More U.S. consumers are playing videogames now than ever before, even as game consoles are losing their market dominance to online and mobile gaming solutions, according to international research firm Parks Associates.

East Carolina University’s Psychophysiology Lab and Biofeedback Clinic revealed the results of a year-long randomized, controlled clinical study that measured the efficacy of so-called “casual” video games (CVGs) in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety as a co-morbid condition.

UKpublisher Mastertronic has signed a deal with  casual games developer PopCap Games, and bring those titles for PC, handheld and console formats to retail across the UK, Europe and PAL territories.

Social and casual gaming developer Zattikka announced that it has acquired the license to create social games based on the creations of the legendary comedy group, Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

Germany-based online games publisher Gameforge has beamed renowned Star Trek experts Denise and Michael Okuda aboard as contributors/consultants for the publisher's in-development Star Trek casual browser and Facebook games based on the classic series.

PopCap Games announced that preliminary results of a new study being conducted by East Carolina University's Psychophysiology Lab have identified improvements in cognitive function through the playing of "casual" video games

Electronic Arts announced MySims Camera and SUDOKU are available for download from the Nintendo DSi Shop, while Littlest Pet Shop and Scrabble, along with original EA titles are also in development and will release later this fall.

Zoo Publishing announced they will publish and distribute four casual titles from PlayFirst, Inc. on the NDS this holiday season: Diner Dash: Flo on the Go, Wedding Dash, Chocolatier, and Dream Chronicles.

QuantZ is a game with an interesting twist on an Action-Puzzler, Match-3 and Marble Popper genres. Simple yet addictive gameplay: with your mouse, you control a cube and drop marbles onto it to create explosions of colors, chain reactions and win special marbles. Travel through all levels, visit new shapes and unlock special marbles.

Following the latest presidential debate on Oct. 15, casual games platform NeoEdge asked its players how they planned to vote in the upcoming election. According to the poll, Sen. Barack Obama (59%) has widened his lead among casual games -- an overwhelming majority of which are women -- over Sen. John McCain (32%).

Joining EA's Bioware studio in Austin, EA is opening a new studio, Pogo Austin, which features a dynamite tight-knit ensemble of passionate game developers who have come together to build exciting new casual games.

Emergent’s Gamebryo Casual was designed to meet the needs of casual game developers’ limited budgets, timelines and high expectations by providing developers with the same powerful production software and design tools used by big budget AAA titles.

Merscom is working with Starz Media and Overture Films to develop a casual game based on the upcoming feature film, Righteous Kill (starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino). The Righteous Kill game is a hidden objects game where the player takes the role of a rookie cop, newly assigned to a special division of the NYPD.

Paramount Digital Entertainment and Legacy Interactive announced that they are developing titles based on the popular Paramount Pictures’ films, Clueless, Mean Girls and Pretty in Pink.

A survey conducted by Information Solutions Group, revealed tens of millions of disabled consumers have gravitated to "casual" video games as a source of relief or distraction from their infirmities, as well as a sense of accomplishment or belonging.

East Carolina University reveals the results of a 6-month randomized, controlled study that confirms positive health benefits of so-called "casual" video games, such as Bejeweled 2, Peggle and Bookworm Adventures.

THQ announced the acquisition of casual and online games business Elephant Entertainment, and in conjunction also announced an exclusive, worldwide retail publishing agreement with cross-platform casual games company Oberon Media

Consumer analysts at Turner Investment Partners concluded that casual games are catching the eyes (and fingers) of women, baby boomers and even seniors, giving video games the potential to be "one of the few retailing success stories in what may be a lackluster holiday shopping season." The company fails to mention the real casual games from companies like PopCap and Bigfish Games, and instead touts several high-profile companies of which it just happens to own shares.

Industry veterans Gary Corriveau and Steve Bergenholtz, founder of Sandlot Games, now part of EA, announced the formation of Beanbag Studios, a new company poised to raise the bar for the design and production of high quality casual games.

Take-Two announced the formation of casual gaming label 2K Play, and signs an expansive licensing agreement with Nickelodeon, including top-rated properties Nick Jr. preschool television hits, Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!

Largest-ever casual games survey reveals 70% of family gamers see educational benefits for children / grandchildren, while 92% of say casual games provide an opportunity for them to bond.

EA has signed the worldwide rights to create digital games based upon an array of Hasbro's intellectual properties, including Monopoly, Scrabble, Yahtzee, Nerf, Tonka and Littlest Pet Shop, to name a few, with the first games scheduled to launch in calendar year 2008.

Having made significant investments, Ubisoft announced that it is expanding its casual video game business, and formed an internal development structure dedicated to the creation of games for everyone. Among the first projects of the new team are the introduction of the new My Coach product line and the significant expansion of the already successful Petz franchise.