Founder & CEO of Linden Lab, Philip Rosedale, and Jesper Juul, author of Half Real, will headline the Serious Games Summit (SGS), hosted by the 2006 Game Developers Conference (GDC). The GDC will dedicate two full days to the SGS, in an effort to advance and promote the use of video game technology in non-entertainment industries.

Gizmondo Europe, owned by Tiger Telematics, filed for bankruptcy protection with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Last week Tiger tried to give Gizmondo Europe a $5 million short term loan but that did not seem to be enough to turn the tide. In light of the filing Gizmondo Europe laid off half of its workforce to reduce expenses. The Gizmondo handheld failed miserably, despite its huge marketing rollout, in both Europe and North America.

Another day, another batch of game trailers was released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for :

• Full Auto [X360] - Weapons Trailer
• Sonic Riders [NGC/PS2/Xbox] - Trailer #7
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  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

Square Enix announced today that its PS2 exclusive title Grandia III will be released on February 14, 2006. In Grandia III you play as Yuuki, a 16-year-old boy who dreams of being a pilot. When Yuuki meets Alfina, an elven shaman who can talk to holy beasts, he gets involved in a mission to find her brother Emilious, who turned evil and wants to conquering the world.

SEGA's combat racing title Full Auto has gone gold for Xbox 360, and is scheduled for North American release on Feb. 14, 2006. Combine raw horsepower with awesome firepower in a race that demands both precision aim and breakneck speed. Destroy your enemies and tear the world apart as you master a wide arsenal of weaponry and a stunning selection of armor-laden cars.

Half Life 2: Aftermath will pick up where the original left off and, as has been rumored for a while, will feature an all-new story line with the focus on Alyx, although not necessarily alongside Gordon Freeman. While no release date has been set, strong indications are that it may only be available through Valve's online delivery system, Steam.

Red Hot Shots, Dive Tackling, Wall Running, Dragon Punches, over-the-top mid-air volleys - all chainable tricks in HoopWorld. Developed by Streamline Studios, HoopWorld is a three-on-three multiplayer trick game that rewards gamers for playing competitively together.

Merscom today announced that Bode Miller Alpine Skiing has gone gold. This skiing sports game featuring 32 slopes across 18 world-famous venues is the only game featuring and endorsed by Olympic medallist and defending FIS World Cup champion Bode Miller.

THQ today announced it has signed a worldwide licensing deal to develop and publish games based on the forthcoming teen spy movie Stormbreaker. Players embrace the role of Alex Rider to out-spy, outwit and out-cool evil in this thrilling action adventure. Featuring third-person stealth game play, fast-paced racing action, intense fighting and engaging, gadget-based mini-games, players can relive defining moments from the Stormbreaker movie and become the ultimate spy.

In Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 3, players will embody Captain Scott Mitchell as he commands the Ghosts and Special Forces allies equipped with the IWS in the quest to save the president of the United States, recover stolen nuclear codes and eliminate a vicious band of renegade soldiers hell-bent on unleashing catastrophe. In case last week's 19 weren't enough, here's another batch...

Finally! New revised rules issued by E3 organizer Entertainment Software Association warns booth owners that they will no longer accept explicit models at the convention. "Material, including live models, conduct that is sexually explicit and/or sexually provocative, including but not limited to nudity, partial nudity and bathing suit bottoms, are prohibited on the Show floor, all common areas, and at any access points to the Show. ESA, in its sole discretion, will determine whether material is acceptable."

Chromehounds is a squad-based action title puts gamers in control of giant mechanized military weapons of war. With a strong focus on cooperative and competitive online gameplay, the game is sure to satisfy players looking for a deep, involving Xbox Live experience.

Realscan 3D today announced the delivery of a scanned, animation-ready 3D model of Dwayne The Rock Johnson to Midway Games for its new video game Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run. The Rock is featured in the role of the game's lead character, Alex Decker.

After its success with GTR and GTR Legends, swedish developer SimBin and publisher 10Tacle are already hard at work on the sequel, GTR 2. Check out the new screens, and first ingame footage...

Ubisoft is pleased to announce the opening of the Heroes of Might and Magic V beta test on Monday, January 23rd at 10 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. Gamers interested in beta testing Heroes of Might and Magic V can visit the official HOMM V website for more information and a link to the application page.

Oxygen Interactive is pleased to announce that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Crave Entertainment, The deal will see Oxygen Interactive publishing multiple big-name Crave licenses across all PAL territories for current and next-gen platforms.

KOEI today announced that the Tactical Action game, Samurai Warriors: State of War for PSP, scheduled for North American release in March 2006. Read more for details and screens ...

Playlogic today disclosed that Rebellion is developing the anti-terrorism game PRISM: Threat Level Red, the commercial version inspired by the Army National Guard's game PRISM: Black Shield, and will feature a more detailed story line along with a unique campaign structure, missions, unique events, unique weapons, and a few more surprises.

Experience the pro tour in venues that are alive and dynamic with environmental elements that react to your play. Characters are even more stunning with the addition of HD technology and the inclusion of the top players in the world like Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer. Put it all online and you once again have the greatest tennis game ever created.

3000AD today announced Hostile Intent: Planetfall, blending all your favorite multi-genre fp shooters with high-end technologies. Featuring space and planetary worlds, scenarios including space and planetary excursions; first person and vehicular combat as well as a skill based progress system (e.g. from pilot to commander) through a revised campaign system. The design focuses on a pure action game, getting rid of most of the sim/complexity in previous BC/UC games.

Rogue Galaxy is a fantasy-themed RPG which revolves around the game's main character, Jester Rogue. Players follow Rogue as he planet-hops around space, visiting a number of planets, each with their own unique ecosystem populated by various unusual creatures.

CDV has signed a co-publishing agreement with Enlight Software to release three PC strategy titles in North America this year, Glory of the Roman Empire, Hotel Empire 2 and Seven Kingdoms: Conquest.

Medieval II: Total War, the 4th installment of the franchise, takes strategy genre to a whole new level with the most epic and cinematic 3D battles ever seen on PC. After last weeks first screens, here are yet another new batch.

Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers builds upon the ground-breaking, genre-blending game play of the original, integrating an all new robust multiplayer system, player-controlled coalition forces, mechanized units and enhanced character abilities and advanced enemy A.I.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent will completely revolutionize and reinvent the spy action genre by introducing an unprecedented double agent concept and an entirely new breed of game play that adds an exciting new dimension to the gaming experience.

A fire ripped through downtown New York on Saturday and reports indicate that the complex houses Take Two subsidiary 2K Games and Global Star. According to CBS the fire started late Saturday night in the building, which houses numerous offices for businesses such as American Eagle Outfitters, Prada, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, the Guggenheim Museum, and of course 2K Games. Located on the 3rd floor, FDNY Chief of Operations said "It was a really difficult fire to fight, lot of hidden voids. It got up into some duct work on the first floor and traveled up to the fourth floor."

Major League Baseball 2K6 includes innovative features such as a new movement system and realistic player collisions on the infield and outfield. New broadcast elements include flashback replays, and a unique player morale system will unfold the drama like never before in a baseball video game.

After its disappointing run on the PS2, the developers are turning their back on the 3d version and going for a retro 2D look, where the franchise has all its success. Extreme Ghouls 'n Ghosts will not be a port, but an all new, original, product.

The Sims 2 delivers classic open-ended gameplay along with exclusive new features. Aspirational gameplay and fully customizable content will give players the most authentic Sims experience to date on console, and will allow players to make their dreams come true while avoiding their innermost fears.