Paul Loughrey (Page 24)

In the midst of an ambitious and unique tri-continent hardware launch, Microsoft has confirmed the pricing and dates for the arrival of its next generation Xbox 360 console in Australia.

Perhaps rather predictably, the cinematic release of <i>Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire</i> has given EA the boost in sales it needed, knocking THQ's wrestling title from the top spot of the all formats chart this week.

Free Radical Design, responsible for the acclaimed TimeSplitters game series, has entered into a publishing agreement with Ubisoft for its latest, as yet un-named next generation console and PC title.

Rockstar Games, a division of Take-Two Interactive, is set to establish a brand new development studio in the heart of London, forming part of the company's European publishing headquarters.

London-based Sports Interactive has announced that Out of the Park Baseball Manager 2006, due for release in spring, will be exclusively available via online digital download.

Japanese software developer Square-Enix has posted its half-year results and revised its forecast for the full fiscal year, following higher sales but a drop of almost 60 per cent in profits.

As one of the most significant trading periods for the games industry nears its inevitable end for another year, the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association has revealed the contenders for the prestigious Christmas number one

Sony Online Entertainment's movie inspired Massively Multiplayer Online Game is about to gain a slew of new real-world in-game advertisements, thanks to an extended partnership with Massive Incorporated.

The voting has closed once again, as the latest genre defining videogames, iconic characters and industry pioneers are honoured with their very own star on the Walk of Game in San Francisco.

Sega-Sammy Holdings has released its half-year financial results, revealing a massive increase in both revenue and net profit that doubled the company's initial forecasts for the period.

With a next generation console game already in development, Santa Monica-based Trilogy Studios has officially opened its doors.

Publisher and developer Activision has announced a new, long-term partnership with DreamWorks Animation SKG, securing the exclusive worldwide videogame rights for a number of DreamWorks movies.

Korean anti-virus and content security software provider, AhnLab, has announced its first moves into the North American market, with the introduction of its HackShield software for online game security.

Bolstering its hugely successful Xplosiv range and further cementing the relationship with Microsoft Game Studios, Empire has announced the imminent release of four critically acclaimed PC titles.

Macrovision has announced the provision of its complete digital distribution solution for Yahoo! Europe, providing and managing downloadable core and causal games across five European sites.

Capcom US has announced the appointment of three new senior level management executives, one of whom will lead the company's newly created mobile and interactive division.

Extending the range of services available to customers and entering the games sector for the first time, Sainsbury's has announced a new addition to its online DVD rental service, which now includes a library of PS2 and PSP software.

Major League Gaming, organisers of numerous multiplayer championships and community tournaments across the US is seeking additional television coverage, hiring the former head of CBS sports to secure new deals.

Following the announcement detailing the Xbox 360 launch titles available in Europe in December, Microsoft has revealed its US software package, which includes an additional three games on the shelves from day one.

Publishing giant Electronic Arts has officially lowered the SRP on a range of its current releases and forthcoming Q4 titles in the US, in an effort to promote sales and remain competitive in the industry's busiest period of the year.

Bradford-based online games publisher GamesRouter has announced a massive competition, offering up to 50 gamers the chance to walk away with a series of prizes, including EURO 1 million in cash.

The Casual Games Association has announced a second dedicated casual gaming conference, Casuality, which is currently scheduled to take place at the end of August 2006 in Seattle.

Chinas' largest online gaming company, Shanda Entertainment, has released its Q3 financial results, showing an increase in year-on-year revenues, but falling share prices due to a decline in concurrent online game users.

Analysts predict the sale of non-core operations including retail chains Gamestation, Game Rush and Rhino Games as US rental giant Blockbuster focuses on in-store and online rental services following worse than expected Q3 results.

Daito Giken's <i>Official Pachinko Slot Simulator: Osu! Bancho</i> stormed into the top spot this week, selling 96,000 copies and reinforcing the continued popularity of Japan's most prevalent form of legal gambling.