While the media and politicians focused on Mature-rated video games in 2003, new data reveals that the percentage of M-rated games sold last year actually declined while the number of Teen-rated games sold rose, according to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the U.S. association representing computer and video game software publishers. The data shows that combined sales for computer and video games exceeded $7 billion for the first time ever, and that a record number of console video games sold more than 500,000 and one million units. "While total sales were slightly below the most bullish forecasts, the record number … Continue reading ESA Pegs Game Sales At 7 Billion →

If you’ve been itching to play more of Activision, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) highly acclaimed, intense and cinematic Call of Duty, then you’re in luck because the development team at Infinity Ward has just completed a new multiplayer mode titled Headquarters. In Headquarters (HQ), one team must hold a specific location as the opposing squad bravely attempts to overtake it. In order to succeed, players on both sides must coordinate and employ unique tactics as they defend and attack the heavily fortified HQ emplacement. The update is currently available for download at www.callofduty.com/patch. Gamers will also be notified of the new … Continue reading Call Of Duty Expands Multiplayer →

Ubisoft, one of the world's largest videogame publishers, announced its next submarine simulation, Silent Hunter III, for PC launching late 2004 – pricing and ESRB rating will be announced at a later date. The next title in the Silent Hunter franchise will add new dimensions to the simulation experience. The player will engage in a compelling ocean environment, featuring dynamic weather, and experience the intensity of historical naval warfare. Taking the role of the U-boat commander, players will seek their enemy with sonar and periscope, attack the enemy with torpedoes, destroy them with the deck gun, or command their crew … Continue reading Silent Hunter III Announced →

Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online gaming, today announced that Champions of Norrath has gone gold. Champions of Norrath, available exclusively on the PlayStation(r)2 computer entertainment system, will ship to U.S. and Canadian retail stores on February 11, 2004. "The wait is just about over for one of the most anticipated console games of 2004," said Michael Lustenberger, director of marketing, Sony Online Entertainment. "With five playable characters, randomly generated dungeons, online co-op action with up to four players and relentless, non-stop action, Champions of Norrath offers an incredible gameplay experience for every type … Continue reading Champions Of Norrath Is Gold →

The final Secret Weapons Over Normandy Xbox Live content package has officially been released. This package features one additional flyable plane, an all-new two-player mission, and two new alternative camo schemes. A true German "Secret Weapon" the rocket powered He162 "Volksjager" [The "People’s Fighter"] is now available for selection. Originally designed to be cheap and easy to produce, the He162 could very well have become the jet-powered workhorse of the Luftwaffe. Fly it, or any craft of your choice, in a brand new Axis vs. Allies themed two-player engagement, titled "Furious Engel." Also added to Xbox Live are updated camo … Continue reading LucasArts Gives Content Over XBox Live →

Looking for something new in computer games? Want to be the boy who gets the girl (or the girl who's gotten)? Think you're funnier (or grosser) than Stifler in American Pie? It's your line and you're the star with Movie Karaoke. "Karaoke’s not just about singing anymore," says Richard Foos, creator of Movie Karaoke; CEO of Shout! Factory, a highly successful music and DVD developer in Los Angeles, Calif.; founder and former president of Rhino Records; and the name behind Fooseoke. "We've brought the fun of Karaoke to film and TV and made it more outrageous." With a Movie Karaoke … Continue reading Movie Karaoke Game Created →

The game that introduced stealth gameplay is back. Ion Storm has implemented a new 3rd person cinematic action view as well as the classic 1st person perspective from the previous Thief chapters. Breaking and entering, stealing, sabotage, combat, assassination, and setting up ambushes – tasks master thief Garrett is well equipped to perform. Players will enter into Garret’s dark world of thievery on both Xbox and PC this Spring 2004 in THIEF: Deadly Shadows.

New York, New York, January 27, 2004 – Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR), a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment, today announced that it has elected to move the ship date of DRIV3R, the latest installment of the Company’s Driver franchise, from the end of March to June 1, 2004. "The Driver franchise set the benchmark for the driving adventure genre, as the incredible legacy of Driver and Driver 2 has combined to sell more than 12 million units worldwide," said Bruno Bonnell, Chairman and CEO of Atari, Inc. "We believe that this additional time will give our marketing … Continue reading June Picked For Driv3r Launch →

This week, the hottest real estate market in the world isn't in New York, London or San Francisco. It's in Ultima Online, one of the first and most successful online fantasy games. Where else would thousands of prospective land owners camp all night waiting for prized lots to open up? And where else would swords and spells and the occasional duel to the death be used to settle property disputes? The Ultima Online land rush is happening now because of a recent change to the "house decay" policy, where houses unattended to for more than 90 days begin to crumble. … Continue reading UltimaOnline Demolishing Old Houses →

After 18 years working on games for Microsoft, Ed Fries is calling it quits. The 39-year-old vice president of game publishing for Microsoft has become a well-known figure in both the PC and console gaming arenas. He led Microsoft Game Studios, which has 1,200 employees. His career began as an intern, working on Microsoft Flight Simulator for the PC. Fries cited personal commitments including the travel requirements of the job and the fact that he has a young child at home as reasons for leaving. He told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Reporter that if he stayed at his current job, he … Continue reading Microsoft Game Chief Calls It Quits →