Electronic Arts and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) will be hosting a panel entitled "Homophobia in Virtual Communities" to discuss methods on how to combat discrimination and hatred language in online gaming communities.

This issue is another one of those weeks where you could selectively stave off from spending hard-earned cash, but then there are millions of gamers who need their gaming fix. Gladly enough, third-party publishers on the Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii have addressed the casual gaming populace, and that pretty much sums up this week's retail release line up. On second thought, no - we still have an MMO, EA Maxis' pre-Spore sampler, a formerly retail, now PSN game, plus the release of Rock Band on the Nintendo Wii. Check the full story for details.

Adorable. That's what these screenshots are. Because The Sims 2: Pets looks as if you can't play through it without having a cuteness-seizure. Or maybe that's just us. But anyways, we're sure some of you readers could agree: our pets make our lives more meaningful. Sounds cliche, but it's true.

The Sims 2: Pets, developed by Maxis, is available in various consoles, mainly built for the PC and ported to the PS2, PSP, GameBoy Advance, Nintendo GameCube, and Nintendo DS. "Ported," however, is a term taken loosely. Each console will have different features unique to their platform, but across the board, you'd still be able to care for your pet. You can choose what kind of pet you want and what breed (maybe even a mix). If you're not satisfied, there's even a Create-a-Pet option, which allows you to customize your perfect companion: what body type, fur type, unique markings, and temperment. You can also make them learn dog tricks and take them for a walk, or maybe even give them a career path.

Being a simulation, the game really captures the bond between pet and owner, as your sims (and sims pet) go through their virtual life together, through hardships and camaraderie, friendship and irritation; roll-overs, dress ups, Scooby Snacks, and all.