Computer and video game software sales set a new record in 2004, reaching $7.3 billion, according to final data compiled by the NPD Group and announced today by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). The industry's impact is illustrated further through other data showing that Halo 2®, one of the best-selling titles of 2004, took in more revenue in its first day of sales than any movie has ever taken in its opening day. In addition, according to industry data, Nintendo sold over 1 million units of its new handheld game system, Nintendo DS, in North America by the end of … Continue reading Game Sales Reach 7.3 Billion →

Today, Ubisoft, one of the world's largest videogame publishers, announced an exclusive multi-title licensing agreement with Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) to develop and publish games based on "Open Season" and "Surf's Up," the first two feature-length animated films from Sony Pictures Animation. This collaboration represents Ubisoft's first venture into adapting CGI films for the videogame market and the beginning of a long-term collaboration with Sony Pictures Animation and SPCP. Furthermore, it reinforces Ubisoft's efforts to maintain a diverse portfolio that appeals to gamers of all ages. In the action-adventure comedy "Open Season," Boog (Martin Lawrence), a happily domesticated grizzly … Continue reading Sony, Ubisoft Ink Multi-title Deal →

Rustle up some "live" ammo and head out to Dead Hen’s Pass for some serious bounty hunting!…Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), the world’s leading interactive entertainment software company today announced that "Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath," the latest chapter in the critically acclaimed Oddworld series, has begun to ship to retail outlets for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. One of the most anticipated titles of 2005, "Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath" takes the series in a new direction, combining first and third person gameplay with signature Oddworld humor and storytelling. "Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath" challenges players to step into the role of the Stranger, … Continue reading New Oddworld Game Ships →

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Nintendo announced today that the popular boxing title, Super Punch-Out!! for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, will be included exclusively in the Nintendo GameCube version of EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 2. Shipping on March 1, 2005 under the EA SPORTS brand, the newest addition in the award-winning EA SPORTS Fight Night series is making its debut on the Nintendo GameCube bundled with an added bonus only available for Nintendo GameCube fans. "We grew up as fans of the Punch-Out!! series that delivered hands-down, the best boxing gaming experience of its time," said Kudo Tsunoda, … Continue reading Fight Night 2 Ships With Punch-Out →

Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online gaming, today announced that Champions: Return to Arms, the sequel to the critically acclaimed Action/RPG, Champions of Norrath, has gone gold. Champions: Return to Arms, available exclusively on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, will ship to U.S. and Canadian retail stores on February 7, 2005. "With the first game, Champions of Norrath, achieving "Greatest Hits" status on the PlayStation 2, the popularity of this series just keeps growing and we expect the momentum to continue with the launch of the second edition, Champions: Return to Arms," said … Continue reading Champions: Return to Arms Goes Gold →

DreamCatcher Games today announced Dungeon Lords, the world's first Combat Role-Playing Game (RPG), will start shipping worldwide for Windows on April 20, 2005. Gamers have much to look forward to in the coming months as DreamCatcher releases never-before seen gameplay footage, screenshots and a new trailer, offering an up-close look at a truly unique role-playing experience. Official single and multiplayer demos will also be available around launch. Dungeon Lords blends the depth of an epic Fantasy RPG with the flexibility of an FPS-style control system. Gamers journey through a land of ancient castles and dungeon lairs to engage in real-time … Continue reading Dungeon Lords Gets Ship Date →

Massive Incorporated, the creator of the world's first video game advertising network, today announced the availability of version 2.0 of its AdClient SDK to enable developers and publishers to quickly and easily integrate their games into Massive's advertising network. Titles in the Massive Network can contribute $1.00 to $2.00 in incremental profit per unit sold. Titles in the network enjoy the benefit of cross-promotional marketing support from some of the largest advertisers, as well as informative play data that gives developers useful insight into gamer experience with their game, in real time. Massive’s network delivers advertiser messages seamlessly into premiere … Continue reading Massive Releases Version 2.0 Ad Client →

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 →