Iran Launches Islamic Video Games

Video games are 'driving progress'

(NEWSER) - It used to be the military that spurred cutting-edge technology—but these days, video games are doing the heavy lifting. To wit, the world’s fastest supercomputer is powered by processing cores manufactured by a gaming graphics-chip maker. As for the iPhone, "much of its technology—color LCD displays, low power usage, precision manufacturing—was perfected for hand-held videogames like the Nintendo DS," writes Andy Kessler in the Wall Street Journal . More»

Plants vs. Zombies appears to be on record pace

(NEWSER) - A popular game for the iPhone may have had the best rollout ever with more than $1 million in sales in just 9 days. Plants vs. Zombies, already a hit on Macs and PCs, has sold more than 300,000 copies at $2.99 a pop through the App Store. Developer PopCap calls it a record, though Apple has yet to verify, notes Mashable . More»

Females now constitute 40% of players

(NEWSER) - In 2001, women and girls constituted just 12% of video gamers; now, fully 40% of game players are female, and the gaming industry has taken notice. EA, Sony, Nintendo, and several other companies are rolling out new products catering to girls, from a dancing game to a Hannah Montana adventure packaged with a lilac PSP. Where only a few years ago girls' games were considered marginal, now they're a key component of publishers' strategies, reports the Wall Street Journal. More»

(NEWSER) - A realistic video game featuring a historic Fallujah battle involving US forces in Iraq has incensed vets and their families, reports ABC News. Six Days in Fallujah is due out next year, and involves Marine consultants to ensure accuracy of the action. "It's upsetting," said a mom who lost a son in Iraq. "I have this image of guys sitting around laughing because they got killed or didn't, and starting over. My son didn't have that choice." More»

'Stupid Fun Club' incubator will partner with video-game giant

(NEWSER) - The creator of The Sims is departing Electronic Arts to focus on "strange products and ideas," the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Will Wright plans to work full-time at his Stupid Fun Club think tank, which develops ideas for film, games, and TV. Wright says he has already cooked up some ideas for toys and TV shows and is looking for ways to commercialize them. More»