Along with pool, the jukebox, and a pint, darts is an integral part of the British pub experience. Of course, some people take it more seriously and play the game professionally in a variety of tournaments.

　　One of these is the PDC World Darts Championship, which takes place every year through December and January. Winners stand to pocket £100,000, with a total of £600,000 in prize money divvied out. This is expected to rise even further in 2010 to £1 million, and this year the event had to move to a new, bigger venue.

　　For those who fancy a few virtual rounds, the championship was made into PDC World Championship Darts on the PC and PlayStation 2 in 2006, and a 2008 version came out earlier this year on the PC, PS2, and Wii. Now two more versions of the 2008 iteration are coming: one for the Xbox 360 and one for the PlayStation Portable.

　　The 360 version of the game will offer a new online multiplayer mode so gamers will be able to compete against other players in exhibition matches. There will also be the obligatory leaderboards, along with viewable statistics.

　　The PSP version of the game will have wireless multiplayer and game sharing. Owners of the handheld version of the game will be able to import custom photos to put on their profiles. They'll also be able to choose the MP3s that they want to use as the soundtrack to the game from a memory stick.

　　Both of the new formats are due to hit UK shelves in the third quarter of this year.