Microsoft Corp. announced today at the 2002 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that the Xbox™ video game system had one of the most successful launches in video game history. Microsoft sold 1.5 million units in North America between the Nov. 15 launch and the end of calendar year 2001. In addition, the NPD Group Inc. has reported that gamers bought more than three games with every Xbox system, the highest-ever game attach rate for a video game console launch.

Nintendo will showcase its GameCube just a few weeks ahead of its official Euro consumer launch at Milia 2002, Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France - 4th to 8th Feb. 2002. Nintendo will preview the GameCube alongside 20 brand new, revolutionary games affording Milia visitors a unique opportunity to see the GameCube for themselves. Already on the market in Japan and North America, GameCube has received unanimous praise from both the international press and consumers.

Encore will publish a completely new, 3D version of the tremendously popular Dragon's Lair! Dragon's Lair 3D -- slated for release in third quarter 2002 for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and the Nintendo GameCube -- will dramatically expand upon the gameplay that fans have enjoyed since 1983.

Fishtank Interactive, a division of Ravensburger Interactive Media, announced today that "Car Tycoon," their unique simulation game for the PC, is now available in retail stores. The first of its kind, this automobile business simulation allows players to design a winning business strategy and conquer the automobile industry.

Strategy First and Auran announced today that they have released a demo of their upcoming virtual railroading game, Trainz.

In Global Ops, players will get a dose of reality as the multiplayer-focused tactical first person perspective game will feature over 10 real world locations and hot spots as well as more than 30 real life weapons. The game will be available on the PC in 2002. Some more goodie screens to drool over while we wait...

Strategy First kicks off the holidays with the launch of its new corporate web site, www.strategyfirst.com Today!

Sismoplay opens beta test subscriptions for DuelField Expert Edition today (GMT +1:00). We invite gamers to register on www.duelfield.net. This version features added functionalities. The beta allows players to get a free taste of the subscription-based game.

Digital Mayhem, a division of Interplay Entertainment Corp., announced today that the highly anticipated game Giants: Citizen Kabuto has shipped to retail for the PS2 computer Entertainment system. Originally developed for the PC by Planet Moon Studios, the multi-award winning Giants: Citizen Kabuto takes full advantage of the PS2 cutting-edge technology.

Forget the sun block next summer - it looks like being a mud-spattered June for PlayStation 2 gamers. Leading interactive games publisher, Infogrames, has announced that it's driving the hugely successful V-Rally brand out of the garage and onto PlayStation 2 in June 2002; and with 4 million units already sold in the series, it's a welcome return for one of the most realistic rally games yet seen.