CFO Nobuyuki Oneda tells analysts Sony has cut console-making expenses by over two-thirds since 2006; unofficial iSuppli estimates point to $252 production price, resparking PS3 Slim speculation.

Industry research group's segmentation finds over half of all Americans play games; "Console Gamers" top 32.9 million, so-called "Extreme Gamers" clock nearly 40 hours a week.

Activision rhythm rocker will allow use of virtual alter egos as playable characters on Microsoft's console.

Yesterday, Activision revealed the last batch of tunes from Guitar Hero 5's 85-song setlist, but the publisher has plenty left to talk about with its upcoming rhythm game. For example, Activision today confirmed that the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero 5 will incorporate Microsoft's user-customized avatars.

In addition to the roster of Guitar Hero staples, such as Axel Steel and the army of create-a-character options, Xbox 360 players will be able to play as their avatars onstage, whether it's behind a guitar, drums, or microphone. Don't expect the avatars to indulge in a rock-and-roll lifestyle, though. The restrictions Microsoft imposes on how its g ... Read more »