With the storm of holiday releases behind us, historical game happenings have slowed to a desperate trickle. This Week in Video-Game History is short, sweet, and waiting for 2011 to get here, so all of 2010's news turns old. 

December 26

2008: Nintendo announces their video service. Known as the Nintendo Channel, this Wii-exclusive feature allows owners to view trailers for upcoming games as well as new commercials. What very few people seem to realize is that this program also allows you to download DS demos, just like you would at a kiosk in a store, only without annoying kids asking you why you have your handheld with you....

2009: Square decides that it's a good idea to launch Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers the day after Christmas. I'm sure this did wonders for their lagging sales figures. 

December 27

1982: The best -- and only -- video-game-based game show debuts. Starcade ran from 1982-83 and I feel it should have run a lot longer. This might be my purpose. It's up to me to bring this show back from the dead!

2004: Paramount Pictures acquires the rights to the Splinter Cell movie. Chances we'll actually see one? Very slim. 

2007: The first Haruhi Suzumiya paranormal detective game launches in Japan. This series focuses on a high-school girl who can see ghosts. 

December 28

1952: Trip Hawkins is born. He is the founder of the 3DO and Electronic Arts. Good to see one of his ventures was wildly successful. 

December 29

1999: Shenmue is released in Japan. 

2005: Dead or Alive 4 hits the shelves. 

December 30

2005: Massively-multiplayer game Asheron's Call 2 is shut down. Meanwhile, the first installment is still going strong. 

2008: CG movie Resident Evil: Degeneration is released. I stupidly ran out and bought this on Blu-ray day one. I can now buy it for way less than $40 pretty much anywhere Blu-rays are sold. Damn. 

December 31

1981: Wizardry is released for the Apple II.