Shortly after California passed the first bill banning sales of Mature or Adult Only rated games to minor, the state of Michigan follows suit. Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation that that will make the sale or rental of mature or adult-rated video games to children illegal. The new law applies to children age 17 and younger and will take effect on December 1, 2005 (thanks Blues).

Football Manager 2006 is a comprehensive soccer management simulation offering a host of new features, including the ability for managers to negotiate with their board of directors - not only for a better contract for themselves, but also for improved player wage budgets and increased transfer budgets or even stadium expansion. Be aware though, if you push too hard and don't reach the heights that the board specifies, you'll soon be looking for a new job.

Today Majesco released its financial results for the 3rd quarter 2005, in which is revealed that the company is not doing too well. Third quarter net revenues stand at $4.6 million, compared to $34.0 million for the same period in 2004, mainly due to weak sales for its product line, such as Advent Rising. Most titles are on schedule for their respective launc hdates, except Jaws Unleashed, which was delayed from fall 2005 to early 2006.

While Lionhead announced a release date a few weeks back, today there is a slight change in the North American release date, which has been postponed for a week to coincide with the European launch. "We say Black&White 2 now has a final release date! We know we mentioned two different dates a while ago, one for North America and one for Europe, but can now confirm that Black&White 2 has a worldwide release date of 7th October 2005."

The Hollywood Reporter has the scoop that "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" is coming to a game platform near you. If you have ever answered to the nickname Blondie, it might be time to dust off your poncho and make sure your six-shooter is fully loaded. In a deal with MGM Interactive, Bits Studios has acquired video game rights to the three Sergio Leone movies often called "The Man With No Name" trilogy.

Captain Blood is an action game based on the novels by Rafael Sabatini about the notorious Captain Blood. Players take the role of a brave and noble corsair, following his intriguing and amazing adventures in 1685 Spanish Main. The game’s mission-based structure allows players a diverse battlefield on both land and sea, with ship-to-ship battles and swashbuckling sword fights to gain control of boarded ships.

Bandai today announced that One Piece: Grand Battle for GameCube & PS2 has shipped to retail outlets. Capture the title of Pirate King as you outfight and outsmart all opponents in this wacky arena battle game based on the tremendously popular graphic novels published by Viz Media.

In Urban Reign, players assume the role of a gritty street brawler who has been hired by one of the city's dominant gangs to protect its leader. Players are thrown into a full-blown turf war, involving gang corruption and street justice that spans from the neighborhood block all the way to the upper levels of city government

Randy Peretzman, Nintendo's vice president of sales, will retire at the end of this year. After 20 years of dedicated service, Peretzman has decided to step down due to health reasons. His first project was the launch of the NES at a time when retailers had little interest in video games.

Last week we reported how California passed a law ending the sale and rental of violent video games that depict serious injury to human beings in a manner that is especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel, to persons who are under 18 years of age. Today IEMA President Hal Halpin reacts to the events claiming that there is no need for such a law since stores are already doing the work on a voluntary basis, and Hal hopes Governor Schwarzenegger will veto the bill. Read more for the full statement.

Faithful to the tradition of parody that runs throughout the Asterix stories, Atari's latest Asterix offering is an explosive video game crammed with surprising encounters that parody the greatest icons of the video game world and is awash with wry references to many of the great moments that have marked over 25 years of video game history.

The story of GTA: Liberty City Stories takes place 3 years before the events of Grand Theft Auto 3 and we find that our main character Toni Cipriani has returned from laying low for the past 4 years after taking out a rival mob boss for the Leone crime family. Having welcomed him back with open arms, the Don Salvatore Leone is putting Toni to back work under the watchful eye of Vincenzo Cilli, one of his most trusted capo’s.

Ascension to the Throne is a turn-based strategy game with RPG elements. In a world of fantasy the hero will have to pass many tests on his way to victory. Enemies seek to stop players from regaining power and having taking revenge, gain new friends to aid you in reclaiming the throne. Become the King you were born to be - wise, brave and courageous.

Valve today announced that Half-Life 2: Game of the Year has started shipping to retail outlets in North America. Half-Life 2: GotYis a special edition release of the best-selling and critically acclaimed title that includes Half-Life 2, Counter-Strike: Source, plus Half-Life 2: Deathmatch and Half-Life: Source. Half-Life 2: Game of the Year will begin shipping to other territories worldwide in the coming weeks.

SEGA today announced that it will publish SEGA Casino for the NDS. SEGA Casino deals out plenty of gambling action for gamers on-the-go with a casino experience that features five games, and six unlockable games.

Koch Media announce their partnership with UK publisher Reef Entertainment. The partnership secures Koch exclusive UK distribution rights for Reef's upcoming three PC titles for 2005, World War Zero, Dark Legion, WWII Tank Commander, all expected September 23. Read more for details on each title.

Mythic Entertainment today released details for Darkness Rising, the sixth expansion to the epic fantasy MMORPG Dark Age of Camelot. In this expansion, you will get to interact with the each Realm's new King to stop a rising force of evil. Check the freshly launched Darkness Rising website, or read more for some new screens ...

THQ today announced the return of everybody's favorite canine crime-solver in an all-new video game, Scooby-Doo! Unmasked, now available in retail outlets throughout North America for the Gamecube, PS2, Xbox, and GBA. In addition, Scooby-Doo Unmasked! is expected to arrive on the Nintendo DS later this fall.

Zoo Tycoon developer Blue Fang Games is pleased to announce that Bruce Blumberg is joining its team as Director of its new Synthetic Animal Team.

Combining 3D animation and 2D designs, A Vampyre Story follows the opera starlett, Mona, a woman kidnapped by Baron Shrowdy Von Kiefer and slowly becoming a creature of the night after coming under the vampire's spell.