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.