Only operational for about three years, EA confirmed today that it will be closing down its Japanese development studio as part of a consolidation, and instead will focus on working with external Japanese developers. The studio's three titles still under development, Theme Park DS, Sim City DS, and Dragon Zakura DS (based on a Japanese TV & Manga series), will continue until completion, after which it will close its doors.

Sony has released a new v3.11 PSP firmware update, and while details are still sketchy, it adds a Game Reset feature fixing compatibility issues for certain PlayStation Network titles (such as R-Type). Of course this update currently only applies to North America and Asia, as the PS3 is not out yet in Europe.

After previously being delayed until Q1 2007, Paradox Interactive announced it has cancelled Deep Red's strategy and simulation game. Heart of Empire: Rome lets you build & control ancient Rome in glorious real-time 3D. No details as to whether this means the development is halted or just Paradox dropping the title. Deep Silver confirmed to us, they also are no longer publishing HoE: Rome.

During last night's DICE 2007 keynote speech, Sony Digital Pictures President Yair Landau revealed a yet-unannounced Sony Online title, codenamed Vista, which is a snub at Microsoft, since the game was recently delayed. Taking elements from various movies such as James Bond and Bourne Identity, Vista is spy/action game featuring cooperative, team-oriented objectives and PVP, showing lots of Bond-esque gadgetry, including a tricked-out BMW-like car, where agents were battling it out with a slew of street thugs. No further details were given, but now that the cat is out of the bag, more info should follow shortly.

Naughty Dog's Environment Lead artist Rob Adams, confirmed recent rumors that Naughty Dogs' upcoming PS3 title is indeed called Uncharted: Drake's Fortune.

Crytek will be demonstrating the capabilities of their new CryENGINE2 game middleware, powering EA's Crysis, to the public as well as potential future licencees at GDC 2007. Professional developers and modders will be able to get a first hand look at the tools and editors used by Crytek’s own specialists to create their highly anticipated PC game.

Rockstar Games today announced that Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories for the PlayStation 2 will be available in North America on March 6, 2007, and in Europe on March 9, 2007. It will give PS2 owners a big-screen experience of the same storyline and missions as the PSP version, which was released in October 2006.

Pendulo Studios is working on a follow-up to last year's hit title Runaway: A Road Adventure, an adventure game with 3D characters with a cartoon look and high-impact visual features that include 2D and 3D in an unmatchable style. Check back Friday morning if you want to sample CDV's upcoming adventure Runaway 2: the Dream of the Turtle, allowing you to check out the Alaska level.

NCsoft reported earning results for 2006, revealing that sales came to $361 million, with an operating profit of $46.1 million. Compared to the previous year, sales maintained a similar level while operating income and pre-tax profit decreased 44% and 41%, respectively. The company saw its net profit drop 43% year to year, mainly due to investment.

Dreamlords combines the accessibility of a web game with RPG character development, RTS battles and long term tactical strategy in a never before seen gaming experience.

Majesco announced that the world's most recognizable teen sleuth unravels an interactive mystery in Nancy Drew and The Deadly Secret of Olde World Park, letting fans become the teen detective in a Touch Screen based adventure.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group President Kevin Tsujihara announced that Samantha Ryan has been named Senior VP, Development & Production, replacing Jason Hall, who goes back to his creative/development roots with HDFilms, securing a first-look development deal for videogames and feature films.

Clover Studio and Capcom's Okami and Bethesda and 2K Games' The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion lead the nominees for the 7th annual Game Developers Choice Awards with four nominations each, including Best Game.

Xbox 360 is teaming up with Old Spice to bring the first Rewards Challenge to Xbox Live. Gamers will be charged with increasing their gamerscore by 1,500 between February 12 and April 12, 2007. That’s 60 days to bring your overall gamerscore up by 1,500 for the chance to earn a bounty of rewards.

The world's most popular party video game is getting a lot crazier in Mario Party 8. Whether you're shaking up cola cans or lassoing barrels, you and your friends will be drawn into the action like never before using the Wii Remote.

Tortuga: Two Treasures will have players setting sail as pirate captains in search of action, adventure and of course, treasure. You play Thomas ‘Hawk’ Blythe and after you get betrayed and captured, a dramatic battle for power, romance, treasure and truth commences aboard the Jolly Roger.

The Divine is an old-school space combat with stunning graphics, a compelling storyline and, most importantly, solid gameplay, providing fans of the genre with an epic experience that raises the standard of what independent games can be.

Mass Effect is a science-fiction action-RPG created by BioWare, previously known for Jade Empire, KotoR, and Neverwinter Nights. Mass Effect will deliver an immersive story driven gameplay experience with stunning visual fidelity.

Featuring 3 different game play modes, Tank Beat is a touch based action battle game that drives the player through each battle in a variety of tanks against armored, airborne, and sea opponents, playable in single or multi player modes.

Square Enix and Buena Vista Games announced that their Kingdom Hearts series of action role-playing games has shipped more than 10 million units worldwide, making it one of the top game series in the world.

In an interview with Develop magazine, Sony Liverpool director Clemens Wangerin confirmed earlier rumors that Wipeout is headed to the PS3. While a PSP edition was also rumored, Clemens did not make any mention of it, although he did add that the game would make use of the SixAxis controller, and maybe also feature online and multiplayer content. SCEA had no comment but said an announcement would follow shortly ...

While other FPS titles claim to feature action-packed, highly realistic gameplay, BlackSite: Area 51 takes next-gen gaming to an all-new level integrating cutting edge technology, game design and story writing to create the ultimate entertainment experience.

Set against the drama and excitement of players' senior year of high school, Brooktown High: Senior Year for the PSP is a groundbreaking social interaction and dating simulation that challenges players to create their own characters and find the girl or boy of their dreams.

Hudson and Konami announced Honeycomb Beat, combining hypnotic music with brain teasing challenges that everyone can enjoy, Honeycomb Beat features intuitive touch screen puzzle action across three modes of play that lets gamers try to clear hexagonal Honeycombs from the game board.