In a time when most earning reports are bleak and the economy looks even bleaker, video games seem to be doing more than holding their own. If you’re a fan of console or computer-based gaming, chances are you already know the reason why: Video games can offer a big bang for the buck.

According to Reuters, sales of video game-related hardware and software climbed an estimated 18 percent in October. While sales were down 7 percent in September, Wii consoles became a shining star in boosting the numbers for October. With an estimated 800,000 units sold in that month alone, the little console that could just keeps on going. In fact, the Wii is said to have sold 13 million units since its debut two years ago, making it more popular than even World of Warcraft.

As more people scale back their entertainment spending and look for things that offer repeat fun and real value, I wouldn’t be surprised to see video games continue to do well in sales.

Microsoft, however, isn’t completely banking on this based on David Dennis’ quote: “We feel cautiously optimistic (going into the holidays), we don't see anything in this (NPD) data that leads us to believe there's a pullback."

With the overall industry remaining robust at about $22 billion in sales for the year, Microsoft probably doesn’t have much to worry about.

What Reuters failed to point out in its article is the likely reason why games are doing so well. It all comes down to smart investments. People today can spend $50-plus on dinner and movie or take that same money and buy a game, which can be played over and over again. Console buys are smart, too, because they can double in for other entertainment. Watch a Blu-ray disk on a PS3 or rent a move over Xbox Live and the real beauty of being a gamer in this economy becomes clear.

While critics out there might scoff, gamers are ahead of the curve when it comes to surviving in this economy and having a little fun along the way.

Labels: nintendo wii, ps3, Wii, world of warcraft

As the May 19 date for a Blizzard Entertainment event in South Korea approaches, speculation is running high about what the company's newest installment in the StarCraft series will be.

According to CVG, a new MMO will be revealed, following in the footsteps of the company's incredible success with World of Warcraft.

"Well placed US sources have revealed to us that the StarCraft MMO will be unveiled at an upcoming Blizzard event on May 19 in South Korea - the epicentre of the sci-fi RTS series' rabid fandom," CVG says.

With millions and millions of subscribers to WoW found all over the globe, there's no doubt this company is a master at creating an MMO. A science fiction entry that has the mass appeal of WoW and the popularity of StarCraft would be hard to beat.

Still the science fiction MMO arena already has some pretty big names that aren't doing as great as one might expect. EVE is considered on of the best MMOs out there by fans, but its subscription base is miniscule compared to WoW and Sony's Star Wars Galaxies is continuing to flounder along.

But, with Blizzard behind the wheel of a StarCraft-based game, anything could be possible. It will be interesting to watch this develop, if it does.

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Labels: blizzard, mmorpg, starcraft, world of warcraft, wow

AT&T’s Blue Room offers a little bit of everything for gamers. From reviews and commentary to tips, tricks and codes, the site is fast making a name for itself. As if the site didn’t already offer enough, it’s got one heck of an exclusive 14-day World of Warcraft trial going on.

The exclusive direct download trial allows wannabe WoW players to check out the game that’s played by more than 8 million people worldwide for a full two weeks. Unlike some other exclusive trials that are restricted to one country, this one is open to gamers in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore directly through the Blue Room site.

Gamers that check out WoW and find themselves hooked as millions already have can easily transfer their trial toons to full paid accounts, too, so there’s no starting over.

Check out the trial here.

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Labels: ATT, blue room, free trial, world of warcraft, wow

There’s a new site dedicated to teaching World of Warcraft players how to make gold the old fashion way – by earning it.

The World of Warcraft Gold blog is dedicated to giving players, especially new ones, an overview in the quick and non-banned ways to make gold.

“New players to World of Warcraft—nicknamed “newbies”—especially need help in learning the basics that will maximize their gold inflow,” says the site’s media release. “Even before venturing into an auction house, there are simple tips and tricks to maximize gold income from killing beasts and humanoids, finishing quests, and selling items to non-player characters (NPCs). While these money-making tips won’t rocket a character into WoW wealth, it definitely helps characters, especially low-level ones, get an edge on the server.”

The site already has a few entries up, including one by Dan West, the author of “The Wow Mastery Guide.”

This will be an interesting site to watch grow and develop. It’s refreshing to see someone dedicate time to teaching the ins and outs of a game without tutoring players on how to cheat or pointing them in the direction of a place they can buy their gaming success.

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Labels: world of warcraft, wow, wow gold, wow tips