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

In our Xperia Play review, we were critical of the inability to find games specifically designed for the handheld's buttons. It's only right to mention that a bevy of new titles is on the horizon -- some old and some brand new and all designed specifically for this type of button-mashing. Headline acts include Minecraft (a port that we've seen before) as well as Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard and Battlefield Bad Company 2, both of which have both been accumulating headshots on iOS devices for a while in the past. Hit the PR after the break for the full list of games, but don't expect anything in terms of pricing or availability. These details will be revealed at E3 next week, when the Xperia Play will have to compete for attention against the Sony NGP. so little time We'll have to wait until the right moment to twiddle our fingers with force.

Sony Ericsson and Gameloft team to launch Rainbow Six - Shadow Vanguard exclusively on Xperia (tm). PLAY. More than 20 games will be showcased at E3 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard during the months of June and July.

London 2nd June 2011 London, June 2, 2011 Sony Ericsson is again teaming up with Gameloft, a top global publisher of digital and social games, to deliver an exclusive experience exclusively for its most popular gaming smartphone - Xperia(tm) PLAY. The PLAY will provide exclusive access to the action-packed spy thriller shooter Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard, adapted from the famous Ubisoft video game series. Taking full advantage of the smartphone's outstanding graphical capabilities and game-changing control pad, Xperia(tm) PLAY brings the high-octane international action adventure to the Android operating system for the first time. The Android version will be available to Xperia(tm), PLAY customers in Western Europe during June and July.

Based on the renowned Ubisoft video game franchise Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six is one of the most well-known video game brands. It's a first-person shooter with a tactical focus that is energetic and enjoyable. The game is based on an imaginary international counter-terrorist force called Rainbow. Focusing more on stealth and tactics rather than guns and firepower, weapons (including assault rifles and handguns with high calibers), uniforms and equipment are selected to match each operative's skills and the task at hand.

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

"We are thrilled to continue to support Xperia(tm), PLAY with an exclusive edition of Tom's Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard," stated Gonzague de Vallois, Senior Vice President Publishing at Gameloft. "This title will expand our games available on Xperia(tm) PLAY, and we're very happy that the device's users truly enjoy the first smartphone that is fully-featured and comes with an exclusive gaming interface."

During June and July 2011 consumers across Western Europe who have an Xperia(tm) Play will be able to download a free copy of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard. The game will be available on Android only on the Sony Ericsson Xperia(tm) PLAY.

In addition, Sony Ericsson also announces 20 new games, including 10 exclusive titles, optimised for Xperia(tm) PLAY. The new games, including a lot of them will be featured at the world's most prestigious games exhibition, E3, June 7-9.

The latest titles appeal to a broad range of people and occasions, from the most innovative, multi-player online games (MMOs) to immersive titles to new, visually rich casual content.

The most notable of the titles that were announced today is Minecraft(tm) which is the highly anticipated game by the Swedish indie developer Mojang. Minecraft(tm) is one of the fastest growing game franchises ever with more than eight million registered users 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).

Sony Ericsson supports the Android ecosystem through its partnerships with key industry players such as Unity and Havok. This partnership is helping to build an ever-growing ecosystem. Sony Ericsson is launching a programme to support and find new innovative developers, called "Stand out from the crowd" that allows game developers to be part of the Xperia(tm) PLAY story and get their games the recognition they require. Sony Ericsson will be present at E3 in Los Angeles, June 7-9, to provide the first-hand demonstrations of Xperia(tm) PLAY as well as a host of the upcoming games at the Sony Ericsson 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 An unnamed fighting game from Khaeon Gamestudio

New games are 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 that were announced today will be released in the next few months. Details regarding the timing and exclusiveness of the games will be revealed during E3 Week and closer to launch.

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