One of the key recommendations was introducing a more current computer science role in the national curriculum. That means teaching it as an essential discipline. The Government has agreed to back this recommendation saying ‘Teaching of ICT and computer science in schools needs reform to better reflect the changing role of technology and the need to engage the computer scientists of the future.’

They acknowledge the fact that the current ICT education is in need of reform, describing it as ‘insufficiently rigorous’ and are committed to introducing a more focused, rigorous curriculum. Ed Vaizey, Creative industries also highlighted the economic and cultural value of video games and visual effects saying that the long-term potential their markets offer ‘a great opportunity for UK-based businesses.’ He went on to list the some of the potential as including high-quality jobs helping us recover from recession and producing this kind of talent ensures UK remain one of the leaders in the industry.

According to CVG, Livingstone said that despite not getting an actual commitment to including ICT in the national curriculum from the government he was still happy with the response they got from the Next Gen report. It has led to a nationwide campaign that has at least urged a more intricate approach to computer science and technology in classrooms. Companies like Nintendo, Sega, Sony, Microsoft and Google are also backing this approach.

Do you agree that computer science and tech education should be more involved in schools?

More About: UK Government, video games

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The research was found by the firm Envisional who claims that the top five games last year were illegally downloaded nearly one million times from the internet, an increase of 20% from last year. According to the trade group UKIE, illegal downloads are costing the games industry a billion pounds each year, a figure that if not addressed could lead to companies closing down and perhaps even an industry meltdown. They also claimed the figures showed ‘that for every game that is sold, four will have been pirated.’

The research also found that since 2006 Films and TV show piracy has increased 30% while music album saw a decrease. While there is no official explanation as to why music piracy is on the decrease, Develop points out that a rise in ‘convenient music streaming services, such as Spotify, could be a key factor.’

Claims that every copy of a pirated game being downloaded equals a sale lost have caused arguments amongst both those who are against the crime and those who defend it. This is because when a pirated game is downloaded there is no evidence that suggests that had that game not been free and available it would have been bought instead. At the same time some people use illegal downloading as a means of testing a game they are unsure about, therefore a copy of a pirated download could in fact lead to a purchase that may not have happened otherwise.

What are your thoughts on video game piracy?

More About: piracy, video games

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Many stores offer video game trade-ins leading up to Christmas (and other times of the year), including Blockbuster and Gamestop. For example, Blockbuster stores offer trade-ins on games from a number of platforms including Nintendo Wii, DS, PS3, Xbox 360 and PS2.

However, you do have to be a member of the Blockbuster store to be able to take advantage of the trade-in. You won’t find details of the trade-in values via the store’s official website, but you will be able to get all the information you need by visiting your local store.

Gamestop on the other hand have a few trade-in offers detailed on their website, so it might be worth taking a look. For example, trade in your old games such as Dead Rising 2, Medal of Honor and Battlefield Bad Company 2, and get $20 in-store credit towards games such as Fallout: New Vegas.

You can read more about the latest Gamestop trade-in offers via the gamestop.com website. Have you taken up any trade-in offers? What other stores do you know that are offering video game trade-ins?

More About: Blockbuster, gamestop, video games

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Looking at some of the prices, you will be forgiven for thinking that Black Friday is already here. Let me give you a couple of examples. Bioshock 2 will now cost you just $19.99, or Halo 3: ODST will set you back just $27.49.

These are just the games, how about some of the accessories then? PlayStation 3 Dualshock 3 Wireless Controller now costs just $44.96 and Logitech Wii Cordless Keyboard for use with a Nintendo Wii now costs just $16.91.

However, the best deal is yet to come. It is reported that on Tuesday at midnight (PST) Amazon will have a special PS3 Gold Box Event. We are not certain what it will be, but be sure to visit the Gold Box section of Amazon here.

More About: amazon, Black Friday 2010, video games

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So what can we tell from the games that have been released so far this year? Well overall game sales are down 6% from this time last year according to the NPD Group.

But this does not mean the quality of the games have diminished. Infact the Metascore has been higher so far this year than during the first six months of last year.

2010 has seven individual titles (some on multiple platforms) which have Metascored at 90 or above, 3 of which scored higher than 2009’s overall best-reviewed-first-half release.

These games are Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii), Mass Effect 2 (360) and Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption (360, PS3), all scoring 95+.

With around half the year to go, and some very interesting releases still to come on the radar, don’t think that we have not seen the best games released yet.

Overall, the Nintendo DS received the most positive reviews, with the PS3 and PC just behind. The Wii, Xbox 360 and the PSP make up the bottom 3 with the less most positive reviews.

To see the whole list of top selling and best reviewed games on all platforms, check out the source link below and tell us if you think it is a very good interpretation of what you think the best games of the year are so far.

Source: Metacritic

More About: video games

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Kevin Parrish from Tom’s Guide explains that the movie critic gave his opinion – even though he had never played a video game before. It was for that statement that led to him receiving a backlashing from gamers – he has now learned like the rest of us that you never upset them

Although he apologized after saying that games could never be art he still maintains that fact – but said that he should have kept those thoughts to himself. He has however concluded that maybe one-day they could be classed as a form of art.

We do not understand where the guy is coming from; developers spend years working on a new game. There is often far more search that goes into a game than most movies. Lets hope that Roger Ebert does not make the same mistake again.

More About: video games

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The badge does not require you to play someone and try to beat them in a game; instead you will have to explain to your group leaders why the ratings system within a game is so important. You will also have to come up with your own schedule, making certain that video gaming does not stop you from doing your homework and chores.

The most important and one of the areas where children will struggle is to learn to play games that have been approved by your parents – looks like there will not be many video games badges handed out then.

That was only the first part to getting the badge; you will then have to acquire the Academics Pin. So not only do you have to pass the previous three requirements, you will then have to follow this up with a further nine. More details can be found on Tomsguide.

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It was first thought that playing a game such as Call of Duty would cause so much stimulation that you will have problems sleeping. According to the BBC News, researchers at Flinders University based in Adelaide, Australia took 13 males aged 14 to 18 with no previous sleeping problems.

One-night researches got them to play Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for 50 minutes, the second night they watched March of the Penguins. The study showed that three of the males fell asleep while watching the movie – none did while playing the game.

We are not certain why these studies are ever taken out, it just seems like a waste of money to me.

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This article shows you a nice list of games for the Sony PS3, that they call “Notable Releases”. Our favorites from this list and for the PS3 include Gran Turismo 5, Final Fantasy XIII, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and Heavy Rain. Check out the list and let us know what games you intend to buy in Q1.

Another article shows all notable releases for the Xbox 360 in Q1 2010. Again the games that stood out for us are Mass Effect 2, Bioshock 2: Sea of Dreams, Alien vs. Predator, Final Fantasy XIII, and Battlefield: Bad Company 2.

What games are you most looking forward to buying in 2010? Let us know the games that are on top of your buy list for Q1, and the games that you would never buy.

More About: video games

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