TransGaming Technologies, a leading developer of software portability solutions for the video games industry, announced today the much-anticipated release of WineX 3.0, TransGaming's flagship Linux portability product that allows PC games and applications to seamlessly and transparently run on the Linux operating system, directly out-of-the-box.

Codemasters today confirms that Operation Flashpoint 2, a true sequel to the million-selling military simulator, has been commissioned. The setting and theme for the game will be revealed at E3, the global games expo (Los Angeles Convention Centre, May 14-16). Operation Flashpoint 2 is in design and development at Bohemia Interactive Studio, the Prague-based creators of the original title, and will launch late in 2004 for PC.

Details have emerged of Sony's plans to sell a variety of hardware bundles at existing prices through its online store in Japan - including a bundle which would feature a network adapter for free with a new console purchase. This deal would put the PlayStation 2 on an equal footing with the Xbox in terms of network functionality, as one of the key selling points of Microsoft's console has been that it requires no additional hardware for online gaming.

If you have pictures of your grandiose palaces, proud cities, mighty battles or impressive buildings then just send them to the 1503 A.D. team to take part in next month’s Screenshot Contest! Submit your screenshots before the middle of the month to take part in the current qualifier. They will then choose the twelve best submissions and post them in the brand-new Screenshot Contest area on their website.

Vivendi Universal Games announced today that hard rock front man (Black Flag, Rollins Band), actor (“The Chase,” “Johnny Mnemonic”) and spoken word artist Henry Rollins has signed on to voice the role of Mace Griffin in the upcoming video game “Mace Griffin Bounty Hunter.” The sci-fi action game will be available second quarter 2003 for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and Nintendo GameCube.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. today announced that Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits, the continuation of the popular Arc the Lad series, will launch in June 2003 exclusively for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system. Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits, a true, traditional role-playing game (RPG), takes place thousands of years after the last installment in the series with an all-new captivating storyline, an innovative battle system and a variety of playable characters with unique abilities. Set in a visually stunning world of life-like graphics and using motion-captured cut scenes to enhance an intriguing storyline, Arc the Lad: Twilight of the Spirits delivers an epic role-playing adventure perfect for fans of strategy, adventure and RPG games.

F-Zero will be a souped-up installment of the supersonic racing franchise, developed by SEGA for Nintendo GameCube. The Japanese arcade version of the game, tentatively titled F-Zero AC, was recently revealed in Tokyo at the AOU (All Nippon Amusement Machine Operators' Union) arcade show. Four new screens to check out below!

Age of Mythology: The Titans is an expansion pack for Age of Mythology. Using familiar elements of classical mythology, Age of Mythology casts players as one of nine unique civilizations from ancient Greek, Norse and Egyptian mythologies. Players can reinforce their armies with mythological creatures like Cyclopes and Medusas or call upon the mighty powers of gods such as Zeus to rain down lightning bolts on unsuspecting enemies. Age of Mythology also incorporates Ensemble Studios' trademark features from previous Age of Empires games, including a compelling economic model, a massive army and battle system, unequaled artificial intelligence, random maps, intuitive gameplay and extreme attention to detail. The expansion will be available in stores this fall.

The first Beach Soccer video game designed especially for fans of football and arcade games. Due out in May 2003 on Xbox/PS2/GBA/PC. Discover all the excitement of this new sport which is taking football's greatest stars by storm. This arcade game is set in the unique and exotic atmosphere of stadiums from Rio to Dubai. Pro Beach Soccer is a fun game with cool looking players, spectacular moves and DJs playing hot tunes in the different settings! check out these 20+ new PC screens ...

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

• Sacred (Ascaron)
• Brute Force (Microsoft)
• 
  
  Read more for download links ...

Gamespot reports that LucasArts has opened up its E3 site, giving the public a glimpse of the games the company will be showing at the event this May. The strategy RPG Gladius is expected to be at the show, as are Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy and Star Wars Galaxies.

Responding to criticism that it was trying to take advantage of the Iraq war for commercial gain, Sony Corp said on Wednesday it will not use the phrase "shock and awe" for PlayStation videogames made by a subsidiary. A U.S. unit of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc has withdrawn an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to register the phrase for commercial use, a Sony spokeswoman said.

Activision announced today that it has signed an exclusive, long-term agreement with California-based Spark Unlimited to create a Call of Duty console game for GameCube, Xbox and PS2. The title, which has been in development since late last year, will debut for all three platforms next year. The Spark-created console title will be totally different from the Infinity Ward-developed PC game, which is slated for release later this year.

In 'Gremlins', the two protagonists of one of the most celebrated battles in the cinema meet again in a platform game that promises hours of fun and laughs. Gizmo, the Mogwai attempts to find the Gremlins and capture them all to keep them from doing any more harm. The game recreates the most famous scenes of the movie on more than 10 different levels (Billy’s house, the school laboratory, the department store, the movie theater, etc.). With the option of playing either one of two radically different characters, the game is sure to offer hours of lasting enjoyment. Check these new screens ...

The cover story for the newest print issue of Game Informer magazine has some details about the upcoming Xbox version of Counter-Strike that is being developed by Ritual Entertainment and Valve Software. According to the article, the Xbox version of the popular PC multiplayer shooter will contain all the current content of the PC version plus all of the content of the upcoming Counter-Strike: Condition Zero single player game. There will be some Xbox exclusive content as well, including at least five new multiplayer levels, two new weapons (the Syringe and Machete) and some graphical improvements including 24 bit textures and better lighting and particle effects. There are also hints in the article that there might be support for user created gameplay modes in the Xbox Counter-Strike, although there were no specifics mentioned (thanks HomeLAN).

Konami of America, Inc. announced today that Yu-Gi-Oh! Worldwide Edition: Stairway to the Destined Duel for Nintendo Game Boy Advance has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. The latest installment in the best-selling Yu-Gi-Oh! video game series, Worldwide Edition brings to life the enormously popular Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game with stunning accuracy. Worldwide Edition features more than 1,000 game cards and updated Trading Card Game rules. As an added bonus Worldwide Edition comes with three powerful limited-edition Trading Game Cards only available with the game: Harpie's Feather Duster, Sinister Serpent and Valkyrion The Magna Warrior.

LucasArts today announced that Star Wars: The Clone Wars for Xbox Live has gone gold and can be expected in stores April 21st! Star Wars: The Clone Wars is the first LucasArts console game available for play over the Internet and will offer expanded combat action specifically designed for Xbox Live.

Codemasters, a global video game publishing company, announced today that the latest installment of its critically acclaimed racing series, Colin McRae Rally 3, has shipped to North American retail outlets. To date the Colin McRae Rally game franchise has sold an impressive 6 million units worldwide. The newest version for the PlayStation©2 computer entertainment system version will be available for a suggested retail price of $49.99.

UFO: Aftermath is a 3D isometric, turn-based strategy game (TBS) with a rich and compelling sci fi story. Combining global strategy with small squad tactical combat, the challenge offered is to fight against an alien invasion. Featuring run time generated tactical missions with innovative simultaneous combat action; the genre is also enhanced with strong RPG elements, offering a quite unique mix of strategic ideas. Check out these 8 new screens!