Gran Turismo 5 3D Gaming Tournament

From Wednesday 24 November 2010, the first ever console racing game to offer consumers 3D gameplay will be available to buy in over 4,000 retail outlets in the UK. To celebrate the launch of Sony Computer Entertainment’s hotly anticipated Gran Turismo 5® (GT5) – which will offer a vast choice of over 1,000 cars to drive and 70 circuits – a raft of Sony BRAVIA 3DTVs are being installed in HMVs around the country to facilitate a nationwide 3D gaming tournament, which will see racers battle it out to be crowned the UK’s ultimate 3D GT5 champion.

The heats will run on a leaderboard system from Saturday 27 November for ten days. The fastest two players from each region will win a place in the grand final, which will take place at HMV Oxford Circus, London, on 15 December and will be compared by Formula One personality Jake Humphreys.

Since launch, Sony has continued to show it’s commitment to 3D technology with the release of a further five 3DTV models, two 3D Blu-ray systems and a host of 3D content – with more on the way in the coming months. Sony was the first to bring 3D gaming to the UK in June this year with the launch of four 3D stereoscopic titles through the PlayStation Network, available to download completely free when buying a Sony 3D TV.

3D games due for release soon include:

·          Killzone 3 (February 2011)  - the ultimate special forces first-person shooter         

·          MotorStorm: Apocalypse (March 2011) -  race monster trucks through a city that’s under attack by Mother Nature             

·          Ico / Shadow of the Collosus Collection (March 2011) – travel across a vast expanse on horseback in this puzzle game as character ‘Wander’

Christian Brown, Senior Category Marketing Manager, Sony UK says: “3D continues to be a major focus for Sony as we look to raise the experience of home entertainment. Combine the advanced technology found in all Sony 3D TVs, the PlayStation3 console and the hugely advanced GT5 - and you’ve got a gaming experience that’s second to none. 3D gaming fans can also get a copy GT5, a PS3, 2 pairs of 3D glasses and a 3D transmitter all worth over £500 completely free when buying any Sony 3DTV from 24 November to 5 December in Sony Centres, whilst stocks last”.

Ben Wilson, Editor of Official PlayStation magazine says: “3D is massive news in the world of gaming – it’s helping an active pastime to become even more immersive. GT5 is leading the way in that regard: you no longer just control the car, now you’re actually  in it. I’m sure everyone playing in the BRAVIA 3D tournament will delight in the technology - but only one can win it, and we’re looking forward to racing against the UK’s 3D GT5 champion!”

Dominic Mulroy of HMV Gamerbase, says: “As a specialist entertainment retailer for music, film and games and, increasingly, technology products, we have high expectations for how 3D games and 3D Blu-ray discs will perform this Christmas and in 2011.  We're seeing more and more customers buying into these fantastic new formats, and we're delighted to be partnering with Sony BRAVIA to host this 3D gaming tournament."

For more information on the complete Sony 3D offering please visit  www.sony.co.uk/3d.

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Trine Kaalund Hansen

Borkowski

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Twitter: @Tkaalundhansen