NEC Electronics has won a contract from Microsoft to produce one of the chips that will go into the graphics system of the next generation Xbox games console.

Valve has released a new trailer for its upcoming free Half-Life 2 addon, Half-Life 2: Lost Coast. This movie features a minute of high-res in-engine footage to show the High-Dynamic Range rendering that is included in the FPS add-on. Read more for download links ...

Topware Interactive Inc. has officially entered the North American market as both a publisher and distributor of PC and console software. All three principals of Topware Interactive Inc.: Alexandra Constandache (owner), Dirk Hassinger (CEO), and James Seaman (Managing Director), are part of the prominent European game producers, Zuxxez AG of Germany.

Deep Silver will be joining the industry caravan to Los Angeles, presenting their 2005 and 2006 titles to the worldwide media. With many announcements to be made during the show, Deep Silver can confirm that the following titles will be on show at their stand in the South Hall (724) : D1rt, X3: Reunion, Singles 2, Earth 2160, Rush for Berlin and Hearth of Empire: Rome. Read more for details ...

Captured, conveniently forgotten, tortured, and left for dead, MI6 agent Andrew Sterling awaits execution in a Chinese prison. The story begins when a mysterious friend from his past rescues him, setting off a chain of events that could rock the very foundations of global security and wreak chaos on a worldwide level.

SCEE today announced that its PSP will be launched in Europe on 1st September 2005, available in a single version Value Pack, priced at €249 (£179). The PSP Value Pack contains the PSP with a pouch, 32MB Memory Stick Duo, Battery Pack, Headphones with Remote Control, AC Adaptor, Wrist Strap, cloth and a video/music/game sampler Universal Media Disc including several non-interactive game demos.

Featuring stunning 3D fighting action, Rave Master for the GameCube includes 19 characters from the animated series including Haru, Elie, Musica and others. Rave Master’s unique Story Edit Mode allows players to create their very own original Rave Master adventure by choosing dialogue, backgrounds and even music.

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

• Deep Sea Tycoon 2 - Trailer
• Empire Earth 2 - Release Trailer
• Fantastic Four - Trailer #2
• Guild Wars - Trailer #8

According to NPD Group, total U.S. sales of video game hardware, software and accessories rose 23 percent in the first quarter of 2005 to more than $2.2 billion The sharp increase was mainly due to the launch of PSP and NDS handhelds, and software wise the best selling product was Sony's PS2 title Gran Turismo 4, with 1.1 million copies sold. The $10 billion U.S. video game industry is keeps steady in comparison with the domestic movie box office sales.

CDV, in partnership with developer Enigma, today announced War Leaders: Clash of Nations, previously known as War Leaders: WWII. War Leaders will offer players a complete strategy experience, requiring gamers take on the role of diplomat, grand strategist and battlefield tactician in a war-torn WWII Europe.

Today Ubisoft announced that it is developing Prince of Persia 3 (working title) for the PS2, the Xbox, GameCube and the PC. Scheduled for release in the second half of 2005, Prince of Persia 3 is the third volume in the award-winning Prince of Persia franchise.

SpecForce is Techland's latest futuristic tactical shooter with a plot connected to already known Chrome. Game development has been underway for some time now, and will use an optimized Chrome Engine. Techland today revealed first details of the game's multiplayer mode, along with fresh game play footage.

With action-packed intensity, stunning graphics, unique battle systems, and a captivating cast of characters, SUN is an epic medieval tale set in a rich world of emperors, armies, magicians and monsters. SUN is the first title to incorporate console-style game mechanics into a classic MMORPG. Webzen announced today the company has signed Oscar and Grammy award-winning composer Howard Shore to compose the music for SUN. Read more for details and the first ingame screens ...

Go golf crazy and take on a cast of colourful characters in the coolest clubhouse around. No need for airs and graces here – just select a golfer from a range of friendly faces, and customize their abilities, attributes and appearance before teeing off across a series of challenging courses and game modes. Go head-to-head with both friends and foes via WiFi compatible Ad Hoc Mode and become a true golfing legend.

Today DICE announced it will be bringing its upcoming Battlefield 2 Modern Combat console title also to Sony PSP handheld. It is planned for a first quarter 2006 debut. Digital Illusions licenses the right to develop Modern Combat for PSP to EA's studio in Great Britain.

Electronic Arts today announced the release of NBA STREET Showdown and FIFA Soccer for the PSP. Now, right in the palm of their hands, players can experience the graphics, new game modes, and Wi-Fi multiplayer of both EA franchises.

THQ and Relic Entertainment today announced their latest RTS game Company of Heroes. A real-time strategy game set in World War II, Company of Heroes brings to life, in full cinematic detail, the greatest war mankind has ever known. Scheduled to release worldwide in 2006, the game will make its public debut at the E3 in May. Read more for details and the first screens ...

The official date for the open beta testing of World of Warcraft in China will be April 26, 2005, earlier than the originally planned April 29, 2005. WoW's open beta testing date has been brought forward by three days to accommodate tremendous requests and strong expectations from players.

Compete and earn respect in Need for Speed Underground Rivals , customize and take on the pinnacle Japanese & American tuner cars in a pursuit of total ownership of the street racing scene. A uniquely designed racing game based on the legacy of the hugely successful Underground series.

Last week 2K Games officially announced Serious Sam II, the much-anticipated return of Sam "Serious" Stone to PC and the Xbox. Not many details are available at this point, but there are two screens trickling through (thanks Seriously!). Read more to check them out.

Hollywood Reporter reveals that Actress Radha Mitchell will topline the film adaptation of the video game "Silent Hill. Principal photography is due to begin Monday in Toronto on the suspense horror feature and will run through July 22. TriStar Pictures' movie, directed by French filmmaker Christophe Gans ("Brotherhood of the Wolf") and scheduled for 2007, is budgeted at $45 million-$50 million, with additional casting not yet final. Silent Hill is being co-produced by Resident Evil's Hadida, who will also be doing a film adaptation of Capcom's Onimusha (thanks VE3D).

Tomorrow Halo 2 fans with Xbox Live access will be able to get a sneak peek at the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack. The multiplayer expansion pack contains nine new multiplayer maps to push gamers' skills to their limits. Xbox Live subscribers will be able to preview the four maps, and by late summer, all maps will be available for free. Read more for some screens ...

JCEntertainment, known for the interesting looking, but cancelled, action/horror Wild West themed MMO Priest, is working on bringing one of its other MMO titles to North America, and will be on display at E3. FreeStyle Street Baseketball is 3 on 3 street basketball game mixing youth and freedom with HipHoop style, different from another basketball games. Read more for details and screens ...

A few weeks ago, Bandai revealed the next title in the Dragon Ball Z franchise, Dragon Ball Z Sparking! Developed by Spike, the action game will be in full 3D and feature over 40 characters, including Sangoku, Vegeta and Janemba. Combat will take place in the air, on the ground, and have an over-the-shoulder perspective. After only confirming a fall 2005 release date in Japan, Bandai now also revealed that Sparking will be released in North America & Europe. GameStop has a DBZ game listed for November 15 release, although the full title isn't specified.