Reuters is reporting that Japan's Sony Corp. and Toshiba Corp. are in talks to develop a common standard for next-generation DVDs and end a fierce battle over formats that has been threatening to stifle the industry's growth. Sony and Toshiba, heading rival groups, have waged a three-year battle to have their new technology adopted by the industry and gain pole position in the multi-billion dollar markets for DVD players, PC drives and optical disks. Both parties are trying to avoid a repeat of the VHS vs. Betamax rivalry back in the 80's.

Forza Motorsport gives Xbox gamers who are passionate about cars and racing the opportunity to own, customize, and race their favorite cars in a realistic driving simulation. From sport compacts to LeMans prototypes, players use earnings from hundreds of races to buy upgrades and aftermarket parts so they can transform real production cars into high-performance race cars.

EA has released a new patch for its 3D RTS Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle Earth. This update brings your retail game (English & German) to v1.02 and a slew of game balance fixes, and the usual bug/crash fixes (thanks Patches Scrolls). Read more for detailed fix list and download links ...

Playboy.com today has announced its next step in delivering digital and downloadable beauties with the launch of its newest feature "PlayboyStation Portable." Playboy.com has created a sci-fi themed pictorial of the Cyber Girl of the Year 2005 Amy Sue Cooper that was photographed and formatted specifically for viewing on this device.

Namco announced today that Popeye: Rush For Spinach" for the GBA has shipped to North American retail stores. "Popeye: Rush For Spinach" lets you compete in the ultimate race and features popular characters from the "Popeye" universe.

Hell Forces is a classical FPS in which the main hero, Stephen Geist, is trying to find out what has happened to his missing friend. During this search, he is mired in a satanic conspiracy, and is trying to stop dread forces of Baphometh, the servant of Satan. Infernal legions are uncountable, but Stephen is not. Only with your help can he find out the truth and stop the invasion.

Pursuit Force is a fast-paced arcade-action game, that fuses driving and combat mechanics to create a unique gaming experience for PSP. Developed by Bigbig Studios, a new development team that pulls together some of the leading creative talent in the gaming industry, Pursuit Force follows the misadventures of a rookie Police Officer tracking down five criminal gangs across an entire fictional state in America.

Broadcom Corporation today announced a strategic partnership to provide wireless technology for Nintendo's next generation gaming systems. Broadcom's diverse portfolio of technology solutions will enable Nintendo to add cutting-edge wireless features and connectivity to its popular line of gaming consoles. Nintendo's next generation console (codenamed "Revolution") will feature an advanced wireless platform that integrates multiple technologies to enable a new and exciting gaming experience.

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. Read more for some new screens ...

Of all places, an online retailer in South Africa has a listing for an upcoming Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-earth expansion pack. No additional information was listed, apart from it being scheduled for release in September 2005. We contacted EA to see if there was any truth to the matter, and all we got was, "Rumors and speculation, no comment," but also a friendly piece of advice: "I wouldn't line up outside the store." A very popular franchise, a good RTS, and EA so an expansion pack would not be unheard of, but only time will tell ...

Codemasters today announced it has partnered with Trymedia Systems to bring the PC edition of the acclaimed stealth action title Second Sight to Trymedia's global game distribution network.

Close Combat: First to Fight has shipped and is currently available in retail stores across North America and Europe for PC. A version for the Xbox was released on April 9th.

NovaLogic today announced that Delta Force: Xtreme has gone gold and will hit stores in the US on April 21st, 2005 for just $19.99! Delta Force: Xtreme includes a selection of the best single and multiplayer missions from the original PC game Delta Force, as well as new missions and a host of updated game features. Improvements include a complete graphics overhaul, new renders, particle and weather effects, as well as new content in the form of missions, controllable vehicles and new online features. Delta Force: Xtreme also includes 20 co-op missions, online stat tracking and improved anti-cheat measures.

JoWood announced today that it has signed an agreement with Capcom to distribute its action adventure Legend of Kay in North America and Japan. No release date has been announced yet, but Legend of Kay has been available in Europe for a few months already.

NASCAR 2006 is expected somewhere in August and instead of the "you vs. the rest of the pack," it will now focus on team play. NASCAR 2006 will allow you to be part of a racing team, give commands, switching over to other cars in your team (especially useful in case you wreck your own ride), and of course slightly updated graphics. Your team members will either like or dislike you, depending on your action on the track.

Announced last month, then delayed earlier this month, the latest BFME community update reveals that the v1.02 is almost ready and is currently in Quality Assurance testing. While the new patch will address numerous technical issues, the core of this patch will revolve around further balancing the 4 playable factions, in order to push The Battle for Middle-earth towards a more challenging and intriguing experience. The production of patch 1.02 has been largely influenced by community & fan sites feedback, top players, and dedicated fans. Read more for a detailed fix list ...

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. Read more for some new screens ...

While Codemasters may not have a booth or lineup of titles at E3 , that does not mean it won't be present. Codemasters announced today that its Chairman and CEO David Darling has assigned a new multi-million dollar war chest, mainly due to a recently secured investment, to acquire and fund new gaming properties from development studios.

Microsoft Game Studios today announced that its highly-anticipated, ultra-realistic driving simulator, Forza Motorsport, has gone gold. Racing fans can mark May 3, 2005 on their calendar as the day Forza Motorsport peels out and pulls up to stores, available for a suggested retail price of $49.99 (U.S.).

Since April of 1964 the Ford Mustang has sold over 8 million vehicles and has generated a strong following of enthusiasts, aftermarket manufacturers, websites, and publications - all dedicated to this iconic vehicle. "Ford Mustang" provides incredible graphics and "pick up and play" gameplay - at a value price. Drive the hottest cars from the 40 year history of the Mustang on 22 tracks in 7 U.S. cities.

Jester Interactive Publishing announced today that Duke Marketing is appointed sole UK & Ireland distributors for its PS2 title TT Superbikes. The game has been developed by Jester over 3 years with input from Duke, the Isle of Man Department of Tourism & Leisure, and several leading ‘road racers’ to give an unprecedented level of realism to the entire 37.73 mile TT course. Game modes include ‘Mad Sunday’, TT races, tutorials and over 40 different bike selections.

Freedom Force vs. the Third Reich is a comic book-inspired tactical role-playing game features a brand new league of heroes and villains, overhauled combat system, and spectacular graphic enhancements. These updated mod tools address the issue with importing bundles and putting files in the wrong place, and a few other tweaks. Read more for details and download links ..

Revealed a little while ago, HD Interactive and Mithis today officially announced their new real-time strategy game for the PC entitled Joint Task Force. The game, a state-of-the-art military RTS with a contemporary setting, is scheduled for a worldwide release in Q2 2006.

Not really a surprise anymore, but now it is official. Ubisoft has decided to cancel the PC version of their recent console release of Ghost Recon 2. Disappointing product, lower than expected sales, and also the Winter 2005 release date of Ghost Recon 3 have all contributed to this unfortunate decision. We contacted a Ubisoft representative who, sadly enough, confirmed this. Read more for the official statement...

Combining the thrill of illicit street racing and tuner customization with the intensity of strategic police pursuits that rivals any Hollywood-style chase scene, Need for Speed Most Wanted challenges players to become the most notorious and elusive street racer.