Sony Ericsson will Showcase over 20 new Games that are Optimized For Xperia Play

One of the things we criticised in our Xperia Play review was the absence of games specifically tailored to the handheld's controls. Therefore, it's only fair to mention that a variety of new games are in the works -- some old, some new and all designed for this particular type of button-mashing. Headline games include Minecraft (a port we've seen in action) as well as Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard and Battlefield Bad Company 2, both of which have both been collecting headshots on iOS devices for a while now. For the full list of titles, read the PR after the break. But don't be expecting any pricing or availability. These details will be revealed at E3 next week, where the Xperia Play will compete for attention alongside the Sony NGP. It's likely that we'll need to twiddle our fingers until we can twiddle them with vigor.

Sony Ericsson and Gameloft partner to launch Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard exclusively on Xperia(tm) PLAY, and over 20 games to be shown at E3 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard will be available on Android exclusively on Xperia(tm) PLAY between June and July . Over 20 new games that are optimized for Xperia(tm) PLAY and 10 exclusive games

London 2nd June 2011 - Sony Ericsson is again teaming with Gameloft, a top global publisher of social and digital games, to offer an exclusive experience for its flagship gaming smartphone - Xperia(tm) PLAY. It will come with exclusive access to the action-packed spy thriller shooter game Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard, adapted from the famous Ubisoft video game series. Xperia(tm) PLAY brings high-octane action adventures to the Android operating system, making full use of the smartphone’s exceptional graphics capabilities and game-changing pad. The Android version will be made available to Xperia(tm), PLAY customers in Western Europe during June and July.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six, a video game brand that is based on the Ubisoft video game franchise, is among the most loved. It's a high-energy tactical first-person shooter that is based on a fictional international counter-terrorist group known as "Rainbow." The game focuses more on stealth and tactics rather than the power of fire. Weapons (including assault rifles, high-caliber handguns and uniforms) are selected to suit the abilities of each operative and their mission.

Robert Styppa is Vice President Western Europe at Sony Ericsson. He stated Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six, Shadow Vanguard has a large fan base and a fascinating gameplay. "The stunning graphics and the unique capabilities of the full gamepad make for a unique gaming experience for users."

"We are very excited to continue our support for Xperia(tm) PLAY with an exclusive release of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard," said Gonzague de Vallois, Senior Vice President Publishing at Gameloft. "This title will further enrich our game lineup for Xperia(tm) PLAY and we're thrilled that the fans of the device are truly enjoying this first fully-featured smartphone that comes with an exclusive gaming interface."

Consumers in Western Europe with an Xperia(tm) Play will be able to download the free Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Shadow Vanguard during June and July 2011. The game will only be available on Android on the Sony Ericsson Xperia (tm) PLAY.

In addition, Sony Ericsson also announces 20 new games with 10 exclusive titles, optimized for Xperia(tm) PLAY. The new games, many of which will be showcased at the world's most prestigious games exhibition, E3, June 7-9.

The new titles have broad appeal to different users and different usage scenarios from popular, innovative, massively multi-player online titles (MMO) to immersive titles and addictive graphically rich new content for casual play.

The most notable of the titles that were that were announced today is Minecraft(tm), the much sought-after game from Swedish indie developer Mojang. Minecraft(tm) is among the fastest-growing game franchises in history, with over eight million registered players to date, and more than 50k new players joining each day.

Sony Ericsson has confirmed that new games from Sony Computer Entertainment's classic PlayStation 1 titles will soon be available on Xperia(tm).
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Sony Ericsson's involvement in the Android ecosystem also includes its partnerships with major industry players like Unity and Havok together with whom it is working to create an ever-growing ecosystem. Sony Ericsson is launching a program to support and identify new and innovative developers that are upcoming. The program is named "Stand out from the crowd" which allows game developers to be part of the Xperia(tm) PLAY story and give their games the exposure they require. Sony Ericsson will attend E3 in Los Angeles from June 7-9 to show off the Xperia(tm) PLAY, other games on booth 713. New Android Games Exclusive on Xperia(tm) PLAY: Minecraft(tm) by Mojang Battlefield Bad Company 2 by Electronic Arts Tom Clancy's Rainbow 6 Shadow Vanguard by Gameloft Desert Winds by Southend Interactive Ruined by Bigpoint Icebreaker(tm) by NaturalMotion Sleepy Jack by SilverTree Media Cracking Sands by Polarbit Armageddon Squadron 2 by Polarbit A fighting game that is not known by Khaeon Gamestudio

New games coming soon to Xperia(tm) PLAY: Pocket Legends by Spacetime Studios Star Legends: The Black Star Chronicles by Spacetime Studios Eternal Legacy by Gameloft Guns 'n'Glory 2 by HandyGames Dungeon Hunter 2 by Gameloft Pocket RPG by Crescent Moon Games D.A.R.K. Gamelab Samurai II - Vengeance by MADFINGER Games Vendetta Online - Guild Software Order and Chaos Gameloft Happy Vikings Handy Games A Ball Game from Trendy Entertainment Lumines – Connect2Media

The new games announced today will be released in the coming months. More details about the release date and exclusivity will be announced during E3 week and closer to the time of launch.

Check out the Sony Ericsson Product Blog for more information: http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products