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Our love affair with games and the gaming industry continues unabated in the February issue. This month, PLAYED examines downloadable content as another smart way for marketers to get involved in the gaming space. We also look at how gaming companies are assisting relief efforts in Haiti, as well as at home, by putting their users to work. With the release of the iPad, we analyze how Apple’s new device isn’t necessarily changing the game, but allowing more and more folks be a part of the space. Finally, as casual and social gaming captures increasing mainstream attention and player time, we wonder whether the new casual gamer is just as hardcore as the “typical” gaming demographic.

Did you know that there is an artist using eBay as part of one of his works? Or that this piece is called ‘A Tool to Deceive and Slaughter’? You’re going to want to read about that one. And since you’ve already clicked through, take a little time and learn about Mystery Google, the infographic community (talk about geek chic), and some insane awesome fan theories.

Click above for the full issue.

Social Media Week is in full swing all around the globe, bringing six different cities together for a conference and discussion connected digitally. In New York, Denuologist Saneel Radia particpated on a panel about the benefits of crowdsourcing, titled, “CROWDSOURCERY POTIONS 101: WHY SOME MARKETING POTIONS FAIL AND OTHERS THRIVE.” The discussion ranged from the very definition of crowdsourcing, to looking at its effect on not only a business’ bottom line, but also the cultural aspects of a business and the impact on control within the organization.

After being presented with the opportunity to take a trip to Las Vegas to talk with fantasy sports experts, I realized life can truly be too good at times. I had no idea this “fantasy” trip would also give me insight into the future of fantasy sports. Those same experts showed me that the industry 27 million consumers spend countless hours enjoying is preparing to go into many interesting directions in the future. Because of this fact, I recommend marketers get in the game (poor pun intended) sooner than later.

I had the pleasure of speaking at Fantasy Sports Trade Association’s 2010 Winter Business Conference last week. For those not familiar, the FSTA provides a forum for interaction between the hundreds of existing and emerging companies across the fantasy sports industry. My specific discussion revolved around the opportunity for advertising in the fantasy sports industry but the true insight for advertisers came from the many conversations held following the panel.

The new year rings in a whole new set of trends and topics covered in this month’s prediction-themed issue of PLAYED. This month, we make some predictions and offer insight into what to watch for as the year moves on. 2010 is already prime for some big releases, all hoping to dethrone Modern Warfare 2 as the biggest game of all time. With past success stories in mind, we look into what titles could capture mainstream attention and how they plan on doing it. Also, we explore why this year could, indeed, be the Year of Mobile (again), as well as how gaming consoles will change from just another box under the television to full-service, multimedia devices that control your living room. Finally, we cover the shifting of game design towards mass collaboration, with teams uniting online to bring new and interesting experiences to gamers everywhere.