Brad McQuaid and Jeff Butler, formerly of Sony Online Entertainment and key figures in the development of the popular "EverQuest" series, today announced the formation of Sigil Games Online, Inc. The new company is dedicated to the production of massively multiplayer online role-playing games.

THQ Inc. today unveiled Summoner 2 exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Developed by THQ’s studio, Volition, creators of Red Faction, Summoner 2 is the sequel to one of the top-selling role-playing games for PlayStation 2. Featuring an enhanced game engine, stunning graphics and a compelling storyline, Summoner 2 is scheduled for release in fall 2002.

THQ Inc. today unveiled Toxic Grind, a story-driven, mission-based BMX game for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo Gamecube. Set in the year 2097, players will assume the role of BMX rider Jason Hayes who has been forced to ride for his life with other riders on the set of a sadistic television game show entitled Toxic Grind. Toxic Grind is scheduled for release in the second half of 2002.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the release of Parappa the Rapper 2, a unique character-based music title available exclusively for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system.

Sierra Entertainment, a studio of Vivendi Universal Publishing, and Argonaut Games PLC today announced Malice, a platform-adventure game featuring the most unexpected heroine to come to the console arena, is coming to the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system. Malice is currently in development for the Xbox video game system and is due to release worldwide next fall on both next generation consoles under the Sierra brand.

TDK Mediactive, Inc., a global publisher of entertainment software, announced today that its first game based on the popular Robotech animated television series will be published for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance system. In the series, the United Earth Government must power transforming robots to arm the Earth against impending invasion. Robotech for Game Boy Advance is the first title scheduled for release as part of a long term licensing agreement with Mattel, Inc.

Continuing to diversify the successful lineup of America's #1 selling celebrity-based video game property for the girls' software market, Dualstar Interactive, the video game division of Mary-Kate and Ashley's Dualstar Entertainment Group, and Club Acclaim, a division of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., today announced Mary-Kate and Ashley Girls Night Out for the Game Boy Advance.

Activision, Inc. and id Software have teamed up with the Online Gaming League to host the Return to Castle Wolfenstein "Battle on the Beachhead" tournament. Gamers from across North America will hit the front lines and battle for world domination and exciting prizes including the Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Game Boy Advance and hundreds of popular games. The tournament will run from January 29 through March 12, 2002 at wolf.worldogl.com, on the Speakeasy Network, home of the largest broadband gaming community and the official ISP of the OGL.

Ubi Soft has officially announced the first Ghost Recon patch, scheduled to be released at the end of this month. Read more below to se what this patch fixes/changes.

THQ Inc., today announced MotoGP: Ultimate Racing Technology for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. Scheduled for release in summer 2002, MotoGP: Ultimate Racing Technology puts players in control of some of the fastest, most thrilling machines on two-wheels.

Microids Distribution inc., Microids Canada and Benoît Sokal, the author of Amerzone, are proud to officially announce the production of Syberia. This adventure title will possess the unique and original style developed by Sokal, a renowned author in Europe. Expect the game to hit the streets across North America at the end of May 2002.

Ubi Soft Entertainment, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, today announced that it is developing a version of its world-renowned Chessmaster franchise for the Game Boy Advance. Shipping worldwide during the first half of 2002, Chessmaster for the Game Boy Advance will appeal to beginners and advanced players alike, offering compelling and challenging game play for all levels of skill.

GamingGroove reports that Wizards of the Coast announced the card redemption feature for their soon to be released Magic: The Gathering Online Game. This new pressrelease is available here! You can also check out the first screens from this online game that we tossed up a while back.

With preparations for World Cup 2002 well underway, Konami of Europe (KOE) is preparing a virtual football treat for all those who can't get enough of the beautiful game. It's a formidable line up and the new instalment of the ISS series will be available for PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube during the second quarter.

Netamin have announced, Ultimate Baseball Online. The game is said to be the first massively-multiplayer online sports title. The beta test starts in the middle of 2002: the first round of testing will most likely start in April and then another round will be in June. UBO is more than a PC game; more than a TCP/IP game; UBO is a client server baseball game. You will need Internet access to play. Sign up here.

Electronic Arts today announced plans to release this Spring The Sims Vacation, a new add-on disk to the top-selling PC game of 2000 & 2001, The Sims. The Sims and their families have been in overdrive with all the bustle of the holidays and the magic of Livin' Large, the parties of House Party and the social obligations of Hot Date.

Argonaut Games have announced the development of a new Xbox game called Orchid. Orchid is a free-roaming fighting game set in a 3D comic book styled world. Release TBA. Check out overview, features and screens below!

Activision, Inc. has today announced that it will be bringing its high-octane rally racer, Race of Champions, to the Nintendo GameCube this fall. Based on the prestigious Michelin Race of Champions, which is held annually in the Canary Islands, the game lets players experience the raw fun and exhilaration of the sport as they lock wits and fenders with some of the top drivers from the world of racing. Race of Champions has not yet been rated by the ESRB/ELSPA.

That spinning, whirling, all-teeth- no-inhibitions destruction machine the Tasmanian Devil, is twirling onto the Xbox video game system from Microsoft and PlayStation2 computer entertainment system in Taz: Wanted from Infogrames, Inc.

THQ Inc. today announced Matchbox Rescue Rigs for PC. This title will mark THQ’s fourth release under the strategic publishing agreement with Mattel, Inc. for both Matchbox and Hot Wheels which was announced in January 2001. As one of the most highly recognized worldwide brands for boys, Mattel’s Matchbox brand has been a household favorite for nearly 50 years. Matchbox Rescue Rigs for PC is scheduled to release in winter 2002.

Currently a contest on the best Cossacks multiplayer map and the best mission/historical battle is running under the aegis of Russobit-M and GSC! You can submit your best creations until 30 April 2002 (CIS Players Only).

Winners have been secured really amazing prizes:
Computer INTEL© PENTIUM© III 800 PPGA MHz i815/128MB PC133 HDD 30GB 7200rpm/Windows ME SB PCI 128/32M TNT2/3"+48xCD-ROM/ATX/Cool 370 will be awarded as the grand prize! Find out more here!

Action Forms today proudly present "Vivisector: Creatures of Dr. Moreau", a unique 3D Action game that blends interactive story-telling with high-adrenaline intense action to bring you a rich, fascinating experience. Influenced by the Herbert Well's classic novel "Island of Dr.Moreau", the game represents the vision on what could happen about the latitude 1' S and longitude 107' W after the events described in the book. Sounds interesting? Well in that case, check out the official site for full story and screens.

Sierra Entertainment, Inc. is proud to announce their latest racing title from the people who brought you the first NASCAR racing simulation game. NASCAR Racing 2002 Season, developed by Massachusetts-based Papyrus Racing Games, will feature every track in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series with teams, drivers, and sponsors of the 2002 race season.

The official Anno 1503 AD site offers now a new movie trailer of this isometric trading strategy game. The trailer comes in 2 versions, normal quality 36 Mb and high quality 97 Mb. Bring me there.

Crave Entertainment announced today its new extreme sports racing game, "X-Bladez: In-Line Skater" for Nintendo's Game Boy(R) Advance. Based on in-line skating, one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, "X-Bladez: In-Line Skater" takes players on international in-line skating adventures, rolling through some of the hottest tourist spots in the world. The game is scheduled to ship in Q1 2002.