D3Publisher has announced Texas Cheat 'Em, a poker game which, as the title implies, incorporates cheating as a game mechanic. The game is being developed by Wideload, a development house best known for crafting the goofy adventures of Stubbs the Zombie. Texas Cheat 'Em promises to alleviate the boredom of real poker by sneaking in minigames to fill your time while your slowpoke opponents take their leisurely turns. These minigames include other casino-style experiences, such as roulette and slot machines, through which players earn the ability to execute such shady practices as stealing chips and swapping cards, or even employing x-ray vision.

Online play is the focus of the game, allowing up to eight players to face off in the madcap hi-jinks. Extras include leaderboards and trophies (which D3 oddly refers to by the rumored early name "entitlements"). Though poker purists will likely scoff at the cheating element, the idea behind it is admirable: this chicanery is meant to level the playing field, so less experienced poker players have a chance to win against more practiced gamblers.

Vice president of product development at D3, Pete Andrew, allegedly claims that the team "[feels] confident that the comedic tone, party atmosphere and interactivity of Texas Cheat 'Em are tailor-made for today's casual online gaming audience." Scott Corley, Director of Wideload Shorts, is reported to explain himself thusly: "We upped the ante on traditional online poker and set Texas Cheat 'Em in a decidedly irreverent world where players can do what they've always wanted to do - cheat... It's a hilarious online card playing experience that gets even more fun as players become cheating masters." An unnamed marketing guru puts it best, however, by pointing out that "Cheating is FUNdamental in Texas Cheat 'Em!" Get it? FUNdamental!