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GET DRIVEN TO DESTRUCTION AS CODEMASTERS ANNOUNCES DiRT SHOWDOWNTM FOR 2012

All-action trailer now showing at www.dirtgame.com reveals a brand new and explosive extension of the DiRT series coming May 2012
Tuesday Dec 13th(10 AM UK ) - Set to deliver a brand new dive-in-and-drive rush of speed, style and destruction, today Codemasters® announced that DiRT Showdown, an action packed extension of the award-winning DiRT series, will debut May 2012 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and PC.

In DiRT Showdown, players will jump into a new world of competitive and combative racing, boosting, tricking and smashing their way to 'Showdown' finals on a chaotic tour of motorised mayhem. The first trailer capturing the unique atmosphere and high-octane thrills of DiRT Showdown is now playing at www.dirtgame.com.

"DiRT Showdown is not the sequel to the authentic rally-centric DiRT 3, but a brand new experience from the DiRT team," said Julian Widdows, VP, development. "We're building on Codemasters Racing Studio's world-class strengths in track design, graphics, AI, damage and online to create a new theatre of racing with the emphasis on accessibility and fun from race one."

"DiRT Showdown charges into the arcade racing space with a uniquely Codemasters feel," said Mike Chapman, senior games designer. "Whether players are using nitrous to boost, smashing into their opponents or pulling off stunts, DiRT Showdown's fresh handling system and super-charged damage engine embed excitement into every event."

There are three broad categories to DiRT Showdown's action-sport racing. Players will use nitrous to blast past rivals and negotiate courses filled with ramps, multiple routes and obstacles in full-contact Racing events. Gaming's most advanced damage engine is unleashed in Demolition Derby themed events where players smash and crash their way to victory in bone-jarring style. Finally, in Hoonigan events, gamers will send fans wild in huge stunt parks where accessible new controls offer every player the chance to become a freestyle driving hero.

From San Francisco to Miami and London to Tokyo, players will dominate their rivals and wow the crowds. Pyrotechnics, lasers and thousands of fans give each venue a sports entertainment atmosphere, becoming the perfect stage for players to perform. Over 50 different events across four championships will challenge gamers in a variety of conditions - sun, snow and rain - through the day and under the floodlights at night.

DiRT Showdown will feature an exciting new line up of off-road machines. Ken Block's all new Gymkhana FOUR H.F.H.V. Ford Fiesta debuts alongside an eclectic mix of vehicles across a range of classes. From saloons and muscle cars to pick-up-trucks, hearses and vans, players have a wide selection of custom cars to trick, race and destroy.

DiRT Showdown will be Codemasters' most connected game ever - split-screen multiplayer, eight-player online racing, on and off-line quick-fire party games and YouTube integration all come as standard. Players will also be able to issue 'Showdown Challenges' to compete with friends whether they are online or not.

Powered by the award-winning EGO Game Technology Platform, DiRT Showdown will be uncaged May 2012 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and PC.

For all the latest updates straight from the studio, crash over to www.dirtgame.com, www.facebook.com/dirtgame or follow the team at www.twitter.com/dirtgame.