The simExchange, the online virtual stock market game where gamers buy and sell virtual shares in video games to predict how well the games will sell in the real world, has been upgraded at http://www.thesimexchange.com/. This is the first major update to the simExchange's presentation since its public beta. The simExchange was developed in the Fall of 2006 by recent Princeton University graduate Brian Shiau. Shiau developed the project because, "As a gamer, I always found it time consuming to sift through all the video game news to find new releases that are worth learning more about. I created the … Continue reading SimExchange Virtual Stock Market Game Launches →

Digital Artist Management Inc. (DAM), the premier staffing and recruiting agency for the interactive entertainment space, has expanded its operations with the addition of a Bay Area office location in Walnut Creek, California. Two new executives, Lisa Bell Stewart and Lisa Dennis, will join DAM's established ranks of recruitment specialists, and will manage the firm's Northern California operations. "We see the San Francisco Bay Area as an industry epicenter poised for continued growth," said T.J. Summers, Senior Partner, DAM. "With this expansion, DAM will be able to further assist the needs of professionals and clients in interactive entertainment and related … Continue reading Digital Artist Management Opens In Bay Area →

The World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade has been added to the prize pool for Gameindustry.com. Each week, one lucky reader of the GiN newsletter is chosen at random. They get their choice of any of the prizes currently in the pool. A subscription to the weekly newsletter is completely free. To see all the current prizes and to subscribe, click on the Subscription link above or go here: http://www.gameindustry.com/subscribe/ Recently reviewed in GiN, The Burning Crusade got a perfect 5 Gem score. Reviewer Ryan Allen wrote, "If you are a fan of WOW then you'll definitely want to buy … Continue reading The Burning Crusade Added To Prize Pool →

Acclaim Games and video game industry superstar David Perry have partnered to present the ground-breaking "Top Secret" project. In this project, players actually get an opportunity to participate in the entire video game development process from start to finish. In an unprecedented move for the game industry, these players will be given a chance to have their work featured in a massively multiplayer PC game that will be published by Acclaim and directed by David Perry. Perry will choose a winner from the contributors, and Acclaim will be giving them a breath-taking prize, ‘A Video Game Industry Directorship', working on … Continue reading Acclaim Letting Players Design New Top Secret MMO →

National Geographic Kids magazine is celebrating its special pet issue by searching for "America's Most Amazing Pet." The three-month-long contest kicks off in the March issue of the magazine, on newsstands now. Kids throughout the United States are invited to participate by submitting a one-minute video, color photograph or comic creation and a 50- to 100-word story explaining why their pet should be named "America's Most Amazing Pet." A panel of experts will select 10 finalists, and an online vote will decide the grand-prize winner. The contest is sponsored by Planetwide Media's Comic Book Creator software and SeaWorld and Busch … Continue reading National Geographic Looking For Most Amazing Pet →

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that the company is developing MySims, the first game in a revolutionary new line from the developers of the blockbuster franchise The Sims, designed especially for the Wii and Nintendo DS platforms. MySims introduces a charming cast of whimsical characters while delivering the creativity, customization and classic open-ended gameplay that has enchanted Sims players worldwide. Players begin by creating their own toy-like Sim that reflects their personal style and attitudes. From pig-tails and baseball caps to dreadlocks and Mohawks, the options are endless and the style is unlike any Sims game to date. By … Continue reading The Sims Moving To DS, Wii →

I-play, the mobile entertainment company, today announced the imminent arrival of its explosive original IP title: Pillowfight. As the only game to feature gorgeous gals battling each other with pillows, the title is also the first to include I-play's new community initiative: I-play lounge, which enables mobile gamers to upload high scores, compete against fellow gamers and receive downloadable rewards for their gameplay. Pillowfight launches in the US and Europe at the beginning of the second quarter. Established for many years in the bedrooms and dormitories of college students, the underground craze has started to break out onto the streets, … Continue reading I-Play Launching Pillow Fight Game →

Ken Rolston, the Lead Designer of smash hits Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has joined Big Huge Games to create a to-be-announced role-playing game (RPG). Rolston is a 25-year industry veteran, whose extensive game credits also include pen-and-paper RPGs such as Paranoia and RuneQuest. "Ken's addition marks a bold new direction for Big Huge Games," said BHG President Tim Train. "We remain committed to creating real-time strategy games such as past hits Rise of Nations and Rise of Legends. At the same time, we've explored developing a role-playing game for several years now. Ken is a … Continue reading Oblivion Designer Joins Big Huge Games →

Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of digital entertainment products and content, today announced Holly Hobbie & Friends for the Nintendo DSâ„¢. Developed by Frontline Studios, Inc. and scheduled to launch this fall, Holly Hobbieâ„¢ & Friends features the girl with heart, Holly Hobbie, and her best friends Carrie and Amy, as they take part in themed mini-games. "With a growing licensed product line that includes DVDs, toys and craft books, the Holly Hobbie property is as popular as ever," said Ken Gold, vice president of Marketing, Majesco. "Our Holly Hobbieâ„¢ DS game offers a positive play experience … Continue reading Holly Hobbie Coming To DS →

Capcom's Lost Planet: Extreme Condition was the top-selling console video game in January 2007 according to market research firm NPD. Lost Planet, which carries a "T" rating for teen audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board), is currently on retail shelves around the world. Lost Planet is an epic gaming masterpiece combining a gripping single player campaign and intense multiplayer modes with support for up to 16 players on the Xbox Live online game service. Taking full advantage of the Xbox 360 system's power, Lost Planet contains sophisticated visuals, with an unmatched level of detail as advanced light sourcing … Continue reading Lost Planet Is Top Monthly Seller →