Codemasters confirmed today that it has secured a significant investment from Benchmark Capital Europe, the top-tier venture capital firm. Benchmark's substantial investment will be used to accelerate Codemasters' programme of new game development.

A day earlier than expected Vivendi has released the multiplayer demo for MadDoc's upcoming RTS Empire Earth II. The demo offers 3 of the game's 15 epochs (Renaissance, Imperial, and Enlightenment), and 3 of the game's nine multiplayer modes (Conquest, King of the Hill, and Territory Control), playable for up to 10 players. The demo also includes the previously released singleplayer demo but with updated content (thanks FilePlanet). Read more for download links ...

Linden Lab's 3D digital world Second Life goes global with Version 1.6, providing more access, more tools and more entertainment opportunities for the community. International keyboard support enabling Second Life’s international audience to communicate in their own language. New in-world tools streamline and simplify the 3D design process. In-world video streaming, letting residents screen their original movies to an ever-expanding audience. Get more details over at the official Second Life website.

Featuring Hollywood-level production values and a gripping, narrative story line, DRIV3R casts players once again as Tanner, a jaw breaking, no-holds-barred undercover cop who does whatever it takes to bring the bad guys down. Atari Korea released a multilanguage Driv3r demo alloqwing you to try out the Nice "Booby Trap" mission and the Istanbul "Tanner Escapes" mission, cutscenes included (thanks 3DGamers). Read more for download links ...

Strategy First and developer BattleGoat Studios are delighted to announce that Larry Bond, Best-Selling Author and Award-Winning Game Designer, is contributing to the groundbreaking economic, political, and military strategy game Supreme Ruler 2010. Larry Bond has written the Foreword to the detailed manual which accompanies this game. Supreme Ruler 2010’s release date is scheduled for May 10, 2005.

Gamers can dominate the tuner racing underground with new features and gameplay only made possible by the Nintendo DS. Utilizing the handheld’s touch screen technology, gamers can create their own custom vinyl designs in the "Design Studio" and apply them to the car for a unique tuner racing look.

Dreamfall continues the story of one of the most critically acclaimed adventure games ever made, and will bring adventure gaming into a new era. Focusing on story and characters, Dreamfall features unparalleled 3D visuals, advanced character animations, stunning audio, and innovative gameplay - wrapped in a unique and magical ambience.

Last year, you rose from the “minor leagues” of the WWE to become not only one of its top Superstars, but the World Heavyweight Champion. Maybe it was too much success too quickly. Maybe you were just not ready to carry the target on your back that comes with being a champion. Or maybe you were simply betrayed. Whatever the reason, you lost the title and now must find your way back to the elusive path of vindication. This time around, the path will be even more difficult as the line between friend and foe is not always clear. This time around, trust no one…

Sengoku Basara takes you to the Sengoku War period in Japan where you must guide your warlord through armies of foot soldiers, with a gameplay style reminiscent of other hack-and-slash titles like Dynasty Warriors and Kingdom Under fire. Produced by Resident Evil 4's Hiroyuki Kobayashi, and with Devil May Cry's Makoto Tsuchibayashi in charge of character design Sengoku Basara is already well on its way to be an interesting title in the very least.