FirstPlay

15/06/2010 – FirstPlay, the on-console interactive show for PlayStation 3 (PS3) scores big later this month when it offers gamers the UK exclusive demo of Backbreaker, the bone-crunching gridiron title from 505 Games.

Featured in Episode 11 of FirstPlay and available from June 16th, the Backbreaker demo will only be available through the interactive PlayStation 3 show. The demo offers a comprehensive training program teaching you the essential Backbreaker controls and game play systems, the chance to sample a full half of the Exhibition mode, seven unique teams to choose from and the Tackle Alley mini game where up to two players can pit their skills against wave after wave of defenders in a battle to stay upright.

Among the additional highlights in Episode 11 are HD video reviews of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker and International Cricket 2010 and exclusive in-depth previews of war-mongering strategy game R.U.S.E and the eye-meltingly gorgeous LittleBigPlanet2.

FirstPlay also guides gamers through the variety of content available on the PlayStation Network – rounding up the latest PlayStation Minis, films and digital comics in a weekly package.

Available every Wednesday across the UK from the PlayStation Network, FirstPlay delivers brand-new high definition video reviews, previews and much more. FirstPlay is delivered to your PlayStation 3 console for just 99p an episode, with a money-saving 90 day subscription costing £8.99.

James Kick, Brand Manager for Future’s Games portfolio, said:

"We are delighted to partner with 505 Games' Backbreaker to provide the first exclusive PSN demo delivered through FirstPlay. This initiative is a great example of how we are able to work with publishers to showcase exciting upcoming games and content though our weekly interactive show".

Dan Cooke, Product Manager, 505 Games, added:

“FirstPlay gives us an opportunity to inform gamers about Backbreaker in a innovative way and like no other games media on the market. We are excited about this title and the opportunity to work with first play exclusively for the PS3 demo. We hope gamers really enjoy experiencing Backbreaker through FirstPlay.”

FirstPlay is created by Future, the special-interest media group, in partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE). Episode 11 of FirstPlay is available Wednesday, 16th June on the PlayStation Network store, costing just 99p or £8.99 per 90 days.

ENDS

About Future

Future plc is an international special-interest media group that is listed on the London Stock Exchange (symbol FUTR). Founded in 1985 with one magazine, today we have operations in the UK, US and Australia creating over 180 special-interest publications, websites and events for people who are passionate about their interests. We hold strong multi-media market positions in games, technology, film, music, cycling, automotive and crafts. Our biggest-selling magazines include Total Film, T3, Classic Rock, Digital Camera, Guitar World, Official Xbox Magazine, Official Playstation Magazine, Nintendo Power, Maximum PC and MacLife. Our websites include gamesradar.com, bikeradar.com, techradar.com, musicradar.com, dailyradar.com and photoradar.com. Future produces nearly 4 million magazines each month; we attract more than 27 million unique visitors to our websites; and we host 27 annual live events that attract hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts. In addition, Future exports, syndicates or licenses its publications to 90 countries internationally, making us the UK’s number one exporter and licensor of monthly magazines.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PlayStation ^® 3, PlayStation ^® 2, PSP ^TM (PlayStation ^® Portable) and PlayStation ^® Network software and hardware in 99 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes entertainment software for these formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the formats in these territories. Since the launch of PlayStation 3 in November 2006, over 27 million units have been sold globally and continue to be sold at a record level. Maintaining its position as one of the most successful consumer electronic products in history, PlayStation 2 has sold over 140.7 million systems worldwide. Since its launch at the end of 2004, over 55.9 million PSPs have been sold globally, highlighting the importance of the portable entertainment market. With the huge increase in interest and accessibility of network applications and network gaming, over 31 million accounts have registered to PlayStation Network, the free-to-access interactive environment, and over 650 million items have been downloaded.

For more information

Will Guyatt, Media Relations Manager, Future UK, 01225 822517