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 →

Hip Interactive Corp. (TSX:HP) today announced that its fast-growing publishing division, Hip Games(TM), has signed an agreement with Kuju Entertainment (AIM: KUJ) for the development of the first game based on the work of popular cult horror director George A. Romero. The game, the name of which has yet to be announced, will be developed for consoles and PC at Kuju’s development studio in Surrey, United Kingdom and is expected to be part of Hip’s next fiscal year ending March 31, 2006. "With George A. Romero’s cult status and following among horror fans, a property of this pedigree deserves a … Continue reading Hip Making George Romero Game →

Slip on your overalls and get ready to sling hay! Alawar Entertainment (www.alawar.com), a leading publisher of casual games, has released Joe’s Farm, a 3D puzzle game in which you help a farmer complete his chores before time runs out. In Joe’s Farm, you guide a pig who must push barrels of water, bails of hay and crates to their destinations using the fewest number of moves. Your brain will get a workout as you think about how to complete each of the game’s 100 levels. Fortunately, moving the farmer is as simple as clicking where you want him to … Continue reading Alawar Announces Joe's Farm →

Leading video games publisher and developer Namco Hometek Inc. announced today they have signed a deal with the Denmark-based pioneer of interactive television entertainment, ITE, to bring two projects from the global "HUGO" franchise on the Game Boy Advance to the U.S. market this year. Working closely with ITE, Namco will deliver the addictive platforming/puzzle game HUGO – The Evil Mirror and the fast-paced kart racing title HUGO Bukkazoom for young gamers ages 12 and under. "We're excited to partner with ITE, a true leader in the interactive entertainment industry, to bring the HUGO franchise to the North American video … Continue reading NAMCO Deals With ITE →