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Ever been in the middle of a conversation with someone and find yourself zoning out, thinking “I wonder what this person would look like if they were the walking dead?”

That’s where George A. Romero’s App of the Dead for iPhone and iPod Touch comes in. The father of the modern zombie has teamed up with the developer Additive Interactive to make your friend- and family-zombifying dreams a reality.

App of the Dead will allow you to turn human faces from your own images into terrifying visages of the undead, by allowing you to add wounds and other ghoulish facial-deformities. You can even get your zombie “pew pew pew” on, as the app will allow you to “shoot” at your created zombies, complete with a blood-splatter effect. Zombies can be saved and then uploaded to Facebook or even emailed to your friends.

App of the Dead is coming soon to the App Store, so board up your windows, doors, and keep your eyes peeled. Tomorrow we’ll have an exclusive chat with Romero himself, where we talk about everything from App of the Dead to his new film, Survival of the Dead. Stay tuned.

Now that we no longer have to worry about when the Mac version of Steam will arrive (May 12), we can begin worrying about other things, like how much support from third-party developers there will be right around the time of release.

One such supporter will be Tripwire Interactive. Big Download has confirmed with the studio that Mac versions of Killing Floor and Red Orchestra Ostfront 41-45 are on the way. Launch dates haven’t yet been pinned down, but a release for these two titles on or around May 12 is the current plan.

It’s worth noting these games will fully utilize cross-platform multiplayer whenever they do inevitably hit Steam’s servers. That brings us up to a handful of games confirmed for the Steam Mac client … it’s a start.

Exclusive: Killing Floor and Red Orchestra coming to the Mac [Big Download]

You probably knew it was coming, but that doesn’t make this confirmation any less exciting. Valve went all out with an information dump today, saying more than just “Steam and Source are coming to Mac.”

For starters, there’s this new feature called Steam Play. Essentially, it’s the thing that lets you purchase games for PC and play them on your Mac (or vice versa) at no additional cost.

To make matters crazier, Steam Play — when the developer opts to include it — allows you to switch between Mac and PC versions of the same game without losing any progress; you can pick up exactly where you left off.

Expect to see all Valve games simultaneously launch on PC, Mac, and Xbox 360 — Portal 2 will be the first one to hit PC/Mac on the same day. Valve also says the two platforms will be connected through multiplayer, and all updates will hit simultaneously as well.

Finally, Left 4 Dead 2, Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike, Portal, and the Half-Life series will be available for Mac in April. See, I told you this was more than a simple confirmation!

When I went to E3 in 2007, I remember that one of the most fascinating titles on the show floor was one tucked all the way in one of the corners. Called The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom, it was a clever and memorable title made by a few guys who go by the name of The Odd Gentlemen. They were still looking for a publisher at the time I saw the title, and I’m quite pleased to report that they have found one.

2K Play announced today that they will be distributing The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom, along with another indie title called Axel & Pixel, a surreal adventure created by Czech-based Silver Wish Games. Both games are coming to Xbox Live Arcade, Axel & Pixel later this year and P.B. Winterbottom early next year. You can also check out both games at PAX at the 2K booth, should you be stopping by this year. There’s a handful of screens from each game in the gallery, so check em out. I’m excited — I want both!

2K Play to Publish Two Exciting New Independent Video Games Exclusively for Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360

2009 Penny Arcade Expo attendees will be the first to experience 2K Play’s entertaining and beautiful offerings – The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom and Axel & Pixel

New York, NY – August 26, 2009 – 2K Play, a division of 2K, today announced that it will bring two, original independent video games, The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom and Axel & Pixel, exclusively to Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom is an innovative game that follows the escapades of a mischievous, time-bending pie thief.  Axel & Pixel is a beautiful, point-and-click adventure about a painter trapped in a lush dream landscape.  Both titles embody the independent spirit of originality, individuality and fun, and will be available for consumers to play for the first time at the 2009 Penny Arcade Expo that is being held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center (South lobby, space S2) in Seattle, Wash. on September 4 – 6, 2009.

The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom and Axel & Pixel underscore 2K’s ongoing commitment to bring uniquely entertaining video games to the marketplace, while nurturing the independent creative spirit found within their developers and partners.  From original new intellectual properties to bestselling franchises, 2K has a track record of creating enthralling and commercially successful titles.

“At 2K, we look to support talented independent video game developers and discover ways of bringing their work to the mass market,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom and Axel & Pixel are passion projects for us. We saw the potential and the talent in these two unique and bold concepts, and are thrilled to be able to provide these developers with the support to create compelling games without altering their distinct visions.”

The Odd Gentlemen, a developer headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif., originally created The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom as a student thesis project at the University of Southern California. The game chronicles the villainous P.B. Winterbottom’s quest as he swipes pies using his extraordinary time-bending abilities to cooperate with, compete against, and disrupt his past, present, and future selves. Set in a macabre and comical silent film world, The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom has garnered several independent awards and nominations from IGN.com, GameSpot and the Independent Games Festival for its unique art style and inventive gameplay mechanics. The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 in early 2010.

Axel & Pixel tells the story of Axel the artist and his dog Pixel as they embark on a fantastic journey through the surreal and dangerous Dream World. Combining simple point-and-click gameplay and a beautiful hand-drawn environment, the game is truly unique. Axel & Pixel is being developed by Silver Wish Games, a small team based in the Czech Republic and will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 in fall 2009.

The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information on The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom please visit www.winterbottomgame.com.

Axel & Pixel is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more information on Axel & Pixel please visit www.axelandpixelgame.com.

2K Play is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play; and distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

Microsoft, Windows, the Windows Vista Start button, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies, and ‘Games for Windows’ and the Windows Vista Start button logo are used under license from Microsoft.

Earlier this month Mad Catz teased plans to distribute Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 controllers and accessories. The manufacturer didn’t go into detail at the time, leaving us to wonder what exactly they had in the pipeline. Now we know.

Mad Catz just announced eleven products — ranging from controllers, to skins, to faceplates, to keyboards and mice — for all three major platforms that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will appear on. Bear with us.

The Xbox 360 crowd will be able to get their hands on five items: a wired controller, a communicator, a controller faceplate, a console faceplate, and a matching game-themed skin for their console. The PS3 base will be able to purchase three items: a wireless controller, a themed headset, and a themed controller skin. PC people will see four items on store shelves: a themed gamepad, two specialized keyboards, and a tactical mouse.

Someone at Mad Catz got the “Call of Duty is popular” memo going around.

For a full list of the features and prices, as well as some flowery words about each product, hit the fold.

Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller – Xbox 360

Complete with a host of features designed to customize the in-game experience, the Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller has Rubber Grips and a soft-touch finish for extended gaming sessions.  Featuring two unique buttons located on the rear of the Controller, players can re-map Action Button or Thumbstick commands empowering players to shift melee or sprint to the rear buttons in order to maintain full motion control on the analog sticks.  Immersive Analog ThumbStick Backlighting enhances the in-game atmosphere while Dual Vibration Feedback allows the user to experience every shot and explosion. Lastly, the fully braided connection cable provides a robust and latency free connection with the console.

MSRP: $49.99

Modern Warfare 2 Throat Communicator – Xbox 360

Based on authentic military design, the Modern Warfare 2 Throat Communicator allows gamers to comfortably communicate with teammates and other Xbox LIVE® players.  Fashioned in authentic graphics, the unique microphone design reduces background noise and allows gamers to clearly communicate with each other, bringing them closer to the field ops experience.  The Throat Communicator is fully compatible with the official Microsoft® controller as well as the Mad Catz Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller.

MSRP: $29.99

Modern Warfare 2 Faceplate and Console Skinz – Xbox 360

Featuring custom Modern Warfare 2 artwork, both the highly collectible Controller Faceplate and Console Skinz allow gamers to customize their Xbox 360 and official controller.  Depicting official in-game art, the Console Faceplate attaches simply and safely, transforming your console in seconds and the removable Console Skinz wrap around the sides of the Xbox 360, providing a fully immersive themed landscape.

MSRP: $29.99

Modern Warfare 2 Wireless Combat Controller – PS3

Modern Warfare 2 Wireless Combat Controller for PLAYSTATION 3 utilizes a secure 2.4 GHz wireless link to connect with the console for accurate wire-free action.  Featuring two unique buttons located on the rear of the Controller, players can re-map Action Button or Thumbstick commands empowering players to shift melee or sprint to the rear buttons in order to maintain full motion control on the analog sticks.  The Controller features Immersive Analog ThumbStick Backlighting and an internal Rechargeable Battery that allows for charging directly from the console’s USB port and provides up to 60 hours of game play from a single charge.

MSRP: $49.99

Modern Warfare 2 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth Technology – PS3

Sophisticated, discrete and fashioned with Modern Warfare 2 graphics, the Headset for PLAYSTATION 3 allows for wire-free communication with teammates and PlayStation Network (PSN) users.  Featuring a high-quality, noise-reducing microphone, ideal for frantic game play, the Headset utilizes Bluetooth 2.0 wireless technology, and operates at a range of up to 30 feet from the console.

MSRP: $39.99

Modern Warfare 2 Controller Faceplates – Xbox 360 & PLAYSTATION 3

Depicting official artwork from Modern Warfare 2, the highly collectible Controller Faceplate allows gamers to customize their official Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 controllers in style.  Highly durable and featuring a high-gloss finish, the safe and removable Controller Faceplate attaches in seconds to the official controller and features authentic artwork to support the game (Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 Controller Faceplate sold separately).

MSRP: $14.99

Modern Warfare 2 Combat GamePad – PC

For those who enjoy gaming on their PC but prefer the feel of a gamepad over a keyboard and mouse, the Modern Warfare 2 Combat GamePad provides a comfortable and highly ergonomic method of play.  Featuring full analog control, the Combat GamePad is fashioned in authentic Modern Warfare 2 artwork and comes complete with a complement of four Action Buttons and four Trigger Buttons as well as a stable eight-way D-Pad delivering precision and accuracy where fast response is crucial to survival.  Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Combat GamePad ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram the four Action Buttons to suit their personal preferences or for use with other software titles.  The Combat GamePad is compatible with Windows™ 7, Vista™ and XP™.

MSRP: $24.99

Modern Warfare 2 Sniper Mouse – PC

Fine-tuned for razor-sharp assault, the Modern Warfare 2 Sniper Mouse allows for precision in-game control.  Instantly adjustable DPI (‘Dot Per Inch’) allows gamers to adjust the speed of the mouse cursor at any time, ideal for a multitude of missions and varying styles of play.  A built-in weight cartridge allows gamers to add or subtract weights from the Mouse tailoring the feel for personal preference.  Fashioned in fully authentic graphics, the Sniper Mouse is certain to be the weapon of choice for PC enthusiasts.  Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Mouse ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram the Mouse Buttons to suit their personal preference or for use with other software titles.  The Sniper Mouse is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP.

MSRP: $49.99

Modern Warfare 2 Combat Keyboard – PC

The Modern Warfare 2 Combat Keyboard features ‘Anti-Ghosting’ in key action areas and a Windows Key Lock to prevent accidental disruption to game play.  Easily accessible Media Keys provide instant access to volume control, play/pause and other essential media-related functions and a weighted base with strategically placed large rubber feet that prevent the keyboard from slipping off the desk.  Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Combat Keyboard ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram Function Buttons to suit their personal preference or for use with other software titles.  The Combat Keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP.

MSRP: $49.99

Modern Warfare 2 Elite Keyboard – PC

Built on the successful ‘Cyborg’ Keyboard platform, the Modern Warfare 2 Elite Keyboard is ideal for those who take their gaming seriously and will prove to be an essential ally in the field.  Multi-Color backlighting, including adjustable brightness and ‘Tru-Vu™’ illumination, provides gamers with the ability to set ambient lighting, ranging from red through to amber and green.  Touch-Sensitive Back-Lit Dashboard controls provide access to keyboard lighting and media functions.  Further aiding in the custom nature of the keyboard, the WASD, cursor, ‘Cyborg™’ and NumPad keys can all be lit independently from the rest of the keyboard, allowing players to highlight keys commonly used in-game.  One-touch ‘Cyborg’ mode instantly disables the Windows™ keys and adjusts the keyboard illumination to desired settings for simple set-up and no fewer than twelve Cyborg keys can be programmed to replicate any sequence of keyboard presses in a single button.  Durable Metal-Plated key caps provide reinforced strength on the most commonly used gaming keys and gold-plated connectors for USB and microphone inputs allow other accessories to be passed through the keyboard without accessing the PC.  Pre-programmed for Modern Warfare 2, the Elite Keyboard ships with software that allows gamers to reprogram Keyboard Buttons to suit their personal preference or for use with other software titles.  The Elite Keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP.

MSRP: $99.99

Oh, these crazy trademarks and all the speculation they cause! This time around, it’s a trademark from Sony from the title "Echoshift". Of course, it seems likely that this may be a new entry in the Echochrome universe. We already know Echochrono is coming later this year, so I wonder what this might be? Perhaps it’s just a new name for the US release … or a new game altogether?

I love Echochrome, but it makes me feel dumb as a brick if I don’t play it when I’m feeling my sharpest. Still, I’m glad to see the series doing well and progressing, and I really like their take on the puzzle genre. Did you like Echochrome enough to want more of it?

[Via superannutation]

2K Games and Bethesda Softworks Announce BioShock® & The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® Bundle Now Available

Winners of more than 80 Game of the Year awards combine to form a powerful
value-packed experience

New York, NY – July 7, 2009 – 2K Games and Bethesda Softworks, a ZeniMax Media company, announced today that the BioShock® & The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® Bundle is now available at retail outlets across North America for a suggested retail price of $39.99 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and $29.99 for Windows PC. The bundle will be available internationally in mid-July.

Creating a value-rich package, the BioShock & The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Bundle combines 2006 Game of the Year winner The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion with 2007 Game of the Year winner BioShock – two games with a combined bounty of more than 80 Game of the Year awards from the industry’s top publications. In addition to having achieved critical success and Platinum Hits status, both games rank among the bestselling titles on Xbox 360.

BioShock is the genetically enhanced shooter that weaves intricate storytelling with an intense and exciting journey though a decaying underwater Art Deco utopia gone mad. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by mutated citizens, gamers are not only armed with a complete arsenal from simple revolvers to chemical throwers, but are forced to genetically modify their own DNA to use themselves as a deadly weapon.

Taking the world by storm in 2006, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion set a new benchmark for role-playing experiences for current generation gaming. Lush visuals, expansive worlds and limitless character customization combine with unprecedented levels of player freedom and NPC interaction to form one of the most successful and critically acclaimed games ever created.

The BioShock & The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Bundle is rated M by the ESRB. For more information on BioShock please visit www.bioshockgame.com. For more information on Oblivion please visit www.elderscrolls.com.

2K Games is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, which publishes its titles under 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play. Take-Two also distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

About Bethesda

Bethesda Softworks®, part of the ZeniMax Media Inc. family of companies, is a premier developer and worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software. Two of the world’s top development studios – Bethesda Game Studios and id Software – are published under the Bethesda Softworks label, which includes blockbuster franchises such as DOOM®, QUAKE®, The Elder Scrolls®, Fallout®, Wolfenstein™,  and RAGE™.  Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax, The Elder Scrolls and related logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of ZeniMax Media Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.  Fallout is a registered trademark or trademark of Bethesda Softworks LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries.  ID, DOOM, QUAKE, Wolfenstein, RAGE and related logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Id Software LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries.  For more information on Bethesda Softworks’ products, visit www.bethsoft.com.

Microsoft, Windows, the Windows Vista Start button, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies, and ‘Games for Windows’ and the Windows Vista Start button logo are used under license from Microsoft.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.