The Video Game Bible Returns With Launch of Guinness World Records(R) 2009 Gamer’s Edition

Amazing Guitar Hero Attempt in New York City Kicks Off International Release of New Book

NEW YORK, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ — The globally-recognized authority on record-breaking achievements, Guinness World Records, reveals the latest and greatest in video gaming with the publication of Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer’s Edition on February 4th for $21.95 (15 UK pounds Sterling). The so-called “video game bible” is back with all new records, facts and trivia sure to keep any gamer occupied when they’re not playing on the latest game system. To celebrate the US launch of the new book, the world’s greatest gamers will attempt to shatter some of the most amazing video game records. Meanwhile, as Great Britain experiences the heaviest snowfall in eighteen years, launch celebrations for the UK version are postponed until 11th February.

Now in its second year of publishing, Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer’s Edition is a unique companion volume to Guinness World Records – the world’s bestselling copyright book – dedicated solely to video games and gaming records. The book is a comprehensive guide to record-breaking video games on all consoles, and also offers a broad range of features ranging from the history of gaming to interviews with key figures in the industry, designed to appeal to gamers at every level.

In this year’s book, readers will find everything from a special section on banned and controversial games (pinball machines were banned in the U.S. for 34 years) to the First Superhero Game of All-Time (Superman), the Longest Drum Marathon On Rock Band (26 hrs, 40 min) and much, much more. Other special sections in the book include War Games (Metal Gear, Call of Duty, Medal of Honor), Superhero Games (Batman, Spider-Man, Superman), Space Games (Star Trek, Wing Commander, Star Wars) as well as a feature on the development of healthy gaming.

Record-breaking video game feats in New York and London will commemorate the release of the new book. Guinness World Record-holder Danny Johnson will attempt to reclaim his “Guitar God” status on Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock in New York City. Johnson will try to best the previous record of 899,703 points on Guitar Hero’s toughest song – “Through the Fire and Flames”. New York’s Comic Con convention will also play host to several record-breaking attempts including The Largest Gathering of Cosplayers, which currently stands at 342.

To celebrate the UK launch on the 11th of February, British eccentric motoring inventor Edd China will unveil his latest wacky creation on four wheels – the Fastest Mobile Gaming Rig. Complete with all three “current generation” consoles and monitors, this unique piece of mobile furniture will tour the streets of London with three gamers onboard after setting a speed record on the A40. Also as part of the UK celebrations, the world’s Youngest Professional Gamer; Lil Poison ( Victor De Leon III), is due to visit London for the very first time and receive his official Guinness World Records certificate. 10-year old, Long Island (NY) native, Lil Poison, claimed the title after signing with MLG recruiters as a Pro Gamer at the age of six.

“The idea was for Gamer’s Edition to be more than a compendium of high scores and bestselling games – although of course they’re in there,” said Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief. “While the book contains thousands of unique facts and records, it also presents the world of gaming through uniquely Guinness World Records eyes. Gamer’s Edition is as suitable for casual and hardcore gamers as it is for anybody who is interested in a snapshot of the evolution of video games.”

Video game sales in the US totalled more than $16 billion in 2008 as the gaming world continues to solidify its stake within the entertainment industry. In one of the year’s biggest successes, Grand Theft Auto boasted $500 million in worldwide sales in its first week of release, surpassing box office receipts for “Spider-Man 3″ by more than $100 million. Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer’s Edition is on the frontlines to capture these records as and when they happen.

The first edition of Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition was published in February 2008, and received critical accolade from gaming industry reviewers. PC World said: “If you truly want to prove your mettle in the gaming arena…your name in the Guinness World Records Gamer’s edition is the only way to go about it,” while critics from Popular Science praised: “If you care about gaming, something here is going to fascinate you.”

About Guinness World Records

Guinness World Records is the universally recognized authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records book is published in more than 100 countries and 25 languages and is one of the highest-selling books under copyright of all time with more than 3 million copies sold annually across the globe. Guinness World Records celebrated its 50th anniversary edition in 2004, a year after the sale of its 100 millionth copy. Guinness World Records also annually publishes the Gamer’s Edition; a records book devoted solely to the world of computer gaming and high score record achievements. The Guinness World Records website (www.guinnessworldrecords.com) receives more than 11 million visitors a year. Guinness World Records is part of the Jim Pattison Group, one of Canada’s largest privately owned companies which is a conglomerate of interests, including advertising, broadcasting, grocery stores and automotive retailing.

SOURCE Guinness World Records