Sony Computer Entertainment revealed today it had been ordered to pay an additional 27.9 billion yen ($243 million) in taxes related to transactions between its game unit and a U.S. subsidiary, and overseas transactions in its CD and DVD-making operations. SCEI said it would fight the order, but that either way it would not have a large impact on its group earnings.

Alten8 announced that it has signed a worldwide distribution agreement with Oniric Games for its 3rd person shooter Project Xenoclone.

EA announced today that NASCAR 07 will feature NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Elliott Sadler on the cover. The longtime gamer has been heavily involved in all aspects of EA's NASCAR franchise since he joined the Cup ranks in 1999, including taking home the championship trophy from last years' EA SPORTS Drivers Gaming Competition in Bristol, TN, making him the perfect driver to showcase on the cover.

DarkStar One delivers fast-paced action within a vast and authentic universe, spectacular graphics, freedom of choice, a gripping story and the power to save the federal galaxy from its nemesis! This demo allows you to check out an extensive tutorial as well as approximately 2 hours of gameplay with a large variety of worlds, equipment upgrades, and alien races.

Paradox Interactive announced that it will publish an addon to Soldiers: Heroes of World War II. In Silent Heroes, previously known as Saboteurs, you take control of a special operations force during World War II.

Funcom announces that Age of Conan is entering the first phase of beta testing. The first stage of Beta will include people from Funcom’s QA Department and selected, experienced Beta testers under NDA. During the fall signs-up will be announced broadly, applications will be processed, and more external testers will be included in the Beta.

Blade Dancer is situated on a mysterious island, and has you play as Shane. While details are still slim, the game will have a crafting system where you can combine items to create your own unique objects, as well as a 4 player LAN and online multiplayer.

Since Troika is no longer amongst the living this patch is not official, so use at your own discretion. This update brings Activision's Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines retail game to v2.5 (requires v1.2 patch installed) and addresses a number of known issues, gameplay tweaks, bug fixes and so forth (thanks Werner).

Prey is serious, dark story, based on authentic Cherokee mythology. Themes of sacrifice, love and responsibility are explored and the story dives into emotional territory not yet explored by similar games. Two weeks later than initially planned it seems the Xbox 360 demo for Prey will finally be available on Xbox Live Marketplace this Sunday, 2nd July.

Graphically Ridge Racers 2 does not look much different than the original, but the sequel will feature a total of 42 circuits, 62 cars, and 3 new game modes Arcade, Duel and Survival. No mention of a possible online multiplayer mode, but people who pre-order will receive a Megamix music cd with all the favorite tunes from the series.