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Game Connect: Asia Pacific 2008

Game Connect: Asia Pacific (GCAP) 2008 is the premier conference, exhibition and networking event for the Asia Pacific Games Industry. GCAP 08 will be held at the Hilton Brisbane, Queensland from 19- 22 November 2008. GCAP is proudly hosted by the Game Developer’s Association of Australia (GDAA) with support from the Queensland Government.

Some of the main topics of GCAP will be online, mobile and casual games, serious games, along with technological developments including latest server technologies. GDAA is also looking for presentations and workshops in the fields of:

• Game Development,
• Writing and Scripting,
• Project Management,
• Serious Games in Defence, Health, Education and Simulation,
• Business Modelling and Marketing,
• Finance and Investment,
• Skills and Recruitment

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Officials from Take-Two Interactive, owners of Rockstar Games, have revealed details of the worldwide launch of Grand Theft Auto IV, claiming it to be the biggest entertainment launch in history – including video games, cinema and music.

Released in the U.S. and Europe on Tuesday, April 29th the company claims the game has already sold 6 million copies globally, generating more than $500 million in revenues in a single week. On its first day on sale, the game sold approximately 3.6 million units worldwide, for revenues of around $310 million.

Detailed data has already been released concerning the game’s success in the UK, where it has broken almost all day one and first week sales records.

“We knew Grand Theft Auto IV would break new ground in terms of the player’s experience, with its compelling story line, extraordinary gameplay and action that ranges over a broad urban canvas,” said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two.

“Now, it has broken sales and rating records as well. Grand Theft Auto IV’s first week performance represents the largest launch in the history of interactive entertainment, and we believe these retail sales levels surpass any movie or music launch to date. We congratulate the entire Rockstar team on creating a must-have experience that takes the legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise to a new level,” he added.

Some previous estimates of the game’s success had suggested first week revenues of $400 million and 6 million sales at retail. Although the unit sale prediction is identical to Take-Two’s final figure there is no explanation for the disparity in revenues – which may be due to currency fluctuations, different regional splits, or higher than expected sales of the special edition version.

(Media Release)
MELBOURNE - Tuesday 8 April, 2008 - Plans for the next eGames & Entertainment Expo in 2008 are well underway. Recognised as the leading exhibition for the electronic games and digital entertainment industries, event organisers Australasian Exhibitions & Events are gearing up for a bigger, bolder and more action packed expo than ever before!

The eGames & Entertainment Expo will be on again at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from November 14 - 16, 2008. Many of the big names have already locked in their space and are planning to showcase the latest and greatest products at the three day gaming and home entertainment extravaganza.

“The success of the eGames & Entertainment Expo speaks for itself when you consider that in just two years the event has consolidated its standing as the major industry platform   to launch and showcase anything to do with electronic games and digital entertainment. We are delighted to have been able to deliver what is now recognised as the definitive industry event for Australia,” commented Noel Gray, Managing Director of Australasian Exhibitions and Events.

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