With the latest version of its PlayStation 3 video game console, Sony Corp. not only seems to have found the magic price point to ignite sales during the all-important Christmas season, it also has managed to reduce hardware and manufacturing costs to near the breakeven point, according to iSuppli Corp.'s Teardown Analysis service. Based on a dissection and analysis of the console, iSuppli has determined that the 120Gbyte Hard Disk Drive (HDD) version new PlayStation 3, released in September, carries a combined Bill of Materials (BOM) and manufacturing/test cost of $336.27 . At a newly reduced retail price of $299, … Continue reading Research Firm Claims Sony Near Break-Even On PS3 →

Alawar Entertainment, Inc., a leading publisher of casual games, and iSquared Games, a London-based video games development company specializing in console titles, are announcing the release of Hyperballoid HD for the PlayStation 3. The game is now available exclusively through the PlayStation Network in Europe for the price of 3.99 EUR. North American and Asian releases are forthcoming. Hyperballoid HD puts a surreal spin on a classic arcade style, inviting players to smash their way through one hundred unique and challenging levels contained within two visually stunning game worlds. This addictive game includes a unique trophies system and supports 1080p … Continue reading Alawar Debuts Hyperballoid HD On PS3 Network →

High Voltage Software, Inc., the independent developer behind this year's hit Wii first-person shooter The Conduit, today announced that it has appointed Anthony Glueck as its new Development Director. Glueck will manage the studio's programming department and Advanced Technology Group. Glueck assumes the Dev Director mantle following the studio's release of The Conduit; the title, which was built using Quantum 3 Game Engine technology, is widely regarded as one of the most graphically and technologically advanced games available for the Wii.. The Conduit marks the studio's first major foray into original intellectual property. High Voltage recently announced a licensing partnership … Continue reading Anthony Glueck Appointed Dev. Director for High Voltage →

Acclaimed independent console game developer, Ready At Dawn Studios, has brought on seasoned sales vet, Jonathan Nagel, to helm sales and marketing for the studio's recently announced game development platform. Previously Senior Account Manager for North America and Europe at Scaleform, Nagel will build a division that will offer tailored evaluations of each project's needs, simple licensing models, world-class support, and the studio's core value of a no-nonsense approach. "We're excited to add someone of Jonathan's caliber to our licensing team," said Didier Malenfant, President of Ready At Dawn Studios. "He brings with him a wealth of experience in the … Continue reading Nagel Hired By Ready At Dawn Studios →

Justin Townsend, Chairman and Co-Founder of IGA Worldwide, the world's leading dynamic in-game advertising network, has accepted the positions of Co-Founder and Chairman with the ELAN Awards US/EU (United States/Europe). ELAN Awards Founder and CEO, Holly Carinci says that she is "ecstatic" with the partnership. "Building upon the huge success of the ELANS in Canada, I have worked for four years towards making an announcement like this one," says Carinci. "Justin Townsend will bring to the ELAN Awards his gaming, advertising and investment pedigree to ensure that we produce a top, world-class awards show for video games. Music has the … Continue reading Townsend Becomes ELAN Awards Chairman →

2K Games announced today that the second piece of downloadable content for Borderlands, Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot, will be available on December 29, 2009 from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 800 Microsoft Points and on January 7, 2010 from the PlayStationNetwork for $9.99. The downloadable content will also be available on Windows PC. This explosive piece of action-driven content is in development at Gearbox Software and provides players with more methods of destruction as they tear through the denizens of Pandora. Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot is an intense single-player … Continue reading Borderlands Adding Mad Moxxi's Underdome DLC →

First Planet Company, developer and publisher of the largest real cash economy MMORPG, announced today that the online public auction of the Crystal Palace Space Station will begin on December 14th, 2009. The winning bidder will acquire the property deed plus obtain exclusive taxation rights for activities. Crystal Palace is already an extremely popular hunting destination that is in orbit around Planet Calypso. This auction is the third major property opportunity offered on Planet Calypso. The first auction, for Treasure Island, took place in 2004 and sold for $26,500 USD. Australian gamer, David "Deathifier" Storey recouped his full investment within … Continue reading Virtual Space Station Up For Auction →

After five months of cliffhangers, surprising plot twists, and immersive storytelling, Telltale Games today unveils Rise of the Pirate God, the final Tales of Monkey Island chapter that is sure to shake the very foundation of this classic game franchise. The finale is now available at http://www.telltalegames.com/monkeyisland. "The Telltale team set out to evolve episodic entertainment in a bold way with Tales of Monkey Island, and we've definitely achieved that," said Dan Connors, CEO and co-founder of Telltale, Inc. "Working with the team at LucasArts, we were able to deliver a grand saga with captivating storylines and characters that have … Continue reading Monkey Island Series Ending →

Nexon America has named Won Il Sue as vice-president of business development. Sue is responsible for managing Nexon America's strategic partnerships as well as expanding the company's game development channels. Sue comes to Nexon America with many years of business development and management experience with online gaming companies including serving as CEO of Nexon Corp. between 2004 and 2005. Sue also founded the Internet startup called Smartplay and served as its CEO before joining Neowiz Games in South Korea. There he held several executive posts including Senior Vice President of International Business. "Won joins us with an amazing understanding of … Continue reading Won Sue Is New Nexon VP →

SEGA of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd. today announced that its Japanese smash hit Ryu ga Gotoku 3 will be officially localized for the west as Yakuza 3. Selling over half-a-million copies in Japan the game has established an ardent fan base in its native land and has achieved cult status with true videogame connoisseurs in the west. SEGA's decision to bring the game to its western territories was heavily influenced by the recognition of Yakuza's enthusiastic fan base throughout the U.S. and Europe. Yakuza 3 will be available exclusively on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system in the … Continue reading Yakuza 3 Announced →