Pirates is broadband only, with high-end hardware specifications for graphics -- a GeForce 3 or better is required in at least a 1GHz machine, and the game is optimized for the latest DirectX 9.0-class cards. Pirates is being published on-line directly to gamers using Valve's new Steam technology, the same delivery system used by Half-Life 2 and Counterstrike 2.

Epic Games today announced that it has completed the purchase of the Reality Engine from Artificial Studios and hired its founder, and lead engine programmer, Tim Johnson. Tim will join the Unreal Engine 3 development team effective immediately and be part of Epic's presence at the E3 in Los Angeles, California next week.

Perpetual Entertainment, currently working on two MMO's Gods and Heroes: Rome Rising and Star Trek Online, announced today the addition of Daron Stinnett to the Star Trek Online team as its Executive Producer.

Hip Games today revealed the line-up for this year's E3 in Los Angeles, California on May 18-20, 2005. Hip will be showing off a strong product portfolio including City of the Dead, Rugby Challenge 2006, Jackie Chan Adventures, Fear Factor: Unleashed, and previously unannounced titles, Playboy the Mansion: Private Party, Call of Cthulhu: Destiny's End Ghost Wars and Playboy. Read more for details ...

Hip Games today announced that they have signed horror icon Tom Savini to appear in the previously unnamed City of the Dead video game. Developed by Kuju Entertainment and set in the George A. Romero universe, City of the Dead will be released on the PS2, Xbox and PC in spring 2006.

Bethesda today announced plans to release a sequel to its Pirates of the Caribbean game based on Walt Disney film, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow will feature a blend of fast-paced action and adventure that captures the entertaining characters, settings, and spirit of the first movie.

JoWooD Productions today announced that the world-famous actor Richard Dean Anderson will be appearing at Jowood's booth (South Hall 724) at this year’s E3 in Los Angeles. Richard Dean Anderson will be appearing between 11:30am and 2:30pm on Wednesday, May 18, 2005.

Today Microsoft Game Studios revealed its lineup for the coming E3 convention in Los Angeles. Amongst previously announced titles such as Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends Age of Empires III, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, Dungeon Siege II and Fable: The Lost Chapters, MGS will also be showing Zoo Tycoon 2 expansion pack ZT2: Endangered Species. Read more for details on the lineup...

Rising Kingdoms is an RTS set in a fantasy world, which focuses on empire development and dynamic tactical battles. This impressive title stays true to Haemimont's long tradition of RTS and RPG type games that started with Tzar: the Burden of the Crown and Celtic Kings series – Celtic Kings: Rage of War and Nemesis of the Roman Empire a.k.a.Imperivm II.

Epic Games today announced that its Unreal Engine 3 technology and tools will be used exclusively in all next-generation games developed by Silicon Knights.

Today Ubisoft unveils the first game features and visuals for Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Chaos Theory for the Nintendo DS. Taking full advantage of Nintendo DS’ dual screens and Touch Screen technology, the game offers an immersive experience through the single-player campaign and also includes the innovative cooperative multiplayer and versus modes.

Empire Earth 2 will build upon the award-winning formula of its predecessor by adding features requested both by casual game players interested in a brief spin through history and by more hard core gamers who demand a real-time strategy game that will challenge them for dozens, if not hundreds, of hours.

Battlefront and TBG Software are thrilled to announce DropTeam! A truly cross-platform compatible Sci-Fi multiplayer tactical simulation of mechanized ground combat using a new groundbreaking and powerful 3D engine, DropTeam is all about fun, fast and furious tactical action – but not at the expense of realistic physics and a credible combat experience.

The U.S. Army today announced that it is expanding its technology agreement with Epic Games. Since 2000, Epic's Unreal Engine 2 has served as the foundation for America's Army, the Official U.S. Army Game. To take advantage of leap-ahead capabilities afforded by Epic Games' newest engine, the Army will begin developing its next generation versions of America's Army on the Unreal Engine 3 in the coming months.

Ubisoft announced today that Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Lockdown, the fourth installation of the multi-million unit selling franchise, will ship worldwide in September 2005 for the PS2, Xbox and the GameCube. The PC edition, developed by Red Storm Entertainment, is scheduled for an early 2006 release.

Got Game Entertainment today announced a July 14, 2005 release date for the North American release of "RHEM 2", an intricate pure-puzzle first person adventure game, and the sequel to the popular "RHEM". Made for PC and Mac, "RHEM 2" rejoins Zetais and Kales as they now explore a hidden city in underground caves far beneath the earth's surface. Set as a direct sequel in story and gameplay to its predecessor, "RHEM 2" features non-linear gameplay, non-violent story, and mind-bending puzzles.

In2Games today announces the forthcoming revolution in golf gaming – Real World Golf. Following an exceptionally successful public debut at April's London Golf Show, In2Games is delighted to announce that Real World Golf will be launched for PS2 and PC on August 26 2005.

Heart of Empire: Rome leads the player through 14 huge missions as they actually build & control ancient Rome in glorious real-time 3D. From simple beginnings, they must quickly build housing for their growing population; start to meet their increasing desires for food, goods and entertainment.

Midway Games on Monday posted a larger loss for the first quarter and raised its estimated net loss for the full year, citing plans to increase development spending for new games. The financial gibberish also revealed Midway is pushing back Fear & Respect slips to 2006.

SEGA Europe announced today that Sports Interactive's hockey management title, NHL: Eastside Hockey Manager 2005 has gone gold and will be available in European stores on May 27th 2005. SIGames has also released an updated fully functional time limited demo, allowing you six months worth of game-time in the NHL and UK elite leagues. Read more for details ...

Fansite Beyond Unreal has received confirmation from Midway that Epic's next UT game will officially be called Unreal Tournament 2007. Previously only known under code name Envy, Epic has stated it would skip UT2006, and the new product will be not be a continuation, or sequel, to UT2004, but instead an all new title built from scratch, using the Unreal Engine 3. UT2007 will be officially announced and shown behind closed doors at E3 2005.

Dreamfall continues the story of one of the most critically acclaimed adventure games ever made, and will bring adventure gaming into a new era. Focusing on story and characters, Dreamfall features unparalleled 3D visuals, advanced character animations, stunning audio, and innovative gameplay - wrapped in a unique and magical ambience.

Valve announced today that it is planning on releasing de_port and de_inferno next week. Along with the two new maps, an updated version of the current CT model will be included. Valve will of course be present at the upcoming E3 expo where Half-Life 2 Xbox will be shown in the Xbox area of Microsoft’s booth. Meanwhile Half-Life 2: Lost Coast, the new single-player level created to introduce High-Dynamic Range (HDR) lighting to the Source engine, is slated to appear in the Games for Windows area at the show.

Europe 1942. These are desperate hours for Allied forces as the Nazi war machine rages across a devastated European landscape. You are US Army Lieutenant William Holt, hand-picked by William “Wild Bill” Donovan to be the first field agent of the newly formed Office of Strategic Services­the OSS. Medal of Honor European Assault makes you the driving force in the struggle to liberate Europe.

Namco announced today the first title based on the popular Berenstain Bears license, The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree. "The Berenstain Bears" series of books and TV specials has been delighting youngsters around the world for over 4 decades. Now, with the blessing of creators Stan and Jan Berenstain, Brother Bear, Sister Bear and cousin Fred make the leap to interactive entertainment for a new generation of children to enjoy.