The Man Who Almost Killed Churchill Wants To Be Your Facebook Friend

Tuesday 11th March/... Codemasters today announced that it is launching a unique online viral campaign for the European release of Turning Point: Fall of Liberty . Tapping into the global social networking phenomenon, Codemasters has created a Facebook profile for Mario Contasino, the man who inspired the events of Turning Point: Fall of Liberty . Those who add Mario Contasino as a friend on their Facebook profile will automatically be entered into a competition to win a PlayStation 3 and a copy of Turning Point: Fall of Liberty .

Mario Contasino was the taxi driver who accidentally knocked down Winston Churchill in 1931 when the future prime minister looked the wrong way whilst crossing a busy New York City street. Churchill made a full recovery following the accident, but the premise of Turning Point: Fall of Liberty revolves around what might have happened had Churchill died as a result of his injuries.

Without a strong leader to rally behind, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty suggests that the Allied forces succumb to the Nazi war machine, with Britain surrendering to Nazi occupation. In the alternative history first-person shooter, gamers take on the role of everyman Dan Carson, a New York City construction worker finds himself fighting alongside the resistance when the Nazis launch a full-scale invasion of America in 1953.

To honour how Mario Contasino's historic events inspired the video game, Codemasters recently launched a search to track down his descendents. As a result of the global search, it was discovered that he enlisted for service during World War II, but sadly passed away on January 17, 1989. However, the search for his descendents continues and you can join the hunt at www.codemasters.co.uk/quest

Richard Eddy, Director, Communication, says: " Turning Point: Fall of Liberty features one of the most provocative premises ever created for a video game. The role that Mario Contasino played in its inspiration and creating a Facebook profile for the man is a fantastic way of honouring him through social networking."

To be in with a chance to win a PlayStation 3 and a copy of Turning Point: Fall of Liberty *, entrants are required to have an active Facebook account and add 'Mario Contasino' to their Facebook friends list or use the web link below. *Terms and conditions apply.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1065436577

Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is released in the UK on 14th March for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Games for Windows.

For further information, please contact:

Stu Taylor ( stuart.taylor@bhpr.co.uk)

Tel: +44 (0)1462 456780

BHPR, Troopers Yard, Bancroft, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1JW

Fax +44 (0)1462 456781

ABOUT TURNING POINT: FALL OF LIBERTY

Set in 1953, in the midst of an alternate reality where Nazi forces win World War II, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty opens as the Third Reich launches a decimating attack on New York. Nazi battleships quickly take the harbour, monstrous Zeppelins fill the skies, jet aircraft execute bombing runs and, as armed paratroopers descend on to the streets, the city is taken block by block. With New York falling to pieces, and Washington D.C. in enemy sights, it's time to fight afresh in a new battleground.

Developed by US studio Spark Unlimited, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty will deliver an explosive F.P.S. experience in a world where famous locations and landmarks appear startlingly different under Nazi occupation. Turning Point: Fall of Liberty also presents a very personal battle for players. As Dan Carson - a reluctant New York City construction worker turned freedom fighter - gamers must survive the initial invasion before regrouping with other resistance members to take the fight back to the Nazis. Always outmanned and outgunned, players must use guerrilla tactics as they attempt to stop the world's most notorious war machine.