An anonymous reader writes "Philippe Dauman, Viacom CEO and President, announced today that Harmonix is currently working on the next Rock Band game, Rock Band 3, due for release Holiday 2010. 'The company is pursuing the game in spite of an industry-weakening decline in the once-booming genre of peripheral-equipped music games. Although the franchise has generated over $1 billion to date, the category in general saw sales contract by as much as half throughout 2009. MTV Games parent Viacom also saw Rock Band declines drag on its balance sheet in its last fiscal quarter, and expressed a need to refocus away from pricey peripherals in favor of software. It also said that due to royalties it would need to be more "selective" about track listings, and that it needs more support from the music industry in that department.'"

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eldavojohn writes "A new report from Games Industry indicates that MMO gamers in the United States paid $3.8 billion to play last year, with an analysis of five European countries bringing the total close to $4.5 billion USD. In America, the report estimated that payments for boxed content and client downloads amounted to a measly $400 million, while the subscriptions came to $2.38 billion. Hopefully that will fund some developer budgets for bigger and better MMOs yet to come. The study also found that roughly a quarter of the US population plays some form of MMO. Surely MMOs are shaping up to be a juicy industry, and a market that can satisfy people of all walks of life."

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An anonymous reader writes with this excerpt from Gamasutra: "Valve will release a version of its Steam digital distribution service for Mac next month, along with Mac-native versions of its own games, the company confirmed today after days of hints — and owners of Valve games will have access to both platform versions. The Source engine, which Valve uses to develop all its internal titles and also licenses to third-party developers, will incorporate OpenGL in addition to DirectX, to allow Mac support for all Source developers. ... 'We are treating the Mac as a tier-1 platform, so all of our future games will release simultaneously on Windows, Mac, and the Xbox 360,' said Cook. 'Updates for the Mac will be available simultaneously with the Windows updates.'"

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arcticstoat writes "AMD has just aimed a shot at Nvidia's PhysX technology, saying that most game developers only implement GPU-accelerated PhysX for the money. AMD's Richard Huddy explained that 'Nvidia creates a marketing deal with a title, and then as part of that marketing deal, they have the right to go in and implement PhysX in the game.' However, he adds that 'the problem with that is obviously that the game developer doesn't actually want it. They're not doing it because they want it; they're doing it because they're paid to do it. So we have a rather artificial situation at the moment where you see PhysX in games, but it isn't because the game developer wants it in there.' AMD is pushing open standards such as OpenCL and DirectCompute as alternatives to PhysX, as these APIs can run on both AMD and Nvidia GPUs. AMD also announced today that it will be giving away free versions of Pixelux's DMM2 physics engine, which now includes Bullet Physics, to some game developers."

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ZuchinniOne writes "With Ubisoft's fantastically awful new DRM you must be online and logged in to their servers to play the games you buy. Not only was this DRM broken the very first day it was released, but now their authentication servers have failed so absolutely that no-one who legally bought their games can play them. 'At around 8am GMT, people began to complain in the Assassin's Creed 2 forum that they couldn't access the Ubisoft servers and were unable to play their games.' One can only hope that this utter failure will help to stem the tide of bad DRM."

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suraj.sun writes with this excerpt from Engadget: "Microsoft's Eric Rudder, speaking at TechEd Middle East, showed off a game developed in Visual Studio as a singular project (with 90% shared code) that plays on Windows with a keyboard, a Windows Phone 7 Series prototype device with accelerometer and touch controls, and the Xbox 360 with the Xbox gamepad. Interestingly, not only is the development cross-platform friendly, but the game itself (a simple Indiana Jones platformer was demoed) saves its place and lets you resume from that spot on whichever platform you happen to pick up."

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Last year we discussed news that an Xbox Live gamer was banned for identifying herself as a lesbian on her profile. Microsoft said at the time that nothing sexual in nature could appear in Gamertags or profiles. Now, they seem to have reconsidered their stance, and they've updated their Code of Conduct accordingly. Xbox Live General Manager Marc Whitten wrote: "[The update] will allow our members to more freely express their race, nationality, religion and sexual orientation in Gamertags and profiles. Under our previous policy, some of these expressions of self-identification were not allowed in Gamertags or profiles to prevent the use of these terms as insults or slurs. However we have since heard feedback from our customers that while the spirit of this approach was genuine, it inadvertently excluded a part of our Xbox LIVE community. This update also comes hand-in-hand with increased stringency and enforcement to prevent the misuse of these terms."

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MojoKid writes "When a game developer releases a demo, it's typically intended to entice players into first trying and then purchasing the full version. This is the stuff of Game Design 101 for most of us, but a crack team of cutting-edge gaming researchers at Sony have applied for a patent based on a novel concept: game demos that become progressively less fun the more you play. Sony refers to this as 'feature erosion.' The idea behind this dubious concept is that gamers will become hooked on a game while it's still in demo, then squawk unhappily as features and abilities they've unlocked begin to disappear. In order to prevent this, the player ponies up for the full version. A demo or program that provides limited functionality or play time is one thing; a game that's purposefully designed to take your progress away, in an admitted attempt to get you to buy once you've been hooked, is something altogether different."

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eldavojohn writes "Enough rumors, Portal 2 is due out for 2010. Valve also let users know through an announcement on Steam. Game Informer seems to be the de facto provider of Portal 2 information so far. Prepare yourselves for more aperture science! Notice anything funny about the underlined letters in Steam's announcement?"

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wintersynth writes "We hacked a toy brainwave reader to electrocute people if their brainwave frequency got too high (by concentrating). We took outputs off of the 5 level LED indicator, put the outputs through a transistor/resistor/relay circuit to give 2 levels of high voltage through an electric shock circuit right into the user's arm."

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eldavojohn writes "Activision has announced new Call of Duty titles while fired Infinity Ward Developer leads Jason West and Vince Zampella sue them for the rights to the name. According to Activision, 'The company intends to expand the Call of Duty brand with the same focus seen in its Blizzard Entertainment business unit. This will include a focus on high-margin digital online content and further[ing] the brand as the leading action entertainment franchise in new geographies, new genres and with new digital business models.' Ars opines that Activision is set to over-saturate the market with tons of CoD titles similar to how it expertly brought down Guitar Hero."

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After a group of StarCraft II beta testers reported technical difficulties following the installation of NVIDIA driver update 196.75, Blizzard tech support found that the update introduced fan control problems that were causing video cards to overheat in 3D applications. "This means every single 3D application (i.e. games) running these drivers is going to be exposed to overheating and in some extreme cases it will cause video card, motherboard and/or processor damage. If said motherboard, processor or graphic card is not under warranty, some gamers are in serious trouble playing intensive games such as Prototype, World of Warcraft, Farcry 3, Crysis and many other games with realistic graphics." NVIDIA said they were investigating the problem, took down links to the new drivers, and advised users to revert to 196.21 until the problem can be fixed.

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Colonel Korn writes "Ubisoft's recent announcement that upcoming games would require a constant internet connection in order to play has been discussed at length on Slashdot ('The Awful Anti-Pirate System That Will Probably Work'). Many were of the opinion that this new, more demanding DRM would have effectiveness to match its inconvenience, at least financially justifying its use. Others assumed that it would be immediately cracked, as is usually the case, leaving the inconvenience for paying customers and resulting in a superior product for pirates. As usual, the latter group was right. Though Ubisoft won't yet admit it, Skid-Row managed to crack the new DRM less than a day after it was first released."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

SeanLind writes "After writing a similar article for converting your Rock Band guitar I got flooded with feedback and requests for a Drum Kit versions. So that's exactly what I did, three easy steps to converting your Rock Band drum kit into a wireless game controller, and using that to play online poker."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

An anonymous reader writes "In an effort to 'help improve child education and prevent misconduct,' the Venezuelan government began enforcing a law on March 3rd banning war videogames and toys, imposing a fine and 2.5 years in prison on the production, distribution, sale, hiring and use of video games and toys inciting violent behavior. Alberto Federico Ravell, former director of opposing news network Globovision, has already come on twitter denouncing the authorities for seizing imported Gameboy, Wii and PlayStation 3 consoles, due to considering them violent."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

We take to the skies and water-bomb forest fires in our first look at this kid-friendly flight game.

We get a demo for Kid Adventures: Sky Captain from GDC 2010.

Get a bird's-eye view of Celtic Manor, one of the new courses in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11.

Brian Ekberg talks with EA Sports producer Matt Prior for a game demo of 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

Paula Creamer, LPGA golfer, shows off a little of the motion capture used in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11.

Get a quick tutorial for Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11!

Meet Rory McIlroy, sharing the cover of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 this year.

An epic match, for honor...for country! All in the new Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11.

Get the lowdown on Tiger Woods PGA Tour Online!

The Ryder Cup, new controls, and the 16th at TPC Scottsdale are just some of the new features in EA's upcoming golf game.

Ok, you must be wondering why your favorite girl gaming website has had a paucity of new content recently. It's not because we don't love gaming or gamers or anything like that -- it's mostly because GameGal's creative team are...

We return from our extended hiatus with a story that could have been written any time in the past five or so years. Whenever the growth of the games industry comes up, not far behind is the discussion of the...

It's time to pay another visit to the ever-popular GameGal E3 Hall of Shame. Established way back in 2002, we've been chronicling the giddy excesses of the Electronic Entertainment Exposition for five years now. Earlier in 2006, it was widely...

Yep, we're once again stalking the floors of the Electronic Entertainment Exposition, seeking out the biggest and best new games. It's the sixth E3 for both Dan and Libe, and we're both busy covering the show for our day jobs...

Ok, it's been a while since we posted any new reviews. But don't worry, we've got two next-gen games ready for the hopper right now. Check out our reviews of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Perfect Dark Zero. We're...

Stripped-down gameplay built around a unique battle system can't save this monotonous, linear affair. In the end, striking visuals and an excellent score aren't enough to paper over the game's gutted role-playing frame.

Nintendo reinvents its revered sci-fi videogame franchise for the Wii. In this thought-provoking sequel, you'll be switching between first- and third-person action as Samus battles badass extraterrestrials.

Exciting new levels and clever new gameplay mechanisms turn this sequel into a wild ride for everybody's favorite platforming plumber.

By lowering the barriers to entry, Blizzard makes the highly anticipated sequel accessible to those who never dug into the original.

By pushing the possibilities of what a videogame can be, this sprawling story about a serial killer points the way toward the deeply immersive future of interactive gaming.

Steve Jobs personally threatened to sue Sun Microsystems, Jonathan Schwartz says. Sun warded off that and a Microsoft threat with its own patent portfolio.

Cyclists will be able to use Google Maps to plot directions around 150 U.S. cities when bike directions go live on Google later on Tuesday.

The troubled actress is suing E-Trade, claiming that it mocked her in one of its cute baby ads. She is asking for $100 million.

The Unreal Engine 3 is on its way to the iPhone, though creators Epic Games have had to make some compromises to get there.

Software developers can cater to Google Apps customers through a new application store announced at Google's Campfire One event in Mountain View.

Harmonix and MTV Games are getting the band back together, with Electronic Arts handling distribution once more.

A new restaurant guide has a section specifically dedicated to the difficult area of online dating. Its author believes only certain very specific places are suitable for an online date.

One of the most imposing (and wealthiest) bands of all time sues EMI over online royalties. EMI is reportedly arguing that an album-unbundling ban applies only to physical products.

Apple's fourth-generation iPhone will most likely arrive in June. Here's a look at some of the feature and design upgrades we'd most like to see, including the odds of their implementation.

One in two lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender youth report being cyberbullied about their sexual identities, according to a new Iowa State survey of 444 youths.

Security firm McAfee is warning consumers to beware of 'scareware' programs that appear to be antivirus software but are actually scams that can steal data and infect your computer.

Sony's PlayStation 3 has suffered from poor sales over the past few years. But the console is making a resurgence and at least one analyst firm believes it will triumph.

Apple-owned company on Tuesday releases next major version of its database product, FileMaker Pro 11.

But will consumers be willing to download and install yet another media player to play ScatterTunes' V-Albums?

Members of Congress announce the Global Internet Freedom Caucus and a bill to spend federal dollars on research to "defeat Internet suppression and censorship."

Ngmoco's Eliminate was one of the first games to offer 3G multiplayer on the iPhone. But how did they do it?

If you own a Kindle, you also own a mobile Web browser. But chances are you never use it. That may be about to change.

After all the hype, the TiVo Premiere was greeted by disappointment by many gadget fans. But is there more to the story?

HTC mobile device running Android was distributed by Vodafone with a botnet program on it, as well as Conficker and a password-stealing Trojan, Panda Labs says.

Cisco finally makes its big announcement--and it's a router. Plus, Sony 3DTVs are on the way, and is the Drudge Report spreading malware?

BioShock franchise reaches major milestone with more than seven million units sold globally. March 5, 2010 - 2K Games announced today that the Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack, the first in a series of single and multiplayer downloadable content for BioShock®2, will be available on March 11, 2010 from both the Xbox®LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox [...]

Tutorials and other goodies for best-selling games launch new YouTube™ channel. RedLynx has launched a new YouTube channel, RedLynx TV to showcase and support fan passion about its award-winning games. The new channel highlights player-demanded content, such as tutorials, tournaments, and other video valuable info about great RedLynx games such as Trials HD for Xbox Live Arcade. “Trials [...]

New content to complement the vast world of Vana’diel in hugely popular MMO game. Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in North America, in conjunction with VanaFest 2010, a fan event for players of the hugely popular MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game FINAL FANTASY® XI, announced today the development of three [...]

Two-Week Distribution Gives Pokémon Fans a Special Opportunity To Receive This Rare Pokémon Jirachi. Calling all Pokémon video game fans! The Wish Pokémon, Jirachi™, will be available for distribution to Pokémon fans at more than 4,300 GameStop stores located throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Beginning Saturday, February 27 through Saturday, March 13, The Pokémon Company [...]

I’ve been watching the 2010 Winter Olympics for the past couple of weeks and I have also been able to participate in some of the events via Vancover 2010 for PlayStation 3. Vancover 2010 from SEGA really brings the Winter Olympics into your family room with its design, style, colors, and presentation that matches everything [...]

I believe when most people think of Final Fantasy games they have fond memories of the epic stories told through beautiful cinematic cut scenes, and of leveling up characters in unique ways and equipping them with new and unique gear. So when I received Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers for review I was [...]

Follow Up to the Popular Ninety-Nine Nights Series Contains All New Content, Characters and Elaborate Story Blend Together in Epic Combat Game. Konami Digital Entertainment Inc., announced it will publish N3II: Ninety-Nine Nights for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. This sequel, based on the all-action combat game Ninety-Nine Nights, will pick up [...]

Now in development, the sequel to the award-winning Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force game will further enhance the Club Penguin virtual world experience on Nintendo DS. BURBANK, Calif. - (February 18, 2010) - Agents of the exclusive Elite Penguin Force are being called back into action. Disney Interactive Studios officially announced today the development of [...]

Fieldrunners Marches onto the Nintendo DSi! BEAVERTON, Oregon - Fieldrunners, the award winning tower defense game is now available on Nintendo DSiWareTM! Players can look forward to enjoying all of the latest content for Fieldrunners including the latest Skyway and Frostbite expansion packs.   “We are excited and proud to bring Fieldrunners to the Nintendo DSiTM“, said [...]

Pokemon Rumble was released by Nintendo as a WiiWare title for the Wii late last year and to go along with it The Pokemon Company also released the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG): Rumble. Pokemon TCG: Rumble is a board game that allows up to seven players to compete in a Battle Royale to see [...]

GodsWar Online Version 2.0 has been released. With new features, gear, and event surprises, the ne...

En Masse Entertainment, a new breed of game publisher specializing in bringing engaging and innova...

Conquer Online, TQ Digital's world renowned Kung Fu themed MMORPG, is set to kick up a frenzy in 2...

Today is the day of Tales of Fantasy. The official date for the release of the Alpha Test ...

gPotato Europe has announced today the launch of Resurrection, the next expansion o...

SJ Championship Tournaments Offer Exciting Experiences For New And Existing Players Beginning April 2010 (PRWeb Mar 9, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Collectible_Card/Game_tournament/prweb3701504.htm

Users Rate Offers To Get Virtual Currency. Good Offers Float to Top and Bad Offers Disappear (PRWeb Mar 9, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3704764.htm

Ethoca Limited, provider of Ethoca360 fraud detection services, has released Ethoca360 SE, a packaged "off-the-shelf" service based on a data-driven anti-fraud model. (PRWeb Mar 9, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3573754.htm

Surfline introduces high-definition (HD) surf cams on the iPhone and iPod touch -- continuing its passion for surfing and helping surfers know before they go. Free access is available throughout the month of March (details below). (PRWeb Mar 9, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3684764.htm

Offered in both French and English, consumers looking for an innovative and fun way to find incredible bargains online can shop for NEW brand name items at a fraction of the price safely and securely on this cutting-edge new online auction site. The deals to be found on SpaceAntiques are out of this world! (PRWeb Mar 9, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3693404.htm

Leading dedicated server hosting provider, now certified carbon neutral, offers customers carbon neutral hosting services. (PRWeb Mar 9, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/dedicated-server/hosting/prweb3703324.htm

Announces private beta partnership to produce and develop social games using the Sibblingz Social Gaming Framework (PRWeb Mar 8, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/New_media/SiXiTS/prweb3696544.htm

After GBK’s annual Oscar Gift Lounge, which was a huge success, honoring the nominees and presenters, GBK threw a celebrity poker tournament to Benefit those still in need in Haiti. Gavin Keilly, CEO of GBK, Dan Fleyshman CEO of Victory Poker, Actor Jimmy Jean-Louis invited their friends to come out to play. Shaun Toub, Shannon Elizabeth, Gilles Marini, Sal Masakela from E!, Tom Everett Scott, Roger Cross, Playmate of the year Sara Underwood, Sean Michael Scott, Menace from Korn, pro poker players that have been signed to with VictoryPoker.net, and a few others to come out play for two specific Charities doing Great work in Haiti. (PRWeb Mar 8, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3696694.htm

Bob Lonigro Joins NeoEdge's Executive Team to Lead Company Ad Sales and Oversee NeoEdge's Extensive Catalog of Large Format Video Ad-Enabled Premium Games (PRWeb Mar 8, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3679114.htm

Livestream.com Secured as Official Conference Live Streaming Partner Event This Week Set to Bring Together Thought Leaders from All Key Media Industries to Discuss, Demonstrate and Debate Cross Media Integration, Opportunities and More (PRWeb Mar 8, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3695034.htm