Biren Amin, owner of Pandora's Cube, a major retailer of pirated games and illegally modified Microsoft Xboxes in the Washington, DC area, has been sentenced to five months in prison with three years of supervised release, including five months of home confinement, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today. Mr. Amin was also fined $247,237.05 and ordered to complete 80 hours of community service as part of his sentence. The ESA applauded federal law enforcement officials for their accomplishments and called Amin's sentence a clarion warning for others contemplating computer and video game piracy. "We are grateful for the work … Continue reading Pandora Pirate Gets Jail Time →

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that Arena Football will be available in stores on February 7, 2006, two weeks into the AFL's 20th season, under the EA SPORTS brand. Arena Football is in development in Orlando, FL by EA Tiburon, makers of the best-selling Madden NFL Football, NASCAR, NCAA Football and NFL STREET franchises. "The goal of EA SPORTS Arena Football is to make gamers think differently about how they play a football videogame," said Jon Dean, Executive Producer, EA Tiburon. "Arena Football is a fast-paced action oriented sport that relies on big plays and relentless offense – we … Continue reading EA Tackles Arena Football →

The computer and video game industry will file suit in Michigan asking that the state's new video game law be overturned, the Entertainment Software Associated announced today. Similar laws were previously found unconstitutional and thrown out in St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Washington State, costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees. "If this law is implemented, it will not only limit First Amendment rights for Michigan's residents, but, by virtue of its vagueness, it will also create a huge amount of confusion for Michigan's retailers, parents, and video game developers," said Douglas Lowenstein, president of the ESA, the … Continue reading ESA Challenges Michigan Game Law →

Respected Navy defense researcher and wargame expert Dr. Peter Perla III will share the platform with Douglas Whatley, CEO, Breakaway Games, as keynote presenters on Monday, October 31, 2005, at this year’s Serious Games Summit D.C. in Washington D.C. The summit is a primary forum for experts within various fields to network, learn more and share information about the growing demand for games designed for practical applications. The keynote session titled "What’s So Serious About Game Design? The Art or the Science?" will attempt to demonstrate how serious games require a combination of both art and science. Perla and Whatley … Continue reading Navy Wargame Expert To Keynote Serious Game Show →

Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online gaming, today announced EverQuest Depths of Darkhollow, the latest expansion for the incredibly popular PC massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), EverQuest. Depths of Darkhollow is now available at retail and for digital download from Sony Online Entertainment for the suggested retail price of U.S. $29.99. "As the tenth expansion for EverQuest, Depths of Darkhollow is impressive in so many ways," said Chris Sturr, senior brand manager, Sony Online Entertainment. "The passion and dedication of the development team is clear as they continuously deliver triple-A expansion packs filled … Continue reading EverQuest Launches 10th Expansion →

Verizon is asking, "What’s your game?" as it launches Verizon Game Services today. The online site at http://games.verizon.net is the place for on-demand, full-version computer and interactive games for all kinds of players. It’s for anyone who loves to play games and has a broadband connection. "Games and broadband are a natural combination," said Bob Ingalls, president of Verizon’s Retail Markets Group. "Whether they’re into ‘Battlefield 2,’ ‘Diner Dash’ or ‘Crayola Creation Corner,’ gamers are looking for the online experience that fits their needs. Verizon Game Services subscribers can play at whatever level they choose, whenever they choose, with complete … Continue reading Verizon Launches Game Service →

Electronic Arts is pleased to announce that Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 06 has gone gold. The newest iteration of the best-selling golf franchise-releasing on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox video game system, Nintendo GameCube, and PC-will hit stores on September 22 under the EA SPORTS brand. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 06 will be released for the PlayStation portable on September 26. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 06 offers all new gameplay challenges with the introduction of the dual analog swing. Both analog sticks are used to give players more control than ever. Players will need to think more strategically … Continue reading Tiger Woods 06 Goes Gold →

The 5th annual Game Developers Conference Europe (GDCE) drew hundreds of European game developers to discuss the future course of the industry. The three-day event in London witnessed more than 700 participants, double the number of last year’s attendance. GDC Europe is committed to delivering an equally compelling event to the European game development community in 2006. The conference followed this year’s GDC theme, Future Vision, focusing on development for the next generation of games and exploring resources, tools and technologies to equip developers. The various workshops, panels and keynotes featuring internationally recognized industry leaders were organized to establish an … Continue reading GDC Europe Declares Success →

NHL 06 has shipped from Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), the world's leading interactive software company. Hockey fans can start the season early and test their skills in the #1 worldwide selling hockey franchise to date. EA SPORTS NHL 06 lets you take complete control of every scoring opportunity and become an offensive superstar. It features an all-new Skill Stick and the return of classic deke controls, letting you express your playing style by pulling off the highlight reel moves of an NHL All-Star. With an all-new intuitive control scheme that provides smoother gameplay, NHL 06 delivers a complete game experience … Continue reading NHL 06 Ships →

Developer and publisher Paradox Interactive announced today that their next strategy release, DIPLOMACY for the PC platform, will be shipping to stores in the US and Scandinavia on October 4, 2005. UK, France, Germany and the Benelux countries are to follow on October 28. DIPLOMACY has been rated E for Everyone and has a suggested retail price of $39.99. DIPLOMACY is under license from the Hasbro Properties Group, the intellectual property development arm of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS). "When we set out to make DIPLOMACY, our ambition was to create a PC game that kept the look and spirit of … Continue reading Diplomacy Launch Set For October →