A 22-year-old Cambridge graduate today has become the first ever individual in the UK to be convicted for the illegal modification of video games consoles at Caerphilly Magistrates Court. The offender had developed a new method of modifying Microsoft Xbox consoles, discovered in October 2004 by ELSPA’s Internet Investigator, who then informed Caerphilly County Borough Council Trading Standards and Gwent Constabulary. He sold the consoles, fitting them with a hard-drive of 200GB and 80 pre-installed games, via his website for £380. The retail cost of this package, if genuine and unmodified, would be an estimated £3,000 for each one. ELSPA … Continue reading British Chipper Gets Clipped →

Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) and Epic Games today announced a studio-wide agreement under which VU Games will license Unreal Engine 3 tools and technology for next generation console and PC game development. VU Games’ internal and external development studios are licensed to use Unreal Engine 3 technology for next generation titles, which are expected to launch starting in 2006. Specific titles will be announced at a later date. "Our licensing agreement with Epic Games underscores VU Games’ commitment to developing top tier next generation products," said Peter Della Penna, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Product Development for … Continue reading Vivendi Gets Unreal Engine →

Aim for the back of the net with EA SPORTS Web Soccer, an intense high-scoring online soccer game that will keep players passing and shooting for hours on Pogo.com. Produced by the online division at Electronic Arts' Redwood Shores studio, EA SPORTSâ„¢ Web Soccer delivers a complete soccer experience highlighted by control of a team and the tools to execute the "perfect attack". Choosing to play in single match or tournament mode, soccer fanatics can play in this fast-moving game as one of 16 international teams from countries such as Brazil and Argentina. EA SPORTS Web Soccer is free for … Continue reading EA Launches Free Soccer Game →

NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA), a worldwide leader in graphics and digital media processors, today announced the addition of Neil Trevett as vice president of content development. In this role, Mr. Trevett will spearhead the Company's efforts to enable the development of content from independent software developers that will work seamlessly with the latest NVIDIA graphics technology in embedded platforms. Mr. Trevett's content development team will focus on platforms including, but not limited to, mobile phones, medical imaging devices, game consoles, and onboard navigation systems. "The growth of rich graphic content in embedded applications drove the decision to strengthen our focus … Continue reading NVidia Taps Trevett For Content Development →

MTV: Music Television today announced the launch of its newest division, "MTV Games." Dedicated to developing, producing and promoting unique and creative gaming experiences that resonate with MTV's audience, MTV Games will work in-house through its newly created interactive entertainment studio, along with industry partners, to produce and market original video game titles. MTV Games will incubate original game franchises in partnership with independent game developers. In addition, the new division will forge strategic marketing partnerships with game publishers to connect with the MTV audience across multiple platforms. MTV will work closely with publishers, leveraging its unique brand and marketing … Continue reading MTV Entering Game Market →

In their largest humanitarian campaign to date, DreamQuest Software recently announced their efforts to supply the United States Armed Forces overseas with some well-deserved relaxation. From now until July 31st, the Colorado-based company is pledging to donate one "DQ Fun Pack", consisting of their award-winning card & board game software, deck of playing cards, and personalized thank you note, for every purchase made on their web site at www.dq.com. As card and board games are one of the most popular of all military pastimes, the husband-and-wife owned company felt compelled to act. "Americans appreciate the service and dedication shown by … Continue reading DreamQuest Giving Troops Games →

CCP Games, an independent developer and publisher of massively multiplayer online games, today announced "EVE Online: Cold War Edition," a new massive content upgrade to its highly successful and fast growing Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) "EVE Online: Exodus." The "Cold War Edition" is scheduled to be released the first week of July, and in the tradition of CCP Games, will be provided to subscribers free of charge. "I expect that players will be pleasantly surprised at how much effect the Cold War Edition will have on gameplay, and how much content they will receive." said Magnus Bergsson, CMO … Continue reading Eve Online Launching Cold War Expansion →

Renowned video game composers, Tommy Tallarico (Advent Rising, Tony Hawk Pro Skater, Earthworm Jim) and Jack Wall (Jade Empire, Myst III: Exile, Splinter Cell), and Clear Channel Music Group today announced the pre-show festival events planned for the July 6th Hollywood Bowl debut of Video Games Live, an immersive music and video concert experience. Co-executive produced by Tallarico's and Wall's Mystical Stone Entertainment LLC, and Clear Channel Music Group, Video Games Live features music from some of the biggest video games performed by top orchestras and choirs across the country combined with video footage, lasers, lights and live action to … Continue reading Video Games Live Gearing Up →

It's a dangerous universe, but someone has to kick its butt! From the freezing hell of the prison world of Artur to the pirate filled space-lanes of the deep black, X2: The Threat will take you as far as your ambition will carry you. Command a freighter and trade your way to wealth and power, or become the admiral of your own fleet of mile-long destroyers and sweep your enemies before you. Maybe both? The choice is yours! X2 features dozens of interlinked missions, 70 different ship types, a host of weapons from lasers to remote droids and intercept rockets, … Continue reading X2 Ships For Mac →

The Game Initiative, a leading producer of conferences and events for professionals in the computer and video game industry, today announced Suzanne Freyjadis-Chuberka is the new Conference Director for the Women’s Game Conference (WGC) taking place October 26-27, 2005 in Austin, Texas. Additionally The Game Initiative announced that WGC proposals for consideration for speaker panel participation are due by July 15, 2005. Women’s Game Conference focuses on women in the computer and video game industry, gender inclusive game design and women and girls as consumers of games. The Conference web site is http://www.WomensGameConference.com Suzanne Freyjadis-Chuberka holds a Master’s Degree in … Continue reading Women's Game Conference Names Director →