News

• iGEA cautiously backs R18 games classification guidelines

  While the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (iGEA) has welcomed the proposed Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games, it is concerned about references in the document to the high impact of games on players.

• HP chip discovery could be a tech 'game changer'

  Hewlett-Packard is taking the wraps off a new technology that analysts say could be "a major game changer" for computers and personal devices.

• ESRB releases iPhone app for parents

  Listen up Moms and Dads, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is giving away a handy new iPhone tool that'll help you quick-check what's what when it comes to game content. Not that the little black-and-white rectangles voluntarily stamped on game jackets are tricky to understand at a glance, but this app's more than just a reference tool for the industry-representin' ESRB's alpha-numeric rating schema: It'll let you quick-check the ratings summary of any game you're thinking of buying, too.

• The Sorry State of Windows 7 Gaming

  Windows 7 is finally upon us, leaping off retail shelves in little blue- and green- and black-lined plastic containers in a matter of hours. With the critical plaudits, expect enthusiastic midnight sales, curious micro-throngs of buyers, and swollen message boards deluged by "impressions" confessionals from first-timers who somehow missed the endless betas and previews and release candidates foisted on us like fistfuls of Halloween candy. No Rolling Stones or Jerry Seinfeld this time, true, but that's all part of Windows 7's unassuming shtick -- less whiz, more bang.

• Gaming mouse-maker Razer hit with infected firmware

  Gamers trying to update their mouse or keyboard drivers from accessory maker Razer USA's Web site recently may have gotten more than they bargained for.

• Nintendo profits fall 61% as Wii sales slump

  A sharp fall in global sales of Nintendo's popular Wii console and a less dramatic slowdown in sales of the portable DS pushed down the company's sales and profits in the April to June quarter, the company said Thursday.

• Survey: 50% of Gamers play for 5 hours daily

  In the Game&Game site, ahead of the European region finals of the 2009 Game & Game World Championship (herein GNGWC2009), a unique questionnaire is being conducted that is attracting attention.

• US video game sales sink in June, biggest drop in 9 years

  Sales of video game hardware and software were down by around one-third in June compared to the same month last year, according to data released late Thursday. After initially showing positive growth as the U.S. slid into recession, the latest figures mark the fourth month of declines and the largest year-on-year decline in almost 9 years.

• Japanese computer game market sinks 24 percent in first half

  Japan's computer game market saw a 24 percent drop in sales in the first half of the year, according to data released Wednesday.

• 20

  Classification stall puts gamers on edge

  The release date of a government discussion paper on content classification could create a watershed for Australian gamers who are set to suffer under the national Internet filtering scheme.

• Microsoft to buy video game developer

  Microsoft said it plans to acquire gaming company BigPark for an undisclosed amount.

• Nintendo sees record sales, profits despite recession

  Nintendo achieved record sales and profits in the year to March as consumers around the world snapped up its Wii console and DS handheld despite the recession, it said Thursday. The performance was ahead of revised estimates issued by the company in January this year but within the numbers was evidence of a big drop in business in its home market.

• Massive server purchase likely in Chinese Warcraft deal

  Chinese online game firm NetEase.com will buy all-new servers to start operating World of Warcraft in China this year, potentially leaving masses of unused computing clusters in the hands of the current Chinese operator.