t is true – blockbuster game announcements and industry mega-mergers sometimes take the spotlight in the daily news cycle. But don’t fret – the news nightcap makes all sure all the important info gets a chance in the limelight.

* Insomniac Branching Out To North Carolina
Look out, North Carolina—Insomniac Games is creeping into your turf. The minds behind Ratchet & Clank and Resistance: Fall of Man are expanding, creating a new studio in the Raleigh-Durham area. The new studio will be headed up by Chad Dezern, Insomniac’s art director, and will share tools and tech with Insomniac Burbank.

“As a studio, Insomniac Games is known for developing high-quality blockbuster titles and for nurturing a creative and collaborative culture,” said Ted Price, Insomniac’s founder and CEO.  “Our goal with the North Carolina studio is to blend our experience and proven track record with the tenacity of a start-up venture.  Expanding to Raleigh-Durham also allows us to maintain an ideal size in Burbank while offering an attractive alternative for developers wishing to live on the East Coast.”

It’s set to go online by January 2009.

* Sony Adding In-game Ads To PS3
Sony Computer Entertainment America and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe have announced a partnership with in-game ad company IGA Worldwide.

"The PS3 platform is primed to leverage the high growth potential of the in-game advertising market," said Phil Rosenberg, Senior Vice President, SCEA. "Ads that are organic to the environment not only benefit developers and advertisers, but also create a richer experience for gamers."

"PlayStation 3 is undoubtedly the prime opportunity for the in-game advertising industry," said Justin Townsend, CEO, IGA Worldwide. "Through this partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment, IGA can provide advertisers with a large and valuable global user base of 16-35 year old consumers with disposable income. With our standardized awareness-building advertising formats being delivered directly into people's living rooms while they play, there are great opportunities for advertisers looking to engage through an entertainment medium outside of the traditional TV spot."

* Turbine Scores $40 Million In Financing
Turbine Inc. announced today that it’s raised $40 million in financing, in a deal led by investors Time Warner Inc. and GGV Capital. The developer is perhaps best known for its MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar.

“Our investment in Turbine is an important addition to Time Warner's entertainment initiatives,” said Rachel Lam, Senior Vice President and Group Managing Director of Time Warner Investments.  “Online interactive entertainment is a huge growth market and we are very excited about Turbine, its unique capabilities and the obvious opportunities that exist with our own broad portfolio of IP.” 

“The demand for massively multiplayer online worlds is exploding both geographically and in terms of platforms served,” said Hany Nada, managing partner, GGV Capital.  “Turbine is a proven leader in massively interactive online entertainment and the incredible technology that supports it.  We look forward to marrying our strengths both here and in Asia with Turbine’s unique capabilities.”