Business News from the gaming Industry

Zergwatch Social News & Bookmarking gives gamers voice Page One visibility Newly launched web site provides an Open Community format for gaming oriented Social News and Bookmarking

In game voice comm coming to PS3 SCEE: PS3 In-Game Communication Coming This Summer

Microsoft Surface SDK previewed in Firefly demo Firefly: first game made with Microsoft Surface SDK demoed

David Gardner named new CEO of Infogrames INFOGRAMES ENTERTAINMENT WELCOMES CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DAVID GARDNER

How To Compare Online Gaming Businesses When MMOs all had monthly subscriptions, comparing financial health was much easier.

World Of Warcraft, The Virtual Playmaker Forget the old business models of enterprise software and services, Vivendi's video games branch just posted one of its best margins ever, all thanks to a bunch of druids, goblins, orcs, elves, and fairies.

Australian Chef becomes Warcraft World Builder How did an Aussie chef of nine years move from hot plate and oven to textures and polygons? Almost by accident it would seem.

Online gaming is central to Atari rebirth - Gardner Company prepared to use back catalogue as well as embracing new business models

Has Raph Koster given up on the MMORPG? Is Metaplace an evolution of the MMORPG or is it an evolution of MySpace?

Feature your article on the Zergwatch home page! We're looking for talented and artistic writers to join forces with.

As Gaming Turns Social, Industry Shifts Strategies New York Times Article examines the industry changes due to social media technologies

Eidos cuts 14 titles. Is the ship sinking? CEO says change is needed!

Nintendo Wii outsells PS3 4-to-1 in Japan Nintendo sold 331,627 units of the Wii in the four weeks to February 24, compared with 89,131 units of the PS3, Enterbrain said on Thursday.

Vivendi 2007 Financials Vivendi Announces Excellent 2007 Results

Atari founder working on new MMORPG Atari founder and Chuck E. Cheese baron confirms his entry into MMOG genre, addresses advertising in games, and chides the industry's poor job of self-policing.

SCi Losses Lead To Restructuring News New CEO to refocus on established franchises; 25% reduction in workforce and over a dozen titles scrapped

Activision to Present at the 2008 Morgan Stanley Technology Conference Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATVI) today announced that Robert Kotick, Chairman and CEO of Activision Inc., will be presenting at the 2008 Morgan Stanley Technology Conference on Tuesday, March 4th

Saling The World: The Sims 2: FreeTime, Gundam Lead Worldwide Charts Gamasutra's weekly column, "Saling The World", covers the top five sellers for every available platform in the United States, Japan, and Europe, providing an important update of sales patterns worldwide.

World Of Warcraft Helps Vivendi Shine The owner of record company Universal Music Group has replenished its coffers and embarked on a multibillion-dollar buying spree over the past 18 months.

Console MMORPG can co exist in hybrid PC & Console community. Debunking the common misconceptions core MMORPG players have with console based mmorpg's

Gaming Hardware and Technology News

In game voice comm coming to PS3 SCEE: PS3 In-Game Communication Coming This Summer New Apple and Xbox video download services The quest for an affordable and convenient movie-download service has been one of the longest-running plot lines in Hollywood. Microsoft Surface SDK previewed in Firefly demo Firefly: first game made with Microsoft Surface SDK demoed Sony announces God of War theme PSP Sony Computer Entertainment America to Unleash Kratos in Limited-Edition God of War(R) PSP(R) Entertainment Pack Gaming Underground: Nintendo DS Emulation A look into the Nintendo DS Emulation Scene TN Games Unveils the 3RD Space™ Effects Driver at the Game Developer’s Conference Free Software Driver Supports 3RD Space FPS Vest, Adding Physical Sensory Effects to Popular Game Titles! Creators of Odyssey and Pong speak at GDC 2008 Al Alcorn, creator of Pong, and Ralph Baer, designer of the first home video game Odyssey, share a joke during their Game Developers Conference panel Wednesday afternoon. Activision offers refund for Guitar Hero III Activision posted information on how to get a refund for faulty GH III Wii cd's if you do not want to wait for a replacement. Dassault Systèmes Unveils Premiere Development Authoring Platform for High-Quality 3D Game Production 3DVIA MP - Cutting-edge Technology to Create, Customize and Deploy Video Games, from Meaningful Prototypes to a Finished Masterpiece Logitech Unveils Official Wheel of Gran Turismo for PLAYSTATION3 Logitech Driving Force GT Wheel Delivers Powerful Force Feedback, Brake Bias and Traction Control Adjustment Emotiv Launches Neurotechnology Development Platform Opens API and Development Environment to Enable Widespread Integration of Brain Computer Interface Technology into Video Games and Beyond Havok announces Havok Cloth and Havoc Destruction Two new technologies announced by innovative gaming engine developer Havok Leading Technologies Now Available to MMO Developers Simutronics Integrates Middleware and Devices with HeroEngine Disney and Techno Source Take Internet Connectivity to the Next Level with Disney Fairies™ Toys Powered by Clickables™ Technology Innovative Next-Generation Technology Designed to Extend Playtime from Spectacular Online World of Pixie Hollow to the Real World Eye-Com & NeuroSky Partner to Demonstrate Intuitive, Integrated, Wearable, Neurological and Ocular Control Technology at the Game Developers Conference - 2008 Game Developers Conference 2008 Image Metrics Facial Animation to Showcase Power of Emergent Game Technologies’ Gamebryo at GDC 2008 Image Metrics’ Computer Generated Facial Animation Technology Demonstrates Graphics Processing Capabilities of Gamebryo Day of Defeat: Sony Blu-ray K.O.'s Toshiba HD-DVD Toshiba Announces Discontinuation of HD DVD Businesses Hasbro release five new cutting edge video games for kids. Believe in Play … Hasbro’s Playskool Brand Celebrates 80th Anniversary with Introduction of Break-Through Line of Toys for Infants and Toddlers Controller showdown at Wii Fanboy Revolutionary: Controller Showdown, Round 2 World of Warcraft service for mobile devices. 'World of Warcraft' Might Come To Cell Phones (Kind Of), And Other Revelations From Blizzard Entertainment

Zergwatch Game Profiles

Game Profile: Halo 3 Halo 3 is the third game in the Halo Trilogy and the thrilling conclusion to the events begun in Halo: Combat Evolved.

Game Profile: Viva Pinata Viva Piñata is a window to another world where wild-roaming, living Piñata animals inhabit a growing, changing garden world.

Game Profile: God Of War Chains of Olympus More than just a missing piece in the history of the God of War franchise, Chains of Olympus also serves as an evolutionary link between the origins of the God of War franchise and its future.

Game Profile: ARMA Gold Experience the ultimate combat simulation again, with the Arma Gold Compilation Pack.

Game Profile: The Experiment PC gamers, get ready for the next great Experience in Action and Adventure with The Experiment.

Game Profile: Professor Layton and the Curious Village Nominated as one of the top handheld games of the year by the 2007 Japanese Game Awards

Game Profile: Sim City Societies SimCity Societies allows you to create your own kinds of cities and shape their cultures and environments.

Game Profile: Turok Prepare to experience an evolution in the first person shooter.

Game Profile: The Sims Castaway Stories The sims take on a "Lost" plotline in this PC adventure.

Game Profile: Pirates of the Burning Sea Pirates of the Burning Sea is an MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) featuring high seas action and adventure.

Game Profile: World of Warcraft The Burning Crusade Profile for the epic first expansion for World of Warcraft

Game Profile: Everquest 2 Rise of Kunark What does SOE's latest Everquest 2 expansion deliver?

Game Profile: Grand Theft Auto IV A behind the scenes look at GTA4

Game Profile: Devil May Cry 4 A look at the latest edition in the Devil May Cry series.

Game Profile: Gran Turismo 5: Prologue See what Gran Turismo 5 will deliver.

Game Profile: Burnout Paradise Information about the game Burnout Paradise.

Rock Band Special Edition Information Informaiton about Rock Band Special Edition

Sim City Societies rundown A overview of the latest release in the Sim City series.

This Week's MMORPG Headlines

World of Warcraft Arena Tournament Item List Released What rewards will be in the 2008 WoW Arena Tournament?

How to get into Warhammer Online Beta Warhammer Online newsletter: secure a spot in the beta testing, new images, more

How To Compare Online Gaming Businesses When MMOs all had monthly subscriptions, comparing financial health was much easier.

51 new quests added to Dungeon Runners Dungeon Runners Patch Notes for Build 110

PlayNC Blog interviews Shivery the Incorrigible Snowman With Shivery the Incorrigible Snowman making an appearance in Townston, we decided now would be the best time to give him a chance to say what he really thinks about life, existence and... stuff... before he gets corrupted by all the Dungeon Runners.

World Of Warcraft, The Virtual Playmaker Forget the old business models of enterprise software and services, Vivendi's video games branch just posted one of its best margins ever, all thanks to a bunch of druids, goblins, orcs, elves, and fairies.

Australian Chef becomes Warcraft World Builder How did an Aussie chef of nine years move from hot plate and oven to textures and polygons? Almost by accident it would seem.

Has Raph Koster given up on the MMORPG? Is Metaplace an evolution of the MMORPG or is it an evolution of MySpace?

Official Hello Kitty Online Trailer The official trailer for Hello Kitty Online MMORPG

Everquest II Game Update 43 Preview An overview of what's in store for EQ2 GU42

New Features added to Pirates of the Caribbean MMORPG Cruise around the Caribbean in a whole new set of threads, rock some new ink, get a slick new hair do...and don't forget your bling!

Major The Lord of the Rings Online announcement to take place at Connect '08 News from LOTRO

Blizzcast Episode 2 New blizzcast episode online.

Age of Conan - Onyx Chamber video footage New trailer for Age of Conan

Age of Conan 17 New Screenshots Worth playing has posted 17 new AoC Screenshots

$1 billion investment needed to take on World of Warcraft - Kotick GI article about the costs required to bring down WoW

World Of Warcraft Helps Vivendi Shine The owner of record company Universal Music Group has replenished its coffers and embarked on a multibillion-dollar buying spree over the past 18 months.

How far will you go for Hello Kitty Beta? Sanrio requires three minute video for Hello Kitty MMORPG.

Console MMORPG can co exist in hybrid PC & Console community. Debunking the common misconceptions core MMORPG players have with console based mmorpg's

Requiem Bloodymare: Review Requeim is a refreshing Korean MMORPG crossover that has just recently begun beta testing.

Announcements from the video game industry

Battlefield Heroes Trailer Cartoon themed FPS by EA and DiCE

World of Warcraft Arena Tournament Item List Released What rewards will be in the 2008 WoW Arena Tournament?

EB Games announces Super Smash Bros. Brawl ingame midnight tournament Super Smash Bros. Brawl opening night tournament and opening information

In game voice comm coming to PS3 SCEE: PS3 In-Game Communication Coming This Summer

New Apple and Xbox video download services The quest for an affordable and convenient movie-download service has been one of the longest-running plot lines in Hollywood.

Lego Indiana Jones preview Worthgaming.Com previews Lego Indiana Jones

51 new quests added to Dungeon Runners Dungeon Runners Patch Notes for Build 110

Homework Goes Handheld with PLATO Achieve Now PLATO Learning launches first-ever educational content for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system

New Soulcalibur IV screens available NAMCO BANDAI Games Releases New Soulcalibur® IV Screens

Command & Conquer 3 Limited Collection due out March 24 Get C&C 3 plus the new Kane's Wrath expansion for one price.

Food for gamers: Leetsauce from Noobsauce, Inc. Next time you eat, sprinkle some pure flavored pwnage on your meal.

Feature your article on the Zergwatch home page! We're looking for talented and artistic writers to join forces with.

Everquest II Game Update 43 Preview An overview of what's in store for EQ2 GU42

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots FAQ Following this week’s announcements regarding Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots on the PLAYSTATION 3, a lot of questions popped up in the comments area of the PlayStation.Blog.

Major The Lord of the Rings Online announcement to take place at Connect '08 News from LOTRO

MatchBox360 XL– Race Driver: GRID - Exclusive! MatchBox360 XL are pleased to announce that gamers will have an early opportunity to try out Race Driver: GRID™, the stunning new racing game from Codemasters®, at the forthcoming MatchBox360 XL eSports tournament on 21st-23rd March

Blizzcast Episode 2 New blizzcast episode online.

Two new Tales games planned for 2008 Tales of Vesperia for Xbox 360 and Tales of Symphonia®: Dawn of the New World for Wii Highlight Celebrated Role-Playing Series’ First Decade

SCi Losses Lead To Restructuring News New CEO to refocus on established franchises; 25% reduction in workforce and over a dozen titles scrapped

Age of Conan 17 New Screenshots Worth playing has posted 17 new AoC Screenshots

Video Game Industry Press Releases

Zergwatch Social News & Bookmarking gives gamers voice Page One visibility Newly launched web site provides an Open Community format for gaming oriented Social News and Bookmarking New Apple and Xbox video download services The quest for an affordable and convenient movie-download service has been one of the longest-running plot lines in Hollywood. David Gardner named new CEO of Infogrames INFOGRAMES ENTERTAINMENT WELCOMES CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DAVID GARDNER BattleCast Primetime Episode 7 now online Calling all Commanders and Comrades, watch BattleCast Primetime Episode 7 now Homework Goes Handheld with PLATO Achieve Now PLATO Learning launches first-ever educational content for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system New Soulcalibur IV screens available NAMCO BANDAI Games Releases New Soulcalibur® IV Screens Command & Conquer 3 Limited Collection due out March 24 Get C&C 3 plus the new Kane's Wrath expansion for one price. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots FAQ Following this week’s announcements regarding Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots on the PLAYSTATION 3, a lot of questions popped up in the comments area of the PlayStation.Blog. Major The Lord of the Rings Online announcement to take place at Connect '08 News from LOTRO Two new Tales games planned for 2008 Tales of Vesperia for Xbox 360 and Tales of Symphonia®: Dawn of the New World for Wii Highlight Celebrated Role-Playing Series’ First Decade Activision to Present at the 2008 Morgan Stanley Technology Conference Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATVI) today announced that Robert Kotick, Chairman and CEO of Activision Inc., will be presenting at the 2008 Morgan Stanley Technology Conference on Tuesday, March 4th No Doubt Hits Now Available For Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock Fans will now be able to shred to hits from No Doubt's renowned album Tragic Kingdom with the release of a new downloadable track pack Prepare for a hellishly good time being bad with Overlord: Raising Hell™, coming this summer for the PLAYSTATION®3 system. Think evil, breed evil and control all (with lots of laughs along the way) as Codemasters® confirms new edition of acclaimed action adventure. 9 Billion Monthly Impressions claimed by Intergi In Less Than a Year, Intergi Grows into One of the Largest Video Game and Entertainment Advertising Networks Available Today NCSoft gives Sana Security an endorsement. What goes better with video games than Antivirus software? The Sims 2 Free Time expansion now on shelves Respecs may be coming to Tabula Rasa After changes, nerfs and near failure, PlayNC ponders respecs Guild Wars reaches 5,000,000 copies NCsoft’s Guild Wars Tops Five Million Units Sold Requiem: Bloodymare limited closed beta begins today Closed beta available to Fileplanet subscribers Requiem: Bloodymare MMORPG begins beta February 29 GRAVITY INTERACTIVE UNLEASHES A NIGHTMARE OF VIOLENCE AND DEATH INTO THE MMO WORLD

This week's video game hot topics

Zergwatch Social News & Bookmarking gives gamers voice Page One visibility Newly launched web site provides an Open Community format for gaming oriented Social News and Bookmarking

World of Warcraft Arena Tournament Item List Released What rewards will be in the 2008 WoW Arena Tournament?

Lego Batman Trailer Trailer for the upcoming Lego Batman game

How to get into Warhammer Online Beta Warhammer Online newsletter: secure a spot in the beta testing, new images, more

EB Games announces Super Smash Bros. Brawl ingame midnight tournament Super Smash Bros. Brawl opening night tournament and opening information

Microsoft Surface SDK previewed in Firefly demo Firefly: first game made with Microsoft Surface SDK demoed

Lego Indiana Jones preview Worthgaming.Com previews Lego Indiana Jones

mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Walkthrough and FAQ Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for Nintendo DS "FAQ/Walkthrough"

Why EA Rocks (And Sucks) In 2008 Gamasutra opinion feature explores the good and bad of EA

How To Compare Online Gaming Businesses When MMOs all had monthly subscriptions, comparing financial health was much easier.

Sid Meier wouldn't mind acquisition by EA Exclusive: Ever a Model of Civility, Designer Sid Meier Shares His Thoughts On the Prospects of Electronic Arts Buying Take-Two

Australian Chef becomes Warcraft World Builder How did an Aussie chef of nine years move from hot plate and oven to textures and polygons? Almost by accident it would seem.

As Gaming Turns Social, Industry Shifts Strategies New York Times Article examines the industry changes due to social media technologies

Nintendo Wii outsells PS3 4-to-1 in Japan Nintendo sold 331,627 units of the Wii in the four weeks to February 24, compared with 89,131 units of the PS3, Enterbrain said on Thursday.

Harrison Denies He Left Sony To Go To Atari Boston (dbTechno) - Sony executive Phil Harrison has stated that he did not leave the company, and the PS3 behind to go work with Atari and rebuild the company.

Guild Wars reaches 5,000,000 copies NCsoft’s Guild Wars Tops Five Million Units Sold

Gaming Underground: Nintendo DS Emulation A look into the Nintendo DS Emulation Scene

Never trust a Britt with an NDA BBC Bews claims exclusive sneak peak at upcoming PS3 title

Making a familiar franchise into unique game With the cost of video game development rocketing past $20 million for top-end titles, the industry has moved closer to franchises and recognizable content from other media.

Call of Duty 4 and God of War win big at Q awards GameFly Reveals Winners of the Fifth Annual Q Awards, Recognizing the Top Video Games of 2007

Video Game Interviews

Sid Meier wouldn't mind acquisition by EA Exclusive: Ever a Model of Civility, Designer Sid Meier Shares His Thoughts On the Prospects of Electronic Arts Buying Take-Two

PlayNC Blog interviews Shivery the Incorrigible Snowman With Shivery the Incorrigible Snowman making an appearance in Townston, we decided now would be the best time to give him a chance to say what he really thinks about life, existence and... stuff... before he gets corrupted by all the Dungeon Runners.

Online gaming is central to Atari rebirth - Gardner Company prepared to use back catalogue as well as embracing new business models

Atari founder working on new MMORPG Atari founder and Chuck E. Cheese baron confirms his entry into MMOG genre, addresses advertising in games, and chides the industry's poor job of self-policing.

Atari co-founder has vision of casual games business model Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell pushing ads in casual games

Interview: Funcom's chilling MMO no longer quite so secret Having planned on remaining silent after their initial announcement, Funcom generously gave in to our pestering ways and decided to spill a bean or two on their as yet undercover project, The Secret World.

An interview with Yahtzee, Ben Croshaw Destructoid interview: Ben 'Yahtzee' Croshaw

Interview: Richard Garriott Is From Mars Gamasutra interview with "Lord British"

Age of Conan Interview at MMORPG.com AoC developers answer questions about recent change announcements.

Interview with Age of Conan Q&A A Q&A session with the team from Age of Conan

Interview with NCSoft's new president Chris Chung MMORPG.com Community Manager Laura Genender recently had the opportunity to speak with Chris Chung, the new President of NCsoft. He fills us in on the future, both near and far, of NCsoft's wide range of products.

A CES interview with SOE CEO John Smedley CES interviews Jon Smedley, but do they ask the questions we really want to know?

This week's gaming Reviews

No More Heroes lives up to M rating No More Heroes is a stylish game. A game that isn't aimed at the kids by any means but the adult gamer instead.

Why Manhunt 2 just sucks I picked this game up a while back for the Wii, without renting it. Big mistake. This game lacks in just about every aspect possible.

Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles Review Not as good as RE4, but still very good.

My Sims is incredibly addicting Bought this game for my sister and we both like it.

Turning Point: Fall of Liberty not all that What if the United States never entered WWII until WWII came knocking at its front door?

Assassin's Creed ending.. wtf? Seems like the end of Assassin's creed is in the sequel

Call of Duty 4 PS3 Review Forget FPS's... this is one of the best games EVER. Period

Time Crisis 4 not quite worth the $80 asking price Turn your living room into a state of the art arcade arena! Join operatives Giorgio and Evan to investigate and prevent a top secret weapon from falling into the hands of international terrorists.

Mario Party 8 Review Its a great game.. It really is!

Guitar Hero for Wii Review Wii GH is more enjoyable than Xbox

Wii Game Party review The game is worth it for the dart game alone.

Winter Sports The Ultimate Challenge for Wii Review Lots of variety, some events too challenging to be fun for kids under eight.

Dance Dance Revolution Dance Party does not deliver Disappointment for this DDR fan

Requiem Bloodymare: Review Requeim is a refreshing Korean MMORPG crossover that has just recently begun beta testing.

Viva Pinata PC Review Review of PC version of Viva Pinata

Family Games: Viva Pinata Party Animals Review A great game for the whole family

Silent Hill: Origins Review When you're talking about a place like Silent Hill, where nightmares and monsters walk in the light of day, you wouldn't think it would ever be a relief to get back there.

Give GTA San Andreas a second chance while you wait Taking a second look at GTA San Andreas while we wait for GTA4

Pokemon Diamond Review Pokemon-You WILL catch them all again!

Monster Hunter Freedom 2 Review The best dragon and creature fighting experience you can have in a game