IRVINE, Calif. and SANTA MONICA, Calif. – June 30, 2009 – Cheers to gamers and characters, alike. ijji.com, the premier 8 million members-strong online destination for hardcore gamers, has partnered with Harcos to bring Mana Energy Potion, the energy shot created for gamers by gamers, to players in both real life and online. Players in ijji.com’s anime-influenced massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG), Lunia, can now purchase virtual bottles of Mana Energy Potion to boost their stamina in the game. After imbibing the digital versions of the energy elixir, an actual case of Mana Energy Potion will be delivered – free of charge – to players, further eliminating the line between virtual and actual worlds.

“We long admired Harcos for its creative twist on energy drinks for gamers, and are thrilled to partner with them in such a unique way,” said Philip Yun, CEO, NHN USA, host of ijji.com. “This could very well be the first time a product found in game can be purchased and consumed in the real world. Lunia, with the addition of Mana Energy Potions, will change the way online games are played, allowing users to connect with their virtual persona like never before.”

With its mystical forests and fearsome monsters, Lunia provides an appropriately mystical setting for the magic-inspired, fast-acting energy liquid. Mana Energy Potion delivers up to eight hours of enemy-crippling power and comes in a whimsically-shaped 1.69 fl oz spherical potion bottle, and will appear exactly the same in the game. Vitamin-packed and sugar free, it doesn’t come with the cruel crash often associated with sugary energy drinks. In-game and in real life, Mana Energy Potion helps gamers and their characters alike stay alert as they battle relentlessly through marathon gaming sessions.

“As a unique product on the gaming market we are excited to align ourselves with ijji.com, the largest hardcore gaming portal in the world,” said Aaron Rasmussen, co-founder and vice president of marketing, Harcos. “Mana Energy Potion speaks to all the real gamers out there who ever wondered what it would be like to emulate their characters in real life.”

This unique pairing will be the first such collaboration for both companies. Players can purchase virtual Mana Energy Potion in-game at Lunia’s premium item shop for 29 G coins, ijji.com’s in-game currency, per 10 units and 128 G coins per 50 units. Once players purchase 100 units of Mana Energy Potion in-game, they are entitled to a four-pack of the real life Mana Energy Potion – completely free of shipping and handling charges.

Players can also buy Mana Energy Potions through various retailers, which will be bundled with ePins, redeemable for in-game currency, for access to product in Lunia, such as Mana Energy Potions. Players will be drinking Mana Potion right alongside their virtual counterparts in the forests of Lunia.

To purchase your first virtual bottle, and for additional information about Lunia, please check out the following site: http://lunia.ijji.com.

Berkeley, Calif. – June 29, 2009 – Paying for online entertainment without a credit card just got easier, thanks to Rixty. The innovative e-commerce company launched today its new cash-based payment system at more than 10,000 retail locations. Now anyone with cash and coins can convert that money into online purchasing power across an exciting array of entertainment merchants.

Predominantly designed for the youth market, Rixty is a flexible payment option for any age bracket due to its ease of use and accessibility. By rolling out at more than 9,000 Coinstar® kiosks in the US, users will enjoy the convenience of adding to their online accounts by simply choosing the Rixty option when exchanging their coins for free at local Coinstar machines. In addition to the Coinstar kiosks, users will also have the option of buying prepaid cards through the in-store racks at more than 1,000 retail locations, including Cumberland Farms and Hess convenience stores.

Realizing that merchants have traditionally faced difficulty reaching younger audiences that often have limited access to more traditional payment forms, such as credit cards, Rixty aims to reduce that transactional friction and allow users to spend freely across a variety of online publishers.

“Rixty started with the idea that there should be some way to allow online entertainment enthusiasts, particularly the younger generation, the ability to enjoy what’s available without relying on a credit card,” said Ted Sorom, CEO, Rixty. “Our goal is simple: To provide anyone and everyone the freedom to choose how and where they spend their online entertainment dollars. Rixty does this by converting loose change into online purchasing power.”

Rixty is launching with top publishers in the massively multi-player online (MMO) game space, including Perfect World Entertainment, ijji.com, GamesCampus, Ntreev USA, Ndoors Interactive, Inc., ourWorld.com, and Three Rings Design, publisher of Puzzle Pirates and Whirled. Rixty supports business models from microtransactions to subscriptions and is compatible with all types of online entertainment, including downloadable games, virtual worlds, casual and social games on social networks, digital downloads such as music mp3s, videos and games, mobile games and ringtones. The cash-based system also empowers the younger audience to take control of their entertainment spending without requiring adult involvement or a bank account.

“Rixty’s new payment solution enables many of our young gamers who don’t have credit cards or Paypal to purchase in-game items in Trickster, Grand Chase and Pangya,” said Chris Lee, CEO, Ntreev USA. “We are very excited to partner with Rixty.”

Merchants have searched for ways to attract new customers who might have previously experienced barriers to entry, which Rixty addresses with a cash option most e-commerce outlets have lacked. In addition, Rixty offers merchants the opportunity to be “discovered” by showcasing new games and online goods on the Rixty website.

“We are very pleased to add Rixty to our payment offerings,” said David Chang, executive vice president, GamesCampus. “Rixty allows our users to buy items through their unique payment channels, allowing us to expand our paying customer base.”

“What’s great about Rixty is its ability to reach a broad spectrum of users from a wide demographic in various age groups,” said Joon Kim, customer service manager, Perfect World Entertainment. “Rixty is convenient, easy to use, and widely available in many places.”

About Rixty

Rixty is an alternative payment system designed specifically for today’s online youth, empowering them to take control of their entertainment spending and giving them access to the online world of multiplayer and downloadable games, virtual worlds, social networks, digital downloads, mobile games and ringtones. Rixty never charges users fees and by reducing payment friction, Rixty converts more users into paying customers, significantly increasing online publisher’s revenues. For more information, visit www.rixty.com.

Creative Kingdom, the world’s leading designer of themed design architecture and destinations, unveiled plans for a new mixed-use development in Chiang Mai, Thailand anchored by a movie studio.  Here’s part of The Hollywood Reporter’s take:

Northern Thailand gets $650 mil Kingdom

Film and residential complex announced for Chang Mai

By Patrick Frater

June 23, 2009, 06:46 AM ET

HONG KONG — Los Angeles-based entertainment property developer Creative Kingdom Inc. is to build a film studio and residential complex near Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.

The 175-acre CNX-Wood development will be built in four phases over seven years. Development starts with the CNX Movie World Studios, which Creative Kingdom CEO Eduardo Robles said “will serve as the hub for Asia’s booming film industry” and be completed within three years.

“Thailand doesn’t have enough state-of-the-art studios, and what studios it has are mostly in the south,” said Berny Herrera, Creative Kingdom business development manager. “Chiang Mai offers good weather, better economics than Bangkok and now it has an international airport that improves communications.”

Creative Kingdom, which also has animation production facilities in Thailand and Beijing, said the CNX Movie World Studios will initially house eight sound stages of varying sizes, as well as workshops and postproduction facilities that will include color correction and sound mixing studios.

You can read the entire article here.

Los Angeles and Bangkok, Thailand – June 19, 2009 – Creative Kingdom, the world’s leading creator of themed design architecture and destinations, including Dubai’s Palm Island and World Island, today unveiled plans for Chiang Mai Wood (CNX-Wood), a 175-acre mixed-use movie studio and residential development in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  Once completed, the sprawling complex will house the state-of-the-art CNX Movie World Studios, as well as an integrated network of self-sufficient residential neighborhoods, a wide variety of entertainment offerings, cultural venues, museums and world-class restaurants.

“CNX-Wood is sure to become one of the most advanced mixed-use destinations in the world, and we are extremely excited by its potential,” said Eduardo Robles, chief executive officer, Creative Kingdom, Inc.  “The new CNX Movie World Studios will serve as the hub for Asia’s booming film industry and become one of the premiere destinations for the world’s movie makers.  In addition, the integrated nature of the facilities will be unrivaled in providing its residents, from those looking for a vacation or second home to those seeking an unmatched luxury lifestyle, with the perfect mix of entertainment, culture and life balance.”

The CNX Movie World Studios will feature a series of state-of-the-art film production studios, animation facilities and special effects laboratories.  The facilities will provide film makers with the most advanced tools and technologies for developing and producing top quality domestic and international movies.

The development includes multiple residential neighborhoods, including villa and luxury housing, that will be connected to the film facilities via an integrated network of bike and walking paths.  Each neighborhood will be fully independent, with its own infrastructure, stores, libraries, schools, medical facilities, water/electrical services, shopping, parks, entertainment and cultural venues.

In addition, a wide variety of entertainment offerings will be spread out over nine specially-themed areas in the complex.  Movie theaters, a water park, theme parks, beach club, a man-made lagoon and a Japanese-themed amusement center are just some of the diverse features residents and visitors alike will discover.

For businesses, the complex will offer brand new corporate office buildings for international headquarters or regional bureaus.  It will also be fully equipped to host corporate gatherings, conferences, events, product launches and other important functions.

The CNX-Wood development will be completed over five stages, beginning with the film studios.  For additional details, please visit www.creativekingdom.com.

About Creative Kingdom

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. 

Creative Kingdom’s global headquarters are based in Los Angeles, with offices on Dubai, UAE; Beijing, China; Chiang Mai, Thailand; and Pasig City, Philippines.  More information on Creative Kingdom and its subsidiaries can be found at http://www.creativekingdom.com/.

Santa Monica, Calif. – June 16, 2009 – Competing against some of the largest energy drink manufacturers in the world, independent gamer-focused energy drink Mana Energy Potion has been awarded the 2008 “Coolest Packaging” award from Screaming Energy Drink Reviews, one of the most influential energy drink review sites. And, for the first time ever, Screaming Energy awarded an energy drink manufacturer a second annual award by also naming Mana Energy Potion as its 2008 “Most Original” winner.

“This is an epic win for us,” said Aaron Rasmussen, co-founder and vice president of marketing, Harcos, Inc. “Mana Energy Potion was created by just the two of us gamers in a garage, and to be able to defeat some of the largest brands in the world is so exciting! We are also very proud to be the first company ever awarded two annual Screaming Energy awards. How cool is that?”

Mana Energy Potion is the premium energy shot made by gamers, for gamers. It’s a citrus-flavored, vitamin-packed premium energy shot that delivers up to eight hours of sugar-free energy without the nasty aftercrash normally associated with sugary energy drinks. The intense blue liquid is housed in a uniquely-shaped 1.69 fl oz spherical bottle and contains as much caffeine as two Red Bulls. “Mana” is a traditional term originating from ancient South Pacific tribes that is used to describe a magical life force. In modern videogames it refers to the user’s magical energy, which can be used to cast spells such as fireballs, healing spells, or lightening strikes. The user drinks mana potions to restore his or her mana and continue casting spells. The concept of mana and mana potions also appears in fantasy literature, comic books, manga and anime.

“Everyone gravitates toward products with which they can identify,” said Jason Hargett, resident reviewer at Screaming Energy Drink Reviews. “Mana Energy Potion is the only product on the market that lets fantasy card game players and MMORPG players rejuvenate in a way that’s unique to their interests. Like having a Christian Hosoi skateboard make you feel like you could do 10′ airs, or Air Jordan shoes made you feel like you could ‘kiss the rim’, Mana Energy Potions helps you feel like you cast frost, fire and heal while summoning dragons. Gamers play card tournaments until the early hours of the morning, and online gamers get up before dawn for scheduled guild raids. Mana Energy consumers know energy drinks, and Mana Energy Potions don’t disappoint.”

For additional information about Mana Energy Potion, or to locate a local distributor, please visit www.manapotions.com.

Realtime Worlds tapped WComms to spearhead PR for the publisher’s unveiling of its highly-anticipated urban-based online game, All Points Bulletin, at E3 2009.  With only two weeks to book appointments, Wonacott Communications and RTW secured more than 200 press members for the hourly presentations!  APB was a hit with both consumer and enthusiast press – 1UP.com nominated the game for “Most Innovative” and for “Best PC Game,” winning the Best PC Game category.  Ten Ton Hammer also voted APB “Most Innovative Game of E3.”  Here is some of the top coverage:

• USA Today
• 1UP
• IGN
• Ten Ton Hammer
• Wired
• Game Informer
• Gamespot
• Gamespy
• Kotaku
• Destructoid
• Joystiq
• Gamasutra
• G4TV
• Game Trailers
• MMORPG

At E3 2009, ijji.com unveiled the newest additions to its MMO games lineup and gave the North American press its first ever chance to get hands on time with Huxley: The Dystopia, the Unreal Engine 3-based massively multi-player online first-person shooter.  We scheduled and staffed more than 50 individual appointments with the media, resulting in awesome coverage for the games.  Here are some highlights:

·         Big Download

·         IGN

·         GameSpot

·         G4TV

·         GamePro

·         Joystiq

·         VentureBeat

IGN featured two of TRITTON Technologies newest headsets announced at E3 2009.  Check out Chris Iaquinta’s write-up on the AX PC Pro and AX 51 Pro, two high performing headsets providing true 5.1 surround sound via eight precision speakers. 

Helping to keep the gear aspect of E3 alive and well, TRITTON Technologies earlier today introduced two more gaming-centered headsets, the AX 51 Pro and AX PC Pro. Both are designed to expand on the popularity of the company’s AX Pro flagship brand, offering true 5.1 surround sound and allowing gamers to choose which headset best suits their personal gaming style.

Features for both units include eight precision speakers for maximum audio clarity and 3D audio experience, as well as the ability to adjust individual sound fields independently through the inline audio controller. Both setups are optimized for computer gaming, with the AX PC Pro connecting via USB connection for PC and MacR, while the AX 51 Pro uses a standard sound card connection for PC and backlit inline audio controller.

“The AX PC Pro and AX 51 Pro further establish TRITTON in the PC gaming arena,” said Christopher Von Huben, president, TRITTON Technologies. “These two products, like the AX Pro, set the bar for true 5.1 surround sound gaming headsets. Each product is designed specifically for certain types of gamers and really offers the best performance in that space.”

The full text can be found at http://gear.ign.com/articles/990/990397p1.html.

Leading Insurance Industry Experts to Provide Overview of Trade Credit Insurance in a Challenging Economy on Wednesday, June 17

SAN FRANCISCO – June 9, 2009 – Recognizing the difficulty of doing global business while navigating the risks of today’s credit environment, Equity Risk Partners (ERP) is pleased to announce its next Executive Advisory Series Webinar, “The Ins and Outs of Trade Credit Insurance.” Scheduled for 8 am PST/11 am EST, Wednesday, June 17, 2009, Equity Risk Partners’ respected team of specialists will provide attendees with a comprehensive update on the trade credit insurance market, why companies need it, and how companies can obtain it.  As the only full service insurance brokerage and consulting firm focused exclusively on the needs of the private equity industry, ERP is well positioned to offer expert advice on the topic. 

Those interested in attending the “The Ins and Outs of Trade Credit Insurance” Webinar can register online at absolutely no cost. Some of the trade credit insurance topics that ERP will tackle include:

• Trade Credit Insurance Overview
• Common Reasons Companies Purchase Coverage
• Policy Forms/Terms and Conditions/Underwriting Process
• Private Equity and Portfolio Company Benefits

“Companies can use trade credit coverage to reduce bad debt concentration risk and reserves which opens up financing options on international business,” said Michael Marcon, founder and CEO, Equity Risk Partners.  “Many private equity professionals and portfolio company executives have questions about how this type of insurance can benefit their current companies and future transactions. This, like past EAS Webinars, is a perfect opportunity to showcase some of the best minds in the industry while pursuing ERP’s goal of demonstrating our extensive experience across all disciplines in the field.”

The Ins and Outs of Trade Credit Insurance” will feature information, opinions and insight from multiple industry experts. The Webinar will be hosted by Chris Veber, managing director, Equity Risk Partners, who has 13 years of investment banking, private equity investing and insurance brokerage experience. He opened the Chicago office of Equity Risk Partners in 2002 and is responsible for developing relationships with private equity clients and managing insurance diligence on transactions. Joining Veber will be:

• Jack Cowley, principal, Trade Risk Group. With more than 20 years of underwriting and brokering experience in the Trade Credit Insurance industry, Cowley focuses on a wide variety of mid-sized companies with a concentration on unique trade risk exposures and their solutions;
• Joe Ketzner, executive vice president, Euler Hermes ACI.  Ketzner is an industry veteran with 36 years working in trade credit insurance with extensive experience in credit & financial analysis, account management, commercial underwriting, product development and strategy. He has been an integral part of developing EHACI into the largest trade credit insurance company in the Americas;
• Scott Waterworth, senior vice president, Euler Hermes ACI.  Waterworth is a member of the Euler Hermes ACI Executive Management Team and has nearly 20 years of account management expertise.  He oversees the North American account management group located within the company’s five sales regions.

The Executive Advisory Series Webinar will last approximately 45 minutes, including a question and answer session.  The Webinar is completely free for interested parties and transcripts will be made available after the event. 

More information about Equity Risk Partners, the Executive Advisory Series and “The Ins and Outs of Trade Credit Insurance,” is available at www.EquityRisk.com.

Atlus Online is nearing the launch of the online game and entertainment portal’s upcoming steampunk-inspired MMO, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, and E3 2009 was the perfect place to generate great buzz right before open beta rolls into commercial launch.  We locked in more than 30 journalist appointments as the press clamored to get in to see the game and its enthusiastic makers on the show floor.  Here is just a glimpse at what they had to say:

• RPGFan
• IGN
• N4G
• Gamers Hell
• Gaming Nexus