COLOGNE -- Trion Worlds showed that its one of the major players in the massively-multiplayer online space at GamesCom 2010 with its huge booth, which was packed with gamers. The game publisher featured playable versions of its first two MMO games, the role-playing game Rift: Planes of Telara and the real-time strategy game End of Nations. Trion Worlds CEO and founder Lars Butler talks about these two games and what his game company is infusing new to the MMO space in this exclusive video interview.

School is out, summer is in and history lessons are not likely the first thing on children's minds. Yet, with Independence Day on everyone’s minds, Americans are all reminded of our nation's rich history and the importance of sharing that story with future generations. Parents and educators alike are increasingly realizing the role that computer and videogames can play in teaching American history in a fun and exciting way.

One of the big games of 2010, and one of the biggest PC games of the year, finally has a release date. Blizzard Entertainment announced that its highly anticipated real-time strategy game, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, will arrive in stores throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Mexico, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau starting on July 27, 2010. Players will also be able to purchase StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty directly from Blizzard Entertainment shortly after the retail launch.

The Creative Assembly is allowing gamers to experience the art of war with its latest strategy PC game, Napoleon: Total War. Sega, which owns the acclaimed studio, is publishing the newest game in the bestselling franchise. Kieran Brigden, studio communications manager for The Creative Assembly, talks about what’s in store for PC gamers in this exclusive interview.

Gas Powered Games, makers of Supreme Commander 2, has started developing Kings and Castles, an epic real-time strategy game for the PC and next-generation consoles. This one-of-a-kind experience will let players take on the role of one of three powerful kings who are vying for control of an all-new, original fantasy world.

The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts announced that it is bringing Hasbro’s globally popular strategy game, RISK, to Xbox LIVE Arcade (XBLA) in early 2010.  Featuring outlandish factions, a unique art style, new gameplay twists and off-beat humor, RISK: Factions promises to challenge and captivate both new and seasoned RISK fans on their quest for world domination.

Although overall videogame sales have been down seven of the last eight months compared to the record-breaking 2008, games are still the driving force in entertainment, as well as electronics and toys today. The $550 million, five-day haul that Activision Blizzard’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 raked in – the largest entertainment launch in history -- shows the power of interactive entertainment even amidst the tough economic climate.