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World Of Warcraft Hits European Milestone

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.'s World of Warcraft, the world's leading subscription-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game, has surpassed the one million customer milestone in Europe, more than quadrupling the previously estimated size of the entire European MMORPG market since its launch in February 2005. In addition, World of Warcraft topped the sales charts* for full-price PC games in Europe last year. Worldwide, the game has a growing audience of more than 5.5 million customers. "It is extremely rewarding to see so many European players enjoying World of Warcraft," said Mike Morhaime, president and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment®. "The players have supported … Continue reading World Of Warcraft Hits European Milestone

Pacific Storm Set For May

Buka announces that the estimated release date for Pacific Storm is planned for May, 2006. Developed by Lesta Studios, Pacific Storm is the most realistic game of the Second World War. With its unique fusion of RTS and action elements, Pacific Storm pushes the genre to the limit. The furious battle of Pearl Harbor became the first in the sequence of glory sea combats. Thousands of soldiers and volunteers of the USA answered the call of their country. The enemy was at the gates, fighting for everything against the freedom and rights of the people. Thousands died over the waters … Continue reading Pacific Storm Set For May

Pittsburg Beats Seahawks in Madden Bowl

Bolstered by a tough defensive effort that limited NFL MVP Shaun Alexander to just 70 yards rushing and sacked Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck four times, the Pittsburgh Steelers won their fifth overall Super Bowl championship in a game simulated by EA SPORTS, downing the Seahawks 24-19 in a preview of what might happen in Super Bowl XL. The game, which was simulated using the best-selling video game Madden NFL 06 for the Microsoft Xbox 360, played out in a way not unfamiliar to Pittsburgh fans – the Steelers moved out to an early lead using the pass and taking advantage … Continue reading Pittsburg Beats Seahawks in Madden Bowl

EverQuest II Feb 2nd Update Scheduled

Sony Online Entertainment announced their preparations for the 19th update to EverQuest II, slated to launch on game servers February 2. This update will bring significant changes to the game, and is a precursor to the launch of the new Player vs. Player game servers, scheduled for late February. The most noticeable addition to this update is the new Character Progression system. The gradual Archetype progression has been changed, and players will be able to choose their final class at the beginning of the game, rather than working their way up to level 20. This change means that the class … Continue reading EverQuest II Feb 2nd Update Scheduled

Rockstar Games Sued in California

The "hot coffee" scandal continues to plague industry bad-boy Rockstar Games. The LA district attorney has filed suit against the company for allegedly hiding pornographic material inside the game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Rockstar's parent company, Take Two Interactive, was also named in the suit. The suit stems from the "hot coffee" scandal of last year where some hackers found a way to unlock hidden sex scenes in the game. Normally when one of the character's girlfriends invites them in for coffee, the screen blurs out and you hear sexual-type noises but don't see anything. After applying the patch, … Continue reading Rockstar Games Sued in California

Nintendo Unveils Thinner, Lighter DS

Although Nintendo officials say they are quite happy with the sales figures for their dual-screened Nintendo DS, with 14 million sales since the November 2005 launch, competition from Sony and the PSP may have forced a redesign. The DS's new look was unveiled today. The DS Lite is about sixty percent of the size of the older DS and has shed 20 percent of its original weight as well. The system is scheduled to launch in Japan in March for a cost of 16,800 yen ($145 in converted US dollars.) That makes the system slightly more expensive than the current … Continue reading Nintendo Unveils Thinner, Lighter DS

ESA Says Parents Play Too

Thirty-five percent of American parents say they play computer and video games, according to an unprecedented national survey released today by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates. Among these "gamer parents", 80% report that they play video games with their children, and two-thirds (66%) feel that playing games has brought their families closer together. "This first-ever study of ‘gamer parents’ dramatizes the increasing and positive role that video games play in American family entertainment," said Douglas Lowenstein, president of the ESA, the trade group representing U.S. computer and video game publishers. "The data … Continue reading ESA Says Parents Play Too

Runestone Contracts Alchemic Dream

Runestone Game Development today announced a contract with Alchemic Dream Inc., leader in customer services for MMGs, to provide customer support, localization and game mastering services for Runestone's upcoming MMG Seed. "Seed brings a new vision of the MMG gameplay experience to the market," explains Aurélien Merville, CEO of Alchemic Dream Inc. "AI technology and stories systems involve the player in the universe to a new extent. We are happy to provide our dedicated services to Runestone in order to help this company getting and keeping a satisfied audience in a lively virtual world!" "In Seed we focus on personal, … Continue reading Runestone Contracts Alchemic Dream

High Voltage Layoffs Net 36 Employees

High Voltage Software today announced their right sizing from 156 full time employees to 120. A recent project cancellation motivated a new emphasis on improved quality. "High Voltage has long been one of the biggest and most established independent game developers, but we had grown to a size where our focus and quality was suffering," said CEO, Kerry Ganofsky, "It's imperative that we have the right people and the right critical awareness to make certain that we make great games." High Voltage was established in 1993 and employs many of the industry's top producers, artists, designers, programmers and audio engineers … Continue reading High Voltage Layoffs Net 36 Employees

Battlefield 2 Expands

The award-winning Battlefield 2 is about to get a boost" Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Digital Illusions today announced that 2 new Booster Packs will be released for the award-winning Battlefield 2 PC game. The two packs, which will each retail for $9.99 in North America, €9.99 in Europe and £5.99 in the UK, will be available exclusively online at www.downloader.ea.com. Powered by the Battlefield 2 game engine, Battlefield 2: Euro Force, releasing Feb 8th, will introduce the all-new European Army to three brand new maps. Battlefield 2: Armored Fury, releasing March 28th, will focus on large mechanized battles in … Continue reading Battlefield 2 Expands