Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.’s high-end video game publishing division, confirmed that its best-selling tour de force “Grand Theft Auto 3” will be available for the PC platform in May 2002.

LithTech™, Inc., a leading developer of licensable game technologies and tools, announced today the release of an updated version of its advanced Jupiter system, the foundation for the highly anticipated sequel to No One Lives Forever. Jupiter now delivers an even broader range of features including a new polygrid system that supports dynamic lighting, Fresnel reflections and dynamic surface animations as well as the addition of cubic environment mapping. Other new features include an improved command editor to more easily create cinematic events and more robust support for dynamic texture effects.

Geneforge is our newest fantasy role-playing game with a science fiction twist. In Geneforge, you are free to choose what your overall goal is, and you can seek after it with your own horde of deadly, mutant monsters. You are a Shaper, a member of the most powerful and secretive of the magical guilds. You have the power to create life and mold it to serve your own needs. For millennia, your world feared and respected the Shapers above all others. Their creations could go everywhere, do anything, all according to the wishes of the Shapers and no others. Read more for details and links.

We announced earlier today the release of Irrational Games, EA, Crave Ent.'s Freedom Force .. So ofcourse i had to snag it and put it to the test. Only 2 small missions and a character editor in the demo but i must say that its looking like quite a nice game. Lots of nice effects, weapons and you can pick up cars and throw them around, ripp out lightpole's etc... pretty cool ... I made a 40-some screens to let you people enjoy it while you download the demo left or right ... its worth it ;)

Addressing consumer demand for increased audio realism in gaming environments, Analog Devices today announced a new version of its SoundMAX Audio Rendering Technology Toolkit (SMartTools) - which now offers significantly improved cross-platform output capability and a more intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) to game audio developers.

Ubi Soft Entertainment, one of the world's largest video game publishers, today announced that Dark Planet: Battle for Natrolis, its futuristic Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game has shipped to U.S. retail stores with an MSRP of $39.99

Bringing an exciting new dimension to puzzle-solving games, Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. today announced that it will release ZooCube for the Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance. Available this spring, ZooCube has been heralded for its innovative design and is the first true 3-D puzzle game available for the next-generation systems.

Can today's PC hardware stand-up to the increasingly complex and intense computer games of tomorrow? Although game designers continue to push graphical detail and performance, hardware manufacturers are testing their wares against the existing standards of yesterday. Until now... Leading game and technology developer Epic Games today unveiled the Unreal Performance Test 2002, the first and only game benchmark indicative of the future of gaming.

As promised last night, the demo from Freedom Force, Irrational Game's now-gold superhero game, is now available for download from FilePlanet (registration required). The demo is available as a large version (87.4 MB) and a smaller version (56.1 MB), the difference between the two being that the larger version includes the music.

Irrational's Ken Levine announces that a playable demo of their recently completed superheroic tactical combat RPG is slated for released tomorrow on FilePlanet. A subsequent post refines that into two demos, one with music (around 90 MB) and one without (75 MB), while another post by Crave associate producer "Primetime" offers even more details: "Tomorrow means around 8:00 AM PST. You'll have 2 choices to download...1 is about 58MB without music and one is 90MB with. There are 2 levels of the game and the character creator. You will be able to create a hero and use it in the second mission."

Majesco, one of the fastest-growing publishers of interactive entertainment software, today announced Black & Bruised for the PS2 and Nintendo GameCube. Developed by Digital Fiction, Black & Bruised is scheduled for release across both game consoles this holiday.

Get the PlayStation2 controllers ready for the super sexy heroine, Cate Archer. The Operative : No One Lives Forever for PlayStation2 has gone gold and the warehouse is preparing to ship to stores nationwide. Now you will be able to play the "Action Game of the Year" winner - The Operative:No One Lives Forever - on your PlayStation2 console gaming system. Plus don't forget the four extra missions exclusive to the PS2 featuring Cate Archer in her younger days as a thief. The Operative: No One Lives Forever for PlayStation2 will be available in retail locations after April 16, 2002 for a suggested retail price of $49.99.

TDK Mediactive, Inc., a global publisher of entertainment software, today announced that "Shrek Swamp Kart Speedway" for the Game Boy Advance has shipped to stores. Competition and fun collide in this upbeat new title, featuring everyone's favorite ogre and other characters from "Shrek," DreamWorks Pictures' 2001 blockbuster feature film.

We already knew this a few days ago, but here is the official announcement. Infogrames announces release dates for two of the most highly anticipated sequels in the Unreal family of action games. "Unreal Tournament 2003," who won numerous awards, is poised to deliver non-stop multiplayer action starting this summer. And, "Unreal II," sequel to the blockbuster hit "Unreal," will bring single-player story-based action to new heights when it ships this winter in time for Christmas.

Sports Interactive, the team responsible for developing the record breaking Championship Manager series of football management simulations published by Eidos Interactive, is extremely pleased to announce that Ray Houghton has been retained as a consultant to advise on the eagerly anticipated Championship Manager 4.

BAM! Entertainment today announced that it will publish the action game, Star X, for the Game Boy Advance. Currently in production at UK-based developers, Graphic State, the futuristic flight title is due for release in May of this year. Star X places the player in control of a highly advanced fighter aircraft capable of both atmospheric and space-based flight. The title is set to take advantage of both Nintendo’s handheld technology and the extensive development experience of Graphic State.

LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC will unleash the power of the Force on the Xbox video game system this May with the release of Star Wars Jedi Starfighter. The game, which launched to critical acclaim last week on PlayStation 2, will give Xbox gamers a chance to experience the exhilaration of piloting the Jedi starfighter from the upcoming film Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones.

Sega of America announced today the release of "Sega Soccer Slam," an action-packed, smash-mouth soccer spin off for the Nintendo GameCube. Produced by Visual Concepts, makers of the acclaimed Sega Sports 2K series, "Sega Soccer Slam" is easy to learn, challenging to master, and incredible to watch. Employing sophisticated motion-captured 3D models and multiple modes, "Sega Soccer Slam's" wild cast of characters will dazzle gamers with their detailed expressions, athletic prowess and exaggerated personality traits. Prepare for pandemonium when this addictive game, which takes an unorthodox approach to the world's most popular sport, hits the market.

Sega of America announced today the release of "Home Run KING"for the Nintendo GameCube. Arriving in time for the 2002 season, "Home Run KING" expertly recreates the look and feel of baseball while delivering pick-up and play controls and exciting Major League Baseball action. This fully licensed arcade winner includes every team, player, and stadium in incredible detail. Featuring tight fielding controls and fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay along with an intuitive pitching/hitting interface, "Home Run KING" creates a high-scoring slugfest that will have every gamer chanting "Going, Going, Gone!"

Fishtank Interactive, a division of Ravensburger Interactive, announces "Silent Storm," a new turn-based tactics and role-playing game title for the PC. Developed by Nival Interactive, "Silent Storm" promises multiple gameplay styles and truly interactive environments for spring 2003.

Crime fighters and villains everywhere just did a double-take as Infogrames, Inc. today announced that a mysterious new hero is coming to town. With Hero X, an action adventure game for the PC, superhero justice will have a new name, yours. Developed by Amazing Games and "officially'' sanctioned by the A.S.H.A. (American Super Heroes Association), Hero X features you as a first-time superhero determined to climb the heroic ladder by putting evildoers in their place.

We are aware that there are some problems with the AI routines and multiplayer functions in Destroyer Command and Silent Hunter II. We are currently working on a set of patches to address the more serious issues. We also know that many of you are frustrated because the patch required enabling multiplayer sessions between Silent Hunter II and Destroyer Command has not been released yet. We had planned on the patch being ready by the time Destroyer Command was to arrive on the retail shelves, but unfortunately we discovered some serious problems that have required further testing and development work to make the interoperability between the two products function properly.

Digital Bridges, the world leader in mobile entertainment services, today announced that it is launching the first collection of color wireless games available outside the Japanese and Korean markets.

Ubi Soft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, today announced that it has shipped Mike Tyson Boxing for the Game Boy Advance, offering fans and critics alike the opportunity to climb into the ring and show Iron Mike who's boss. Featuring more than 100 different heavyweights, and a full arsenal of rib-crunching body shots, brain-rattling roundhouses, and jaw-busting uppercuts, Mike Tyson Boxing for the Game Boy Advance gives players the chance to build a boxer and take him to the top. Mike Tyson Boxing has an MSRP of $29.99.

Capcom Eurosoft today confirmed it plans to publish Capcom vs SNK Pro for the PlayStation. The game is scheduled to be released this July throughout all PAL territories.