Macrovision today announced the results of a gaming piracy study that shows significant losses experienced by the gaming industry due to software piracy. The surveys of 6,000 Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation 2 users show that 21% of gamers play pirated games, but 73% would have bought the game within one month if a free version had not been readily available. This high level of piracy on console systems, which are generally considered to be secure closed systems, is surprising.

That tap-tap-tapping you hear is the sound of the most innovative video game control system to come along in years. Get physical with Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, made exclusively for GameCube, by using a pair of bongos to control the game action. Mastering the game requires good timing, bongo abilities and a love of bananas.

Warfare is a real-time global war simulator with real material and it's devoted to a conflict in the Near East. There are two campaigns, one for the USA, the other for Saudi Arabia. The main goal of the first campaign is taking full control of the region; the second one is coming to power in Saudi Arabia and achieving the withdrawal of all American troops.

Metal Slug has been around for seemingly ages. SNK's little franchise, a wonderful little action game, first impressed gamers on the Neo-Geo, but has since visited other consoles, including the Xbox and PS2; and, in its short lifespan, the Neo-Geo Pocket Color. November 2004 we saw the first Metal Slug on GBA in the Advanced version, some mechanics were changed, no blood and while the game was still great, it wasn't true port from the original game. While no specific details were disclosed yet, SNK's release schedule show it will be be bringing Metal Slug 1 to the GBA, expected winter 2005.

Day 1, FASA, and Microsoft announced that the MechAssault 2 Auto Update has been released! This update will provide many gameplay improvements. In MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf gamers will be able to step outside the 'Mech and live the life of a human pilot in a fresh new single player game. Tanks, VTOLs and BattleArmor will offer players plenty of opportunities to rain destruction on their opposition in both single and multiplayer games. Read more for details ...

"Over the recent weeks we have been investigating the activities of certain individuals who have been farming gold in order to sell it in exchange for real world currency. After researching the situation, we have issued permanent suspensions to over one thousand accounts that have been engaging in this practice. We do not condone such actions and will take decisive action as they are against our policy and damage the game economy as a whole. We will continue researching this matter. If you suspect someone of taking part in said gold farming, please eMail the report to wowgm@blizzard.com."

SNK Playmore USA announced that it will release a special Metal Slug 4 & 5 bundle pack for the PS2 and Xbox. The Metal Slug 4 & 5 will ship in early summer 2005 and each will have a suggested retail price of $39.99. Read more for details and screens ...

Compete and earn respect in Need for Speed Underground Rivals only available on the PSP. Customize and take on the pinnacle Japanese & American tuner cars in a pursuit of total ownership of the street racing scene. A uniquely designed racing game based on the legacy of the hugely successful Underground series.

Another day, another batch of game trailers were released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for :

• Jade Empire - Trailer (2)
• Forza Motorsports - Game vs. Reality Trailer
• Fear & Respect - Trailer #2
• Total Overdose - Trailer

Forza Motorsport gives Xbox gamers who are passionate about cars and racing the opportunity to own, customize, and race their favorite cars in a realistic driving simulation. From sport compacts to LeMans prototypes, players use earnings from hundreds of races to buy upgrades and aftermarket parts so they can transform real production cars into high-performance race cars.