Social networks play the game

Webs.com, a social media company, has introduced its Social Gaming Network (SGN), the first gaming network designed exclusively for the development and integration of gaming into popular social networks, according to Reuters.

The game WarBook, the first game from SGN to launch on Facebook in August 2007, is now one of its most popular games.

The SGN network will continue to leverage the power of the `network effect` to build a library of new games exclusively for social networks.

CDC Games unit began an open "beta" test of its first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) for the Japanese market, says The Motley Fool.

This is the company`s second gaming announcement this week. On Wednesday, CDC Games said CDC International intends to launch the game "Lunia Online" in the US during the first quarter of 2008.

The game incorporates Japanese "manga" comic book style and was developed by Korea`s ALLM.

Many parents wish their kids would spend less time at the computer playing games and messaging, and concentrate more on homework, sports or family activities, says Reuters.

One university professor, however, has come up with a combined solution that would integrate educational role-playing video games into the classroom.

Doug Thomas, an associate professor at the University of Southern California`s Annenberg School for Communication, is developing a game for students ages 10 to 12 that aims to teach ideas and skills not found in traditional textbooks.