In the video game industry, it's important not to rest on one's laurels. Activision probably knows this. In spite of the fact that its Q4 and fiscal year 2008 financial reports have shown encouraging results, the company is already planning its next ventures in the near future. This was evident in the company's recent conference call. More lucrative news follows after the jump.

Muse fans will have something new to rock with, now that Activision's Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PC) will have a new three-song pack filled with Muse tracks. If you're a fan of the British band, there's really no reason why you should miss out on this one. Hit the full article to check out the songs.

Less doesn't always mean more. As fun as jamming on Guitar Hero 3 is, some would prefer to rock with their friends as a whole band - enter Rock Band. In the next iteration of the Guitar Hero franchise, we'll probably see just as many instruments as Rock Band has, according to Activision's CEO. Details in the full article.

Did the news of Def Leppard's confirmed participation in Guitar Hero IV excite the old-school rocker in you? We've got better news now as we've just got word that the same iconic band will also appear in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock for the PS3 and Xbox 360 in the form of an upcoming DLC pack. It looks like the wait to jam with the group is shorter than expected, and we've got more details in the full article up next.

Video game community seer extraordinaire Surfer Girl is back with more juicy buzz for everyone to feast on! The latest post may not exactly contain supernovas, but they're pretty intriguing just the same. A sequel for international PC hit The Witcher, anyone? And... oh, more tidbits on the next installment in the Guitar Hero franchise. Details in the full article.

That's no typo error there. 1980s heavy metal band Def Leppard has confirmed in an interview that they are indeed in Guitar Hero IV. Is the follow-up to Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock already in development? Or is this just for the expansion, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith? More details after the jump.

Wondering just what is up with Gibson Guitar and its suing frenzy over its alleged 1999 patent? Well, we're wondering, too, but it seems that Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter knows the inside score. So, what does the man think about Gibson suing everyone involved with Guitar Hero and Rock Band (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii)? Check it out after the jump.

Even after suing gaming companies and retailers over Guitar Hero, Gibson Guitar is still in a roll with its legal bulldozer. Claiming that Rock Band (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3) violated their concert simulator patent, Gibson has already added Harmonix, MTV Networks, and Electronic Arts to its "To-Sue" list. More details in the full article!

Suits and countersuits, statements and counter-statements have flown back and forth between the camps of Gibson Guitar and Activision for patent infringement. Today's update on the issue centers on a recently filed suit against retailers of the game. The defendants? Wal-Mart, Amazon, Kmart, GameStop, Target, and Toys "R" Us. Check out the entire story at the full article.

Despite the amount of heat Activision has been getting lately with the patent violation lawsuit filed by Gibson against it, the video game company coolly replied with its own statement regarding the accusations. You can read all about Activision's response in our full article after the jump.