Qore: Presented By The PLAYSTATION Network
Future US-produced monthly show to begin airing this Thursday.
Launch sponsors include BURGER KING®, Universal Pictures, Activision and Codemasters
South San Francisco, CA (June 3, 2008) – Future US, Inc, the leading publisher of cutting-edge special interest magazines and websites, announced today that it has an exclusive development agreement to produce a monthly digital program to be delivered across Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA)’s PLAYSTATION® Network. Future US holds the exclusive right to sell advertising on the program, which will debut on PLAYSTATION® Network on June 5, 2008.
Powered by Future’s renowned editorial staff and developed on its proprietary Future Distributed Media Initiative (FDMI), Qore™: Presented By The PLAYSTATION® Network marks the first time gamers can download interactive high-definition games coverage directly through their console’s broadband connection for viewing on their living-room TV screen. Qore will be supported by an innovative ad model that incorporates HD rich-media advertisements such as trailers, interstitials, and contextual ads into the presentation.
Future US is the publisher of PlayStation®: The Official Magazine, which premiered in the US in November 2007. Like the magazine, Qore™ will offer users unprecedented access to the world of PlayStation®. Content will include exclusive playable demos, game previews, strategies and interviews with developers and key industry figures.
For advertisers desiring to reach gamers in an active media environment, Qore is the most direct and efficient way to connect with them while they are on their console, their gamepads in hands, as they are fully captivated by what they see and hear. Qore is already generating huge interest from advertisers. The launch episode will feature support from BURGER KING®, Universal Pictures (“The Incredible Hulk”), Activision (“Guitar Hero: Aerosmith”), Codemasters (“Grid” and “Overlord”) and others.
Users may either pay an introductory price of $2.99 (MSRP) for the first episode or sign up for an annual 13-episode subscription for $24.99 (MSRP). Subscribers will have special access to game demos, betas, add-ons and other downloadable and game-related content.
Veronica Belmont, the host of numerous online video programs and podcasts, will be the host of Qore™. Veronica is the co-host of Revision3’s tech-centric show Tekzilla and is a frequent guest on G4’s “Attack of the Show” as a gaming and technology expert. Formerly, she hosted the popular web show “Mahalo Daily” and was co-host of CNET’s programs “Buzz Out Loud,” “MP3 Insider” and “Crave.” Ms. Belmont is represented by International Creative Management.
“We couldn’t be more excited to extend our partnership with SCEA to the PlayStation® Network,” commented Future’s President Jonathan Simpson-Bint. “This is an opportunity to create a branded media environment unlike anything else in the world and an example of how Future is uniquely positioned to create powerful integrated media solutions for readers and advertisers.”
“Qore is a uniquely targeted product, reaching gamers in the interactive, high-definition environment of the console itself,” said Future Publishing Director Simon Whitcombe. “For consumers it is a relevant and compelling new format for media, and for advertisers it’s a pipeline straight to the game-playing audience.”
About Future
Future plc is an international special-interest media group that is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (symbol: FUTR). Founded in 1985 with one magazine, today we have operations in the UK and US creating over 180 special-interest publications, websites and events for people who are passionate about their interests. We hold strong market positions in video games, music, technology, action sports, film, automotive and crafts. Our biggest-selling magazines in the US include Official Xbox Magazine, PlayStation: The Official Magazine, Nintendo Power, PC Gamer, Guitar World, Maximum PC and Mac|Life, while our UK business publishes leading titles such as T3, Total Film, Digital Camera, Fast Car and Classic Rock. Our web sites include GamesRadar, BikeRadar, TechRadar, and MusicRadar. Future sells over 4 million magazines each month; we attract more than 11 million unique visitors to our websites; and we host 16 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 biggest exporter of monthly magazines.
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