In brief: this week's mobile gaming news

Our sister site, MobileIndustry.biz, covers all the latest news in the growing mobile gaming sector. Here, we present a brief round-up of this week's announcements.

Activision signs Monster Jam licence

Activision has inked a multi-year deal with Live Nation to develop games based on the Monster Jam monster truck tour.

Europe is "most important continent", says Harrison

Speaking at the official UK launch of PlayStation 3 last night, Sony Worldwide Studios boss Phil Harrison highlighted the significance of the European market - which he believes is key to the console's success.

Sony gives out free Bravia TVs to UK's first PS3 buyers

The PlayStation 3 finally arrived in Europe last night, and there was a surprise in store for those buying a console at the official UK launch - a free 46" Sony Bravia television worth around GBP 2000.

Sony: PS3 is "stepping over current next-gen"

Sony UK boss Ray Maguire has told GamesIndustry.biz that the PlayStation 3 is stepping over the competition from rival Microsoft and Nintendo consoles.

PS3 launch stronger than Wii and 360, says GAME

High Street retailer GAME has told GamesIndustry.biz that it expects the PlayStation 3 launch will be far stronger than that of the Wii or Xbox 360 – due to a good supply of consoles leading to less disappointment amongst eager consumers.

Europe to benefit from booming MMO market

The Western market for MMO games will be worth USD 1.5 billion by 2011, with Europe set to benefit the most from a booming market, according to new research from Screen Digest.

Handhelds to out-sell home consoles by 2011 – DFC

The Sony PSP and Nintendo DS could be out-selling home consoles by 2011, according to new research from DFC Intelligence.

In brief: the PS3 launch line-up

The PlayStation 3 will launch in Europe tomorrow alongside 27 first- and third-party titles plus a selection of peripherals.

Europe prepares for PlayStation 3 launch

All eyes are on Sony this weekend as the format holder launches the highly-anticipated PlayStation 3 in Europe.

Political group asks Bono to halt Mercs 2 production

Political activisits are calling on U2 singer Bono, as an investor in Pandemic Studios, to halt the development of forthcoming shooter Mercenaries 2: World in Flames.

Microsoft reassures Live users over fraud fears

No security issues with Xbox Live or Bungie.net

Official PlayStation 3 launch gets off to slow start

The flagship Virgin Megastore on Oxford Street welcomed the first customers keen to buy a PS3 at noon yesterday, with five people in the queue by the time the doors shut at 10pm.

Lasky leaves EA Mobile for Benchmark

Euro delay is beneficial for PS3 buzz, says Reeves

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe president David Reeves has said that he believes the delay to the European launch of PlayStation 3 is proving beneficial in the long run.

Imagine to invest £1.5m in online publishing

Imagine Publishing has announced plans to invest GBP 1.5 million of revenues earned by the company's print magazines in developing its 15 websites.

Italian retailers break street date for PlayStation 3

Italian gamers have been picking up PlayStation 3 units this morning after retailers across the country chose to start selling the console two days early.

Trion signs ex-EA online experts

Trion World Networks has scored an executive coup by signing two of Electronic Arts' key online experts.

Blizzard sets up new Texas office

World of Warcraft developer Blizzard is to open a new office in Austin, Texas, according to the Austin Business Journal.

New Line signs Gears of War movie

New Line has won the rights to the movie of Epic Games' award winning Gears of War.