There was no shortage of soaring highs, depressing lows and everything in between in 2008 gaming news.

Financial turmoil and studio closures were unfortunately the common theme in the fourth quarter. But on the other side of the coin is how the games industry is poised for another record-breaking year.

Aside from the purely business aspects of the past year, we saw a PlayStation man move on, a videogame fitness craze, a controversy fizzle and as always, gamers who let their voices be heard. Here are 20 news pieces that helped define 2008.