As "American Idol" fans prepare for the scheduled November 2003 release of the official American Idol video game for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, Game Boy Advance and PC-CD ROM, Codemasters has launched the game's dedicated Web site. The new Web site is packed full of surprises, including audio messages from Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul; new gameplay images; and a complete virtual backstage tour that is certain to fulfill every Idol fans' craving until the game's release.

Codemasters has announced that IndyCar Series, the official video game of the U.S.-based open-wheel Indy Racing League, has shipped for the PC CD-ROM with an MSRP of $29.99. The PC version includes direct input wheel support to give gamers the ultimate IndyCar Series racing experience. Now over 313 million IndyCar Series racing fans can capture the same invigorating, ultra-close pack racing at home on their computer.

Electronic Arts today announced the release of The Sims Double Deluxe, the ultimate compilation of the top-selling PC franchise, The Sims. The Sims Double Deluxe delivers the original #1 PC game of all time, The Sims, as well as The Sims Livin' Large and The Sims House Party expansion packs in one value-packed product. With the most Sims content ever assembled in one place, there has never been a better time to join The Sims phenomenon.

This weekend at the EA SPORTS 500 race at Talladega Superspeedway, the competition heats up early and often amongst top NASCAR drivers. In addition to the race excitement on Sunday, several other weekend activities are planned, including head-to-head racing between top drivers of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series as Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, and Ryan Newman pick up the controllers and race in the 3rd Annual EA SPORTS Drivers Challenge on Friday night. On Saturday, Dale Earnhardt Jr., last year's EA SPORTS 500 race winner and avid videogame player, is scheduled to trade paint with an EA SPORTS NASCAR Thunder 2004 video game fan. The EA SPORTS 500 race will be telecast on NBC Sunday, September 28 at 12:30 p.m. EST.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004, the number one golf title from Electronic Arts is available in stores today on four platforms. EA, continuing its exclusive partnerships with the PGA TOUR and the world's best and most famous golfer, Tiger Woods, brings new features that appeal to golf and videogame fans alike. Still the most realistic golf videogame available, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004 is packed with new modes and gameplay.

Lacing up its high tops and taking to the air with its legendary NBA video game action, Acclaim today announced that it has shipped its eagerly anticipated title, NBA JAM, for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. Developed by Acclaim Studios Austin, NBA JAM returns with its trademark over-the-top, arcade-style 3-on-3 gameplay, "On Fire," "Big Head" mode and hot spots, as well as all-new rim-rocking moves specifically designed for the next-generation gaming systems.

Mayhem Studios (the chaps behind Empire of Magic) today released an update from their latest PC/X-box fantasy RPG (Final Fantasy style) project, Neverend.. Release date is set to spring 2004.. Read more below for the update/gameinfo and a bunch of new screens!

Nokia today announced the ConnectCoder, N-Gage Mobile Game Deck Game Battle 2003, a competition for game developers across Europe, the United States and Canada to find the hottest game ideas that take advantage of the unique mobile online functionality of the Nokia N-Gage game deck. Helping to unleash the creative and innovative spirit of the game community, the competition runs until January 31, 2004.

Horizons is the next generation online epic adventure. It is based in the massively multiplayer fantasy world, Istaria. A world of legend and lore filled with humans, fiends, dragons and many other traditional fantasy roles, Horizons allows thousands of players to adventure together in the civilized and untamed regions of the world. It's been a while since we had some good Horizons screens, so njoy!

id Software's terrifying battle with the forces of Hell. A massive demonic invasion has overwhelmed the UAC's Mars Research Facility leaving only chaos and horror in its wake. As one of only a few survivors, players must struggle with shock, fear, and an all-out assault on their senses as they fight their way to Hell and back, in an epic clash against pure evil. Currently being shown at QuakeCon, Activision has released 2 new screens... Check them out!

Konami of America, Inc. today announced a national promotional partnership with the Langer Juice Company Inc., in support of Boktai: The Sun Is In Your Hand, the groundbreaking new game for Nintendo Game Boy Advance. Boktai is the world's first game to incorporate natural sunlight into gameplay via a solar-sensor located on the Game Boy Advance cartridge. In celebration of the game's unique sun-sensitive design, Langer Juice Company and Konami are inviting consumers to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to sunny Hawaii. The Langer-Boktai Sweepstakes will be specially marked on over 1 million Langers Juice Bottles.

Red Ninja: End of Honor is an action-adventure title, developed by Tranji, a new studio formed by the Japanese developers New Corporation and Opus, which will feature a variety of innovative game-play features blending action, adventure, stealth, seduction and fighting. These elements have been placed in a historical Japanese environment with an event-driven story written by famed Japanese feature film director, Shinsuke Sato.

Sony Online Entertainment Inc. today announced its line-up of all-star voice talent for Lords of EverQuest, the next-generation of Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games. The stellar roster of Hollywood talent has been brought in to give voice to the hero characters, complementing the game's exciting storyline and thrilling gameplay. Lords of EverQuest is expected to ship to U.S. and Canadian retail stores this Fall.

Incorporating challenging new elements of gameplay such as a new experience-based character growth system, upgradeable weapons and armor, a more dynamic economic system and truly unique gameplay modes such as gladiatorial arenas, space combat and “spherical worlds,” Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando takes gamers on a hilarious adventure to save a brand new galaxy. Read more for a big batch of new screens ...

Exclusive to PS2, Hardware: Online Arena is a massive, broadband exclusive, multiplayer experience that puts the player in the driving seat of some of the most powerful military fighting vehicles in existence today. The players are brought together online, placed in a purpose built environment, equipped with some awesome weaponry and then let loose on each other with their primary purpose being to destroy their opponents as many times as possible. Read more for some new screens ...

Time Crisis 3 marks the return of Namco's premier light-gun shooting franchise. Compatible with the GUNCON2 light-gun, this fast-paced shooter delivers superior shooting action and supreme excitement. A new weapon select system enables players to chose from 4 weapons (machine gun, hand gun, shotgun and grenade) and optimize their game play strategy. Time Crisis 3 includes the original arcade game as well as console-exclusive game modes. Sniper combat provides intense and lethal sharp-shooting action, sure to be a winning combination for this popular franchise. A preview is coming up soon but in the meantime read more for a few new screens ...

The Battle for Middle-earth utilizes the Generals game engine, and in the game players can select from the different "good" or "evil" campaigns, where they will be given the freedom to command a variety of major armies from the films, each with their own distinct strengths and weaknesses. Prepare for war by creating offensive and defensive strategies set in the memorable battle locations taken straight from the big screen. The Battle for Middle-earth RTS game will utilize the digital assets created for the films and will feature exclusive voiceover from the real actors as well as actual movie footage from the three films. Earlier today we were invited over to EA's HQ in Redwood City to see the game in action and brought back some awesome screens. Expect a preview SOON.

Mech Arena: Beauty VS Machine is an action-packed, an awesome firepower and fast-paced battlefield action with incredible graphics, detailed environments, and sophisticated A.I. It features the most explosive one on one battle fare and complicated strategy of any PC RPG. Read more for details and screens ...

Reality Pump Studios and Atari have now released an English language version of their wacky cow-themed real-time strategy game, Once Upon A Knight. The rather huge demo includes first part of The Long Path to the Throne campaign, and one role-playing quick mission, entitled The Call. Read more for download links ...