Electronic Arts today announced the release of The Sims Deluxe Edition, the definitive version of the top-selling PC game of all time, The Sims. The Sims Deluxe Edition combines the full version of The Sims, the best-selling Sims expansion pack The Sims Livin' Large, and exclusive new content including the all-new Sim customization tool: The Sims Creator. The Sims Deluxe Edition combines the full version The Sims with the first in the series of Sims expansion packs, The Sims Livin' Large. The Sims Livin' Large allows players to put their Sim families into zany situations and settings. Its content adds dozens of extreme items like a home chemistry lab, a heart shaped bed and a crystal ball as well a cast of wild characters like the Grim Reaper, the Genie and the Tragic Clown to the lives of The Sims.

TDK Mediactive, Inc announced today a worldwide licensing agreement with E.C. Publications, Inc., the publishers of MAD Magazine, to bring the mischievous and iconic "Spy vs. Spy" cartoon strip to next generation gaming console systems.

Westka Interactive closes its doors!! The German game developer Westka Interactive GmbH will cease its business operations today, October 1st 2002. Westka was founded in 1993. Westka had to file for insolvency at July 31, 2002 after the necessary funding for the companies biggest project "The Y-Project" could not be ensured although an LoI for the project with one of the leading worldwide publishers had been signed. Despite several measures to restructure the company, an additional agreement with another publisher and a very positive feedback from the international press on the versions of the "The Y-Project" and "Race Tracks Unlimited" shown at the the Games Convention and the ECTS, the sustainable funding of the company couldn?t be ensured. All remaining 44 employees had been laid off at September 30, 2002. Since September 2000 BRAINPOOL TV AG, one of the leading German TV producing companies, owned a 60 % majority equity stake in Westka.

Radica UK Ltd, the manufacturer of peripherals under the highly rated Gamester brand, is to launch an NXT based compact speaker system, the 'MINI WOOFER' for use with the Game Boy Advance. The MINI WOOFER was developed by Radica UK in conjunction with NXT's engineering teams in the UK and Hong Kong. Stylish and simple to use, it easily attaches to the Game Boy Advance and by using NXT's SurfaceSound™ technology, is able to create a unique audio experience from a flat speaker panel. This latest accessory is expected to prove a hit with gaming enthusiasts when it becomes available next month (October) from leading high street retailers including Comet, Argos, John Lewis and Game.

Cinemaware, Inc recently announced the release of two new entries into its Digitally Remastered series of classic remakes. Enhanced versions of the legendary Cinemaware titles, Wings and Lords of the Rising Sun, have now been produced.

Gearing up for what's sure to be the wildest BMX ride ever created for the next-generation video game systems, AKA Acclaim, a division of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. today announced it has launched the official web site for its November release, BMX XXX. The first action sports video game designed specifically for today's mature gaming audience, BMX XXX is one of the most talked about titles for this holiday season. Combining outrageous Hollywood humour and characters, beautiful women from New York's famous Scores club and incredible arcade action, BMX XXX will deliver an unparalleled interactive entertainment experience.. Read more for full announcement, link and six new shots!

The greatest UK wrestlers will, for the first time ever, be immortalised as Acclaim Entertainment today announces the inclusion of legendary wrestlers Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks, Mick McManus and Kendo Nagasaki in Legends of Wrestling II. Out on all next-generation consoles in November, the UK greats join an already breathtaking cast of characters including Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner and Jerry "The King" Lawler.

Hitman 2’s storyline begins in a Sicilian monastery. Codename 47 has been attempting to distance himself from his violent past, however the local criminal underworld discover his true identity and blackmail him into returning to his trade. Caught in the middle of a ring of deception, Codename 47 soon discovers that he has been manipulated and the hunter must now watch his back, as he has become the hunted.. Check out some new screens below!

It’s the massively popular world of Baldur’s Gate as you have never seen it before. Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance is a revolutionary action adventure with an epic tale of intrigue, fierce alliances, explosive spell effects and highly detailed creatures and environments. Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance is a benchmark of technology and gameplay. 13 new screens for you to enjoy while waiting for the game to appear on the shelves .. Njoy!

Game Chronicles has up a Q&A with John Linn of Xicat talking about the recently released Lithtech engine powered first person shooter, Sniper. GameZone has a new Q&A with LucasArts' Jon Knoles talking about the upcoming PS2-GameCube action game centering on Episode II villian Jango Fett, Star Wars: Bounty Hunter. Apolyton has a new Q&A with Big Huge Games co-founder Jason Coleman as he talks about their upcoming historical RTS game, Rise of Nations. Gamer's Click has a Q&A with Maxis' Kevin Hogan talking about their upcoming next game in their city simulation series, Sim City 4. The GSpot has a Q&A with Yuji Naka from Team Sonic (Sega) talking about Phantasy Star Online Version 1 & 2 (GameCube and Xbox). The Wargamer has a Q&A GSC Gameworld's Mario "Mayo" Gerhold talking about upcoming their RTS stand-alone expansion. Cossacks: Back to War. GameSpyDaily has a Q&A with Rival Interactive's lead designer Jim Omer, talking about their just gone gold military RTS game, Real War: Rogue States.

GameKult tossed up a bunch of new screens from the upcoming XBox title, Unreal Championship. "release date Q4/2002" Go check them out!

"Hitman 2 is GOLD" is the announcement on GameSpot.. Eidos Interactive's stealth action title for PC, XBox and PS2 has gone gold and will ship later this week to stores all over the world. (thanks Blues)

ARXEL TRIBE announces today that THE GLADIATORS is nearing completion with a whole set of new features since they last presented the game at ECTS: full implementation of the multiplayer functions (LAN and Internet), new maps, full integration of pre-rendered and RT animations and final level design treatment of the maps, and a lot more... They also confirm a Europe wide launch of the title between October 15th and November 15th and a launch in the USA and Asia early Q1/2003.

This file contains the .map file source for the multiplayer maps in the Original Soldier of Fortune (+Gold and Platinum Editions) for all Deathmatch, Control, Conquer the Bunker and Capture the Flag maps released by Raven. Read more for details and links where to grab it!

Universal Interactive, Inc. announced that its video game based on Universal Pictures' blockbuster feature film The Scorpion King, which stars World Wrestling Entertainment Superstar The Rock, has shipped to retailers nationwide. The Scorpion King: Rise of the Akkadian is available for the PlayStation2 and Nintendo GameCube and will be available in stores simultaneously with the home video/DVD release of The Scorpion King film. We also scored a little trailer with some ingame footage and comments from The Rock man himself, check it out!!!

JoWood has released the final English playable demo of their already gone gold first-person role-playing game, Arx Fatalis (developed by Arkane Studios). This demo has updated code (v1.13) and lets you check out the first part of the game. Read more for links where to grab it ...

The Mission to Run Like Hell Has Commenced!! Interplay Entertainment Corp today announced the arrival of the intense sci-fi video game Run Like Hell to retail. Described as a survival-horror game on steroids, Run Like Hell features state-of-the-art 3D environments, third person heroic action and camera works straight out of Hollywood.

After sneaking off to gather fruit for the herd, Spirit returns to find Homeland empty and his herd missing. Suddenly, Spirit is surprised by rustlers and captured. Spotting Rain already captured by the men, Spirit struggles to break free but is overpowered and separated from Rain... A few screens are included, check them out!

Beginning this fall, 3,000 lucky gamers from around the world will get an early look at Command & Conquer Generals. Electronic Arts announced today that it will hold a public test for the multiplay mode of the game beginning Oct. 25. Command & Conquer Generals will be published by EA under the EA GAMES brand this winter. Thank god our rumour from yesterday was WRONG!

Grab your clubs, hit the green and prepare for some wild golfing action with Ace Golf. Ace Golf combines crazy arcade characters with real-world golf physics and intuitive gameplay. The result is an addictive pick up and play golf game for both novice and expert gamers alike! The game is being developed by Telenet Japan Co Ltd and is due for release in the Autumn on Nintendo GameCube. More character profiles, and today it's the turn of the laydeez.

One of the year's premier role-playing games hits retail shelves today as Enix America Inc. announced that Grandia Xtreme for the PS2 has shipped to stores. The first-ever original Grandia title developed specifically for the PlayStation 2, Grandia Xtreme features an innovative blend of strategy, exploration and combat.

The quest to find the national Pro Evolution Soccer 2 champion begins today, with entry forms to take part in the country-wide tournament available in the 50 participating GAME stores from today. The eagerly awaited Pro Evolution Soccer 2 is released for PlayStation 2 in November and the search is on to find the player that can get the most out of the many flicks, tricks and passes the Konami game offers.

Ubi Soft Entertainment today announced that it will be sponsoring the forthcoming i14 multiplayer gaming event that will be held this November in Newbury, UK. The involvement of Ubi Soft is part of the promotional campaign for the release next year of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Raven Shield. The event will also be an opportunity for the gaming public to have an exclusive first look at the highly anticipated tactical first person shooter.

Red Faction 2" is the sequel to one of the biggest original franchise releases of 2001. Powered by enhancements to Volition's revolutionary Geo-Mod engine that allows players to alter and destroy the game environment in real-time, "Red Faction 2" introduces a host of new features and improvements constructed around a gripping storyline. Players will be tasked with completing multiple mission objectives with an arsenal of weapons and items at their disposal.. Today we serve you with a cut-out-'n'-keep guide to the multiplayer modes and power-ups. Ohh, and 12 new split-screen multiplayer grabs.

Reap the rewards of racing through an entire season of pulse pounding motocross action while upgrading your gear and bike along the way. For free ride madness compete in the all-new freestyle career mode dazzling the crowd with new tricks and sick maneuvers. Or simply ride the open terrain searching for secret areas without the burden of competition. It’s your bike – now ride! 13 more shots of the Xbox version.