Thursday, 9 November, 2017 MELBOURNE MADE GAME PUTS THE ASHES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Melbourne’s sporting and digital games industries have teamed up to create a groundbreaking new game that will give people of all ages the chance to strap on the pads and play for the Ashes. Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley today joined Bushrangers star Glen Maxwell at the Melbourne Cricket Ground today to launch Melbourne-made Ashes Cricket, ahead of its global release on 16 November. Created by Melbourne’s Big Ant Studios in collaboration with Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board, Ashes Cricket uses the latest 3D modelling, motion capture and photogrammetry technology to bring both women’s and men’s Ashes series to the gaming world like never before. The game is part of Cricket Australia’s new strategy, capturing the imagination of a new generation of cricket supporters through digital games and content that fans can engage with all year round. Big Ant Studios have worked with several cricketers to develop the game, including Australia captain Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Emma Inglis and Mackinley Blows – capturing their movements playing a variety of shots that players can use at home to lead their team to virtual victory. In addition to choosing their players, teams, stadiums, logos and match formats, players can live out their cricketing dreams, starting with a local club and progressing through the ranks as they work towards Ashes glory. Big Ant has a history in creating cricket games, including Don Bradman Cricket 17 and the Big Bash 2016 mobile game – which was downloaded more than five million times. Melbourne is Australia’s digital games capital, home to more than half of all games businesses in the country. Ashes Cricket will be available on Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC from 16 November 2017. Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley “Melbourne is the home of sport, and the home of digital games. This game shows how major brands are recognising the incredible growth and potential of games, as well as the talent that calls Victoria home.” Quote attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren "This Melbourne-made game will be played across the globe – showcasing Victoria's incredible creativity and technology that guarantees a big summer of cricket on the pitch, on your console and beyond.” Quote attributable to Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland “We continue to look for ways to connect with new audiences. We recognise the role digital games can play in doing this, particularly reaching younger fans, and fuelling their interest in the game - and ideally seeing them pick up a bat and ball to play Australia’s favourite sport.” Media Contact: Matilda Edwards Jézéquel 0447 422 464 | [email protected] .