Ex-Capcom director and producer Shinji Mikami had some stinging words for Resident Evil 5. Apparently, he doesn't quite feel all warm and fuzzy inside with the direction they're taking his baby to. Fact of the matter is, he might not even play RE5 at all.

Guitar Center, the world's largest musical instrument retailer recently announced the findings of their national survey. The survey shows that popular music titles Rock Band and Guitar Hero increase gamer interest to own and play actual instruments, instead of just the gaming peripherals. More details after the jump.

Before, gamers were criticizing studios for influencing game reviews in order to sell more games. Recently though, it seems there's a growing trend for gamers to try and influence game reviews and scores themselves out of loyalty to their own platforms.

Edge Online recently got flamed for their 6/10 review of Resistance 2. In response, they ask, "What are reviews for?"

We're seeing more and more of this lately, and with good reason. Co-op gameplay brings so much to the table instead of having to slug it out with nasties when you're all alone. Edge's NGai Croal writes about the emerging trend and the direction that it takes the gaming experience to.

One of the more heated issues in the video game industry right now is the thrust of some studios to fight video game rentals and second hand game sales. GameStop tosses in its two cents saying that this will only end up hurting gamers, and even sales of new games.

Ad-ology Research conducted a study on how media may influence consumer choices, and they found that despite the dominant influence of online advertising, the good o'l tube is still quite relevant for today's gamers. Figures and findings in the full article.

Keith Bakker is the founder and head of the first and only clinic that treats video game addiction in Europe so he should know what he's talking about when he says most "videogame-addicted" gamers aren't actually addicts.

A few days ago, a study conducted by EEDAR revealed that only 4% of video games ever make a profit. If you were skeptical of that number, then you are justified somewhat. Because of widespread misinterpretation at that 4% figure, EEDAR gave a follow-up explanation, clarifying on some matters.

Read more after the link.

Sony might be tight-lipped about the leaked God of War III info, but director David Jaffe certainly isn't one to keep it all bottled up. In his blog, he says that the game "looks like a painting come to life - it's THAT good looking."

The Grand Theft Auto franchise is subject to social criticism yet again. In a prison prep course in Mississippi, comedian and activist Bill Cosby likened the game to an entrance exam for getting into prison.

Details after the link.