Activision today announced that it has acquired game developer Toys For Bob. Most recently the companies have worked together on the upcoming children's game Madagascar, based on DreamWorks animated feature film. The game is slated to ship this month timed to the movie's release.

Limelight Networks today announced it has been selected by Microsoft as the Content Delivery Network for Microsoft's Xbox Live, the online gaming service for the Xbox. With full implementation of Xbox Live on Limelight Networks' powerful delivery network, the synergy of Xbox Live and the Limelight Networks platform will provide millions of gamers unprecedented online access to games, content and downloads from Microsoft and leading game developers directly via Xbox Live.

S2 will significantly improve the game - important features have been added, dynamic camber (improved simulation of suspension and different suspension types), highly detailed tyre physics and a damage model have been introduced. The LFS team has released an updated alpha demo for Live for Speed S2 offering you a training area, and the Blackwood track, driveable in 3 cars. This update adds various fixes and improvements including a new kind of differential which helps you to get the power down to the ground more effectively. Read more for download links ...

SpecForce is Techland's latest futuristic tactical shooter with a plot connected to already known Chrome. Using an optimized Chrome Engine, the gamer acts as an operative of future's special forces unit - SpecForce. Established to fight crisis situations that threaten the Federation's peace, equipped with the latest combat gear, the unit is the Federation's elite rapid reaction force.

A new development studio has been launched - fronted by ex-Team 17, Ocean and Infogrames veteran, Jon Oldham, and fifteen members of Acclaim's Manchester studio, who were working on Interview With a Made Man. Fund4Games has secured the rights & assets to the title, and SilverBack Studios have reprised development for current and next-gen consoles, and it is now scheduled for 2006. Read more for details ...

Square Enix today revealed the appearance of the top Japanese vocalists Emiko Shiratori and RIKKI and the return of MC James Arnold Taylor at the highly anticipated concert, "More Friends -- Music From FINAL FANTASY®." The concert starts at 8PM on Monday, May 16th at Gibson Amphitheater.

Infinium Labs today announced an agreement with OpSource, an enabler of Software as a Service (SaaS) applications. The agreement enrolls Infinium Labs in a 90-day SaaS Enablement Program to utilize OpSource's suite of tools and services to analyze and fine-tune the Company's business model, operational plan and service delivery.

IDV, Inc. announced today that it has added yet another 7 developers to its growing list of SpeedTree customers. Korean developers Gravity and Webzen, Mythic Entertainment, Cyanide, as well as Spellforce 2 developer Phenomic and several others have gone on record as users of SpeedTree for its wind effects, foliage editor, dynamic LODs, and an aesthetic prowess that runs circles around anything else out there. Read more for details ...

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.

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.

Offering sensational value for the dollar, Majesco Entertainment Company, an innovative provider of digital entertainment content and products, today introduced its new GBA Double Game packs, a new lineup of products featuring two exciting GBA video games on a single cartridge for just $19.99. The three new Double Game packs are now available in stores.

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.

Having just released Pirates of the Caribbean and Kill Bill Vol. 1, Disney revealed it plans to release an additional 10 movies over the next 3 months. First up are National Treasure, Reign Of Fire and Hero, followed by titles such as Tron, King Arthur, Hostage and Cursed. end of the summer you can expect Kill Bill Vol. 2, Gone in 60 Seconds: The Director's Cut, From Dusk Till Dawn and Armageddon. Disney is currently the only other company besdies Sony to release movies on UMD, but talks with Fox and Lions Gate are underway. Read more details over at Variety.

Delta Force: Xtreme brings the classic Delta Force game back to life to face the enemy once more in over 60 levels of frantic single and multiplayer FPS action, including graphically enhanced missions from the original game, new maps, improved game features, STATS and much more. Novalogic has released the first patch bringing your retail game to v1.6.5.0 and adds NovaWorld menus, addresses stability issues and other fixes (thanks 3DGamers). Read more for details and download links ...

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.