GameStop announced today that it has a definitive merger agreement to purchase Electronics Boutique. A joint statement outlined the deal which will create the largest game-selling company in the world. Electronics Boutique reported $1.94 billion in sales last year. GameStop reported $1.84 billion in 2004. According to the agreement, GameStop will pay $38.15 in cash and 0.78795 shares of GameStop common stock for each Electronics Boutique share. The cash-stock combination is worth $55.18 or 34.2 percent over EB’s $41.12 closing price on Friday. As is typical in merger situations, both companies stock rose following the news. EB went up $14.50 … Continue reading GameStop To Buy Electronics Boutique →

Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced the creation of a new videogame development studio that will employ 200 designers, animators and programmers in Quebec City. This announcement is part of the recently announced project to create 1000 new jobs by 2010 in Quebec, thereby bringing its total number of employees to 2000 in the province. "Our expected growth in the five coming years will now come from both Montreal, as announced last February, and Quebec City," said Martin Tremblay, President and COO of Ubisoft's Montreal studios. ‘'Quebec City is a recognized creative hub and well-known … Continue reading UBI Opens New Quebec Studio →

Foundation 9 Entertainment, Inc., North America’s largest independent developer, today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Pipeworks Software, an independent studio focusing on development of entertainment software titles for major software publishers. After the transaction is completed, Pipeworks will continue to develop video games for the Sony PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, and the Sony PSPâ„¢ handheld entertainment system at its Eugene, Oregon studio. Additionally, Pipeworks President and Co-Founder, Dan Duncalf, will join the board of Foundation 9 Entertainment. "Dan Duncalf, Dan White, and their team will be a tremendous … Continue reading Foundation 9 Buys Pipeworks →

Vindigo, a leading mobile media company, today announced its entry into the rapidly growing mobile games market. Vindigo will release a broad selection of adventure and casual games in 2005, beginning with a fantasy graphic adventure game based on the bestselling Shadowgate franchise. The award-winning Shadowgate from Infinite Ventures has sold more than one and a half million copies worldwide on multiple platforms, making it a winning lead game title for Vindigo. With more than five million downloads of local information, personalization, and entertainment products and a distribution network including all top-tier wireless carriers, Vindigo leads the market for mobile … Continue reading Vindigo Enters Mobile Games Market →

Mortal Kombat TV Games controllers are portable gaming units that contain the original arcade version of the first videogame in the series, Mortal Kombat from Midway, and is the newest title from JAKKS Pacific, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: JAKK) award-winning TV Games line. All that is needed are batteries and a TV — no videogame consoles are required. Simply plug Mortal Kombat TV Games unit into the A/V jacks of any standard television set, and turn it on to morph into Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Raiden, Liu Kang and the rest of the Mortal Kombatants and lead them into battle in the hopes of … Continue reading Jakks Brings Mortal Kombat To Contoller TV Game →

Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Double Shot Design (www.doubleshotdesign.com) today announced an agreement to publish the first of a series of black powder-era wargames. Black Powder Wars: Battles Of Napoleon will cover Napoleonic-era tactical combat with full multiplayer and scenario editor support. David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said, "We are on a Napoleonic roll, with three releases due this year, each covering a different scale of Napoleonic warfare. The Double Shot Design team has skillfully developed Black Powder Wars: Battles Of Napoleon to fill the tactical Napoleonic niche." Black Powder Wars: Battles Of Napoleon may be the first … Continue reading Double Shot Signs With Matrix →

Telltale Inc, today announced the worldwide launch of its character based poker game Telltale Texas Hold'Em! In this hilarious new game the player squares off against four wacky characters, all with their own individual playing styles. The engaging PC title is unique among video poker games, focusing on the characters more than the cards. "Texas Hold'Em is a phenomenon right now, not only as a card game, but also as an entertainment experience," said Telltale CEO Dan Connors. "Our character personality A.I. system allows us to capture the character interplay of a real Texas Hold'Em game better than any other … Continue reading Telltale Releases Texas Hold'Em →

Attention soldiers! Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and acclaimed developer Infinity Ward are back in action with Call of Duty 2(tm), an all new epic title which delivers an unparalleled portrayal of the chaos and intensity that was World War II. The sequel to the award-winning Call of Duty(tm), Call of Duty 2 is powered by a proprietary new engine featuring striking new visuals, advanced A.I. technology, the most realistic squad combat and explosive action in new historic campaigns. The title is scheduled for release this fall and is not yet rated by the ESRB. Call of Duty 2 lets players … Continue reading Part Two Being Called To Duty →

Ray Britton, sales manager at Harry Levy Amusements, is retiring after over 40 years in the industry. Mr. Britton started his career at Cromptons in 1963, where he worked alongside Harry Levy. Then when Harry left to set up his own business in 1980, Ray moved over to join him. "Ray has been the backbone of our sales team and there are few within the industry with his level of experience and knowledge," commented Harry Levy. "We are all sorry to see him go, although we expect he will be popping back into the offices on a regular basis." "I … Continue reading Ray Britton Retires →

Publisher and developer Paradox Interactive announced today that the medieval real-time strategy title Knights of Honor has gone gold and will ship to retail stores across North America on May 10, 2005. The game has been rated E+10 and has a SRP of $39.99. Knights of Honor lets you take on the role as the leader of a kingdom in the Dark Ages. As a powerful ruler it’s up to you to lead your people to victory through trade, espionage, diplomacy, and war. Handpick your most trusted and experienced Knights and struggle for sovereignty, dominance and riches. Developed by Black … Continue reading Knights of Honor Goes Gold →