While it has bbeen known for month, Codemasters today officially announced 'TOCA Race Driver 2: The Ultimate Racing Simulator'. One of the most successful brands in motor sport gaming is set to continue as Codemasters confirms that TOCA, the headline licence of its 5-million+ selling series, will be retained and the current Race Driver 2 game in development will be published as TOCA Race Driver 2: The Ultimate Racing Simulator. TOCA Race Driver 2 will launch spring 2004 for Xbox and PC, complete with Xbox Live and PC online functionality, and is designed to be the definitive racing game experience.

Microsoft Game Studios today announced that the squad-based tactical shooter Brute Force has joined the list of Xbox Platinum Hits. The Xbox Platinum Hits lineup provides gamers with a choice of the most proven and critically acclaimed titles for Xbox, each available for an estimated retail price of $19.99 (U.S.) at most retailers. Platinum Hits games are sold in silver packaging with original product artwork. More information about Platinum Hits can be found at http://www.xbox.com/platinumhits.

Another day, another batch of game trailers were released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for :

• Battlefield: Vietnam - Trailer
• Kreed: Battle for Savitar - Trailer
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  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

Sensational graphics, awesome game play and absorbing scenarios will keep you riveted to this enthralling shooter, 3D extravaganza. Determination, skill and reflexes will all be required in huge amounts… 'Xyanide' features Xbox Live and will be released in February/March. Read more for some new Xbox screens ...

MiniOne Racing is of course a racing game, where players drive colorful, humorous miniature cars over various landscapes, taking them to beaches, schoolyards... and even other planets !!! French developer Frogames has released some new screens & trailers ...

The Bard's Tale combines the development team's collective knowledge of compelling RPG gameplay with brilliant graphics and major motion picture quality story and dialogue. The Bard's Tale eschews genre cliches in favor of intelligent humor for an original and truly entertaining experience.

S2Games has released an updated version of their recently released Savage: Battle for Newerth patch. This upgrade brings your retail game to v2.0c and addresses a few minor bugs that were uncovered in the v2.0 patch, adds a few new client features as well as some extra optimization. Read more for detailed fix list and download links ...

Step into war-torn China of the 2nd and 3rd centuries, assume the rank of ruler, and deal with fast-paced military and political affairs. Along the way, you'll earn points and items to upgrade officers. Today we reveal game objectives and basics, new Challenge scenarios, the new Personality Dependent System, a new system for military formations, and more!

Blizzard has announced the beta signups start for their massive multiplayer online role-playing game World of WarCraft. The Blizzard Web site has word that you can start signing up as of 6pm PST on Wednesday, January 28th (will only accept applications from Canada, Korea, and the US). "The test for Europe and other countries around the world will happen later this year. Testers are not going to be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis, so you will be able to submit an application and receive equal consideration anytime during the signup period."