Black Ops II PC Packages Contain Mass Effect 2, EA Responds With Free Games

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Reports are that certain versions of Call of Duty: Black Ops II for PC contained Mass Effect 2 on its second disc, making it impossible to complete the single player game. While no rectification has been announced by Activision to the aggrieved parties, BioWare is offering its own innovative marketing solution.

“Rumor has it that about a thousand customers who purchased Call of Duty: Black Ops II for PC today were also treated to a surprise copy of Mass Effect 2. If you were one of the affected, chances are you thought it was a mistake, but we prefer to think that it was an omen, and when the universe talks, you should listen,” posted the company. “If the universe thinks that you should be playing Mass Effect right now, who are we to argue In fact, we want to help! The first fifty fans affected by this phenomenon to send us a picture holding their special disc 2 will receive a code for a FREE PC copy of Mass Effect Trilogy.”

“Remember, in order to qualify, YOU must be in the picture, and disc 2 of your Call of Duty: Black Ops II must be visible. Got it Then send your photo to community@bioware.com and you could be playing your very own Mass Effect Trilogy in time for the weekend!” concluded the post.

Source: Blog.BioWare.com

Splinter Cell Movie To Star Tom Hardy

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Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises and Mad Max: Fury Road) has agreed to star in a Splinter Cell movie. Eric Warren Singer will pen the script, and Ubisoft is in preliminary talks with Warner Bros. and Paramount.

“Tom Hardy is currently one of the biggest talents in the film industry, and he has a phenomenal ability to take on complex and varied roles with his broad range of acting skills,” said Jean-Julien Baronnet, CEO of Ubisoft Motion Pictures. “His involvement in the Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell movie is exciting news for movie and video game fans alike. Meanwhile, Eric Singer is one of the most talented writers of the moment, and . . . we’re confident he’ll bring a fresh approach and create a thrilling story . . . while still respecting all the codes and traditions of the franchise that are so important to fans.”

Ubisoft is also working with Michael Fassbender to create an Assassin’s Creed movie.

Source: Variety.com

Microsoft Appoints New U.K. Marketing Director

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Microsoft has appointed Harvey Eagle as marketing director of interactive entertainment business in the U.K. He joined the company in 2000 as EMEA advertising manager and was most recently IEB category director for EMEA.

“I’m privileged to join a team that has already achieved leadership position in a market where the competition is fierce and ever-changing,” said Eagle. “Every single person on the planet likes to be entertained. When you think of Xbox as an entertainment service that will show up on any device, you realize our journey has only just begun.”

“Harvey brings with him a wealth of experience and I’m very excited to have him join the Retail Sales and Marketing team to lead the IEB business, in what is going to be a very exciting time,” said Microsoft’s head of U.K. retail sales and marketing division, Jonathan Grimes.

Black Ops II Midnight Sales Over 1 Million At GameStop

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GameStop says that Call of Duty: Black Ops II managed to sell over a million copies at their stores on the first day alone. The game is estimated to sell between 6.5 million and 7.2 million units in the U.S. and U.K. in its first 24 hours, exceeding Modern Warfare 3, according to Piper Jaffray analyst Michael Olson.

“Black Ops II is shaping up to be our biggest game launch of all time,” said Tony Bartel, president of GameStop. “GameStop sold more than 1 million units worldwide during our midnight launch period.”

Source: BusinessWeek.com

Star Trek Into Darkness IMAX Preview Coming

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Paramount Pictures announced that it will release the first 9 minutes from Star Trek Into Darkness exclusively in IMAX 3D months prior to the film’s official release in May 2013. This sneak preview will play in approximately 500 digital IMAX 3D theaters beginning December 14.

“Our longtime partners J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk and the Bad Robot team have really hit it out of the park — the footage is absolutely incredible,” said Greg Foster, Chairman and President, IMAX Filmed Entertainment.  “Their use of the IMAX Camera and canvas is sure to impress current and future Star Trek fans alike, and we’re thrilled to once again work with our friends at Paramount Pictures to offer this extended ‘first look’ at this highly anticipated summer blockbuster.”

Killzone Intercept – Live Action Fan Film

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Killzone Intercept occurs during the events of Killzone 3 as the ISA evacuate Helghan. If the style seems familiar, it’s because it was done by Infectious Designer which also produced the Beyond Black Mesa fan film.

Facebook Takes A Page From Reddit

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Facebook is currently testing two new features meant to elevate more engaging comments on brand and subscriber pages, and ultimately increase post interaction.

The social net announced the first new feature being tested last week, which gives users the ability to allow page administrators to reply directly to comments on a post. It’s also designed to make it easier for users to respond directly to individual comments instead of simply adding to a comment thread. The new ‘reply’ action will be located near the ‘like’ link below comments. Users will be able to reply to the original post or new comments added to the thread.

On Monday, Facebook announced its second change. This one is meant to optimize wall posts with ‘ranked comments’, evaluating more engaging comments via likes, responses and hides then pushing them to the top of the wall while weaving out those with low engagement.

COMMENTS Do you think Facebook’s new features will benefit overall engagement on branded pages Thumbs up or thumbs down Join your peers on LinkedIn to see what they think. 

If the test is successful, it would allow Facebook to promote more interesting and engaging content, as well as enable more conversations about posted content across the site.

Source: Mashable.com