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 ...

Frogwares is working on a game based on Jules Verne's novel Around The World In 80 Days. Journey on every existing means of transport, making you to use all inventiveness ingenuity, full of discoveries of unseen and unheard beauties. New gentleman, new bet, but it is up to you to choose itinerary. Would you do it in 80 days? Maybe you would rather make a stop at Bahamas, and give up the race for good?

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.

Buena Vista Games today announced two major business deals to strengthen the company's internal game development capabilities and further its goals of becoming a top tier publisher of handheld and console games. The deals include the acquisition of acclaimed Salt Lake City-based video game developer, Avalanche Software LC and the establishment of a start-up development studio in Vancouver, Canada, led by former Electronic Arts Canada senior development and business staff.

Richard S. Skoba announced today that he has turned in his resignation to Infinium Labs. Mr. Skoba was a member of the senior management team, serving as the Executive Vice President of Business Development and Sales for Infinium Labs since January 2004. His resignation is effective as of April 30, 2005.

Nintendo of America Inc. introduces the first new color in the Western Hemisphere for its popular Nintendo DS. "Electric Blue" debuts in June and will become a permanent color in the DS palette, joining the original silver-and-black model, named "Titanium."

As we revealed last night, EA today officially announced that The Sims 2 is in development for the PS2, Xbox, NGC, PSP, NDS, the GBA and mobile phones.

Majesco today announced that Psychonauts has shipped to retail stores nationwide. Developed by Double Fine Productions, Psychonauts is available for the Xbox and PC, and will be offered on the PS2 later this spring.

Liquid Games is pleased to announce the first title in its series of quizzes for the PS2; The Great British Football Quiz. This series comprises six European titles in all, the other five being differentiated for fans in Italy, Germany, France, Spain and The Netherlands.

Pro Rugby Manager 2 displays each bone-crunching tackle, each heart-in-mouth drop kick and every maddening pass and dash to the try-line in such glorious, motion-captured detail, it rivals anything TV coverage can offer. Digital Jesters has released a new patch for Pro Rugby Manager 2. This update brings your retail game to v1.09 and adds a new external db, mp3 player, photo feature and the usual bug and game fixes. Read more for download links ...