by Lucy Ungaro

Happy Holidays, gamers. Glad you’re here to celebrate with weekly gaming news–really the only holiday present you’ll ever need. 

First off, let’s spread cheer with special console bundles for the holiday season. Chelsea Stark‘s got you covered with descriptions of consoles and game packages that are being offered for, well, better prices than usual. Salivate here.

I mentioned this last week, but let me reiterate: I am obsessed with the new Rock Band. I see it when I close my eyes. I listen to songs that are in the game just to practice the drum parts when I can’t play. Unfortunately, the base game didn’t come with many songs. Thankfully, Jorge Jimenez is here to provide us with updates on the DLC songs, which will make metalheads happy this week, as well as people who really love the bass pedal. And if you don’t have the game but would like to play it, head over to the NYU Game Center!

Matt Gerardi is back with more insightful reader comments from Gameological discussion threads. This time, readers are discussing board games, which is a subject of gaming that we don’t talk about as much as we should. The conversations here feel like sitting down with buddies and talking about a game we just played together. Read here..

The next episode of “Eye of the Beerholder” is up on Unwinnable. If you don’t know what that is, it’s a podcast where Stu Horvath and friends talk about their Dungeons & Dragons game and why it’s been going on for 11 years, plus a bunch of other exciting stuff like sleep paralysis.

And now for news outside of the Circle…

Over in Saudi Arabia, women are finding a creative outlet in videogames and programming. “GCON” is an annual convention that encourages programming and video game design in women. Check out the article here.

Time for more video game psychology! As someone who has heard, “They’re so bad for you!” from my mother on multiple occasions, it’s nice to come across studies that show games can be really beneficial. This particular study describes how games can help improve players’ memory.

The NYU Game Center is hosting a free showcase of games today from 5-7pm. If you can’t make it, it’s OK, I’ll write about it next time! Otherwise, click this link to RSVP.

Nice to game chat with you. See you soon!