It's announcements time! A lot is going on in our casual gaming world and the creative talent behind the games we love is really blossoming. Is it the crisp February air? The freshness of a new year? Either way, here's an update on a few recent events you should know about. Consider yourself... informed!

The deadline for entries into our second Flash Game Design Competition has passed. We've got lots of great looking games from a number of talented folk, a big thanks to everyone who entered! We're working frantically to get all of the entries up and playing nicely with each other, so we'll open the gates and let everyone give the games a try soon. Stay tuned!

Next on the agenda is a great mini-interview by Harold Goldberg at VH1 Game Break with Kellee Santiago, one of the team members behind flOw. The PS3 version of the game has just been released and it looks absolutely stunning. The questions touch on the design processes behind the game as well as Kellee's taste in casual games. Also check out our interview with Austin Wintory, the musical mastermind behind both versions of flOw.

The most recent Experimental Gameplay Competition has ended and all of the games are available to play. The theme this time around was "attraction" and the winner will snag a paid internship at Electronic Arts. Experimental Gameplay games are always on the cutting-edge of innovation and show just how talented some of these designers truly are. The entries are a mixed bag of game types featuring a handful of downloadable and browser games alike.