Hail to the Chimp

Something else hitting US retail today.

News by GamesIndustry International Contributor

Published on June 24, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cockpit, Austin, TX – June 24, 2008 – This summer, democracy comes to the animal kingdom in Wideload Games’ presidential party game Hail to the Chimp. Video game publisher Gamecock Media Group today announced that Hail to the Chimp has shipped to North American retailers and is available on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Players can now jump into the biggest political race the animal kingdom has ever seen in this fast-paced original game that delivers exciting gameplay and a comic look at politics. It’s a bare-knuckled fight to win the crown of President of the animals and whoever gets the most clams (votes), wins!

Hail to the Chimp begins after the Lion is deposed as King following a series of embarrassing scandals. The rest of the animals decide it's time to give democracy a chance and hold an election for the first President of the Animal Kingdom. The election quickly becomes a frenzied multiplayer free-for-all, with each candidate using a combination of brute force and dirty tricks to try and win the most votes. Ten distinct animals will compete to win the election.

“Gamers complain about the lack of innovation and originality in video games. Hail to the Chimp is the antidote,” said Rick Stults, console chief for Gamecock Media Group. “Hail to the Chimp blends political satire with over-the-top beat-‘em-up action that no one else has attempted before now.”

“Hail to the Chimp is designed for fun, pure and simple - quick, easy, party game fun for everyone,” said Alex Seropian, founder of Wideload Games. “In addition, the immersive character-driven backstory and underlying humor provide an entertainment experience that anyone can enjoy.”

Up to four players participate online or on a single console to become the new President. Everything unfolds on GRR News, the animal kingdom’s 24-hour news channel, as Woodchuck Chumley and his crew of reporters cover the political mayhem. Choose from a wide range of animal candidates, ranging from Monkey to Musk Ox to Octopus to Hippo, each with unique political platforms and competitive strengths. Players participate in 16 unique events in the race to the top, such as Political Minefield, Hack the Vote, and Character Assassin, and battle it out in 10 different arenas: waterfalls, mountain tops, factory floors, and more! A unique “teamup” option lets two players mix cooperation with competition, forming alliances and inflicting betrayals – whatever it takes to finish on top.

Hail to the Chimp pokes fun at today’s political news coverage and is content-rich with hours of cut scenes that include fake commercials, political ads and political debates that are fun to play or just watch.

Hail to the Chimp is available for Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3 system at a great price point of $39.99.

For more information on Hail to the Chimp, visit www.HailtotheChimp.com and www.GRRnews.com.

About Gamecock Media Group

Based in Austin, Texas, Gamecock Media Group offers a welcome solution to the bloated and originality-starved video game industry. A well-funded, independent, artist-driven company, Gamecock favors the most innovative and original video game developers in the industry. Publishing games for all platforms, Gamecock offers its developers a high degree of participation, freedom and financial incentives, allowing them to perform and create to their utmost ability. For more, please visit www.gamecockmedia.com.

About Wideload Games

Wideload is a producer and developer of interactive entertainment that focuses on the creation of original intellectual property with an innovative new approach to making video games. Wideload utilizes a global outsourcing model to augment each project with independent contractors. Using this model, Wideload released its premiere title, Stubbs the Zombie to critical acclaim in October 2005. Stubbs has been recognized as one of the most original, innovative, and funny games to come out in years. For more, please visit www.wideload.com.

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Contact:

Gamecock Media:

Rob Fleischer

Sandbox Strategies

212-213-2451

rob@sandboxstrat.com

Wideload:

Susan Lusty

206-331-4659

slusty@earthlink.net