News Archive
In this section you can look back on older stories that have appeared either recently as listed in order of most recent below, or using the calendar to navigate and look at certain dates.
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30th April, 2008
Infogrames acquires Atari Inc for $11 million
Infogrames has agreed to acquire Atari Inc and has committed to lend the publisher $20 million to fund operations
GTA IV: Most expensive game ever developed?
Producer estimates price tag of $100 million and notes criticism comes mostly from people who haven't played the game
Kotick: Slowing economy may lead to console price cuts
Activision's CEO is also concerned with an EA sports monopoly if Take-Two is acquired
Turbine secures $40 million in funding
MMO developer Turbine has secured $40 million in a third round of venture capital funding
Windows Mobile development contest announced
AT&T, Microsoft, HTC Corp. and I-play have teamed to sponsor a $25,000 mobile game development contest
PopCap donates 30% to breast cancer cure
PopCap Games will donate 30 per cent of website game sales through Mother's Day to Susan G. Komen for the Cure
New Wii Fit stock coming weekly, says Nintendo UK
Nintendo UK tells GamesIndustry.biz that Wii Fit stock will be coming on a weekly basis
SCEA adjusts PS Store pricing for Canadian market
As a result of the weakened US dollar, and the ability to localise pricing, SCEA has adjusted PS Store prices for Canada
GTA IV sets UK day one records
Chart-Track is reporting preliminary sales data for GTA IV showing that the title has eclipsed all prior records
Hudson Entertainment president steps down
After 20 years with the company, Hudson Entertainment president John Greiner has decided to step down
Imagine Publishing appoints new business development manager
Nick Roberts will be taking up the role and heading up advertising operations for NRevolution and Pokémon World
Mobile games to "disappoint" in ad revenue stakes
But the ad-funded market will still prove an important opportunity for brands to connect to customers, says Screen Digest
Wii Fit game sold "every four seconds" on weekend, says Currys
Nintendo's activity title was the retail chain's fastest-selling game ever, as it launches new in-store ratings
Electronic Arts to close EA-Land
Virtual world previously known as The Sims Online to shut this August
Crytek: No more PC exclusive titles
The company's president has blamed piracy for the need to develop for multiple platforms, describing it as a "core problem"
Industry luminaries flock to Nordic Game
Creators of Silent Hill, Rock Band and Heavenly Sword will gather to discuss creative innovation
THQ culls staff at Rainbow Studios and Sandblast Games
Layoffs follow publisher's decision to cancel titles and franchises in January
Capps to give Gears of War 2 Keynote at GCDC
Epic's president will deliver a talk on the development process of Gears of War 2 at the event in August
Microsoft and Yahoo rejected Steam, says Valve
The developer's VP of marketing explains how Valve approached various companies to build its gaming platform
29th April, 2008
WBIE names Tremblay president
Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment has named Martin Tremblay its new president
Microsoft cuts console prices in Asia
Microsoft has dropped the price of the Xbox 360 console in four Asian markets
Ramsdale defends PEGI in Select Committee hearing
EA exec taks up self-regulation as the only way to keep up with the number of titles being released
Ubisoft selects Kiev for new development studio
Ubisoft will be opening its third Eastern European internal development studio in Kiev, Ukraine
UK government should "celebrate" GTA IV, says Kingsley
Rebellion CEO hits out at MPs for criticising Rockstar's iconic game, saying it should be hailed as a British success story.
Paddy Power takes odds on GTA IV staying power
Online bookmakers offers novelty bets on Rockstar's latest release
Play.com "taking over 80 orders per minute" for GTA IV
Online retailer expects game to smash previous sales records
Feder: GTA IV sales estimates are too low
"Our expectations are higher than analysts give the game credit for," says CEO
Xbox 360, Nvidia chips boost Semiconductor profits
Graphics and Blu-ray tech help Taiwan company to largest profits in seven quarters
GAME to invest 5m in online business during 2008
Retailer doubles e-commerce investment following online profits of GBP 2.9 million
Record results for GAME as profits hit GBP 75.5 million
Online and international success boosts sales by 86 per cent
Grand Theft Auto IV hits UK High Street
Consumers flocked to stores at midnight to get their hands on the latest in Rockstar's 66 million-selling franchise
28th April, 2008
Former EA CCO joins KPCB technology entrepreneurs
Bing Gordon, a co-founder of Electronic Arts, has become a partner in a technology entrepreneurial firm
Mario Kart leads in Spain and Germany
Mario Kart Wii is on top of the sales charts in both Germany and Spain, leading Nintendo's dominance
TIGA to represent developers at enquiry
TIGA and Rebellion CEOs will represent game developers at a House of Commons enquiry on harmful content
DDM acquires Peligroso Entertainment Group
DDM, a US-based representation agency, has acquired Swedish representation agency Peligroso Entertainment
Infogrames confirms SCi offer
Infogrames has confirmed that it made an offer to acquire SCi which was rejected by that company's board
ZeniMax establishes Japanese publishing arm
ZeniMax Asia to bring Fallout 3, Bully, MLB 2K8 and Star Trek titles to the region
Wii Fit is number one in UK debut
Wii Fit debuts at number one on Chart-Track's UK charts, with the third largest launch value behind GTA:SA and Halo 3
Blockbuster announces US videogame expansion
Rental giant rolls out retail stock across North American branches to expand its business
SilverBirch acquires Lighthouse Interactive for CAD 4m
N+ developer expands games business by swooping for Dutch publisher
Radical tackling violent game restrictions with Prototype
Developer working hard to ensure mature title is released in all regions
Midnight opening for 260 GAME stores
Grand Theft Auto IV launch will see majority of specialist stores open as demand peaks
We don't need celebrity to sell games, says Bourne team
High Moon Studios won't favour movie stars over quality of finished product
Portal was offered to XBLA, but rejected
Multi award-winning title unsuitable for download platform due to size, and other reasons
The9 buys minority stake in G10
The Korean developer sold the stake for a USD 38 million equity investment to the Chinese game operator
Emergent gameplay makes games unique entertainment, says Jones
Realtime Worlds boss talks up the power of individual experiences, and speculates on EA's offer for Take-Two
SingStar sales reach 12 million units
The karaoke game saw continued success over the financial year as it introduces a store and social networking elements
25th April, 2008
New MMO developer KingsIsle unveiled
KingsIsle, founded in 2005, has been working on a slate of MMOs with Shadowbane and ION Storm veterans
DS "refresh" possible, says Sebastian
The Lazard Capital analyst suggests that Nintendo could launch a refreshed DS if sales momentum slows
No new Portal in 2008, says Valve
Valve's Doug Lombardi says the company plans to take its time to develop an equally revolutionary sequel
Partnership puts Warner in best position for acquisition
Warner's partnership with SCi gives them a foothold without a big potential downside, says David Cole
Paradox releases EU engine to community
Source code to be made freely available via GamersGate, which will also allow home-made content to be sold
Nordic Game Awards shortlist revealed
World in Conflict, Kane & Lynch and Super Stardust HD among the 12 titles in the running
Iwata: No Wii or DS price cuts this year
Nintendo president says discounting isn't part of future earnings projections
EA to sponsor Vancouver International Game Summit
May event to feature sessions from Jason Rubin and Shane Kim
Philips amBX appoints Neil MacDonald as CEO
Former Dixons, BT and Fujitsu exec brings retail and online experience to peripherals business
Warner/SCi deal doesn't make much sense - Pachter
Wedbush Morgan analyst queries the logic behind Warner's thinking, on a deal that only appears good for SCi
Sony signs 13 devs for Indian market
Studios to get help from Sony to create titles aimed at local audiences
SCi stock falls 17% on Warner deal news
The announcement of a strategic partnership between the two companies fails to spur the publisher's share price
PSP leads Japanese hardware sales
Sony handheld boosted by sales of Capcom's latest Monster Hunter offering
Warner Bros partners with SCi
Warner Bros will subscribe to Ł15 million new shares in the company and handle its North American distribution
NLGD opens call for speakers
Potential NLGD Conference speakers are invited to submit ideas for lectures, workshops and roundtables
24th April, 2008
Microsoft's Entertainment division revenues up 68%
Revenues from Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices division grew 68%, as company-wide income dropped 11%
Civilization Revolution and Warriors Orochi 2 at London MCM Expo
2K and KOEI games are amongst the titles to be showcased at the upcoming show
Ubisoft 2007-08 sales up 43%
Ubisoft has released Q4 and FY 07-08 financial information, and is targeting EUR 1 billion in sales for 2008-09
China has world's largest Internet-using population
China has now surpassed the US as the country with the largest number of Internet users
EA takes away studios' souls, says Bobby Kotick
Activision's CEO speaks out against the business practices of its main rival publisher
Nintendo unveils Q2 release schedule
Super Smash Bros Brawl and WiiWare are dated along with a spate of other titles
Nintendo's 2007-8 results show growth in exports
Overseas sales for the company have reached 80.6 per cent
Sony reveals "summer" launch for Go!View
PSP video download service in partnership with Sky will offer content via subscription or pay-per-view
Nintendo reports over $1 billion in hardware sales
The company's Q4 results reveal growth in hardware sales
GamesIndustry.biz Network details revealed
Leading videogames trade site unveils forthcoming business tools to enable the industry to stay connected
Nintendo sales up 73% for the year
Company's financial results show expected strong results, with profit up by almost a half year-on-year
Retro Studios loses key personnel
Three employees behind the Metroid series leave Nintendo's first party developer
Fils-Aime speaks out about Wii shortages
Nintendo of America's president says the average Wii console stays on the shelf for just one hour
Mario Kart retains Japanese software number 1
Wii title sells another 200,000 copies, while Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G edges towards a 2 million total
Videogames still "miles away" from mass market, says Amor
Relentless' co-founder thinks the stigma attached to videogames is going away, but the mass market is a ways off
23rd April, 2008
High Voltage Software turns 15
High Voltage Software marks fifteen years in the industry as an independent game developer
Gameloft's Asphalt series tops 10 million
Gameloft's Asphalt series joins 50 of the company's other titles with sales of over 10 million
GreenScreen appoints CEO, acquires publishers
GreenScreen has appointed Ron Chaimowitz CEO and acquired Destination Software and ZOO Digital Publishing
Will SCi shareholders be patient?
Following SCi's rejection of a recent offer, analyst Ed Barton considers the reaction of company shareholders
Mad Catz appoints new board chairman
Mad Catz has appointed Thomas Brown to the position left vacant since Geofrey Myers passed away
NCsoft appoints new VP of marketing
David Reid has left GameTap to work for the online gaming specialist and lead its strategies in the US
Image Metrics appoints new chief operating officer
Michael Starkenburg will be joining the company to lead their US and UK operations
SCEE confirms GTA IV PS3 retail bundle
EUR 439 pack to contain a 40GB PS3, a Sixaxis controller and a copy of Rockstar's game
LittleBigPlanet creators to keynote Paris GDC
Mark Healey and Alex Evans will talk about incorporating creativity into game ideas, and how Media Molecule was formed
Slowing Japan exports to hit Sony and Nintendo?
A fall in exports to the US and a slowdown in Europe could spell trouble for Japanese gaming companies
GTA IV development very organic, says dev
Art director Aaron Garbut explains how Rockstar's super-title was put together, and how in-game brands are developed
EU wants more industry investment on ratings issue
Commissioner pleased with steps taken so far, but believes the system in place can be "greatly improved"
UK government must work with games industry, says Livingstone
Eidos' Ian Livingstone believes that the UK government has a role to play in supporting and educating developers
22nd April, 2008
Registration opens next week for QuakeCon 2008
This year's QuakeCon will be held from July 31 - August 3 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
Oberon unveils new I-play brand identity
Oberon Media has unified its publishing efforts under the I-play brand to be led by Don Ryan
38 Studios expands design team
Former SOE Everquest designer Travis McGeathy joins 38 Studios as systems design lead
Activision denies Call of Duty renegotiations
Activision has denied rumours that it has renegotiated development on the Call of Duty franchise
Logitech reports steady Q4 growth
The peripheral manufacturer's record Q4 results showed a 17 per cent growth in sales and a 20 per cent growth in operating income
It's a "brutal environment" for indies, says Ninja Theory
Nina Kristensen talks about the difficulty of working as an independent studio in the games industry today
TIGA and GDAA announce tax lobby plans
The games industry advocacy groups plan to stage joint action against the British and Australian governments
Sony to launch PS3 film service this summer?
Following the latest upgrade to the PlayStation Network, sources start to speculate on when movie downloading could begin
Sony expands Home closed beta
More players will be invited to take part in testing the PS3's social hub over a longer period of time
ION conference announces new keynote speaker
Founder and CEO of Sanrio Digital and Outblaze will be the third speaker at the Seattle event
New instruments, local bands for Guitar Hero
Activision's Bobby Kotick says that upcoming Guitar Hero titles will feature additional instruments and local bands
21st April, 2008
SCi confirms open offer in company
SCi has confirmed speculation that it is considering an offer but did not name potential investors
PS3 profitable by August, say Nikko Citigroup analysts
Analysts from Nikko Citigroup are predicting that Sony's PS3 business will reach the break even point in August
Mario Kart Wii still atop charts in UK
Mario Kart Wii spent the second week at number one for UK sales according to Chart Track data
Realtime Worlds buys back APB rights
The Scottish developer regains the global distribution rights on its upcoming MMO
UK retail sells 17.89 million games in Q1
Record high figures celebrated as Nintendo secures highest per centage of sales
TimeGate Studios wins trademark dispute
TV broadcaster ABC agrees to refrain from using the name Section 8
Microsoft voted more innovative than Sony or Nintendo
The software company was voted fifth most innovative in poll, beating out its console competitors
Mike Capps labels Wii a "virus"
Epic Games exec complains about the console and attempts to explain its success
Houser: Industry must break seasonal sales cycle
Rockstar co-founder sees Christmas bottleneck as sign of immaturity
Nordic Game programming sessions unveiled
Nvidia, Intel and Microsoft among the speakers discussing subjects such as multicore and visibility optimisation
GamerDNA secures $3 million funding
Company to launch dedicated online gaming community and open new offices
I'd struggle to make an online game for less than $50 million, says Jones
Realtime Worlds boss tells
19th April, 2008
Activision confirms Underground closure
Activision will be closing its Foster City development studio formerly known as Z-Axis at the end of May
18th April, 2008
SCi close to deal with NBC Universal?
UK publisher SCi may be close to finalising a deal that could make NBC Universal a majority stakeholder
DC Comics to publish Gears of War series
DC Comics' Wildstorm imprint will be publishing a series based upon Epic's videogame franchise
Mario Kart Wii tops German and Spanish charts
Nintendo's racer continues to top the software sales across Europe
Take-Two rubbishes new EA offer
Strauss Zelnick reiterates the Take-Two board's position, and notes "expressions of interest" from additional parties
EA extends Take-Two offer
Electronic Arts gives shareholders until May 16 to consider USD 2 billion acquisition offer
DS hits 100m Japanese software sales
Nintendo's portable device reaches record after only three years and five months
amBX to sponsor Dare to be Digital
Development kits and technical support will be provided to entrants in the student competition
XNA boss defends Xbox Live Arcade
Despite increasing PSN and WiiWare competition, Xbox Live Arcade still leads the way for indie games, says Satchell
PSP tops Japan hardware chart
9 million mark looms for Sony handheld as sales for most consoles dip on a relatively quiet software week
Ace Combat series sells 10m worldwide
Title reaches milestone following one million sales of latest PS2 title in US
Microsoft continues GTA IV push as 360 outsells PS3
"Xbox 360 the chosen place to play GTA IV," claims Microsoft following triumphant March sales
Sony: PlayStation sales momentum continues through 2008
PS3 may have been outsold by Xbox 360 in March, but Sony remains confident of sales growth
COD4 maps downloaded 1 million times in 9 days
The Call of Duty 4 map pack has set an Xbox Live marketplace record with over a million downloads in nine days
17th April, 2008
Take-Two to EA: Still wrong price, wrong time
Zelnick takes opportunity to highlight company's value on the eve of the expiration of EA's offer
Smash Bros. Brawl: 2.7 million sold in March
Super Smash Bros. Brawl was the best-selling US title in a month that saw $1.7 billion worth of hardware/software sales
Nintendo sells 720,000 Wii consoles in March
In March, Nintendo saw its highest US Wii sales to date outside the holiday months of November and December
Take-Two discloses shareholder lawsuit
In its 8-K form filed with the SEC, Take-Two has disclosed a shareholder lawsuit related to EA's takeover
Mobile Entertainment Forum announces "Meffy" shortlist
MGS Mobile, Pro Evo Soccer among five mobile games nominated for 2008 Meffy awards
FTC issues second anti-competitive inquiry to EA
Publisher has yet to allay US government's fears over bid for Take-Two
Ignition announces SNK/Playmore co-publishing deal
Ignition will co-publish SNK/Playmore titles in North America, beginning with Metal Slug 7 for the DS
FireSky unveiled as Stargate Worlds publisher
Industry veterans Nakamoto and Ybarra involved in new company, aims to combine gaming with social networking
Enterbrain denies Hamamura's alleged DS predictions
Japanese publisher issues a statement countering report by Bloomberg
Microsoft's GTA IV spend to match Halo 3
Company ramps up TV and lifestyle press advertising ahead of April 29 release
No games BAFTAs in 2008
Prestigious awards moves to early 2009 to allow for judging of full year's worth of games releases
Microsoft claims Euro 360 sales "more than doubled" since price cut
March hardware price drop has boosted consoles sales in the region, claims format-holder
EA's Take-Two deadline looms
Take-Two's stockholder meeting to take place later today, as EA's USD 26 per share tender offer expires tomorrow night
Nintendo shoots down DS redesign rumours
Company won't comment on E3 plans, but dismisses chatter of new DS model
Pirates MMO to shut majority of servers
Character transfers have been forced to make up for poor player population
Mario Kart Wii debuts with 594k sales in Japan
First week figures show strong sales for the title and for Nintendo as a whole
PC gaming is transforming, says Sorenson
THQ dev boss admits winding down of traditional releases, but eyes huge potential online
16th April, 2008
NCsoft unveils new microtransaction system
NCsoft has unveiled NCcoin, a system that uses real-world money to purchase in-game items
No stockholder proposals, says Take-Two
The time allotted for Take-Two stockholders to nominate directors or propose new business has expired
EU approves Vivendi merger with Activision
The EU has concluded its inquiry, granting permission for Vivendi to merge with Activision
Cousins to give keynote at Paris GDC
DICE developer to talk about the future of casual and hardcore gaming.
Nordic Game Conference details career expo
Students and professionals invited to attend a free recruitment day as part of the Sweden event
Realtime Worlds coy on APB for the PS3
Studio unable to shed any light on comments made in the mainstream press about an as-yet-unannounced platform for the MMO
"Shop around" for Wii Fit, advises Nintendo
Retailers "aware of their allocations" since early last month, and are currently taking precautions to ensure orders are met
Divnich: Wii Fit and GTA IV can "co-exist"
Although EEDAR analyst admits that there may be some short-term hit on the Rockstar title from mass-market gamers
Prototype comic coming in August
Sierra and DC Comics announce a deal for a publication, to be adapted from the videogame title.
Petroglyph announces free online game
Developer signs a deal to work with True Games on the micro-transaction title.
Wii Fit sells out in the UK
Online pre-order pages from a range of sites are displaying "out of stock" or similar notices
GTA IV to sell $400 million in first week
Take-Two expects record setting sales for latest title in the franchise
WiiWare: A new Frontier?
WiiWare is the perfect opportunity to explore uncharted territory says Frontier's managing director David Walsh
Sims reaches 100 million milestone
Electronic Arts has announced that the Sims franchise has sold 100 million copies worldwide since 2000
15th April, 2008
Players petition Disney to save VMK
Disney's plan to close its three year-old VMK virtual world has been met with a petition by disappointed fans
WiiFit can cause new demand boom, says analyst
Analyst Michael Pachter thinks Nintendo will support WiiFit with the largest marketing campaign in its history
PlayStation store revamped with PS3 firmware 2.3
The redesigned PlayStation store is now live in conjunction with PS3 firmware version 2.3
Rein, Blackley and Cousens to speak at GameHorizon
Industry execs join Microsoft, Eidos and Realtime Worlds at June event
BBC hints at iPlayer on the PS3 "in due course"
Head of digital media technology suggests iPlayer will hit the console in a matter of time
CCP plays down EVE Online source code leak
Developer says no security, privacy or billing issues following code appearing on torrent sites
Singapore adopts video game ratings system
Region plans to implement a two category rating system for videogames this month
Blizzard expands WOW China deal
The9 extends license to include the release of Wrath of Lich King in the region
Satchell: No business model yet behind XNA
Microsoft has focused on tools and distribution before deciding upon XNA's business model
Ubisoft acquires Gameloft's India studio
Ubisoft has reached an agreement with Gameloft to acquire its development studio in Pune, India
14th April, 2008
US sales up 47 per cent in March, says Pachter
Ahead of NPD figures, Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter forecasts March sales of $850 million
Average US developer salary: $73,600
Game Developer magazine's annual survey reveals that the average salary has risen slightly
Blockbuster makes an offer for Circuit City
Blockbuster has made public a billion-dollar offer to purchase struggling electronics retailer Circuit City
Mario Kart Wii debuts atop UK charts
Mario Kart Wii enjoys the eighth biggest launch week in the UK - enough to top Gran Turismo 5: Prologue
Take-Two announces plans for Asian expansion
Publisher plans to develop its presence in Asia, creating a new position and Singapore office
Realtime Worlds confirms USD 50 million investment
Crackdown developer secures further funding for expansion and online projects
ION Game Conference announces speakers
Execs from Gaia Online, Trion, Cryptic Studios and Cartoon Network sign up for 2nd annual online worlds event
WOW hits 1 million concurrent users in China
Expansion pack The Burning Crusade boosts numbers and tempts existing players back to Blizzard's marketing leading MMO
Hollywood needs us more than we need them, says Riccitiello
EA chief believes the industry has "stepped through a time window" where the best games are as important as top Oscar winners
Gardner to consider ditching Infogrames name
Atari name in focus for "best-funded, best-branded, most energetic start-up in the history of computer gaming"
11th April, 2008
Hitman vets form new dev studio
Founders of IO Interactive and creators of Hitman franchise form Reto-Moto
Atari: "We don't have room for mistakes"
David Gardner talks competitor threats, Phil Harrison details rejuvinated publisher's online ambitions
PS3 is "inviting trouble" with mod support, says XNA boss
Chris Satchell believes that proper security measures are vital to prevent malicious user-generated content
GT5 remains on top of European charts
Polyphony Digital's racing sampler holds on to the lead across Germany and Spain
Develop conference line-up revealed
Braben, Eades and Smith lead the speaker list at this year's Brighton event
Codemasters appoints new Euro exec
Former SCEE sales and marketing manager to lead publisher drive into Europe and emerging markets
PS3 passes 2 million mark in Japan
Sony's flagship console passes key milestone as the PSP continues to benefit from Monster Hunter sales
DSG reports disappointing sales despite console demand
PC World company faces challenging retail environment, CEO leading company review
Boom Blox producer impressed by "gamer" Spielberg
The legendary movie director's involvement on the forthcoming Wii title is anything but a PR stunt, says Rahimi
Croal lays into "racist" Resident Evil 5
Newsweek writer airs his concerns over the imagery involved in Capcom's forthcoming zombie-fest
Sony reveals limited edition Gunmetal PS3 for US
Multiple hardware and software SKUs due for release with Metal Gear Solid 4
10th April, 2008
Alone in the Dark to sell 2-3 million units
Infogrames chief coy over schedule to return the company to a "break-even" state
