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Used Game Prices Dropped 23.7% by End of 2008

In yet another indication of the myriad ways the recession is effecting the videogame industry, Video Game Price Charts reports (via Gamasutra) that the average price for a used game saw a significant drop in 2008, ending 23.7 percent lower than where it started in January.

As you can see in the chart above, the average price for a used game started at $12.69 at the beginning of January last year. But by November 3rd, the price tumbled to its lowest point of the year -- $8.57, a 32.5 percent decrease from the starting price. The average price ticked up again in the remaining days of 2008, and finally ended at $9.68, which was a decrease of 23.7 percent.

What's particularly interesting about these numbers -- and where you see the real effect of the recession -- is when you compare them to the price fluctuations of 2007. As you can see in the chart below, the average price of a used game saw a similarly downward trajectory in 2007, indicating a decrease over the year is natural. But the extent of the drop was far less drastic than that seen in 2008. The lowest point of the year was a 30.4% drop from the starting price, but then the price ticked back up by 26.6% for a total loss of only 11.8% of the starting value.

Traveller's Tales Source Says No Lego Harry Potter in 2009

It seems that there won't be any new Lego Harry Potter after all. At least, not in 2009. And that has cleared the way for a whole new round of speculation on the franchise's next entry.

Eurogamer is reporting that one of their sources has told them that there will be no Lego Harry Potter in the next twelve months. It had been widely speculated that the popular franchise was due for an entry in the Lego series soon, especially with a new movie on the way, but obstacles such as Electronic Arts' Harry Potter publishing deal stand in the way. For now it looks like Potter fans will have to wait.

Don't despair though, Lego fans. In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Traveller's Tale producer Nick Ricks said, "There will be a LEGO game in 2009. And I think it's okay to say that you'll be a bit surprised."

Airport Vending Machines Selling DS Systems and Games

Over the years, movies have shown a variety of insane inventions we could expect in the future -- flying cars, time machines, oppressive uniforms everyone in society would be forced to wear, etc. But how they failed to warn us about electronics-selling vending machines is beyond us: Like the U.K. vending machines that sell PlayStation 3 games we saw back in November, it looks like Best Buy is now distributing their own vending machines in airports that sell Nintendo DS systems and a variety of DS games (via Ars Technica). Surely, the future is now.

These "Best Buy Express" machines -- the one pictured above spotted at Atlanta International Airport -- offer such games as Mario Kart DS, Brain Age 2, and Guitar Hero: On Tour, just in case anyone is actually brave enough to be seen playing Guitar Hero: On Tour on a crowded flight. The games are priced the same as any other retailer, so there aren't even any steep markups you might expect for anything purchased inside of an airport.

It's worth noting that the machine apparently only sells DS systems and games (in addition to other electronics like digital cameras and headphones), and no PSP products. Might Nintendo have some sort of exclusive distribution deal with Best Buy... or did the retail chain decide on its own that PSP games weren't worth stocking? More than likely it's the former, but still, it's an interesting indication of how much more visible the DS is to the general public these days.

Lord of the Rings: Conquest Demo on XBL

If you aren't too busy with your holiday gifts or recovering from a rowdy night of auld lang syne, Major Nelson brings word that you can now pick up the demo for The Lord of the Rings: Conquest on Xbox Live Marketplace. The game takes a page from the popular Star Wars: Battlefront series, letting you choose your side in massive battles. The game was pushed to 2009, but seeing that we're now in 2009, the release of January 9 seems that much closer. Check out the heavy 1.25 GB demo and let us know what you think.

Three Titles From EA/Hasbro Deal Sold a Combined Two Million Units

Hasbro's logo It takes a confirmation from Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello to ease our worries that the critically-lauded Mirror's Edge will return for a sequel, but, if a report from Gamasutra is correct, Riccitiello probably won't need to do the same for Littlest Pet Shop, Nerf: N-Strike, and Hasbro Family Game Night. Combined, the three titles have sold over two million units. Additionally, EA says Monopoly "continues to build momentum" after its strong November launch.

Previously announced in February, the titles originated out of a deal EA made with Hasbro to create a series of games based on the company's popular brands of toys for consoles, including one tied to the upcoming G.I. Joe film and a mobile version of Risk.

EA Hasbro VP and general manager Chip Lange says "Our focus on creating audience-appropriate games has paid off with the consumers we wanted to reach and made EA Hasbro titles THE gift to give this holiday."