Forty percent of gamers are women according to a new survey released today by the video game industry's trade group, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). Additional findings in the ESA's annual survey of consumer demographics and usage behaviors indicate that the average age of game players has risen to 35. "This new data underscores the fundamental principle that computer and video games are a mainstream entertainment form, which captures the imagination of every segment of our society," said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, the U.S. association representing computer and video game publishers. "No longer is there a stereotypical … Continue reading E3 News: ESA Says Women Gamers Increasing →

There is a reason for the rejoicing in Paragon City and the Rogue Isles. It is official – NCsoft has completely merged the two games into one game universe. All current subscribers who only had one of the games (City of Heroes or City of Villains) now have access to the features of both games. Additionally, all City of Heroes and City of Villains games for sale at retail or online will grant access to both games. This is the final step needed in preparing the IP for future projects, to be announced later this year. Paragon City and the … Continue reading City of Heroes/Villains Merge →

Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group (UPDPG) is creating a video game based on Universal Pictures' blockbuster action-thriller Wanted, starring James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie. The game will be published worldwide by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and is being developed by renowned game developer GRIN, best known for its work on the Tom Clancy: Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter series and the upcoming Bionic Commando. The film, which was released on June 27, 2008, has earned $192 million in worldwide box office to date. Based upon Mark Millar's graphic novel series and helmed by stunning visualist director Timur Bekmambetov - … Continue reading Wanted Movie To Get Game Follow-up →

Silicon Valley based PlaySpan Inc. (www.playspan.com) has acquired PayByCash (www.paybycash.com) the leading alternative payment system for online games, virtual worlds and social networks. Together PlaySpan and PayByCash create one of the fastest growing commerce and payment service companies supporting game publishers' need for a complete commerce and payment platform in the rapidly growing market of online games and interactive entertainment. PayByCash is one of the most trusted payment brands for top-tier game publishers and millions of gamers worldwide. As a payment gateway, PayByCash provides the broadest network of 70 different payment methods, supported in over 200 countries. The Ultimate Game … Continue reading PlaySpan Buys PayByCash →

BigWorld has recently expanded its presence in both the Japanese and South Korean markets. Gavin Longhurst, BigWorld VP for Business Development, announced that this move bolsters BigWorld's ability to provide direct sales and support to the increasing number of game developers using the BigWorld MMO engine in the region. Longhurst said that BigWorld has appointed James Hursthouse, formerly founder and CEO of Online Game Services Inc. (OGSi), as Director, Business Development and Yoshikazu Furuhata as Account Executive. "BigWorld's client base", Gavin said, "continues to grow and this recent expansion now provides a local presence in the USA , China , … Continue reading BigWorld Expands To Japan →

The Honorable Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, will speak at the 2008 E3 Media & Business Summit on Wednesday, July 16, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today. In addition, the ESA today released the official Summit exhibitor list, stating that the event's exhibit space is expected to sell out shortly. The 2008 E3 Media & Business Summit, an invitation-only event hosted by the ESA, will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. "Governor Perry and the E3 Media & Business Summit are both great success stories. The Governor's keynote address is especially timely given the high concentration of … Continue reading Texas Governor Rick Perry Speaking At E3 →

Today Ubisoft announced an edgy new survival-adventure intellectual property, I Am Alive, will be released on current generation video game consoles in spring 2009. When Chicago is left in ruins and the cause of the devastation is unknown, players will be challenged to think, react and take risks that will directly affect themselves and those around them. "Ubisoft continues to create new experiences for players and I Am Alive(TM) will appeal to anyone that enjoys a thrilling journey," said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer, at Ubisoft. "The game will offer a rich palette of emotions while challenging players to make … Continue reading Ubisoft Announces I Am Alive Game At E3 →

Disney Interactive Studios today announced Disney Sing It, the only karaoke video game that challenges players to out-sing friends with songs and authentic videos from favorite Hollywood Records artists, Disney Channel Original Series and Disney Channel Original Movies. Fans of all ages can discover their inner performer by belting out hits from Camp Rock, High School Musical, Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus, Jesse McCartney, Aly & AJ and more. Disney Sing It will be available for all major video game consoles this holiday season. "Disney Sing It is the only karaoke game on the market that enables friends to compete and … Continue reading Disney Unveils Sing It Game →

Deep Silver and Apogee Software today announced an agreement to co-publish the Duke Nukem Trilogy episodes for the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP (PlayStationPortable) systems in North America and Europe. The Trilogy is comprised of three new episodes, released sequentially, beginning in the Summer of 2009: Critical Mass, Chain Reaction, and Proving Grounds. The Trilogy is being produced by Apogee under an exclusive license agreement with 3D Realms Entertainment and MachineWorks Northwest LLC, and will be released by Deep Silver, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Koch Media. "We were seeking a strong global publishing partner to herald the eagerly-anticipated return of … Continue reading Deep Silver And Apogee Partner For Duke Nukem →

Today Ubisoft announced that it has partnered with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) to publish THE PRICE IS RIGHT for the Wii home video game system from Nintendo, the Nintendo DS system, PC, and Mac. Developed by Ludia and FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), The Price is Right video game is based on the longest running game show in television history, now in its 35th season. Like the contestants on the game show, players will be able to bid on products, play the famous pricing games, and spin the Big Wheel for the chance to win prizes in the Showcase Showdown. In conjunction with … Continue reading Come On Down: Price Is Right Game News →