Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) today announced the acquisition of independent game developer Swordfish Studios. Under terms of the agreement, VU Games will retain Swordfish Studios’ U.K.-based team of 45 development professionals. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. "Swordfish Studios has emerged as a strong creative force with an experienced and talented group of professionals," said Bruce Hack, CEO of VU Games. "Following the integration of Radical Entertainment into the VU Games organization and Blizzard Entertainment’s acquisition of Swingin’ Ape Studios earlier this year, the purchase of Swordfish further builds our internal development capabilities." Trevor Williams, Managing Director … Continue reading Vivendi Buys Swordfish →

Sony Online Entertainment Inc., and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced exclusive long-term licensing agreements allowing SOE to develop a DC Comics massively multiplayer online game for PC and next generation consoles, as well as the acquisition of The Matrix Online game by SOE. "By working with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment we will fuse the knowledge SOE has in the online space with some of Warner Bros.’ phenomenal properties," said John Smedley, president, Sony Online Entertainment. "SOE will work closely with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Comics to maintain the authenticity consumers demand from the DC Comics franchises. We … Continue reading Sony Online Buys Matrix Game, DC Comics Rights →

Co-publishers Electronic Arts and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment have announced that the Batman Begins videogame hits retail shelves nationwide today for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance. The game, based on the Warner Bros. Pictures film Batman Begins and DC Comics' legendary character, is rated "T for Teen." The game features an all-star cast, including the voices and likenesses of Christian Bale (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Michael Caine (Alfred Pennyworth), Liam Neeson (Henri Ducard), Katie Holmes (Rachel Dawes), Cillian Murphy (Dr. Jonathan Crane), Tom Wilkinson (Carmine Falcone) and Morgan Freeman … Continue reading Batman Game Launches With Movie →

In 1982 Robotron defeated an invasion force destined for world domination" or so we thought. Now humanity is extinct, but in our last dying days a new hero was born: Ultratron! Puppygames is thrilled to announce mankind's final and finest hour with the release of Ultratron to avenge humanity's defeat! Download it today for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Realizing that humans had come to rely on graphics rather than skill with their weapons, the retro invasion began. Our 3D technology was no match for the 2D invaders and all our greatest heroes were consumed in their terrible onslaught. It was … Continue reading Ultratron Retro Game Released →

SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) today announced an agreement with Sprint (NYSE: FON) to offer select SIRIUS Satellite Radio programming. Some of the music channels being evaluated by Sprint and SIRIUS for the new service include new hits, classic rock, hip-hop, country, blues and soul to jazz and Broadway's best music. The new Sprint service will be available nationwide, and both companies plan to announce more specifics of the service, as well as the price later this year. "Our exceptional programming is the primary force behind the rapidly growing success of SIRIUS, and we are excited about this venture with … Continue reading SIRIUS Teams With Sprint →

With only one week to go, the roster of top-level speakers and hard-hitting topics at the ELSPA International Games Summit grows ever more impressive. Keynotes will include Electronic Arts’ Rory Armes, who is VP and general manager of its $300 million grossing European Studio. The Summit also plays host to an industry super panel which will close the event on Wednesday 22nd June. Discussing a range of issues and taking questions from the floor, the panel will include senior decision makers from the European computer and video games industry. Other additions to the schedule include a session that will look … Continue reading International Games Summit Gearing Up →

Explore the dark side of the James Bond universe as an unpredictable villain in GoldenEye: Rogue Agent for the Nintendo DS, released today by Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS). Bringing the first-person shooter experience to life as a platform first, GoldenEye: Rogue Agent for the Nintendo DS boasts all-new features, innovative gameplay, and wireless action for up to eight players. "GoldenEye: Rogue Agent for the Nintendo DS takes full advantage of the platform's unique technology to deliver a compelling gaming experience on the go," said Jon Dean, Executive Producer at EA Tiburon. "Delivering a solid first-person shooter for the handheld system … Continue reading Rogue Agent Ships For Nintendo DS →

Blizzard Entertainment today announced that World of Warcraft, its massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), has officially launched in China. Players in China can now download the game, create accounts and experience the epic adventure of the Warcraft series in an immersive and continually evolving online environment. The commercial launch of World of Warcraft follows a highly successful open beta period in China during which the game reached a peak concurrency – the total number of subscribers playing simultaneously – of more than 500,000 players. "It has always been a goal at Blizzard to become a major developer and publisher … Continue reading World of Warcraft Launches In China →

China may only be starting to get popular online RPGs, but already many gamers in that country are taking them very seriously. In Shanghai, a dispute over ownership of a virtual sword lead one gamer to stab another to death in real life. Qiu Chengwei received the death sentence this week for the killing of fellow gamer Zhu Caoyuan. The two had been questing together in The Legend of Mir III online RPG. After many weeks of trying, the two were rewarded with a legendary sword that is unique in the game world. Qui was actually given ownership of the … Continue reading Online Game Squabble Leads To Murder →

BLOCKBUSTER will add key incentives for gamers to rent their favorite games with the return of the "Play 2 Win Sweepstakes!." For the remainder of 2005, casual and avid gamers alike can win trips, collectibles, home electronics and more by simply renting the "Play 2 Win" feature game at all participating BLOCKBUSTER and Game Rush@BLOCKBUSTER stores. The program launches on June 10 with "Medal of Honor: European Assault." The grand prize winner will receive a four-day, three-night trip for two to Washington D.C. Other games and prizing this year include "Destroy All Humans," where the grand prize winner receives an … Continue reading Blockbuster Ramps Up Game Rental Contest →