A lot of people think that the year 2012 is significant. Some think the world's going to end by then. People in the games industry, on the other hand, think that it will be a beginning instead of an end: the beginning of the next console cycle. Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli is one of those who believe that 2012 is when the next generation of game consoles will start showing up. *UPDATE* Two demo videos have surfaced from GamesCom 2009.

Thanks, Peter Bauer!

In an effort to make their nation violent videogame-free, 16 German Interior Ministers have moved to ask the Bundestag (the equivalent of parliament in Germany) for a total ban on violent video games. If approved, this won't be just your average banhammer - this is a national banhammer that even goes as far as prohibiting violent game development in the country.

The acquisition by Crytek seems to be going great for Free Radical, er, Crytek UK. Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli has revealed that they've pretty much given the developer free reign in what projects they're pursuing.

As it turns out, neither Codemasters, Monumental, or those interested companies outside the video game industry were able to buy Free Radical Design. Instead, Germany-based Crytek was the one who ponied up the cash to get their hands on the Haze and TimeSplitters developer.

Looking for a game-to-movie adaptation to watch this Spring? Then look no more as it seems that Uwe Boll's take on Crytek's Far Cry is heading our way, and it certainly looks to be the interesting flick. With gunplay, explosions, and some tongue-in-cheek humor, this might catch your fancy. Check out the trailer of the movie in the full article.

Nick Button-Brown, director of business development for EA Partners, recently commented that European game developers are more creative than American devs, saying that teams from the US are "all about the money" and so take less chances in the creative process.

Not that this means he doesn't have respect for American studios, as he recently praised US-based Harmonix for their creativity in making Rock Band. Read more in the full article.

The Lyon Game Developers Conference debuted at this year's Game Connection in Europe but it seems the two will separate by next year. Owing to the success of the Lyon GDC, which featured keynotes from both Ubisoft and Crytek, the organizers hope to differentiate it from the main GDC by focusing on next-gen and multiplatform development. Read more in the full article.

Us writers over here at QJ.NET dedicate ourselves to playing every game we could get our hands on - and we've had our share of ups and downs, likes and dislikes, loves and hates. We've played them to death, and now, we present to you our predictions for the most coveted title in this industry - Game of the Year.

Check out our choices at the full article.

How can a bunch of insanely loud alien bunnies power a game into becoming a popular franchise? The answers lie at this year's Lyon GDC, where Ubisoft's Nicolas Normandon and Loïc Gounon explains how humor and creative work helped establish the Rayman Raving Rabbids franchise. Find out more at the full article.

The holidays are looking good this year as Electronic Arts releases their line-up with some of the most anticipated games this season. They have everything for everybody from World War games to sports games, from fantasy games to shooters, with music games chucked in as the cherry on top of the icing.

First off is the FPS Crysis which will be out on November 16. Crytek will also be releasing a special edition of the game with a 16-page book full of concept art and other bonuses. Hellgate: London, where demons decimate the home of Big Ben, will be out on October 31.

The sequels to the ever popular Medal of Honor franchise will also be released next month. The PS3 version of Medal of Honor Airborne (also for Xbox 360 and PC, already out) will be released on November, and Medal of Honor Heroes 2 (Wii, PSP) will be out on November 13.

Two music games will also be hitting the market this holiday season to get your booties shakin'. Boogie (PS2, DS, Wii) will be out on November 15. Rock Band, whose special editions will be include a guitar, drums and a microphone, will be out on November 20 for the 360 and PS3, and on December 11 for the PS2.

Here are some other titles they'll be releasing before Santa Claus comes calling:

• Army of Two (November 13 for 360, PS3)
• Command & Conquer Saga (October)
• EA Playground (October 23 for Wii, DS)
• FIFA Soccer 08 (October 9 for 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP, DS, PC, Mobile)
• Need for Speed Prostreet (November 14 for 360, PS3, ii, PS2, DS, PC, Mobile)
• Orcs & Elves (November 13 for DS)
• Orcs & Elves II (November for Mobile)
• Pictionary (December for Mobile)
• SimCity Societies (November 13 for PC, Mobile)
• Smarty Pants (November 19 for Wii)
• The Orange Box (October 9 for PC, 360, Holidays for PS3)
• The Sims DJ (December for Mobile)
• The Simpsons Game (October 30 for 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, Wii, DS)