Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) and Epic Games today announced a studio-wide agreement under which VU Games will license Unreal Engine 3 tools and technology for next generation console and PC game development. VU Games’ internal and external development studios are licensed to use Unreal Engine 3 technology for next generation titles, which are expected to launch starting in 2006. Specific titles will be announced at a later date. "Our licensing agreement with Epic Games underscores VU Games’ commitment to developing top tier next generation products," said Peter Della Penna, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Product Development for … Continue reading Vivendi Gets Unreal Engine →

MTV: Music Television today announced the launch of its newest division, "MTV Games." Dedicated to developing, producing and promoting unique and creative gaming experiences that resonate with MTV's audience, MTV Games will work in-house through its newly created interactive entertainment studio, along with industry partners, to produce and market original video game titles. MTV Games will incubate original game franchises in partnership with independent game developers. In addition, the new division will forge strategic marketing partnerships with game publishers to connect with the MTV audience across multiple platforms. MTV will work closely with publishers, leveraging its unique brand and marketing … Continue reading MTV Entering Game Market →

In their largest humanitarian campaign to date, DreamQuest Software recently announced their efforts to supply the United States Armed Forces overseas with some well-deserved relaxation. From now until July 31st, the Colorado-based company is pledging to donate one "DQ Fun Pack", consisting of their award-winning card & board game software, deck of playing cards, and personalized thank you note, for every purchase made on their web site at www.dq.com. As card and board games are one of the most popular of all military pastimes, the husband-and-wife owned company felt compelled to act. "Americans appreciate the service and dedication shown by … Continue reading DreamQuest Giving Troops Games →

CCP Games, an independent developer and publisher of massively multiplayer online games, today announced "EVE Online: Cold War Edition," a new massive content upgrade to its highly successful and fast growing Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) "EVE Online: Exodus." The "Cold War Edition" is scheduled to be released the first week of July, and in the tradition of CCP Games, will be provided to subscribers free of charge. "I expect that players will be pleasantly surprised at how much effect the Cold War Edition will have on gameplay, and how much content they will receive." said Magnus Bergsson, CMO … Continue reading Eve Online Launching Cold War Expansion →

It's a dangerous universe, but someone has to kick its butt! From the freezing hell of the prison world of Artur to the pirate filled space-lanes of the deep black, X2: The Threat will take you as far as your ambition will carry you. Command a freighter and trade your way to wealth and power, or become the admiral of your own fleet of mile-long destroyers and sweep your enemies before you. Maybe both? The choice is yours! X2 features dozens of interlinked missions, 70 different ship types, a host of weapons from lasers to remote droids and intercept rockets, … Continue reading X2 Ships For Mac →

The national board of Screen Actors Guild (SAG) today voted to send members who work in the video game industry a referendum on the proposed Interactive Media Agreement. The referendum will also be available to any paid-up SAG member in good standing who requests a ballot. The referendum will be mailed out on July 13 and due back by July 28. As a result of today’s board decision, game producers have extended their contract offer to July 31. The board elected not to include a formal recommendation either for or against the proposal. The board’s action follows the June 21 … Continue reading SAG To Vote On Game Actors Contract →

Renowned video game composers, Tommy Tallarico (Advent Rising, Tony Hawk Pro Skater, Earthworm Jim) and Jack Wall (Jade Empire, Myst III: Exile, Splinter Cell), and Clear Channel Music Group today announced the pre-show festival events planned for the July 6th Hollywood Bowl debut of Video Games Live, an immersive music and video concert experience. Co-executive produced by Tallarico's and Wall's Mystical Stone Entertainment LLC, and Clear Channel Music Group, Video Games Live features music from some of the biggest video games performed by top orchestras and choirs across the country combined with video footage, lasers, lights and live action to … Continue reading Video Games Live Gearing Up →

The Game Initiative, a leading producer of conferences and events for professionals in the computer and video game industry, today announced Suzanne Freyjadis-Chuberka is the new Conference Director for the Women’s Game Conference (WGC) taking place October 26-27, 2005 in Austin, Texas. Additionally The Game Initiative announced that WGC proposals for consideration for speaker panel participation are due by July 15, 2005. Women’s Game Conference focuses on women in the computer and video game industry, gender inclusive game design and women and girls as consumers of games. The Conference web site is http://www.WomensGameConference.com Suzanne Freyjadis-Chuberka holds a Master’s Degree in … Continue reading Women's Game Conference Names Director →

Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online (MMO) gaming, yesterday released The Splitpaw Saga, the second exciting adventure pack for EverQuest II. Available via digital download for US $7.99, The Splitpaw Saga gives players hours of new story-rich content to explore. "We enjoy making sure that EverQuest II has new places to explore," said Senior Producer Scott Hartsman. "Adventure packs like The Splitpaw Saga let us bring out high-quality, story-rich content frequently. Whether you’re there to follow the story, adventure in new zones that scale to your level, or even to blow up your group … Continue reading EverQuest II Launches Splitpaw Saga →

Responding to the Supreme Court’s ruling today in the case of MGM v. Grokster, the Entertainment Software Association’s President, Douglas Lowenstein, issued the following statement: "We are heartened by the Supreme Court's resounding decision and are hopeful that it will put an end to the efforts of those who for the last several years have advanced tortured and flawed legal rationales to legitimize good old fashioned copyright theft . The Supreme Court made clear that when people and companies actively and knowingly induce massive copyright infringement on the Internet, they are on the wrong side of the law. The ‘I … Continue reading ESA Celebrates Court Ruling →