We're living in the age of Massive - MMORPGs, MMORTSs, MMOFPSs and so on. But what does the word actually mean? Brendan Main parses the terminology behind today's most popular online games.

The International Game Developers Association could be a force for positive change in the industry - but first it needs to change itself. Matthew Sakey highlights a few key areas where the IGDA needs reform.

To some observers, it may seem like the ESRB has hit its stride: It boasts some of the best compliance rates of any ratings system in the U.S., and parents seem to find the ratings genuinely useful. But as Sara Grimes notes, the Board may be willfully ignorant of the challenges it faces just around the corner.

It seems an unlikely strategy at first: Join up with your competitors to promote your region and hope everyone reaps the benefits. But what has succeeded for Montreal and Austin is now benefitting the game development community in central North Carolina. Russ Pitts profiles the Triangle Game Initiative.