MIDLOTHIAN, Va. and LEICESTER, England, May 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading videogame publisher SouthPeak Interactive Corporation (OTC BB: SOPK) will bring the gritty action of Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising, the highly anticipated Roman mythology MMO game, to players across North America and the United Kingdom with the game's retail release this June. SouthPeak secured the distribution rights from Heatwave Interactive, the Austin, Texas-based publisher and developer of online games.

"The unique Roman setting and deep gameplay of Gods & Heroes is a fantastic title to add to our portfolio," said Melanie Mroz, CEO SouthPeak Games. "The team at Heatwave Interactive is creating a truly fantastic massively multiplayer title that we're sure will have excellent broad appeal, from dedicated MMO players looking for something new, to those interested in a rich story inspired by ancient mythology. It joins Stronghold 3 in our compelling line-up for PC gamers this year."

"SouthPeak Games' extensive distribution network makes them the ideal partner for Gods & Heroes, both in the states and the UK," said Anthony Castoro, CEO, Heatwave Interactive. "They understand what makes Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising an exciting product for gamers and how it stands out in the MMO space."

Warriors who buy the retail version of Gods & Heroes get a host of extras, including an exclusive minion to accompany them into battle and the Armaments of the Gods, a special weapon pack that features mighty blades, axes and magic staffs that aren't available anywhere else. Alongside these exciting bonuses, players also receive two buddy keys to give to friends, so they can join the fight. Full details can be found below.

Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising is a full-scale action-adventure MMO that plunges the audience into the rich history of Roman mythology. Players must regain their honor and rebuild their Ancestral Estate while defending Rome from an evil cult. To defeat the enemies of Rome, these heroes must recruit and command over 130 unique minions against an ancient enemy, the Telchine gods, who have unleashed a horde of cultists to topple the realm and take vengeance against the Olympian gods.

For more information on the game, please visit http://www.godsandheroes.com, become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/godsheroesromerising or follow the game on Twitter @GodsAndHeroes. Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising will ship in North America on June 21st and on June 24th in the UK.

GODS & HEROES: ROME RISING - RETAIL EDITION EXCLUSIVE ITEMS

    --  Mystics receive the Staff of Hecate, a staff with magical properties
        enhancing your mystical abilities.
    --  Priests receive the Staff of Asclepius, Rome's greatest physician,
        greatly enhancing your magical prowess.
    --  Gladiators receive a pair of swords, the Sword of Bellona, Goddess of
        war, and the Sword of Luna, Goddess of the Moon, as well as the Shield
        known as the Ancile, Mars own buckler, to defend yourself from the
        threats brought forth against you.
    --  Soldiers receive the Sword of Bellona and the Shield of Ajax, one of the
        greatest heroes in the Roman world, as well as the two-handed sword of
        Summanus, God of nocturnal thunder, a powerful implement of battle.
    --  A buddy code system where people who purchase the full version of Gods &
        Heroes can give their friends a three day free trial of the game.
    --  Exclusive Minion: Supellex was favored by Vulcan for his uncanny ability
        to anticipate his master's needs. When the Titans invaded Olympus it was
        Supellex who fought valiantly against them, warning Vulcan of their
        attack with the sound of his axes crashing against the Titan's weapons.

About SouthPeak Interactive Corporation

SouthPeak Interactive Corporation develops and publishes interactive entertainment software for all current hardware platforms including: Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Wii(TM), Nintendo DS(TM), iPhone and Windows PC. SouthPeak's games cover all major genres including action/adventure, role-playing, strategy, racing, puzzle, sports and edutainment. SouthPeak's products are sold in retail outlets in North America, South and Central America, Europe, Australia and Asia. SouthPeak is headquartered in Midlothian, Virginia, and has offices in Grapevine, Texas and Leicester, England.

SouthPeak's extensive portfolio of over 60 interactive entertainment games spans a variety of platforms and genres including RPG, simulation, FPS, sports, strategy, puzzle and fighting.

For additional information, please visit SouthPeak's corporate website: www.southpeakgames.com or follow us on Twitter @SouthPeakGames.

About Heatwave Interactive

Heatwave Interactive is a leading publisher and developer of online, social and mobile games with a specialty in deep brand integration. With mass market games on iOS, Android, Facebook, MySpace and now on PC, Heatwave has successfully partnered with celebrities and global brands to bring engaging experiences to consumers around the world. Heatwave's current product offerings include iSamJackson for iOS, SamDroid Jackson for Android smartphones and Platinum Life: Web Edition on Facebook and MySpace. The company will soon be launching Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising for PC and CMT Presents: Platinum Life Country for Facebook, MySpace and CMT.com.

Heatwave Interactive was co-founded in Austin, Texas by video game industry professional Anthony Castoro and is backed by Syncom Venture Partners. For more information, please visit Heatwave's corporate website: www.heatwave.com.

Trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Media Contact for SouthPeak Interactive: Rob BurmanGlobal PR Manager+44 (0)203 176 0417rburman@southpeakgames.comMedia contacts for Heatwave Interactive:Daniel Beardsworth / Lindsey LathamWonacott Communications, LLC(310) 477-2871, Ext. 664 / 665dbeardsworth@wonacottpr.com /llatham@wonacottpr.com

SOURCE SouthPeak Interactive Corporation