LOS ANGELES – Feb. 24, 2009 – Wonacott Communications, a full-service public relations and integrated communications agency, welcomes the talents of public relations professional Palmira Farrow to its growing team.  As Account Supervisor, Palmira will handle corporate communications, media relations, product and service launches and digital/new media communications strategies for a number of WComms’ clients.

“Wonacott Communications has a great reputation for being a valued strategic PR partner for digital media, technology and professional services companies in great part to the talented staff on our team,” said Jason Wonacott, chief executive officer, Wonacott Communications. “Palmira’s deep experience in the interactive entertainment market will help further our ability to provide awesome results and great personalized service to each of the companies we partner with in that space and beyond.”

Palmira comes to WComms from Electronic Arts (EA), the world’s largest video game publisher, where she spearheaded public relations programs for more than 20 titles across all platforms; PC, console and portable.  With experience under several labels of EA, she brings an understanding of and passion for a variety of genres, from role-playing  (RPG) and real-time strategy (RTS) games  to children’s and mobile games. Palmira is seasoned in launching various types of entertainment properties, including managing events, media tours and tradeshow appearances, she has a media and industry network of great depth and breadth.

Prior to EA she was the marketing and PR head for a San Francisco start-up, and was an account manager for a New York-based advertising agency before that.  On the agency side, she has worked with a variety of clients, from Folonari Wines and The New Yorker Hotel to pro bono work promoting the charming New York City district, The Lower East Side. 

She holds a Master of Business Administration in International Management from The Thunderbird School of Global Management, Glendale, Ariz., and a Bachelor of Art in Romance Languages from Colorado College. 

About Wonacott Communications, LLC

Wonacott Communications, LLC is a full-service public relations and integrated communications agency that combines the experience and resources of a large firm with the personal touch, adaptability and dedication of a boutique practice.  Based in Los Angeles, WComms expertly orchestrates communications programs for publicly traded and privately owned companies in the digital media, online entertainment, lifestyle, corporate and technology spaces domestically and around the globe.  More information on WComms can be found at http://www.wonacottpr.com.

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IRVINE, Calif. – Feb. 23, 2009 – Atlus Online, a daily destination for community-focused gaming and interactive entertainment, today announced Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent as the first game to kickoff its portal. Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent is the only massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) of its kind, set in the uniquely creative genre of “steampunk,” where 19^th century steam-based technology meets fantasy inventions. 

“With an engaging, steampunk-inspired storyline and aesthetic, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent is a fresh take on the standard ‘fantasy’ MMO game genre,” said Shinichi Suzuki, president and CEO, Atlus. “Atlus Online is excited to bring this popular game in its new incarnation to a wide range of players around the world. Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent is a great first entertainment experience to lay the foundation of the unparalleled content and unmatched social interaction planned for the Atlus Online portal.”

Developed by JoyImpact and licensed by HanbitSoft, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent will be given the same style and caliber of localization that Atlus has been known for over the years.  This fresh version of the game will be published by Atlus Online for players in North America, South America, and anywhere else in the world, except Europe.  In addition to the thorough localization, Atlus Online’s Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent will feature an engaging story influenced by the distinctive steampunk genre.

Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent transports players to a world where two nations battle over a precious resource called Neo Steam. From the onset, customization is key to each player’s experience, where they can choose which nation to join and select from a number of specialized classes. As players battle to expand their nation’s resources and protect their borders from invasion, they must learn to harness the Neo Steam technology to upgrade their equipment, learn new abilities, and progress in their chosen class. Each player in Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent also begins with the aid of a pet of their choosing. Pets act as guides as players travel the world, and they even assist in battle with various abilities, such as healing or thievery. A pet’s ability list and appearance can be customized to suit the player’s preferences. Adding to the immersive aspect of the steampunk fantasy world, the game also features various forms of steam-based machines and vehicles for faster in-game traveling.

More information about Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent’s beta and launch dates will be released by Atlus Online in the near future.  Gamers and Atlus fans eager to join the Atlus Online community and be among the first to receive more information on the game can visit the only official website for Atlus Online’s Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, http://neosteam.atlusonline.com.

About Atlus Online

Atlus Online is the online interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A., Inc., a publisher of compelling video games for a variety of platforms, including Nintendo DS™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii™, Xbox 360®, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Founded in 2008, Atlus Online was created to provide online gamers and anime fans around the world with an entertainment and community destination like no other.  The online entertainment division is dedicated to providing a portal, Atlus Online, with unmatched levels of community involvement and interaction, with community members driving the very direction of the site and its content.  More information can be found at http://www.atlusonline.com/.

Entrepreneur, Feb. 18, 2009 - PSYCLOPS featured in “Entrepreneurs Remix the iPhone App.”

Excerpt:

Still, developers are flocking to the App Store to peddle their music wares. Product developer Joy Kovaleski paired up with TV producer Muncy to get in on the action. Their product, Psyclops, launched this month and encourages children ages 8 to 14 to pair custom music tracks with animated dance moves of their choosing.

“What we saw as we looked at our market was [TV's] Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew and So You Think You Can Dance,” Kovaleski says. “We felt our unique combination of music and dance that could be turned into a creative video was something that wasn’t being done.”

Gaming apps seem to be the biggest sellers at the App Store, so Psyclops is a wise blend of music and game-like aspects. And the resulting music videos can be e-mailed to friends in a whirlwind of viral marketing that benefits the makers of the $1.99 program. The company’s founders hope to expand the app so that it includes a karaoke-like sing-along function, a personal photo feature and mass e-mail-blast capabilities.

Like other iPhone app entrepreneurs, Muncy and Kovaleski kicked things off with zero full-time employees and have so far contracted for services such as programming and marketing. Angel investors helped them get off the ground. “We hope to sell millions,” Kovaleski says.

The entire article can be found here: http://www.entrepreneur.com/technology/newsandtrends/article200244.html

LOS ANGELES – Feb. 17, 2009 – Equity Risk Partners, Inc. (ERP), the only full service insurance brokerage and consulting firm focused solely on the private equity industry; Creative Kingdom, Inc. (CKI), the world’s leading creator of themed design architecture and destinations; and Tethys Solutions, developer of innovative automation software for business processes and IT tasks, have tapped Wonacott Communications, a full-service public relations and integrated communications agency, to head their public relations efforts. 

San Francisco-based Equity Risk Partners is a dedicated insurance company that is redefining the role of the insurance broker in private equity financial transactions. ERP works exclusively with private equity companies and focuses on developing long-term, strategic relationships with the firms and their portfolio companies.

Los Angeles-based Creative Kingdom is the world’s leading creator of themed design architecture and destinations. CKI has developed some of the world’s preeminent themed destinations, including Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah Resort, Palm Islands and World Islands, South Africa’s Table Bay Hotel and the Palace of the Lost City, Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace expansion and Verona, Italy’s Gardaland Hotel. In addition to its architecture and master planning expertise, the multi-faceted company conducts cutting edge work with CGI 3D architectural video animation, 2D/3D cartoon animation and video, film and music production. 

Wonacott Communications is spearheading the public relations for Tethys Solutions’ Automation Anywhere software suite, in addition to corporate communications support for the Santa Clara-based developer. An effective addition to the best selling Automation Anywhere Enterprise edition, the Integration Pack makes automation effortless with a simple “drag and drop” functionality that requires no programming, as well as a new Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature for capturing images or pictures, converting them into text and transferring the data into other applications.

“We are glad to see that even in these trying financial times companies continue to see the value of an aggressive and experienced communications partner,” said Jason Wonacott, CEO, Wonacott Communications. “Equity Risk Partners, Creative Kingdom and Tethys Solutions are amazing additions to our growing client portfolio and we are thrilled to be working with such dynamic companies.”

About Wonacott Communications, LLC

Wonacott Communications, LLC is a full-service public relations and integrated communications agency that combines the experience and resources of a large firm with the personal touch, adaptability and dedication of a boutique practice.  Based in Los Angeles, WComms expertly orchestrates communications programs for publicly traded and privately owned companies in the digital media, online entertainment, lifestyle, corporate and technology spaces domestically and around the globe.  More information on WComms can be found at http://www.wonacottpr.com.

About Creative Kingdom Inc. (CKI)

Creative Kingdom, Inc. (CKI) is the world’s leading creator of themed design architecture and destinations.  In addition to its architecture and master planning expertise, the multi-faceted company conducts cutting edge work with CGI 3-D architectural video animation, 2-D/3-D cartoon animation, and video, film and music production.  When designing themed projects, the company seamlessly integrates its expertise in architecture, design, entertainment and leisure development to create unique, visually stunning destinations. More information is available at http://www.creativekingdom.com/.

About Equity Risk Partners (ERP)

Equity Risk Partners is the only insurance brokerage, employee benefits and risk management consulting firm focused exclusively on the needs of the private equity industry and its portfolio companies.  Founded in 2001, the company is dedicated to improving the efficiency, structure and return of private equity transactions through consistent and timely due diligence.  Combining extensive industry experience with a dedication to excellence, they deliver creative, cost effective insurance solutions, as well as innovative product and financing alternatives.  Headquartered in San Francisco, Equity Risk Partners has a nationwide presence with additional offices in New York and Chicago.  More information is available at http://www.equityriskpartners.com/.

About Tethys Solutions

Tethys Solutions is a leader in Automation Software, with customers in more than 90 countries.  The company’s user-friendly automation software technology enables fast automation of simple and complex tasks, without any programming.  The company’s loyal customers include a full range of Fortune 500 companies, thousands of medium and small business, entrepreneurial startups, financial and healthcare companies, city, state and federal governments and leading education institutes.  For more information on Tethys Solutions, please visit http://www.tethyssolutions.com.

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LOS ANGELES – Feb. 9, 2009 – iPhone fanatics can now experience the PSYCLOPS music and dance movement by creating custom music mixes, dance moves and videos – and share their creations with family and friends.  PSYCLOPS, developer of iPod cases and interactive website, PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters, has gone mobile with the release of the PSYCLOPS iPhone application, PSYCLOPS Dance Mixer.

Similar to PSYCLOPSHQ.com, the iPhone application allows users to create their own music video with a selection of characters, funky music beats and animated dance moves that give each video creation a personalized touch.  After a dancer is chosen, users produce a 30 second four-track music mix at the Music Machine by combining a wide array of drums, bass, guitars, pianos, horns and DJ scratches. Once the user completes their music mix, they can then choreograph their dancers unique dance routine by choosing from a variety of dance moves.  They may also set the mood with an animated background or photo real background. Finally, users can personalize their dance video with a custom message that scrolls across the bottom of the screen while the video masterpiece is playing.  The final result is a shareable QuickTime PSYCLOPS music and dance video that can be emailed to friends and family.

“Our PSYCLOPS iPod protective cases and online experience have become so popular that we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to create an iPhone application so people could enjoy PSYCLOPS no matter where they are,” said Joy Kovaleski, CEO, PSYCLOPS LLC.  “The iPhone has quickly become a fantastic way to extend a user’s experience to a mobile platform.  There is nothing else available for the iPhone like PSYCLOPS with its unique music and dance creator that lets you make a video you can send with a personal message.”

Pricing and Availability

PSYCLOPS iPhone application is available for $1.99. Users can purchase the PSYCLOPS iPhone application at Apple’s iTunes app store. More information can be found at PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters at: http://psyclopshq.com.

About PSYCLOPS

PSYCLOPS is a fresh and exciting character-based multi-platform product and online experience.  The first PSYCLOPS characters to hit the dance battle scene are Ike and Syndi, who find their likeness in vibrant and distinctive PSYCLOPS cases for the iPod nano’s “3G and 4G.”  Together with a complimentary interactive web-based music and dance community site, PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters, PSYCLOPS is an exciting iPod product and truly customizable online experience like nothing else available today.  At PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters, users can join an interactive community, create their own avatars, dance moves and music, and share their unique dance videos with family and friends via email or by downloading to their iPod, or iPhone.

Launched by Los Angeles-based PSYCLOPS LLC, PSYCLOPS cases and online site are kid-safe with age appropriate content.  Join the movement today at the PSYCLOPS HeadQuarters: http://www.psyclopshq.com.

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All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Top Online Game Portal Assumes Operations and Distribution for Popular Online Role-Playing Adventure Game

LOS ANGELES – Feb. 5, 2009 – Cookie Jar Entertainment, a leading independent producer of children’s entertainment, has selected Acclaim Games, one of the top online game brands in North America with more than eight million registered users, as the exclusive global distributor for the online fantasy adventure game Magi-Nation: Battle for the Moonlands.  Acclaim is set to start managing Magi-Nation: Battle for the Moonlands before the end of March.  Current Magi-Nation players’ accounts will migrate to Acclaim during this period, with all in-game items and points acquired going with them.

“This is a great step for the Magi-Nation: Battle for the Moonlands community,” said Kenneth Locker, senior vice president of digital media, Cookie Jar Entertainment.   “Acclaim Games has one of the strongest networks available and will do a fantastic job operating this amazing title.  For Magi-Nation’s current gamers, this means a deeper community with more interaction and fun, enabling them to greatly expand their online gaming entertainment.”

Cookie Jar’s Magi-Nation online role-playing adventure is based on the popular children’s animated television series of the same name, which follows the adventures of 15-year-old Tony Jones, an average teen from Earth who finds himself mysteriously transported to the magical world of Magi-Nation.  The free-to-play, web-based game is geared for children ages 8-14 and incorporates a micropayment model that allows players the flexibility to upgrade their gaming experience.

“The Magi-Nation community is comprised of extremely loyal and enthusiastic players, and we are very excited to welcome them into our amazing network,” said Howard Marks, CEO, Acclaim Games.  “Acclaim has a global reach that offers players only the finest online games, and Magi-Nation is a perfect example of what we provide our gamers.  All existing Magi-Nation players will enjoy a seamless transition, and will soon be joining our existing gamers in all the awesome Magi action.”

Specific details and dates regarding the exact transfer will be announced shortly.  In the meantime, additional information and sign-up details are available at www.magi-nation.com.

About Cookie Jar Group

The Cookie Jar Group is a Canada-based global children’s entertainment and education company dedicated to excellence.  Through Cookie Jar Entertainment, the company is a leader in the creation, production, marketing and licensing of evergreen character brands that appeal to kids and families worldwide.  Cookie Jar Entertainment’s library of nearly 6,000 half-hour episodes features some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including “Strawberry Shortcake,” “Caillou,” “Inspector Gadget,” “The Doodlebops,” “Arthur” and “Johnny Test”.  The company owns non-character based brands for licensing such as Mommy & Me. Through its pan-European subsidiary, the full-service licensing agency Copyright Promotions Licensing Group, Cookie Jar represents numerous third-party iconic brands. Cookie Jar Group also has a one-third interest in international children’s television channel Kidsco. Cookie Jar Education, based in Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of North America’s largest providers of supplemental education materials, reaching nearly 2,000 teachers across the United States, through the Carson-Dellosa and HighReach Learning brands.  

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IRVINE, Calif. – Feb. 3, 2009 – Online gaming and anime fans around the world will soon have a new destination for sharing their passions, meeting friends and experiencing numerous forms of distinctive interactive entertainment. Atlus U.S.A., Inc., a leading video game publishing company, today announced the inception of a new online division with plans to launch a game portal dedicated to providing a community-driven, quality content-focused entertainment hub with an emphasis on online games and anime. Atlus Online, referring to both the new online division and portal, promises to go beyond the traditional online game model by offering community members a content-rich, reward-driven platform for social interaction. 

“Atlus has long wanted to create an online portal that would become the daily destination for anyone looking for a fresh and engaging online entertainment experience,” said Shinichi Suzuki, president and CEO, Atlus.  “Atlus Online will emerge as an extremely user-focused destination that is fully accessible to each and every one of its members.  From amazing games to play to exciting contests, exceptional content and great community interaction, we are convinced that Atlus Online will be a premiere interactive entertainment destination for online gamers and anime fans alike.”

At the helm of Atlus Online is a team of respected industry veterans who bring their expertise to the new division and portal. Spearheading the venture is Director of Online Games Tyler Kim, who has a decade of experience in the digital media and content industry with K2 Network, ArenaNet and GoPets, as well as a number of publishers and developers in South Korea. Head of Business Operations Jamie Ortiz spent the last four years working on Atlus’ critically acclaimed console titles, including the Shin Megami Tensei®: Persona® and Trauma Center® series. They are joined by Jun Hyun Kim, Atlus Online’s head of game operations, formerly the chief operating officer of Webzen America, and Online Project Manager Kevin Crawford, who produced K2 Network’s flagship title Knight Online.

As an immediate example of its unmatched commitment to community, Atlus Online is encouraging fans to be among the first to pre-register for the upcoming portal. Once the site goes live, registered members can interact with community managers and provide feedback that will help shape the way the online destination evolves.

In addition, registrants will be granted early access to the portal’s as-of-yet-unannounced first online game. The division will launch services globally, with the site’s games operating on a hybrid subscription model that is supported by multiple payment options.

Gamers and anime fans looking for additional information about Atlus Online, or eager to be among the first to receive information on its debut product, can visit http://www.atlusonline.com.

About Atlus Online

Atlus Online is the online interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A., Inc., a publisher of compelling video games for a variety of platforms, including Nintendo DS™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii™, Xbox 360®, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Founded in 2008, Atlus Online was created to provide online gamers and anime fans around the world with an entertainment and community destination like no other.  The online entertainment division is dedicated to providing a portal, Atlus Online, with unmatched levels of community involvement and interaction, with community members driving the very direction of the site and its content.  More information can be found at http://www.atlusonline.com/.

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