NOW Media Group Inc. journeys into the insect world with its newest graphic novel, "Vinny the Bug Man." Illustrated with stunning 3D computer-animation frames, the 128-page full-color novel also includes a CD-ROM of animated clips and coloring pages, making it multimedia fun for all ages. The novel tells the story of a dim-witted exterminator who accidentally shrinks to bug-size. The heroes and villains of the tale are depicted in eye-catching 3D-rendered illustrations, typically found in games like "Halo 2" or "Jak 3" and films like "The Incredibles" or "Shrek," accompanied by off-the-wall humor. A cliffhanger-ending sets the stage for another … Continue reading Vinny the Bug Man Ships →

Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) announced today that the tactical wargame Flashpoint Germany has officially "Gone Gold" and is set for release sometime next week. The game will be available both via CD and download from the Matrix Games website. Flashpoint Germany takes you back to the height of the cold war where tensions run tighter than a clock-spring. This time the peace-talks have failed. The world as we know it stands on the brink of World War 3 as the two super powers of NATO and the Soviet Warsaw Pact square off in a modern tactical simulation of what could have … Continue reading Flashpoint Germany Goes Gold →

Kicking off the new year with some noise, Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that Beastie Boys' song "An Open Letter To NYC" headlines the in-game soundtrack for the hottest street hoops experience on the market – NBA STREET V3. The game features 13 explosive tracks including new music from some of the coolest names in hip-hop and rap. The street courts of NBA STREET V3 will never sound the same. In NBA STREET V3, the Grammy-nominated rappers take their antics beyond the soundtrack and step into the game itself. Decked out in gear from their hometown New York Knicks, … Continue reading Beastie Boys Headline NBA Street V3 →

PokerStars.com, one of the leaders in the gambling online industry, donated $400,000 to the Red Cross for tsunami relief. PokerStars.com players donated almost $200,000 online, and at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure tournament, held at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. PokerStars matched these contributions dollar-for-dollar and then rounded the number off with an extra donation to bring the contribution to $400,000. They were given a special thank you by Will and Grace's Eric McCormack as part of NBC's Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope on Saturday, January 15. The telethon was broadcast to an estimated 19.6 million viewers.

PublicBeta have announced the release of their first videogame book publication Difficult Questions About Videogames, Iain Simons and James Newman have been asking difficult questions over the last eight months, questions such as, ‘what is a videogame?' and ‘How can you tell if a videogame is Rubbish?', 969 responses from the games industry, academia, and else where. Edge Magazine said of the book, "For an industry too often focused on the hardcore, Difficult Questions About Videogames demonstrates that videogame culture is already a much broader church than most give it credit for. Of course, there's still a long way to … Continue reading Difficult Questions Videogames Book Ships →

Leading video games publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that the epic space battle RPG Sigma Star Saga is coming exclusively to Game Boy Advance in June 2005. Sigma Star Saga combines the rich storyline and exploration of an RPG with an action-packed shooter battle system, delivering gamers with the biggest adventure this side of the galaxy. Humanity is struggling to survive against the Krill onslaught. Under constant attack, Allied Earth Federation intercepts a Krill communication that singles out six planets in the galaxy that they have taken particular interest in. Sent in as a double agent, players must discover … Continue reading Sigma Star Saga Coming To GBA →

Myelin Media Inc., a publisher of interactive entertainment software, today announced "STACKED with Daniel Negreanu," a Texas Hold ’em poker game that captures the look, excitement and drama of the phenomenon that has captivated America. With participation from poker’s most dynamic and successful professionals, a breakthrough artificial intelligence solution, massive online tournaments, and professional broadcast design, "STACKED" promises to deliver the most full-featured Texas Hold ’em experience ever created. Developed by 5000ft. Inc., the game is slated for release on the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft Corporation, the PSP(TM) handheld entertainment system from Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. as well … Continue reading Daniel Negreanu Poker Game Announced →

Ubisoft, one of the world's largest videogame publishers, today revealed that Cyan Worlds, Inc., creators of the critically acclaimed and best-selling Myst franchise will launch its final adventure, Myst V: End of Ages, in fall 2005 (PC and Mac hybrid disk format). Rand Miller, co-creator of Myst and founder of Cyan Worlds, leads the Spokane-based development team in creating this final episode, bringing closure to the Myst storyline via its most dramatic and immersive experience to date. "Myst is more than a game, it's an experience, and in many cases, a lifestyle," said Laurent Detoc, president of Ubisoft's North American … Continue reading Final Myst Game Announced →

Following a successful two-year stint as non-executive Chairman at Visual Science, during which the company's revenues have grown almost four-fold, Tim Christian has acquired a majority shareholding in the company from its founder Russell Kay. Christian will assume the role of CEO with immediate effect and brings a wealth of industry experience, strategic thinking and management direction to the company. ‘The investment underlines my belief in the future of Visual Science. The current management team will continue in their present roles and it really is business as usual. I'm looking forward to working closely with Russell who can now concentrate … Continue reading Tim Christian Gets Majority Of Visual Science →

By: Gareth Von Kallenbach Recently Vivendi Universal and Monolith hosted a hands on look at the multiplay portion of their upcoming 3D shooter F.E.A.R. Over the course of the afternoon, I was not only able to play the game, but was able to discuss the game and offer suggestions to the design team who were not only very gracious hosts, but openly asked us for feedback and suggestions. At first glance, First Encounter Assault and Recon or F.E.A. R. looks like a standard 3D shooter that will delight fans with its solid mix of weapons, cutting edge graphics, and detailed … Continue reading F.E.A.R. First Look →