Further enhancing its internal console development capabilities and bolstering its ability to create games for the next-generation consoles, Activision, Inc., today announced the acquisition of software developer Shaba Games LLC.

SEGA(R of America today announced that its critically acclaimed fighting game, "Virtua Fighter 4" for the PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system, was the #1 selling title on the platform during its first week of sales according to independent retail data from NPD TRSTS (week ending 3/23). With lightning-fast gameplay action, breathtaking graphics and all new modes and features, "Virtua Fighter 4," was recently named the "Best Fighting Game Ever Made," by gaming enthusiast publication Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine.

Get behind the wheel of the world's top rally cars as you span the globe in quest of a championship. Listen to your navigator as he helps you through more than 40 unique tracks spanning different weather and terrain through 14 grueling stages. Fly over jumps or skid around obstacles on your way to the top of the rally racing circut. Link up with a friend using the GBA link cable for amazing head-to-head competition or watch the action again using the replay mode.

Tiscali Games tossed up two new demos for Cryo's adventure games. First one is Jerusalem (49 MB) and second one is The Secret of the Nautilus - sometimes known as Jules Verne: Under the Sea (58 MB).

Baseball Mogul 2003 is now on sale and available for download. In addition to buying the download, users can also pre-order the boxed game, and then download the electronic version now at no extra charge, so they can start playing immediately! Find out more here. (thanks Gone Gold)!

Larian Studios today tossed up a new 30 MB - 5:47 min movie from their upcoming game Divinity. In this new movie there are five scenes. Four of them show non-combat situations and one shows how’s it like to leisure through a forest being of a much higher level than the enemies you’re meeting. Grab this new movie here!

The 1503 A.D. Website is updated today with Part XVI: An Ambush in the South Seas... 1503 A.D. is an exciting new PC title that blends the action of real-time strategy with the depth of empire building. Here is a snap from the update:

We take the African tribal chief's advice and follow the sun for a whole day. The wind becomes a bit stronger, and I greatly enjoy the breeze. As I have decided not to mention it, Jeremy, too, ignores the fact that our pursuers are still visible on the horizon. Just before we reach the island inhabited by the African tribe's friends, I disclose my plans to Jeremy. Read more HERE!

G3 Studios, a developer and publisher of video games for handheld devices, Pocket PC and other platforms, today released its first title, "Black Jack Pro," which is now available for Pocket PC and Desktop PC platforms. It marks the first title in a series of video games specifically designed and developed for handheld devices, such as the Pocket PC platforms and Sharp Zaurus that will build G3 Studios' product catalog.

Buka Entertainment today announced it has signed a major license agreement with CENEGA N.V. – the leading entertainment software distributor and publisher in Central and Eastern Europe. The agreement covers seven PC games including the highly anticipated tactical RPG Paradise Cracked, the high-class action game MARCH: Offworld Recon, the perfect mix of RPG and trade simulation Spells of Gold, and more, for the territories of The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary.The two companies have already worked together successfully with Cenega publishing Echelon in The Czech Republic.

ZOO, a leading interactive entertainment company, has signed deals with Emap’s flagship Q brand – the UK’s biggest selling monthly music magazine - and The Pepsi Chart to develop two games for touch screen gaming terminals located in pubs throughout the UK. Although both games are music related they cover very different genres, enabling ZOO to attack different market segments simultaneously and extend their expertise within the interactive entertainment arena... Bizarre licensing. Oh yes!