SEGA of America, Inc. today announced that Hideaki Irie has joined SEGA of America as president and chief operating officer, effective October 1, 2003. As president and COO, Irie's responsibilities will include directing SEGA's console software gaming businesses in North America, including all product and business development, marketing, sales, operations and content. Irie brings more than a decade of leadership experience to the helm, which includes a previous presidential role.

SEGA of America today announced that "Nightshade" is the official name for the upcoming PS2 title formerly known as "Kunoichi" (it remains "Kunoichi" in Japan) as well as the release of new screenshots. Players take on the role of the sexy and dangerous female ninja Hibana as she battles legions of demonic foes with unlimited combo attacks and powerful ninja magic. Developed by SEGA's Overworks studio, "Nightshade" is slated to be released in early Q1 04. Read more for details and screens ...

SEGA of America today announced the release of "Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg," a new platform game exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube. Developed by the creator of SEGA's world-famous Sonic The Hedgehog series, "Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg" challenges players to solve puzzles, complete missions and defeat powerful bosses throughout massive, fantastical environments with the help of magical eggs.

Bringing all the thrills of the most realistic driving game for Xbox online via Xbox Live, "Sega GT Online" will allow up to 12 gamers to put their cars - and their skills - to the ultimate test against thousands of gamers from around the world. The updated online version of the 2002 Xbox hit will include online parts and car trading, more than 40 new cars, and real-time voice chat.

A blend of deep simulation detail and high-octane arcade action, “Sega GT Online” challenges gamers to qualify for licenses and earn money to soup up their rides and buy newer, more powerful cars. Bringing all the thrills of the most realistic driving game for Xbox online via Xbox Live, “Sega GT Online” allows up to six gamers to put their cars – and their skills – to the ultimate test against thousands of gamers from around the country. Check the new multiplayer screens ...

Japanese video game maker Sega Corp. said Wednesday it aims to double its sales of software for popular game consoles such as Sony Corp.'s (SNE or 6758) PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Corp.'s XBox over the next five years.

A blend of deep simulation detail and high-octane arcade action, “Sega GT Online” challenges gamers to qualify for licenses and earn money to soup up their rides and buy newer, more powerful cars. Bringing all the thrills of the most realistic driving game for Xbox online via Xbox™ Live, “Sega GT Online” allows up to six gamers to put their cars – and their skills – to the ultimate test against thousands of gamers from around the country. Check the new screens ...

SN systems has strengthened its position as market leader in the Japanese market by opening a dedicated office in Tokyo and signing a technical alliance with games developer and publisher giant Sega. The technical alliance is the first step in forging the way for a unique strategic alliance between SN Systems and Sega as they work towards new and improved products for next generation consoles.

SEGA's sports studio, Visual Concepts Entertainment, maker of the acclaimed '2K' sports game series, and ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, today announced at a press conference at the ESPN Zone, a deeper alliance and new branding for the former SEGA Sports "2K" sports videogame series which will now be called ESPN Videogames. Further reinforcing the brand's greatest benefits - ESPN integration and presentation - ESPN Videogames will continue to deliver some of the best sports videogames on the market.

Sega.com, Inc. announced today the official launch of "Legacy Online," a massively multi-player online strategy game for the PC. Developed by Oceanus Communications, a privately held Internet software company based in Ottawa, Canada, Legacy Online provides gamers with the ultimate network gaming experience. Shortly following the launch of the game, Sega.com will be conducting MMOG Tournaments where Legacy Online players can compete to earn the right to name a new planet.

THQ and SEGA Corporation today shipped 'Sega Arace Gallery' for the Game Boy Advance. 'Sega Arace Gallery' is now available at major retail outlets throughout North America. 'Sega Arace Gallery' is a compilation of four classic arcade titles, "After Burner," "Outrun," "Space Harrier" and "Super Hang On," all created by Sega's top game designer, Yu Suzuki. Combining speed, action and high-flying adventure, the SEGA ARCADE GALLERY brings four classic SEGA titles together for ultimate arcade fun on the Game Boy Advance.

Empire Interactive plc, a leading AIM listed computer games developer and publisher, announces that it has signed a distribution deal with leading Japanese games company, SEGA for the release of Warrior Kings: Battles and Ghost Master in Japan. Under the terms of the agreement, SEGA will distribute the titles on the PC Platform.

Today we present another massive screens gallery filled with all of Sega's upcoming titles they will display at the E3 convention in LA, which kicks off Wednesday. We got screens from :

• NCAA College Basketball 2K4 (PS2/Xbox)
• NBA 2K4 (PS2/Xbox)
• NFL 2K4 (PS2/Xbox)
• NHL 2K4 (PS2/Xbox)
• Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution
• Virtual-On Marz (PS2)
• Vectorman (PS2)
• Sonic Adventure DX (NGC)
• Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg (NGC)
• Phantasy Star Online III Card Revolution (NGC)
• Otogi: Myth of Demons (XB)

Visual Concepts Entertainment, a SEGA development studio, today announced that it has expanded its relationship with ESPN, The Worldwide Leader in Sports, for its "2K4" lineup of video games. Only one year after joining forces to deliver the most authentic and realistic sports simulation video games, including ESPN's trademarked presentation features, the two sports powerhouses are taking integration to the next level. The expanded relationship will incorporate even more ESPN elements into the critically acclaimed "2K" franchises, including ESPN commentators, as well as an increased marketing alliance between the two brands.

SEGA Europe Ltd, today announced an agreement with Warhammer Online Ltd, granting SEGA Europe rights to publish 'Warhammer Online' for PC across Europe, North America, Canada and Australia/New Zealand. Warhammer Online is a new massively multiplayer online computer game that allows players to take on the role of outlaws and mercenary adventurers within the grim and gritty realisation of Games Workshop's dark, gothic fantasy world of Warhammer. At the heart of the game is a combination of fantastic new technologies coupled with the deep and atmospheric Warhammer background and some of the most innovative player and character development within an online RPG.

Illustrating its power as an independent content publisher, SEGA today announced its fall and winter lineup of nearly 20 entertainment and sports games to be featured at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2003. SEGA's E3 2003 lineup features a bold and diverse array of titles for the PlayStation2, Xbox, GameCube and the GBA.

Update: We just added screens for about every game in the list, so enjoy!

SEGA Europe Ltd, today announced an agreement with Team17 Software Ltd, granting SEGA Europe rights to publish 'Worms 3D' on GameCube from Nintendo, PlayStation2 from Sony, Xbox, the as well as the PC. Worms 3D is the first 3D incarnation of the highly acclaimed and best-selling Worms franchise, and this latest version marks the first time a core Worms game will appear on the latest generation consoles. Read more for details and new screens ...

SEGA of America, Inc. today announced that "Vectorman" (working title) is currently in development exclusively for the PlayStation2 and will debut at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2003. "Vectorman" is being developed by Pseudo Interactive and is slated for release in early 2004.

SEGA Europe Ltd today announced the development of Headhunter: Redemption, a cinematic third-person action epic for the PlayStation2 and the Xbox . The title is in development by Amuze and is slated for release in North America and Europe in late 2003. The title will debut at the E3.

The Baltimore Sun reports that Game maker Sega Corp. has received a merger offer from rival Namco, a proposal that would create Japan's biggest video game company, both companies said yesterday. Sega, famous for Sonic the Hedgehog, said the offer was being studied along with a proposal announced in February to integrate its operations with Sammy Corp., a Japanese pinball machine company. Sega wouldn't say when a decision could be expected.

SEGA of America, Inc. today announced "Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg" a new platform game exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube. "Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg" is currently in development under the direction of SEGA's renowned Yuji Naka, the creator of SEGA's world-famous Sonic The Hedgehog series.

SEGA today announced "Virtual On Marz," a blazing-fast mech combat game exclusively for the PlayStation2. "Virtual On Marz" casts gamers as a member of "Marz," a Robotic Special Forces unit charged with keeping peace in the galaxy. Players are thrust into the pilot's seat of a giant mechanized battle Virtuaroid as they blast through dozens of missions, defend allied bases, attack enemy convoys and fight alongside other Virtuaroids in explosive 2-on-2 battles. Read more for details and the first few screens ...

SEGA of America, Inc. today announced that "Sega GT Online" is in development exclusively for the Xbox. Bringing all the thrills of the most realistic driving game for Xbox online via Xbox Live, "Sega GT Online" will allow up to six gamers to put their cars - and their skills - to the ultimate test against thousands of gamers from around the country.

Sega Europe Ltd, today confirmed that it is in the process of instigating its own publishing operation to bring to market videogames for all viable gaming platforms. Sega Europe will be building up areas to look after all elements of sales, marketing and PR, to join its pre-existing development infrastructure, with the aim of maximising the sales potential of its popular gaming brands across all PAL-based territories. Previously, Sega Europe had a number of agreements with third-party publishers to bring SEGA-developed titles to market across these territories.

SEGA of America, Inc. today announced the release of "The King of Route 66" exclusively for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system. Challenging gamers to race from Illinois to California in a massive nitro-powered 18 Wheeler, "The King of Route 66" is the ultimate demolition derby-style big rig road trip.