THE BIG STUFF:

　　STUDY: PEOPLE BUY PS4 FOR GRAPHICS, XBOX ONE FOR BRAND, WII U FOR FUN: Why do people buy new consoles? What are the top driving factors? Now we have a better idea, as research company Nielsen has released a study that shows people buy the PlayStation 4 for its superior graphics, Xbox One for brand, and Wii U for fun. See the full study here.

　　RISE OF THE TOMB RAIDER DEV TALKS XBOX EXCLUSIVITY: Why is Rise of the Tomb Raider exclusive to Xbox? Crystal Dynamics spoke more about the subject this week with Game Informer, telling the site that partnering with Microsoft was a logical next step to make, given the company's previous working relationship. Plus, Crystal Dynamics says working with Microsoft--the worldwide technology giant--will help elevate the profile of Tomb Raider.

THE OTHER STUFF:

　　New DLC is now available for Trials Fusion. The add-on, the game's fifth of six planned expansions, is called Fault One Zero. It adds 10 new tracks, 24 challenges, five trophies, and new objects for the game's track editor. The expansion is included with Trials Fusion $20 DLC pass or can be purchased by itself for $5.

　　What's PopCap founder John Vechey doing now that he's left the Plants vs. Zombies developer? Now we finally know. He announced this week that he's opened a VR start-up called Pluto VR. Read all about it here.

　　Grand Theft Auto: Mushroom City. Nothing more needs to be said. Check out the video here.

　　Free-to-play console and PC game War Thunder this week got a major update. The update, called "Big Guns" adds the B29 Superfortress and Pz.Kpfw.VIII Maus tanks, as well as new terrains (tanks can now move faster on roads), and improved graphics for lower-end PCs. You can see the full patch notes here.

　　This excellent, wide-ranging feature dives deep into the secret behind Madden NFL player ratings. If you're into the professional football series, you definitely want to read this.

　　Have you always wanted to play video games against a movie character? Now you're in luck, as Twitch and Sony Pictures have teamed up for a unique promotion whereby Evolve can take part the "Chappie Challenge," an upcoming event aimed at promoting Neil Blomkamp's new movie. "This program will mark the first time that human gamers can play against a movie character," Twitch said in a statement. Get the full details on the event here.

　　Massachusetts-based video game developer Muzzy Lane Software this week announced that it was the recipient of a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The studio will use the money to "explore applications of game-based digital courseware in post-secondary education." Read more about it here.

　　While you wait for Battlefield Hardline to arrive on March 17, why not play some Battlefield 4? Now the deal is even sweeter, as DICE has rolled out doubleXP through March 1. Enjoy!

　　Boston's big gaming event, PAX East, is next week! Can you believe it? Ahead of the show, eSports company ESL has announced the lineup for competitive gaming at the event. Here's a quick-hit list of what to expect if you're attending in-person on live on Twitch.

　　Halo Championship Series Season 1 FinalsGuild Wars 2 World Tournament SeriesEvolve PAX East PRO-AM TournamentWarframe TennoLive 2015: PAX EastDisney this week released ten+ more of its PC games on Steam. The following games are now available, and you can get them for up to 50 percent off through Monday, March 2.

　　Disney Mickey's Typing AdventureDisney’s Treasure Planet: Battle at ProcyonWalt Disney Pictures BoltDisney•Pixar CarsDisney•Pixar Cars: Radiator Springs AdventuresDisney•Pixar Cars: Mater-National ChampionshipDisney’s Chicken LittleDisney’s Chicken Little: Ace in ActionDisney•Pixar Finding NemoDisney High School Musical 3: Dance ItDisney•Pixar Wall-EDisney Phineas and Ferb: New Inventions (Russian, Czech, Polish languages only)How does upcoming Xbox-exclusive Tomb Raider game Rise of the Tomb Raider balance survival and action? Watch this excellent interview from Game Informer to hear directly from the game's creative director on that very subject.

　　The first-ever "Raid Against Rare Diseases," an online gaming charity event aimed at at raising awareness for rare diseases, takes place today, February 28. As part of the event, top streamers and gaming personalities will play World of Warcraft's Raid mode. During the event, hosts will interview children affected by cancer and other diseases, in an overall attempt to create an "uplifting, inspiring experience for all participants and viewers." Watch it now on Twitch.

　　Kim Kardashian teased this week that a new updated for her big-time money-making mobile app Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, will introduce her family members Kendall and Kylie Jenner. Watch out, world.

　　Technology giant Apple announced this week that it will hold its next media event March 9 in San Francisco. The company sent invitations to press this week, teasing, "Spring Forward." According to GameSpot sister CNET, the event will bring more information about the upcoming Apple Watch and possible new details about Apple TV.

　　Final Fantasy publisher Square Enix released its latest (mobile) role-playing game this week. The game is called Heavenstrike Rivals, and it's available now as a free-to-play title for iOS and Android devices. "Introducing a complex--yet easy to learn--battle system with deep strategic possibilities, the game includes quick-entry player-vs-player combat and hundreds of unique characters to collect, grow, and evolve," Square Enix says.

　　OlliOlli2, the sequel to Roll7's acclaimed skating autorunner, will ship on PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 on March 3.

　　You mad for Hearthstione? Nvidia has announced a $25k Hearthstone tournament for dedicated players. First prize is $10k. Take a look here if you're interested.

　　Looking for 60 minutes of 1080p/60fps PS4 gameplay for Yakuza Zero? Look no further! Now, if we can just convince Sega to bring the game to the US….

　　Dennaton Games and Developer Digital announced this week that their top-down shooter Hotline Miami 2 will be released on March 10 for PS4, PS3, PS Vita, PC, Mac, and Linux. Looking for something more? A Special Edition is available to pre-buy now on Steam, GOG, and Humble.

　　Did critics unfairly judge PS4 third-person shooter The Order: 1886? That's the subject God of War creator David Jaffe and his new studio took on in this video diary. Hear what his employees had to say by checking out this video. What do you think?

　　Who is composing the music for upcoming Warhammer game Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide? It's none other than Assassin's Creed and Hitman series composer Jesper Kyd. He's also won a BAFTA. You can hear his music for Vermintide when the game launches in the second half of 2015 for PC, Xbox One, and PS4.

　　Want to see classic shooter Halo: Combat Evolved beaten--on Legendary difficulty--in record time? Of course you do! Well, you're in luck, as a team of speedrunners have worked together to complete the game in just 1:07:04, beating the previous record of 1:29:59. How did they do it? Check out the video above to find out.

　　GPU company Nvidia will announce its own virtual reality head-mounted display during the Game Developers Conference next month. That's according to a new report from VRFocus. With only a few days to go before the show, we don't have much longer to wait to find out if it's true! What do you think?

　　PAX East approaches! Final Fantasy publisher Square Enix this week announced its plans for the show. The company will bring Final Fantasy Type-0 HD, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, and Life Is Strange to the show, playable for the thousands of attendees. In addition, the company will host various panels, including an exciting-sounding one for Just Cause 3. PAX East runs March 6-8 in Boston.

　　Nvidia and the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) this week announced a new partnership that they say will "support and connect" members inside the game industry. "The relationship will bolster the game developer scene through event support, discounts and membership opportunities." Hooray for synergy!

　　Ahead of the release of Battlefield Hardline next month, developer Visceral Games has published a detailed blog post that offers tons of details for the game's four multiplayer classes. Play as a Medic in other Battlefield games? Then Operator is your class. Read lots more here.

　　Generally speaking, games today aren't as hardcore and challenging as they used to be. This is great because it's broadened the appeal of games in general, bringing new players into the fold. But what if you're looking for an old-school, tough game? Then Bloodborne is for you. Check out this new video featuring the game's key developers talking about how it will bring a challenge similar to what you remember from the games you played in your childhood.

　　Chief?!Via Reddit comes this teasing photo of what appears to be a commercial shoot for Halo 5: Guardians. We see a devastated Master Chief looking like he's definitely in trouble while the mysterious Agent Locke stands over him. What does it mean!? Check out the image here and let us know what you think.

　　Good news for fans of Ninja Theory, the UK studio that brought us Enslaved and DMC: Devil May Cry. Its latest action game project, Hellblade, is being helped along with the input of Hugues Giboire, the art director of the original Heavenly Sword.

　　Seriously, play Device 6. It's a breathtakingly original novella turned into a disquieting riddle-laced puzzle game. It's like an interactive Kindle of a shadowy story. Anyway, the game's developer, Simogo, has hinted that it's working on a Wii U port of one of its older games. Does that mean the acclaimed Device-6 will soon be playable on Nintendo's GamePad? We can only hope.

　　Have a great weekend, everyone!