Vivendi Universal Games and Radical Entertainment today announced a worldwide development agreement under which Radical will exclusively develop products for VU Games. The two companies will collaborate on the development of six multi-platform titles based on new and existing entertainment franchises. VU Games will also obtain a royalty-free license to Radical's proprietary game development technologies, as well as an option to purchase the company during contract's term. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Space Hack is a sci-fi RPG/action title with Diablo-inspired gameplay mechanics. The storyline puts you on board of a quite 'peculiar' spaceship, trapped inside a space warp. Being a tough guy, whose axe is almost as quick as his wit, it's not surprising that you promptly find yourself confronting angry monsters, one wave after another. Space Hack is scheduled to be released in first half of 2004. Rebelmind just informed us that they have reached Alpha (playable) stage, and sent us some screens to celebrate it.

Matrix Games has released a new patch for Freedom Games's 3D WWII strategy title Squad Assault: West Front, as well as an updated demo with the latest code. This upgrade brings your retail game to v1.60 (available for US & UK editions) and includes more Windows 98/ME enhancements, LOS and targeting improvements and solutions for some map-specific issues. Also included for download are the new v1.60 demo, with all the v1.60 fixes, an extra map and a demo update for those with previous demos. Read more for detailed fix list and download links

Digital Jesters has released the first patch for Nadeo's sailing simulation game 'Virtual Skipper 3'. This update brings your retail game to v1.1 and adresses a tons of issues suchs as creating of profiles, ISAF rules, various network code optimizations, graphics & sound issues etc. Read more for detailed fix list and download links ...

TKO Software, Inc. today announced an agreement for the exclusive rights for developing a PC and console game based on SAHARA -- Paramount Pictures and Crusader Entertainment's blockbuster movie. SAHARA is based on the international best-selling novel by Clive Cussler, and stars Matthew McConaughey, Penelope Cruz and Steve Zahn. TKO Software will invest $7 million in developing a 3D action adventure game to launch with the film in late 2004.

Sony Online Entertainment Inc. today announced that Champions of Norrath has shipped to North American retail stores. Champions of Norrath, available exclusively on the PS2, brings gamers into its immersive fantasy universe as they experience exciting hack-and-slash action. Champions of Norrath has more game features than any other game in the genre, including five playable character types, randomly generated dungeons and voice chat during online, four players co-op action. Champions of Norrath carries a suggested retail price of $49.99.

Resolution Interactive has acquired full rights from Daydream Software to computer games Clusterball and X-Team Racing, and the game concepts Scarcefreak and Billion Dollar Disc. The agreement includes code, design and community servers, as well as customer databases. One exception is South America, where Daydream keeps the Clusterball and X-Team Racing rights for 3 years in order to complete unfinished business. Daydream is also allowed to use existing Autobahn code in its future production.

The year is 1582 and Takeshi Kaneshiro as Samanosuke is the man who has just returned. The stage is set at the burning Honnoji Temple, as the famous Onimusha warrior Samanosuke Akechi fights. As he faces the demons in front of him, Samanosuke is compelled to move forward by hatred for his true enemy, the undying Nobunaga Oda, ever pursuing his crazed ambition. Samanosuke prepares for the long-awaited final battle against Nobunaga. Read more for a few new screens ...

Burnout 3 takes the series even further, now featuring a unique 'crash and burn' racing concept and a one-of-a-kind special effects engine that delivers spectacular visuals. The intensity heats up as players race, and often crash, their way through oncoming traffic in an attempt to claim the top spot. Boasting multiple single-player, multiplayer and online* crash and race modes, Burnout 3 offers players the opportunity to race through busy city streets and be rewarded for taking risks that result in heart-pounding action and electrifying crashes.