According to NPD Group, total U.S. sales of video game hardware, software and accessories rose 23 percent in the first quarter of 2005 to more than $2.2 billion The sharp increase was mainly due to the launch of PSP and NDS handhelds, and software wise the best selling product was Sony's PS2 title Gran Turismo 4, with 1.1 million copies sold. The $10 billion U.S. video game industry is keeps steady in comparison with the domestic movie box office sales.

American McGee Presents: Bad Day L.A., a third-person action/adventure game with a tongue-in-cheek comedic twist. Set in modern day Los Angeles, Bad Day L.A. combines a fantastical art style, groundbreaking collaborative gameplay elements and a heavy dose of dark satire to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Today Ubisoft announced that it is developing Prince of Persia 3 (working title) for the PS2, the Xbox, GameCube and the PC. Scheduled for release in the second half of 2005, Prince of Persia 3 is the third volume in the award-winning Prince of Persia franchise.

SpecForce is Techland's latest futuristic tactical shooter with a plot connected to already known Chrome. Game development has been underway for some time now, and will use an optimized Chrome Engine. Techland today revealed first details of the game's multiplayer mode, along with fresh game play footage.

TKO's Heaven VS Hell, the next generation of real-time strategy (RTS) PC gaming, will put players in command of angelic, demonic and mortal forces battling to determine the fate of humanity. Read more for details ...

SCEA announced today the launch of NBA '06, appearing exclusively this Fall for the PS2. The title introduces a number of feature firsts, including a behind-the-scenes, all- inclusive story mode and an entirely new game design where a player's talents on the court dictate their ability to manage teammates and even the crowd. NBA '06 delivers a comprehensive basketball experience, combining a unique cinematic career mode and action-packed mini-games with an all-access pass to the NBA's world off the court.

With action-packed intensity, stunning graphics, unique battle systems, and a captivating cast of characters, SUN is an epic medieval tale set in a rich world of emperors, armies, magicians and monsters. SUN is the first title to incorporate console-style game mechanics into a classic MMORPG. Webzen announced today the company has signed Oscar and Grammy award-winning composer Howard Shore to compose the music for SUN. Read more for details and the first ingame screens ...

Namco announced today We Love Katamari, the sequel to 2004's beloved cosmic clump-rolling game, Katamari Damacy. "We Love Katamari," available exclusively for the PS2 later this year, will feature the diminutive yet determined Prince, with an assortment of celestial cousins and the eccentric King of All Cosmos.

Go golf crazy and take on a cast of colourful characters in the coolest clubhouse around. No need for airs and graces here – just select a golfer from a range of friendly faces, and customize their abilities, attributes and appearance before teeing off across a series of challenging courses and game modes. Go head-to-head with both friends and foes via WiFi compatible Ad Hoc Mode and become a true golfing legend.