After 12 months of heated battle, the results are in! Here are the 10 best-selling videogames according to the NPD Group. This list counts for console games sold at retail in the United States.

1. Call of Duty: Black Ops II
2. Madden NFL 13
3. Halo 4
4. Assassin’s Creed III
5. Just Dance 4
6. NBA 2K13
7. Borderlands 2
8. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
9. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
10. FIFA Soccer 13

There are several fascinating takeaways here. First, it’s awfully impressive that there are two Call of Duty games on … more

2012 was a rough year for the console gaming business. A lot of people believe that mobile devices and the vast improvement in the quality of mobile games are the key reasons for the decline in console game sales. Others believe that the current generation is simply long in the tooth and new hardware is needed to kickstart the console business. Some believe that the three major console companies haven’t done enough with digital distribution and relying on the boxed-disc model has hurt sales. Whatever the reason, sales figures are … more

Sony is having its annual “Play Days” event, offering discounts on PlayStation 3 accessories and peripherals. The promotion runs until January 12 and includes discounts as high as 60 percent off the MSRP. Here are some highlights:

DualShock 3 Controller: $54.99 $39.99
PlayStation Move Controller: $49.99 $29.99
PlayStation Move Sharp Shooter: $39.99 $14.99
Pulse Wireless Stereo Headset: $99.99 $79.99
Pulse Elite Edition Wireless Stereo Headset: $149.99 $124.40

If you happen to pick anything up, please leave a note in the comments section. Extra-special thanks … more

In case you haven’t seen it, here’s Conan O’Brien’s excellent review of Hitman Absolution. It’s another fantastic installment of the “Clueless Gamer” series…and far more entertaining than the vast majority of videogame reviews out there. Give it a watch and let me know what you think (please!).… more

Congratulations to composer Austin Wintory for having the soundtrack for Journey nominated for a Grammy Award. The soundtrack is up for the Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media award. The nomination is being touted as “the first videogame score in history to be nominated for a Grammy Award.” While the competition is fierce (John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Trent Reznor, and Howard Shore also have works nominated), being nominated is an outstanding accomplishment. It’s awesome that videogame music composers are being recognized alongside some of the biggest names in movie soundtracks.… more

The year is almost over, but there are still plenty of great videogames set for release. Far Cry 3 leads the way with gorgeous graphics and frenetic action. Fans of The Lord of the Rings will definitely want to check out Guardians of Middle-earth. Have you been digging the latest incarnation of Power Rangers? If so then Power Rangers: Super Samurai will be right up your alley. Last, but not least, is a pair of trilogies that offer tremendous value for your gaming dollar. PlayStation 3 gamers should … more

Any of you buy a Wii U? What games are you picking up for your new console? In addition to Nintendo’s major release, there are several games set to entertain you over Thanksgiving weekend. PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is a super-fun brawler that brings numerous iconic videogame characters together. Agent 47 makes his return in Hitman: Absolution. Fans of cartoon adventures will want to check out Rise of the Guardians, while those with a predilection for military games will want to check out History Legends of War: … more

It’s a huge week for the gaming business with Microsoft’s launch of Halo 4 leading the way. It will surely be one of the biggest releases of 2012. Are you buying it? Racing fans get a pair of goodies with LittleBigPlanet Karting and NASCAR The Game: Inside Line. Do you miss fighting alongside Goku and the gang? Then pick up Dragon Ball Z Budokai HD Collection and raise your power level to over 9,000. Not into shooting, racing, or fighting? How about some farming with Harvest Moon: A New … more