Daily Marauder

GAMING

The casual-gaming market continues to outpace the overall gaming industry four-to-one. Many major companies have looked to casual, easy-to-learn games as a means to expand their brands beyond traditional hard-core gamers. (The Seattle Times 7/16)

Sony’s decision to cut the sticker price on its PlayStation 3 gaming console may not be enough to help it win the latest gaming war, according to one Enderle Group analyst. Nintendo and Microsoft systems continue to dominate the industry, with simple, straightforward technology that resounds across many demographics. (TechNewsWorld 7/16)

The debut of DirecTV’s Championship Gaming Series looks to transfer the enthusiasm shown by dedicated gamers into a new-age sport. “If they can find a way to translate the experience of gaming into a great spectator sport, there is an opportunity there,” said the CEO of World Poker Tour Enterprises, Steve Lipscomb. (The New York Times/Associated Press 7/16)

Nintendo’s Wii has jumped to second place in the race for game consoles, thanks in part to easily accessible games and the Wii’s unique game controller. At the end of May, the Wii’s sales in the U.S. alone were at 2.8 million units, more than twice the number of Sony PS3s sold. Nintendo will soon unveil Wii Fit, a full-body exercise and workout program. (NewsFactor Network 7/13)