The UpStream

We here at PLuGHiTz Live! feel that any attempt to help a charity is a good idea, and when it comes along with participating in videogames, it is even better. So, we were really excited to hear that an MMO Calendar had been produced for 2008, with proceeds going to help St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

The calendar will be illustrated with original artwork from the universes of some of the great MMOs. In addition to the calendar, and helping children, you will also get the possibility of being part of Betas and passes to games.

Harmonix has released the pricing and release schedule for Rock Band's downloadable content, and it is pretty exciting. Songs will be $1.99, and songpacks of 3 will be $5.49. There will be many songs available from great groups, includingDavid Bowie and Metallica.

Check the link for the full release schedule.

Yesterday, shareholders approved the acquisition of XM by Sirius after 10 months of deliberation. The merged company promises more programming options, better packages and exciting hardware. Sirius already has great programming, including Howard Stern, with most sports programming, and the addition of XM's sports programming will create an unbeatable system. On top of that, the new Sirius TV, which might be launching on the new Sportster 5 receiver, makes this a must-have product. Let's hope the morons in Washington don't screw this up.

Activision has contracted Massive to provide in-game advertising for Guitar Hero 3 and Tony Hawk's Proving Ground.

In Guitar Hero 3, the ads will replace existing advertising in certain venues, such as around a baseball stadium and on the JumboTron.

For Tony Hawk the ads will be more graffiti-style, on park benches, walls, etc.

Our beloved creator, Atari, is really not doing well. They have decided to cease production in the near future. Also, Atari will be laying off what sounds like a good number of their employees.

In addition, CEO David Pierce has resigned, most likely jumping ship before it sinks into the sea. This is a sad day for gaming.

It's real, the next installment in the amazingly fun Lego videogame franchise is Batman! In this game, you will be able to play as either Batman or Robin and face off with all of the villains from the story.

We are hoping that this will follow in the footsteps of the Star Wars predecessors and be one uber-amazing game.