TDK Mediactive Inc. today announced the appointment of Steve Ryno as vice president of product development. Steve, an interactive entertainment and software industry veteran, brings to TDK Mediactive more than fifteen years of experience.

Football season officially starts today with the launch of Madden NFL 2003 from Electronic Arts, the best-selling football videogame. The ship date was moved up a day due to the high demand from consumers. Available on six platforms, the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo GameCube, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, the PlayStation console, Game Boy Advance and PC, the Madden NFL Football franchise enters into its 13th year as the undisputed leader in authentic NFL football simulation. In its history, the franchise has sold more than 25 million copies including more than four million copies of Madden NFL 2002.

SEGA of America, Inc. announced today that "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" has started shipping for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. Heralded as the "Best Sports Game" by the "Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2002," "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" is poised to redefine the standards of football video games this season with ground-breaking Artificial Intelligence, unparalleled lifelike animations, an ESPN telecast-style presentation, full online gameplay options and an in-depth franchise mode featuring a revolutionary and easy-to-use visual interface. Developed by Visual Concepts Entertainment, a SEGA development studio, "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" pushes the boundaries of realism and blurs the line between a football video game and a real-life Sunday afternoon gridiron battle.

Midway Sports, the sports brand of leading software industry publisher and developer Midway Games Inc. announced that NFL Blitz 20-03, the next iteration in the popular adrenaline-style football videogame franchise, ships today for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance.

Shrapnel Games announced the release of Aaron Hall's Dungeon Odyssey Demo today. Aaron Hall's Dungeon Odyssey is an RPG where you will adventure to far off lands and encounter a multitude of different creatures.

Rockstar Games is proud to announce that Smuggler's Run: Warzones has shipped and is currently available at retailers in North America and will be available on September 30, 2002 in Europe. Developed by Angel Studios and published by Rockstar Games, Smuggler's Run: Warzones is Rockstar's first offering for the GameCube and continues the expansion of the successful Smuggler's Run franchise.

Unreal II is the sequel to the original Unreal and takes place in the same fictional universe - but the main player character and the locations are different than those found in the first game. Today we updated our archive with some more screens. Unreal II: The Awakening is developed by Legend Entertainment.

Booster Pack is additional game-play and add-ons which is: 1. too big in megabytes to patch and 2. too small in content for an expansion pack. In addition to some beautiful graphic updates and new sounds, the first booster pack for Anarchy Online will feature land control. Read more below for full story from Funcom's Anarchy-Online Game Director, Gaute Godager, 'Behind The Scenes' !

Haven: Call Of The King "a groundbreaking action and fantasy console videogame" is scheduled to ship fall 2002 for next-generation systems. The game is being developed by acclaimed London-based developer, Traveller's Tales. Three new screens to check out!

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today released some screens from their upcoming Playstation 2 (working title) World Rally Championship 2. Check them out below!

Prepare yourself for an incredible adventure! Immerse yourself in this hauntingly beautiful, incredibly realistic 3D world of thrills and suspense. Battle creatures of the dark and solve numerous puzzles and challenges, as you journey through several atmospheric regions in this engrossing and suspenseful, story-driven adventure.

Project Three let us know that they will officially be releasing the NWO MP Beta2.1 update pack tomorrow, Monday.

This update fixes the following issues;

1) Upgraded networking according to our sampling of Beta2.0 issues. Packets timed out too fast and were lost, this has been adjusted now.
2) Fixed Dedicated server option - dedicated server now works properly.
3) Added scoreboard access to dedicated server screen.
4) Added network statistics to dedicated server screen, allowing Admin to see throughput and latency.
5) Fixed Z X & V keys bindings (they overlapped with voicecommands).
6) Added Admin ability to kick players, simply type 'kick playername' in chat or teamchat.

UPDATE: We now have the NWO MP Beta2.1 Dedicated Server Pack (865KB) available for download from our FTP HERE! ( DirectPlay 8.2 Here )

Taldren has released new patches for Star Trek: Starfleet Command Volume II - Empires at War, updating their space strategy game to version 2.0.3.3. New features along with more than 60 bug fixes and other changes is listed in the included readme.txt file. Grab this puppy at 3D Gamers!

Today we have some new NOLF2 schtuff fer ya! First, we have the latest gadget release: It's Cate's improved, fully-functional, lipstick camera. Monolith didn't skip a beat, all of NOLF2's new equipment and weapons are done with excellent detail. And hmm.. who is that interesting looking character in Cate's view? Also included is another example of the fantastic AI in NOLF2. Folks can expect to be amazed! And for the cherry on top, we have a new shot of Cate's grenade blowing up some H.A.R.M. folk in Siberia. Njoy!

The Thing has been in development for just under 2 years, the game is now nearing completion and will be coming to your stores soon. Prepare yourself for the infectious game-playing experience that is The Thing.

THQ send us wopping 42 screens from their BMX Xbox title, Toxic Grind. Release date is set to 8-Nov-2002. Read more for story, features and all the screens!

The 1930's organized crime simulator you've all been waiting for is almost here, and Gathering of Developers just released a brand new teaser movie to whet your appetite even further.

SEE! Old-school street justice performed with style.
SEE! Classic cars driven to the limits and beyond.
SEE! Mind-blowing graphics that shatter the boundaries of realism.

With dozens of missions, an involving story, and open-ended gameplay set in a living city, Mafia is easily one of the most anticipated games of the year. Look for it in stores later this month. Download the 4MB teaser movie from Gigex - click here!

Fluid Games has released a small patch for its 2D/3D fighting game, The Rage. The small patch fixes a couple of small bugs and includes all previous patches. Check our previously posted review on The Rage, here. Read more for links where to grab this puppy.

Get off the bench and get inside the ultimate NBA experience this holiday season as Konami unleashes NBA Starting Five on to the PS2 and Xbox. Endorsed by NBA all-star Tracy McGrady of the Orlando Magic, NBA Starting Five allows players to experience the complete NBA experience with dazzling graphics, intelligent AI and engaging gameplay modes.

Gamers can now enter the world of one of the summer’s biggest action thrillers with Activision, Inc.’s XXX for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance. The game is based on Revolution Studio’s “XXX”, which stars Vin Diesel and opens nationwide on August 9. XXX lets players assume the role of underground thrillseeker turned spy Xander Cage in a series of death-defying motorcycle and arcade-action challenges. XXX is currently available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $35.99 and is rated “E” (Everyone – violence) by the ESRB.

Konami of America, Inc. confirmed today that The Document of Metal Gear Solid2, an interactive documentary that chronicles the development of the mega-hit Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, will release in the United States on September 24th 2002. Featuring never-before-seen aspects of the game, new playable VR TRAINING missions, original concept plans, rare video footage and trailers and programming secrets, The Document of Metal Gear Solid 2 gives all-new insight into the acclaimed series from director, Hideo Kojima.

Firefly Studios and Take Two Interactive have released a playable demo of Stronghold: Crusader, available for download from Gigex (here's a direct link if the Gigex client doesn't work for you). The 79.0 MB demo allows you to try out this isometric castle building strategy sequel, and it offers a tutorial and three skirmish levels. This is something i personally am looking forward to (thanks Blues).