Video game industry veterans Nick Koziupa (Rainbow Studios), Brian Westergaard (Neversoft Entertainment, Rainbow Studios, High Voltage Software) and Dave Eberly (Gamebryo architect ) have announced the launch of Azo Studios, and plan to develop video games and middleware solutions for console, PC, and handheld devices.

Nintendo added a classic and one WiiWare title to the Wii's Shop Channel. Wii owners with online access can redeem Wii Points to download: Strong Bad Episode 5: Sandy Beach (Wiiware), and Kirby’s Dream Land 3 (VC).

Square Enix's Dragon Quest IX: Defender of the Stars, developed by Level 5, is the first title on any Nintendo system since Dragon Quest VI, 10 years ago, now featuring WiFi support for four players in co-op.

Wind Slayer introduces blazing fast, side-scrolling 2D MMO action in a combat system that rewards precise control and timing. The game's visual style evokes images of nostalgic fairy tales with friendly sprite-based characters and gorgeous fantasy backgrounds.

Softmax has signed an MOU for cooperation in the production of "cultural contents" with PMC Production. In the statement Softmax revealed that it is working on a Magna Carta 2, a sequel to its 2005 fantasy RPG, as well as 2 new NDS titles. Set in Efferia, a continent populated with five races, you can use seven different types of Carta and meet a host of characters.

Resistance: Retribution is a 3rd person adventure with an all new story, levels, weapons and enemies, as well as a proprietary targeting system and game engine that pushes the system to its limit, allowing more detailed characters, special effects, and terrain that captures the look and feel of the Resistance universe. Amazon is offering fans who pre-order before Jan. 12, 2009 will receive a download code for the demo before its Feb. 24 launch.

Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop follows the harrowing tale of Frank West, an overly zealous freelance journalist on a hunt for the scoop of a lifetime. In pursuit of a juicy lead, he makes his way to the small suburban town of Willamette only to find that it has become overrun by zombies. Originally set for Jan. 20, 2009, it is now scheduled for Feb. 24, 2009

Gamestop stores across North America have put up a notification sign for its customers that the game store chain will stop accepting trade ins for original Xbox, its titles and peripherals as of Feb. 9, 2009. If you want cheap Xbox titles from the bargain bin, now is the time...

Geman based EA Phenomic Studio is developing BattleForge, a new fantasy online RTS game where you assemble your own army with collectible trading cards. Win, trade and buy your cards online to create your ultimate deck.

Galactic Command: Echo Squad SE puts the player in the cockpit of an Echo fighter, where they'll lead the Galactic Command squadron in massive scale aerial and space combat engagement. This patch improves multiplayer performance, and fixes various bugs/crashes.