Skate Updates

Publisher shutting down servers for shooter, skateboarding game, as well as many more PSP, PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii games beginning August 11.

This week's lineup includes the launch of Video Game History Month, previews of Fallout: New Vegas and Crysis 2, reviews of Alan Wake and Nier, and Fable III and Skate 3 getting the TOTS treatment.

$788 million in earnings can't keep megapublisher out of the red; workforce slashed by 17%, development pipeline cut in half; Need for Speed Shift ships 2.5 million.

[UPDATE 3] Publisher slashes staff by 17 percent to save $100 million annually, to focus on higher-margin titles; reductions at Skate, Madden, and Dante's Inferno devs; over one-third Mythic reportedly pink-slipped.

[UPDATE 2] Publisher widens staff reductions to 10 percent, will reap $120 million annual savings; Need for Speed Undercover studio moving in with EA Canada, label will remain intact.

Peripheral maker creating full-sized wireless skating device for Microsoft's console due out later this year; will be compatible with "popular skateboarding games."

Publisher expects 71 percent revenue growth over next three years riding new installments in Sims franchise, expansion of Burnout, Skate, Need for Speed, Madden.

EA Games president reveals "extension" of driving and skateboarding series in next fiscal year, commits long-term to Mass Effect and says next Need for Speed will return to series' roots.

Activision's military shooter takes top prize, but 2K Games' undersea actioner, Valve's compilation, and MTV/Harmonix's rhythm game also get their props.

Shooters from Bungie and 2K get most nods for testosterone-infused network's December 9 award show.

Exclusion of $296 million causes megapublisher to report 18 percent decline in revenue despite record-breaking sales; 350 layoffs announced, UK Chertsey office closing.

[UPDATE] Microsoft's shooter moves 3.3 million copies in the US in 12 days, propels Xbox 360 hardware sales to first place; Nintendo touts its own record-setting Wii sales.

Link's latest adventure makes its way down under.

UK's most prestigious gaming awards to be given out on October 23; BioShock, Wii Sports both in the running for Best Game.