New research released today by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) shatters myths about the profile of typical American video game players, revealing that they regularly volunteer, exercise, and attend religious services. According to a survey conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, computer and video game players spend more than three times the amount of time exercising or playing sports, volunteering in the community, reading, or engaging in religious, creative, and cultural activities than they do playing video games. In total, gamers spend 23.4 hours per week on these activities, compared to 6.8 hours per week playing games. Avid gamers … Continue reading ESA Survey Finds New Gamer Trends →

Konami Digital Entertainment – America, a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., announced today a new Castlevania game for the Nintendo DS. Set in the year 2036, the newest title in the series continues the storyline that first emerged in the critically acclaimed Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow for the Nintendo GameBoy Advance. While the new 2D side scrolling action game will contain all the classic gameplay that fans of the series have come to expect, Castlevania for DS (working title) will also incorporate innovative gameplay elements that take full advantage of the portable system’s powerful new technology. "The game’s rich … Continue reading Castlevania Coming to Nintendo DS →

Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online gaming, today announced EverQuest: Dragons of Norrath, a new expansion for the incredibly popular PC Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), EverQuest. EverQuest: Dragons of Norrath is scheduled to be available at retail and for digital download from Sony Online Entertainment for U.S. $29.99 in February 2005 with a special incentive price for U.S. and European consumers who pre-order and digitally download directly from Sony Online Entertainment. "The EverQuest development team continues to deliver new content, adventures and features in yet another thrilling expansion pack for the world … Continue reading EverQuest Expands Again →

Konami Digital Entertainment – America, a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced that Suikoden IV for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system has shipped to retail stores nationwide. The company’s epic role-playing game (RPG) includes the long awaited return of the series’ signature 108 Stars of Destiny as well as an enhanced graphical interface and a new ground breaking battle system. "The Suikoden series has always delivered an enriched gameplay experience as well as added replay value through innovative battle sequences and unique storyline twists," said Dennis Lee, product manager at Konami Digital Entertainment – America. "Suikoden IV … Continue reading Konami Ships Suikoden IV →

IGE, the world's leading provider of value-added services to players and publishers of multiplayer online games, today announced the appointment of Steve Salyer as President and Eric Berk as Chief Financial Officer. The addition of the two veteran executives was announced today by IGE Chief Executive Officer Brock Pierce. Steve Salyer brings to IGE more than 25 years of experience in senior management roles in the interactive entertainment industry. Mr. Salyer comes to IGE following an extremely successful tenure as President, Business Development for leading video game publisher Ubi Soft Entertainment, where he helped orchestrate the acquisition of famed development … Continue reading IGE Adds Eric Berk →

United Talent Agency (UTA), one of Hollywood’s largest talent and literary agencies, today announced that Jonathan Epstein, a leading figure in the video gaming and interactive media worlds, has joined the agency. Epstein will be opening up the San Francisco office for UTA, marking the first time a major entertainment agency has established a presence in the heart of the electronic gaming and Internet businesses located in Northern California. With the addition of Epstein, the agency expects to significantly expand its current video game and interactive operations into new areas representing the convergence of gaming, filmed entertainment, and the marketing … Continue reading UTA Adds Jonathan Epstein →

NCsoft® Corporation (KSE: 036570.KS), the world's leading developer and publisher of online computer games, and Cryptic Studiosâ„¢ announced the release of the third expansion of the award-winning City of Heroes® massively multiplayer online game, Issue 3: A Council of War. The expansion includes the villain group, the 5th Column, taken over by the mysterious Council in a war that will sweep through most of Paragon City'sâ„¢ zones. Issue 3 also brings new "ancillary" powers and "epic" archetypes to high-level players, a new mid-level zone called Striga Isle and several automated zone events. As Issue 3 launches, skirmishes erupt as the … Continue reading City of Heroes Adds Content →

Blizzard Entertainment today announced that World of Warcraft has sold through more than 600,000 units to customers in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. The fastest-growing massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) has also shattered all previous concurrency records in North America, achieving over 200,000 simultaneous players during the holiday period. "The public's response to World of Warcraft has been simply amazing," said Mike Morhaime, president of Blizzard Entertainment. "We are very proud and excited to see such an overwhelming demand for the game, and we hope that the enthusiasm continues to build as we further enhance our online service." … Continue reading World of Warcraft Reports More Strong Sales →

Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) is pleased to announce the new prices for its full current line of games for 2005, effective January 10th, 2005. Throughout most of the Matrix Games line, these new prices reflect a savings for customers. These new price levels are expected to remain constant for these titles throughout 2005. David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said "Due to the success of our digital downloads, we've decided to expand our line of downloadable games and reduce prices for many of our current titles. With these new prices, some of our titles are now below $30 and … Continue reading Matrix Games Lowers Prices →

DreamCatcher Games today announced it will publish Aerial Strike: The Yager Missions, a futuristic aerial 3D combat/action game, for Windows in North America. Despite all of the superior technological advancements of the future, security on Earth remains at risk. In Aerial Strike: The Yager Missions, players assume the role of Magnus Tide, pilot of one of the deadliest machines in the galaxy: the fighter ship Sagittarius. Taking control of Sagittarius' multiple weapons and capabilities, players enter a world of extreme fighter pilot action, forcing futuristic rivals to pay the ultimate price in a daring quest to save the world. This … Continue reading DreamCatcher To Publish Aerial Strike →