Vivendi Universal Games today announced that it has signed an exclusive multi-year agreement with renowned rock band Metallica. The contract grants VU Games the worldwide rights to publish and distribute a multi-platform vehicle combat action game featuring music, voice-overs and inspiration from the band. Scheduled for release in 2005, the game will be produced in collaboration with Segnana, Inc. ( www.segnana.com ), a company that partners with Metallica on interactive and online endeavors.

Raven Software is looking for a hi-poly modeler who can model sci-fi and fantasy, with an emphasis on realistic science-fiction military characters, bio-mechanical creatures, human and alien weaponry, vehicles, machinery, and world models for Quake 4. The candidate must have experience modeling hi-poly models in the 200,000 to 4,000,000 poly range using Maya or Lightwave. A more realistic modeling style is required with a great understanding of anatomy. Strong artistic/concepting/painting skills would be a major plus, but not required. If you think you got what it takes then apply here!

Strategy First has ranked number 12 in the PROFIT 100, the 15th annual ranking of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies by Profit: Your Guide to Business Success, and took first place among the Quebec finalists. “Being ranked in the Top 20 in Canada and 1st in Quebec is an amazing achievement for us,” says Don McFatridge, President of Strategy First Inc. “The past couple of years have been tough for everyone so to end up where we are among other companies based in Quebec and across Canada makes me very proud.”

Fight your way against the demons and vampires and help Buffy get hold of the Gentlemen. Join Buffy and all her friends in this new fighting game. Buffy is on patrol in the cemeteries and in the woods to check on the demons and vampires... simple routine for the vampire slayer! However this time she catches sight of two of the Gentlemen's henchmen. Not only she has to deal with Adam, but she now has to look for some clue on what the Gentlemen are organising. But nothing impossible for the slayer. Check the new screens ...

Already shown/revealed at this year's E3, Gathering/Take-Two today officially announced Mafia for the PS2 and Xbox. You choose a life with the Salieri family and the cops and feds will be the least of your problems. Expect a hail of bullets from a Tommy gun or a shotgun in the face over linguine. Read more for details ...

Take 2 has released the first patch for their recently released RTS/Simulation game by Pop Top Software, Tropico 2: Pirate Cove. This upgrade brings your retail game to v1.02 and adresses a few game crashes, adds a few new features and the usual lot. Read more for detailed fix list and download links ...

SCi today announces its entry into the exciting world of aggressive inline skating with ROLLING, a new extreme sports title for the PS2 and Xbox. For people keeping score, Rolling was one of the titles of now defunct publisher/developer Rage. Read more for details and a few new screens ...

As expected Codemasters has released their announced patch for the recently released Colin McRae Rally 3 demo. This patch brings the codebase up to date with the final retail version of the game, and improves steering wheel & force feedback support, updates sound effects and volume balancing, gives a better frame rate, etc. Read more for detailed fix list and download links ...

Already available through the auto-updater earlier, Blizzard has released a new patch for its 3D RTS Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos. This upgrade brings your retail game to v1.6 and adresses balance issues for several characters, weapons, items, structures, and plenty more. Replays are incompatible between v1.05 and v1.06. Read more for a detailed fixl ist and download links ...