Europa Universalis III delves deeply into the areas of exploration, trade, warfare and diplomacy and is an epic strategy game where players take control of a nation and guide it through the ages to become a great global empire.

As promised, Microsoft has released the first mappack for Epic's action game Gears of War. Sponsored by the Discovery Channel's new show Future Weapons, the 2 free multiplayer maps Raven Down and Old Bones weigh in at 98mb. There is also a Map Pack 1 Theme and an introductory video by CliffyB available when you log onto Xbox Live.

Heimspiel: Eishockeymanager 2007 is a German 3D icehockey management from Greencode. The Games Company has released a new patch bringing your German retail game to v1.06 and improves features, tweaks, and fixes some gfx problems.

Yesterday Sony sent out a media blast to the press touting that it had just won an Emmy for its SIXAXIS wireless controller in the Peripheral Development and Technogical Impact of Video Game Controllers category. Apparently Sony deceived the press en masse as it not only did NOT win an Emmy for the PS3 controller, but rather for its old Dual Shock analog controller, it is also sharing the Emmy with Nintendo for its D-Pad.

Burnout Dominator is an all-new installment of the Burnout series, loaded with intense racing action and dozens of retina-searing World Tour events.

Techland has launched a Xpand Rally Xtreme demo contest for the best rally driver. Record the best time on the Aces Criteron Stage 2 (Italy) demo map and the winner will receive a Logitech MOMO streering wheel. Read more for details ...

Red Mile Entertainment announced the acquisition of the assets of Canadian casual games distro and developer RoverActive Inc.

Another day, another batch of game trailers was released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for:

• Age of Conan - CES 2007 Trailer
• Left 4 Dead - Trailer
• War Front: Turning Point - Trailer #7
• Battlestations Midway [X360/PC] - Gameplay Trailer #5
• Shining Force EXA [PS2] - Trailer #2
• Switchfire - Trailer
• 
  
  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

War Front: Turning Point explores an alternate WWII, one in which Hitler is assassinated in the early days, and you will take command of experimental weapons, prototype vehicles and units rarely seen in strategy games in an attempt to alter or secure its historical outcome. The single-player demo includes a new tutorial, plus 2 single-player missions from the German and American campaigns. We will have the demo available on our fileserver network, Thursday at 9am PST.

Independent design, development and production facility Sniper Studios has hit the floor running with an all star ensemble of industry talent and strategic global partnerships. The first deal the company is announcing is with SEGA of America on a yet to be announced title scheduled for 2007.

The rock gods have spoken, and are pleased to announce further details on the Xbox 360 version of Activision's Guitar Hero II, which will feature a variety of new exclusive downloadable content through Xbox Live Marketplace, along with over 70 finger-melting tracks.

Cinema Empire is Comport Interactive's latest commercial sim products. Start small, work your way up and end up as the owner of the country’s largest chain of movie theatres. This demo features a tutorial and one campaign mission.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. provides players with dynamic gameplay of fast and tough combats, where you are to oppose smart & dangerous enemies, a large set of diverse weaponry, possibility to control machinery, detailed and interactive game world, story-driven single player with original team gameplay, and multiplayer with numerous modes.

Penumbra: Overture is an innovative first person horror game utilizing physics for interaction and puzzles. The game is set in an underground facility on Greenland where the protagonist searches for information regarding his late father.

SCEA announced that it has been recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with a Technology and Engineering Emmy Award for the PS3’s SIXAXIS wireless controller.

In Gods and Heroes you become a classic hero of the ancient world, born of immortal blood. As a scion of the gods, you will have the opportunity to pursue his destiny through a series of Epic Quests that will span all levels of gameplay, over time commanding amazing God Powers and acquiring famous weapons and treasure of myth.

Another day, another batch of game trailers was released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for:

• Motorstorm [PS3] - Intro Movie
• Nanostray 2 [NDS] - Trailer
• Crysis - CES 2007 Trailer
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  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

NetDevil announced Warmonger - Operation: Downtown Destruction, an apocalyptic FPS, built around the AGEIA PhysX processor, enabling unique, piece-by-piece destruction system and is designed to deliver stunning fluid and cloth-based effects unlike anything seen before.

Ascaron has released a new patch for its latest iteration in the ANSTOSS soccer management franchise. This 5th patch requires v1.04 to be installed and fixes various bugs, and game crashes.

Using an enhanced ‘Tomb Raider: Legend’ game engine, the graphics, technology and physics bring Lara’s adventure and pursuit of a mystical artefact known only as the Scion right up to today’s technology standards and will offer gamers a completely new gameplay experience.

Zoo Tycoon developers Blue Fang Games announced that award winning game designer Steve Meretzky, known for creating The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, is joining its team as Senior Designer.

In the Boxing Manager the player follows in the footsteps of legendary boxing promoters, as he walks the long and winding road to the top of the business. Starting out with a small stable and two unknown talents, he will be able to train and manage up to 30 fighters later in the game.

Jewel Summoner has an exceptional story, an intuitive battle system, a sophisticated monster-breeding system, and most importantly, extraordinary graphics! Plus, you can enjoy the unique functions of the PSP by engaging in wireless battles or trading monsters with your friends!

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. provides players with dynamic gameplay of fast and tough combats, where you are to oppose smart & dangerous enemies, a large set of diverse weaponry, possibility to control machinery, detailed and interactive game world, story-driven single player with original team gameplay, and multiplayer with numerous modes.

Hinted at by Epic a few weeks back, it is now official. Microsoft will be releasing two new Gears of War multiplayer maps, sponsored by the Discovery Channel's new show Future Weapons, which will be available for download via Xbox Live Marketplace Wednesday, Jan. 10.