Red state? Blue state? The political battle for Farmville

As the 2012 election draws near, the number of safe havens from politicking is shrinking fast. Facebook was compromised nearly three years ago. Now, some of the most popular games on the social network are at risk.

Candidates and strategists have fully embraced the gamification theory, it seems — and Farmville is squarely in their sites.

Read more at Yahoo! Games

New game helps cancer-stricken children build strength

Treating a cancer patient is usually done through a regimen of drugs, radiation or surgery. But researchers at the University of Utah have put together a new video game supplement to those scary methods.

Unveiled last week, PE Interactive is a motion-controlled game meant to help kids get through rough treatments by building their physical and mental health and giving them a sense of empowerment.

Read more at Yahoo! Games

iPhone 5 to debut Oct. 4

After being the subject of whispers, rumors and speculation for months, it appears the iPhone 5 is finally ready to make its debut.

Apple has confirmed plans for a press event at its Cupertino, Calif. Headquarters on Oct. 4, where it’s expected to unveil the next iteration of its popular smartphone.

Read more at Variety’s Technotainment blog

Interview: Game Insight On Making Hay From Android Games

[One Russian game company shares its story about finding success with the “freemium” model on Android, and how its Android revenue should be “much higher than [that of] social networks” in Asian territories.]

In today’s mobile gaming world, conventional wisdom says if you want to make money, the Apple App Store is the place to be. It is, after all, the birthplace of mega hits like Angry Birds, Tap Tap Revenge and Doodle Jump.

Android, however? Indie developers might make a few dollars, but no one’s getting rich off of it, right? Wrong. Game Insight, a Russian-based developer of social and mobile games is betting big on Android and is starting to see that bet pay off.

Read more at Gamasutra

Game Review: Rabbids Travel in Time 3D

The Raving Rabbids series is one of the more reliable funny franchises in gaming, but that’s largely due to the off-the-wall mini-games developers come up with. In Rabbids Travel in Time 3D, the bug-eyed bunnies abandon that for a straight platform game and it isn’t a great fit. The game’s certainly not difficult and as a platform game itself, it’s not bad (though hardly spectacular). But by so severely restricting the Rabbids and their environment, it takes a lot of fun out of the franchise. 3D effects are used well in the game, and thankfully sparingly, but it’s not enough to make a fair game into a good or great one.

Read more at Common Sense Media

App Review: VidRhythm

One of the most charming things about VidRhythm is being completely surprised by what the game produces. So, without giving away too much, let’s say the videos that result from the collection of six sounds you’re asked to make will make you smile and mine your creative energies to come up with something truly unique. What’s impressive is how easy the app makes it for you to create videos that look professionally polished. Too many apps take themselves seriously. VidRhythm is one of the few that will let you laugh at yourself — again and again and again.

Read more at Common Sense Media

AMC, Sony team for Uncharted 3 debut

Want to play what’s likely to be this year’s biggest PlayStation 3 game on a big screen? I mean a really big screen? Get thee to the local Cineplex!

AMC and Sony have teamed up to let gamers play “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception” in 3D and in the theater in select cities nationwide.

Read more at Variety’s Technotainment blog

Star Wars: The Old Republic gets a launch date

Electronic Arts really wants to screw up your last minute Christmas shopping this year.

After months (or years, even) of anticipation, the company has finally unveiled the launch date for Star Wars: The Old Republic — and it’s a bit of a head-scratcher.

Read more at Yahoo! Games

Netflix nabs DreamWorks, Amazon signs Fox

After taking a number of body blows following its decision to hike fees and split its streaming and DVD operations, Netflix is rallying back, announcing a groundbreaking agreement giving it exclusive first-run rights for with DreamWorks Animations’ feature films and television specials.

Amazon, meanwhile, responded with a new partnership for its own streaming service, bringing 2,000 Fox films and television episodes to its Amazon Prime Instant Video program.

Read more at Variety.com