Paul Loughrey (Page 21)

As the industry awaits confirmation on the release strategy for Sony's next-generation games console, the company has confirmed that its forthcoming developers conference will focus exclusively on the PlayStation 3.

Championing originality in the games industry, Brighton-based developer Relentless Software is celebrating the sales success of its innovative music quiz - the only original software title in the top 20 sales chart.

Turner Broadcasting's subscription-based broadband games service, GameTap, has announced the addition of three new licensing deals with renowned videogame publishers.

San Francisco-based casual games publisher and distributor, PlayFirst, has announced a successful second-round financing deal, which closed at USD 5 million.

Whilst Sony has revealed little new information on its plans for the launch of the PlayStation 3, Consumer Entertainment Show attendees were treated to several announcements regarding the PlayStation Portable handheld device.

Complimenting the release of its fiscal results for 2005, Take-Two Interactive has announced a slew of new titles scheduled for a 2006 release, including several new iterations of Rockstar's acclaimed Grand Theft Auto series.

After a widely reported slump in consumer sales for the 2005 fiscal period, Take-Two Interactive has posted its full year financial results, revealing disappointing sales and prompting a revision of its Q1 forecasts.

Florida-based games developer, Smiling Gator Productions, has ceased all operations at the start of the New Year, having failed to secure additional funding to continue its MMO game development.

Codemasters Online Gaming has announced the signing of a new, extended licensing agreement with South Korean publisher CCR, to bring acclaimed MMO title, RF Online, to mainland Europe.

Following a governmental review of Electronic Arts' proposed acquisition of mobile specialists Jamdat, the Federal Trade Commission has found no breach of anti-trust laws, effectively approving the USD 680 million deal.

The integration between Namco Hometek and Bandai Games has completed on schedule, creating a new combined company, operating as Namco Bandai Games America.

The latest UK sales figures reveal further changes in the chart position for EA and Ubisoft, as the coveted number one position is reclaimed by <i>Need For Speed: Most Wanted</i>.

The CMP Game Group, organisers and hosts of the annual Game Developers Conference, has revealed fresh details regarding the guest speakers at the 2006 event, to be held in San Jose in March.

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has announced the opening of nominations for its 6th annual industry-voted Game Developers Choice Awards, to be presented at the Game Developers Conference in March.

Having laid claim to the official Christmas number one for the third consecutive year, industry powerhouse Electronic Arts has been unceremoniously shoved back into second place by Ubisoft's King Kong license.

Infinium Labs, creators of the much beleaguered and as yet unreleased Phantom broadband games console, has announced the imminent launch of its bespoke wireless keyboard and mouse peripheral.

A preliminary injunction halting the implementation of the California violent videogames law has been issued, mirroring similar judicial rulings in other American States.

Seagate has announced the signing of a definitive agreement for the acquisition of rival company Maxtor, for a total of USD 1.9 billion.

Graphics card and chip manufacturer, ATI, has posted the financial results for the first quarter of its 2006 fiscal period, beating estimates in spite of a substantial drop in profit.

The NHL and the NHLPA continue to argue over the issue of exclusive third party videogame licenses, as negotiations are resumed with both Electronic arts and Take-Two Interactive.

Videogames publisher THQ has issued a statement reaffirming its positive Christmas period sales forecasts, hoping to stem any further fall in share prices following EA's warning on Wednesday.

Conference creator The Game Initiative has announced details of the second annual Seattle Game Conference, a job conference and recruitment workshop scheduled to take place in February 2006.

Interactive media and computer games companies based in the South East of England are set to benefit from a new support scheme initiated by Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the audio visual industries.

The Isle of Man Government has announced the introduction of zero rate corporate tax with effect from April 2006, creating a significant additional benefit to its existing pro-business environment.