Nielsen Research data released this week shows that gamers are playing more this summer than last. June 2009's total video game console usage minutes went up 21% from the previous June with the average gamer logging 768 minutes, led by Microsoft's X360.

TF2 is a class-based, multiplayer team warfare game, delivering new game types, a signature art style powered by Valve’s next-gen animation technology, persistent player statistics, etc. Valve is prepping a Classless Update adding 18 new hats for the various classes as well as a new community map.

The MotorStorm festival has ripped-up the Monument Valley desert, it’s obliterated everything that stood in its path on The Island, and now it’s set for a whole new challenge. MotorStorm Arctic Edge sees the music, the festival and the brutal off-road racing arrive in the breathtaking yet lethal and unpredictable setting of Alaska.

Dragon Age: Origins represents BioWare’s return to its roots, delivering a fusion of elements from existing fantasy works with emotionally-driven narrative, heart-pounding combat, powerful magic abilities and credible digital actors.

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

• Section 8 [PS3/X360/PC] - Dev Diary Trailer #2
• Sacred 2: Ice & Blood [PC] - Trailer
• Tony Hawk: Ride [Wii/PS3/X360] - First Ride Trailer
• Reel Fishing: Angler's Dream [Wii] - Trailer
• 
  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

Digital distribution outlet GamersGate announced that this week is the Meridian 4 5th anniversary week, so you get 50% off on all their titles, or get the entire Meridian 4 catalog for $79.95/€79.95/£69.95 and save $500 (86% discount). This coming weekend (Aug. 13-16) GSC World's S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is 50% off, and next week will see the launch of new titles such as All Aspect Warfare, Angel of Attack, and Return to Mysterious Island 2.

NBA 2K10: Draft Combine will allow fans to create their own custom player with the utmost detail and, for the first time in the NBA 2K series, begin their career by experiencing the on-court life of an NBA hopeful going through the NBA Draft Combine at the world-renowned ATTACK Athletics gym in Chicago.

Forza Motorsport 3 unites the racing game genre, making it possible for everyone to experience the thrill of the world’s most exotic and exquisite cars. Live the most realistic racing experience ever as you take the wheel of more than 400 of the most-beloved cars on over 100 renowned real-world tracks and exotic road courses from around the globe.

Inon Zur's orchestral music from Ubisoft's Prince of Persia games will be performed in front of a live audience for the first time as part of the "A Night in Fantasia 2009" at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Australia, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009.

Mini Fighter is a frenetic, side-scrolling fighting game that features massively multiplayer online battles of up to 210 combatants. Players can level-up their fighters and compete in a wide variety of modes, from Survival and Tag Team matches to Boss fights and daily Siege Warfare.