Microsoft has released a new DirectX 9.0b End-User Runtime version for all Windows editions. You will need to use the Windows Auto Update function since it is not yet available on the official DirectX page. DirectX 9.0b includes security and performance updates. Download now to get the latest DirectX updates. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. Once you have installed this item, it cannot be removed.

Command an elite, multinational squad of special operatives against a hidden terrorist foe. In Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3, the third installment in the wildly popular Rainbow Six series, Team RAINBOW races against time to stop terror and unravel a mystery. In locations around the world, from London to the Cayman Islands to Rio de Janeiro, lead Team Rainbow in a desperate effort to battle a madman and foil his doomsday plot. Some new Xbox screens just rushed in. Check them out!

Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon is a skillfully-woven global adventure and a landmark in interactive story-telling. George and Nico return in this epic adventure as they fight through the steaming jungles of Congo, eerie castles in Prague, the chic back-streets of Paris and the historic village of Glastonbury – amongst many other locations - to unravel the secrets of the Sleeping Dragon and save mankind from the threat of a global catastrophe. A ton of new screens ...

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time takes place within an exotic, mysterious world representing Persian architecture, animals and attire. After his father invades the palace of the Maharajah, the Prince, tricked by a treacherous vizier, uses a magic dagger to release the dangerous Sands of Time from an ornate hourglass. With the aid of a beautiful, mysterious, and potentially untrustworthy ally, players embody the Prince to recapture the Sands of Time and restore peace to the land. Check out the new screens ...

The Adventure Company today announced that it has shipped the chilling adventure thriller, Dark Fall - The Journal, on PC-CD.The game’s story is a simple one….Returning from work you listen to a frightened, cryptic voice message from your brother, a talented architect who is redeveloping an old railway station. You immediately make tracks for the picturesque village. On arrival, you are flung into a spooky world where an ever-present supernatural force leaves clues that will help you solve an ancient mystery….a mystery that could change the very course of history.

If you get excited about the idea of sailing uncharted waters, searching the fog for rival ships, and maneuvering into the perfect position to lay iron unto your enemy before he can do the same to you, then you've come to the right place. Battlefield: Pirates is a mod for EA's Battlefield 1942 (and requires the latest v1.4 update patch). A new multiplayer map is now available, BlackBears Booty is a land-based "king-of-the-hill" style map for Battlefield: Pirates. Can you hold the center long enough to win?

Italian based website TGMOnline was first to reveal the upcoming expansion pack for Digital Reality's space strategy game Hegemonia. Hegemonia: The Solon Heritage does not only feature new levels, ship types, and cyborg mercenaries to hire - 50 new inventions, rebalanced unit charts and an emphasis on multiplayer should enhance the Haegemonia experience. The game is slated for this fall, the exact date is to be announced later. (thanks Bluesnews). Read more to check out the first 5 screens ...

Far Cry is set around 2020 on a set of tropical islands in the pacific. And has a strong tropical-paradise feel, scenic in its beauty, but, harbors a terrible threat. It is a mix of jungle / primal / and next-gen technology. As the player you find yourself drawn into a secretive plot involving secret research facilities with scientists involved in military genetic-research, a secret "security" force of mercenaries, and, advanced net-generation weaponry and equipment. Check these 10 screens ...

In Sacred the player can choose from 6 playable characters, each with their own individual characteristics and style. The more reserved role-player might prefer the Battle Mage or the Wood Elf, while admirers of traditional fantasy characters can take on the role of the Gladiator or Dark Elf. If the player fancies a different approach then the Seraphim, a follower of the mystical Angels, or the bloodthirsty Vampiress might clench their thirst. Check out these 10 new screens ..

NovaLogic and HD Interactive today announced the winner of the Devastation online graffiti competition. The contest received a staggering response with over 1100 graffiti entries. "With such a high quality competition, choosing the winner has been a very hard process" commented European Marketing Manager Lucinda Searle "We were astounded by the high standard of art work submitted".

The life of a farmyard animal is not easy. You get born, you hang around a bit, then you're shipped off to meet a rusty end at some low-grade abattoir. Not even all the food you can eat - proper, fattening nosh, that is; not some 95 per cent fat free hippy guff - can really compensate for such a lowly existence. Consigned to such a life, what would you do? That's right: knock seven bells of the dirty stuff out of your fellow animal chums. Welcome to the world of Super Farm.

Infinium Labs announced today that due to the postponement of the Ultimate Gamers Expo, the unveiling of its Phantom game console will take place online at midnight on Sunday, August 17th at the official Phantom website and the the official Infinium Labs website.

There are strange happenings in Springfield. People are missing, very mysterious crop circles are appearing, and hidden cameras are being exposed. When Homer notices a black van with a satellite dish parked outside the Simpsons house, he decides to investigate further into these odd events. What he reveals could be the biggest mystery to rock Springfield since Who Shot Mr. Burns? The Simpsons Hit & Run promises a hilarious mission based driving game with exciting out-of-the-car platform gameplay, the signature satire of The Simpsons, and the interactive world of Springfield. Check the screens ...

Nival Interactive's new game Silent Storm scheduled for Worldwide release on PC CD-rom in September 2003 through JoWood Productions is using the high-end real time facial animation technology by LifeMode Interactive.

UPDATE: As it turns out Nival themselves passed on word that the demo is not due for another month.

Japanese video game maker Sega Corp. said Wednesday it aims to double its sales of software for popular game consoles such as Sony Corp.'s (SNE or 6758) PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Corp.'s XBox over the next five years.

BAM! Entertainment, a developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software, today announced that its subsidiary, Bam Entertainment Ltd., had entered into a distribution agreement whereby Acclaim Entertainment, Ltd, a subsidiary of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. will distribute certain forthcoming computer and video game products of BAM! within PAL territories, including Europe and Australia.

Gotham Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. announced today that The Great Escape, based on the classic 1963 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Film, has shipped to retail outlets nationwide for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, Xbox video game system from Microsoft and PC.

The drama comes to life like never before in WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain. Players can create, play and develop their own Superstar through storylines developed exclusively by the WWE. The game features enhanced gameplay elements with new match types and sensational production values that recreates all of the electricity of actual WWE programming. Players can track their progress with seasonal stats, earn money to build up Superstar abilities and unlock hidden features. Read more for some new screens ..

After the successes of Patrician and Patrician II, Ascaron are now preparing for the International release of the third title in the prestigious Patrician series – Patrician III: Rise of the Hanse. The Patrician series is a collection of real, mind-exercising games full of incredible depth, attention to detail, and a firm sense of traditional simulation and real-time management. Read more for details and screens ...

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are about to embark on a whole new videogame adventure filled with arcade-style kick-butt action that will leave you shell-shocked. TMNT continues the series' famous style of "beat 'em up" gameplay, now with cell-shaded 3D graphics, an engaging storyline, a full cast of characters, and the voices from the animated TV show. Breaking out their shells in October 2003, TMNT will be available on the PS2, Xbox, GameCube, GBA and PC. Check these new screens ...