LucasArts and TT Games have released the highly anticipated game LEGO STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA. Building on the success of two prior LEGO STAR WARS videogames, each complete with LEGO action and minifigure humor, THE COMPLETE SAGA enables families to play through the events of all six STAR WARS movies in one videogame for the first time ever. Developer Traveller's Tales takes full advantage of the unique capabilities of all three next-generation consoles, while also adding new characters, new levels and new features. Players can build and battle on the Wii, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

With Michael Bay busy with TRANSFORMERS 2, Disney is in talks with HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE helmer Mike Newell to direct the screen adaptation of videogame PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME, reports VARIETY. Jerry Bruckheimer is producing. Jeffrey Nachmanoff (THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW) and PERSIA creator Jordan Mechner wrote the screenplay.

Universal Studios Sound (www.filmmakersdestination.com) announces the addition of supervising sound editor Michael Geisler, expanding the department's services in animation and gaming. The facility offers sound editorial and design, mixing, Foley, ADR and transfer for features, television, commercials and trailers, along with animation and gaming.

Warner Bros. Home Ent. Group announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire TT Games, which encompasses Traveller's Tales, one of the world's largest independent game developers, and TT Games Publishing, the U.K.-based game publisher behind the LEGO STAR WARS videogames and BIONICLE HEROES.

Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, announced the launch of the CRASH OF THE TITANS mobile game, the newest installment of the billion-dollar-selling CRASH BANDICOOT videogame franchise.

We begin our gaming coverage this month with a "Digital Eye" column by A2M CTO Martin Walker, who explains how this Montreal-based videogame developer has upped its 3D artistry with a new workflow and pipeline, particularly for its upcoming WET next year. Meanwhile, Alain Bielik goes behind-the-scenes of FRED CLAUS to uncover the fantastical secrets behind this latest Christmas movie opening Friday from Warner Bros. Pictures.

Bill Desowitz
Editor

Ubisoft announced that its IMAGINE series of videogames for girls 6-14 is now available at major retailers. IMAGINE ANIMAL DOCTOR, IMAGINE BABYZ, IMAGINE FASHION DESIGNER and IMAGINE MASTER CHEF are immediately available for the Nintendo DS for $29.99.

Sierra Ent., a division of Vivendi Games, announced that the realtime strategy Windows PC EMPIRE EARTH III videogame has shipped to retailers nationwide. Developed by Mad Doc Software, EMPIRE EARTH III builds upon the success of the award-winning EMPIRE EARTH II and redefines realtime strategy games with a global approach to world domination.

Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group has announced the promotion of Stacey Kaufman to VP, Digital Marketing and Tony Zito to VP, The N Online. The announcement was made by Steve Youngwood, Exec VP, Digital Media, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group, to whom they report. Ms. Kaufman will simultaneously report to Pam Kaufman, CMO for Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) today condemned the controversial videogame MANHUNT2, calling its portrayal of mental illness irresponsible and stereotyped. "NAMI asks Rockstar Games to recall or further modify the videogame MANHUNT2 due to its irresponsible, stereotyped portrayal of mental illness," NAMI executive director Mike Fitzpatrick said in a statement. "We also ask retailers to be responsible in responding to public health concerns."