Biggest Loser Video Game

The Biggest Loser video game is a fun and engaging way for players to get in shape and maintain their ideal fitness. Set at The Biggest Loser ranch, players can take The Biggest Loser challenge and compete in 4, 8 or 12 week programs against former contestants from the television show, or workout with a friend to form a support system to see who really is The Biggest Loser. Players will work-out to a series of structured routines with special weekly challenges, weigh-ins and eliminations, or they can even create their own workouts. Workouts include upper, lower and core body exercises, as well as cardio and yoga exercises. Progress is documented on a calendar that keeps track of in-game achievements, upcoming training and weigh-in dates. Players can also receive credit for any progress made while not playing the video game, such as going for a walk or a bike ride.

The video game also features 50 healthy recipes from the BiggestLoserClub.com and The New York Times best-selling book series The Biggest Loser to help users learn how to eat right for optimal weight loss. Throughout the Wii workout program, suggestions and tips from contestants and trainers will also help guide players as they transform their lives via diet and exercise. The video game also features an interactive calorie counter that tracks what players are eating and recommends their daily intake based on individual goals.

When paired together, the Wii and Nintendo DS games become powerful training partners with the Nintendo DS serving as a portable tool that can be used to count calories, as well as serve up healthy recipe suggestions on the go. Players can take their ‘trainer’ with them for food, exercise and diet tips that encourage them to stick to their fitness goals no matter where they are. To find out more information on The Biggest Loser video game, go to www.biggestloserthegame.com.

About The Biggest Loser
The first reality series where everybody "loses," The Biggest Loser challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Hosted by Alison Sweeney (Days of our Lives), the series provides the contestants with challenges, temptations, weigh-ins and eliminations until the final contestant remains to claim the title of "the biggest loser." Each team works out under the supervision of professional trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper. The Biggest Loser is a production of Reveille LLC, 25/7 Productions and 3 Ball Productions.

Beyond the U.S. where more than 100 episodes of the show have aired, The Biggest Loser has become a worldwide hit appearing in over 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. Since its debut in 2004, The Biggest Loser has grown to become a standalone health and lifestyle brand by developing tools and products inspired by the show and approved by its doctors and experts. Anchored by the online, subscription-based extension of the show, Biggestloserclub.com, The Biggest Loser Meal Plan, The New York Times best-selling books series, best-selling fitness DVD series, a line of appliances, fitness equipment, protein supplements and countless other health and lifestyle based products, The Biggest Loser consumer products program has generated over $50 million in spending with presence at more than 25,000 major retailers to date. The Biggest Loser was recognized as a top brand of the year in Advertising Age’s 2008 Marketing 50.

Metal Gear Solid - PeaceWalker PSP video game breaks cover

Hideo Kojima?s classic series returns with new story and gameplay mechanics in exclusive new title for PSP
Konami announce an all-new Metal Gear Solid title for PSP (PLAYSTATION PORTABLE), entitled Metal Gear Solid: PeaceWalker. Designed as a full sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, the PSP title offers an unique, new game system and an original story from series creator Hideo Kojima.
Developed by the legendary Hideo Kojima - the mastermind behind the most successful video game tactical-espionage series of all time - this latest PSP® installment picks up where Metal Gear Solid 3 left off. Players take control of the famed Snake, in a thrilling story set in 1974.

Metal Gear Solid: PeaceWalker features original game design, story and scenario by Hideo Kojima. Scheduled to launch in 2010, the game takes the series in an exciting new direction with its incredible visuals and its unique new game system designed specifically with the PSP in mind. Additionally, both download and boxed copy will be available.

"With Metal Gear Solid: PeaceWalker, Kojima Productions has once again pushed the limits of the PSP system, creating a beautiful sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3," said Martin Schneider, European Marketing Director for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. "Metal Gear Solid: PeaceWalker lets players take the action and excitement of a console game to the PSP, and is a stunning addition to MGS Lore."

Metal Gear Solid - Rising video game Not Exclusive on Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and PC-DVD

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced Kojima Productions is working on a new Metal Gear Solid title, which will mark the series’ first simultaneous multi-format release. Entitled Metal Gear Solid: Rising, the game will be available for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and PC-DVD.

The first Metal Gear Solid game in the series’ history to be released simultaneously on three platforms, Metal Gear Solid: Rising stars Raiden – one of the most popular characters within the MGS universe. Raiden made his debut as a playable character in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty for PlayStation 2, and appeared as a non-playable cyborg in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots for PLAYSTATION 3.

“The Metal Gear Solid series has always pushed the bar with its cinematic visuals and entertaining story line,” commented Martin Schneider, European Marketing Director for Konami. “Now even more gamers can immerse themselves in the franchise and experience the groundbreaking series as Metal Gear Solid: Rising heads to the platform of their choice.”

The Super Hero Squad Show Cartoon Network video game coming soon

THQ announceplans to deliver Marvel Super Hero Squad, the first video game based on the animated series, The Super Hero Squad Show, scheduled to debut this fall on Cartoon Network. Marvel Super Hero Squad will mark the first title in THQ’s licensing agreement with Marvel Entertainment, Inc., and is currently in development for Nintendo Wii home video game system, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. The multiplayer adventure game will feature nonstop action-adventure gameplay and epic battles, as well as a breadth of the new, super-stylized Marvel characters.

“We are thrilled to add Marvel Super Hero Squad to THQ’s extensive licensed kids portfolio,” said Kevin Kraff, vice president, global brand management, THQ. “Super Hero Squad will feature an animation style that will appeal to a younger audience, but its depth in graphics and gameplay will also engage the more mature, avid fans of the renowned Marvel brand.”

“Expanding upon The Super Hero Squad Show brand is a major initiative for Marvel in 2009, and launching the Marvel Super Hero Squad video game is a key component in the brand expansion,” said Simon Phillips, president, Worldwide Consumer Products, and CEO, Marvel Animation. “We are confident THQ will bring the renowned Marvel characters to life in a video game that will satisfy the longtime Marvel fans, as well as bring new fans into the fold.”

About Marvel Super Hero Squad
Set in the ever popular Marvel Universe, the Super Hero Squad is on a dire mission against Dr. Doom’s Lethal Legion of villains to recover the hidden Infinity Fractals; fragments of the all-powerful Infinity Sword. Each Infinity Fractal holds incredible power and can have significant effects on its possessor, giving each character special abilities that could alter the game’s rules and playing field. With more than 20 Marvel characters to mix and match, players can choose to take on the role of their favorite Super Heroes and Super Villains, such as Captain America, Dr. Doom, Falcon, Hulk, Iron Man, Juggernaut, Ms. Marvel, Silver Surfer, Thing, Thor and Wolverine, to name a few. Using character-specific super powers and customized combo attacks, players will blast, punch, and bash in fast-moving combat with their nemesis. Players can either jump into a battle arena against up to three opponents in Battle Mode, or choose to relive six campaigns as depicted from the animated series in Adventure Mode. Marvel Super Hero Squad is an immersive, single and multiplayer game filled with dramatic, interactive environments where players are given extraordinary powers to fight for good or evil, depending on which Super Hero Squad character they chose to play as.

For more information on the Marvel Super Hero Squad video game, please visit www.marvelshsgame.com. Information on the rest of THQ’s line-up of family-friendly titles is available on www.playthq.com.

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.
Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel’s strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information, visit www.marvel.com.

About THQ
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

Marvel and all related characters are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries and are used with permission. Copyright © 2009 Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Licensed by Marvel Characters B.V. www.marvel.com. All rights reserved. Super Hero(es) and Super Villain(s) are co-owned registered trademarks.

“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION”, “PS” Family logo and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PSP® system – Memory Stick Duo™ may be required (sold separately).
Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “THQ”), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the Marvel Super Hero Squad video game, and are based upon management’s current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ’s financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2009, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Warhammer 40,000 - Space Marine video game Fact Sheet

THQ announce Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, from renowned internal studio Relic Entertainment, will bring Games Workshop’s (LSE: GAW) Warhammer 40,000 science fiction universe to life on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system for the first time. The Action-RPG title will put players in control of individual units throughout a narrative-driven story campaign and in wide-scale online battles. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine will be unveiled at E3 2009 in THQ’s booth – number 5300 in the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“The Warhammer 40,000 universe has a huge global following and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine will bring that world to life on the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems for the first time ever,” said Kevin Kraff, vice president, global brand management, THQ Inc. “Relic Entertainment is leveraging years of experience developing games within the universe to create an Action-RPG experience unlike anything seen before.”

“Space Marine is an Action-RPG built from the ground up for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems, and will allow gamers to take control of individual units and fight in epic battles across the Warhammer 40,000 universe,” said Jonathan Dowdeswell, general manager, Relic Entertainment. “Relic has a deep understanding of the license based on our previous projects with Games Workshop, and our goal is to ensure Space Marine delivers the most intimate and brutal Warhammer 40,000 experience to date.”

About Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine takes place in the brutal, science fiction setting of Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40,000 universe. In the 41st Millennium, humanity faces extinction at the hands of horrific aliens and demonic hordes. Only one force offers salvation, the superhuman Space Marines. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is an intense Action-RPG featuring epic battles where players take direct control of the ultimate defender of humanity, the mighty Space Marine. Space Marine is currently in development at THQ’s internal studio Relic Entertainment for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems. In the grim darkness of the far future there is only war™…