Sammy Studios Inc. today announced the addition of Clinton Keith. Clinton comes to the company from Rockstar San Diego, the developer formerly known as Angel Studios, Inc., where he served as director/lead programmer. He joins Sammy Studios as lead tools programmer, working with teams currently creating the company’s first internally-developed video games in North America.

MindComet, the industry leading new media solutions provider, today announced that it has designed and developed an online game in support of the Nextel/National Hockey League All-Star Challenge. The Nextel/NHL All-Star Challenge is a national shootout competition, taking place in 11 NHL team markets and through a national sweepstakes (U.S. residents only) over a three-month period. The competition will culminate at the 2003 NHL All-Star Weekend presented by Nextel in Sunrise, Fla., where one fan will have the opportunity to shoot against Tampa Bay Lightning star goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin for $250,000.

When Codemasters launches the PC edition of TOCA Race Driver early next year, players will see the circuit and cars ahead and to the sides thanks to its use of Matrox Surround Gaming, which enables the gameplay to be viewed across three linked monitors... Check out two photos of a sort of serving suggestion for how this would work and four triple-screen shots.

BioWare Corp. today announced the release of Witch Wake Part One: The Fields of Battle, the first of an upcoming series of new story-based game modules for the award-winning Dungeons & Dragons computer role-playing game Neverwinter Nights. Read more for details and links where to grab the mod.

Bam Ent. is hard at work on their cross platform title "A Sound Of Thunder" based on Ray Bradbury's classic story (and also upcoming movie). Its all about hunting dinosaur's Jurrasic Park style. Don’t change anything in the past, don’t leave anything behind and don’t bring anything back. Unfortunately someone screwed up… Today we have a ton of screens for all platforms .. Njoy!

Christian Antkow, Level Desiger @ id Software updated his .plan file with following announcement today:

We're looking to contract a sound designer to work on weapon sounds, impact sounds, monster sounds, world ambience, machinery, etc for our upcoming game, DOOM 3. Basically, you will be responsible for creating a lot of sounds that will be used in the game.

Find out more below!

Vivendi has announced it is to bring the all-action adventures of James Cameron's Dark Angel to the PlayStation 2 and Xbox video game systems. The game has been developed by Radical Ent., is being published by Sierra Entertainment Inc., a studio of Vivendi Universal Games, and is due for release on 21st February, 2003 (already available in the US).

UPDATE: 12 screenshots of no readily discernible format added and 4 pics of the digital Jessica

Wild Earth, which will be officially announced next month, is a departure from the sci-fi reputation of the studio. Wild Earth is set deep in Africa on the plains of the Serengeti, where the player takes the role of a photo-journalist on assignment for a fictional news magazine by the same name. Amazingly lifelike animation and immersive environments will make it a winner for all ages.

Playboy Enterprises today announced a global licensing deal with ARUSH Entertainment in conjunction with Groove Games to create, market and distribute a set of interactive simulation video games. The first Playboy- branded game, which will be playable on multiple platforms including PC, Sony PlayStation 2 and Microsoft Xbox consoles, is targeted to be in stores in 2004.

Wanadoo has signed an agreement with Nevrax, a developer of massively multiplayer online role playing games, covering the publication and operation of the new "Ryzom" game, beginning in late 2003. Building on the success of "Dark Age of Camelot," launched in January 2002, Wanadoo is gearing up to offer a new massively multiplayer online role playing game called "Ryzom." "Ryzom" is a third-generation 3D game that features a highly original poetic universe designed for the general public. Online gaming aficionados will discover innovative game mechanisms, along with sumptuous graphics.

Revolt Games, developer of the forthcoming space simulator Homeplanet has registered the name 3MapGames as a trademark. From now on the spacesim Homeplanet, the futuristic first person shooter Neuro and all other games from this team will also be released under the new name.

Long ago, a battle raged on between good and evil for the right to rule the Light Hemisphere of Eternia. All that was good and sacred was put to the test. King Randor and his army defeated the evil forces, but the evil Skeletor and his followers were brewing a new plot to take over Eternia. With his new powers and his mighty soldiers by his side, He-Man must take on Skeletor, but must never reveal his true identity, as it would mean the end of Grayskull. Does He-Man still have the power? Read more and find out!

eGenesis, creator of the massively multiplayer online RPG A Tale In The Desert, has signed MDO Games to publish and host a German version of the game. The German version entitled Kemet: A Tale In The Desert is slated for release in January of 2003.

Entertainment industry powerhouses are lining up to support the highly anticipated “Video Games Live At The Hollywood Bowl” concert taking place in spring 2003. Mystical Stone Entertainment has bolstered its industry’s presence through partnerships with the entertainment agency Endeavor and public relations firm Bender/Helper Impact. Endeavor will spearhead several business and development initiatives for Mystical Stone Entertainment including broadcast rights, cross-promotional partnerships and other strategic alliances.

Icculus and Electronic Arts have released the first beta dedicated Linux server for Battlefield 1942, allowing Penguin-powered PCs to host multiplayer games of Digital Illusions' vehicular first-person shooter. This beta release will expire in about 30 days but a new release should become available prior to that, and bug reports are solicited. Read more for details, install guide and links where to grab the goods...

Codemasters today announced its revolutionary PlayStation2 racing title, Pro Race Driver, shipped to stores. Pro Race Driver redefines the racing genre with the inclusion of an innovative narrative character-based storyline and the realism of more than 40 detailed cars and 38 licensed tracks in Pro Race Driver. The game is available on store shelves for an SRP of $39.99.

Codemasters just send us the latest "IGI2: Covert Strike" status update. This time they let us know that there is a new music track from the full game available for download and we also received a selection of questions that the public have sent in over the last few weeks to Codemasters founder and Creative Director, Richard Darling. Read more for music download link and the Q&A..

The CMBB Strategy Guide for 'Combat Mission: Barbarossa to Berlin' has been released today! The 300+ page CMBB Strategy Guide by acclaimed author Mark H. Walker covers… "everything from reconnaissance to reverse slope defense, flank attacks to foolish moves. If the vast array of tactics inherent to Combat Mission are twisting your brain into knots, this is the book to straighten you out." Moreover, the majority of units in the game are listed in charts with all the relevant data and statistics, providing a great printed guide what to purchase for your next QuickBattle. The Strategy Guide is available immediately for $15 (plus S&H) directly online from battlefront.com.

On the morning of 2nd August 1990, 300,000 Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait, an action that would culminate in the Gulf War. After diplomatic efforts failed, the opposing coalition forces responded by preparing offensive operations, codenamed 'Desert Storm'. Desert Storm delivered a decisive victory, one that was achieved through meticulous planning, superb training and daring execution. Fundamental to its success were the activities of the Elite Special Forces - small teams of highly trained soldiers tasked with infiltrating enemy territory to neutralise key targets.

In Enclave, the action-oriented role player can choose from 12 different character classes and enjoy long-term fascination in more than 24 detailed levels. A medieval fantasy ambience featuring impressive landscapes, castles, lava caves and city backdrops are bound to enchant the gamers. Ogres, gnomes, and druids tackle their enemies with numerous weapons and pieces of equipment such as swords, battle axes, and catapults. In terms of graphics Enclave features great texture variety, amazing polygon rates, seamless image formation, and, above all, breathtaking special FX. As a very special feature the players can access every part of the visible architecture. The dynamic soundtrack which adapts itself to the game, professional voice-overs and surround FX add to the already intense atmosphere. Read more for l8inks where to grab in the ingame action trailer!

Alawar Entertainment has released a few new things of interest to the gaming public today including an updated demo of Brickshooter, and a free level pack for its Gold Sprinter game. Gold Sprinter is a classic 2D platformer, while Brickshooter is a classic game similar to Breakout. You can find demos for both games, along with a bunch of other classic games, over at the Alawar site (thanks GamespyDaily). What can i say, its a slow news day ;)

Jaleco Entertainment has announced that "Nightcaster II: Equinox", the 3D action spell-shooter, and "Pulse Racer", the futuristic combat racer with INFINITRAX, both ship tomorrow (Tuesday) for the Xbox. Read more for details ...

The 3DO Company today announced Heroes of Might and Magic IV: Winds of War for the PC. In the second expansion to the best-selling fantasy turn-based strategy game, players battle fantastic creatures and face fierce armies across 40 action-packed maps. The Expansion Pack is scheduled to ship this Spring. Read more for details and 4 new screens ...

"Freelancer" offers cutting edge space combat within a vibrant, living universe on an intensely epic scope. The player can freely navigate, providing vast opportunities for exploration, trade and combat. Additionally, "Freelancer" offers a seemingly endless pool of missions that the players can choose from to create their own adventures. For players who are more interested in a structured experience, "Freelancer" also features a compelling storyline that draws the player deeper and deeper into the mysteries of the human colonies in the distant Sirius System and against a villain unlike any mankind has faced before. Check out the new batch fo screens ...

French-Canadian publisher Microids has commissioned Scandinavian game developer UDS to develop an action sports game called “Tennis Masters Series 2003” (TMS 2003) for PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube. TMS 2003 is the Tennis Masters Series’ official licence and the release is expected early next year.