Alter Int/Cenega have released the a new patch for their recently released 3D squad-based action game UFO: Aftermath. This update brings your retail game to v1.2 and address a few system issues, several in-game bugs, and makes various game tweaks/improvements. Read more for details and download links ...

Microsoft Game Studios today announced an exclusive pre-order deal with EB Games and GameStop to reward gamers who pre-order Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna with a cloth map of the land of Aranna. Durable and exquisitely detailed, the cloth map is an adventurer’s best friend when stopping the caravan to ask for directions just isn’t an option. Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna is the expansion pack to Dungeon Siege, the award-winning action fantasy role-playing game of 2002. The Legends of Aranna expansion pack, which also includes the full version of the original Dungeon Siege, will be available in North America on November 12 for an estimated retail price of $29.95 (U.S.).

Pop Idol – The Official Video Game is coming to PlayStation 2 and PC this November. It's a music-based rhythm-action game, complete with Dance Mat mode, where you become one of the hopefuls and compete as a singer through the auditions, the heats and on to the finals. Players have to face comments on their performance from a computer-generated Simon Cowell – making him the ultimate end-of-level game boss. Read more for some screens....

Atari and Epic Games have announced pricing and packaging details as well as a rebate program for Unreal Tournament 2004, the highly anticipated follow-up to last year's smash hit Unreal Tournament 2003, which has become the standard for competitive multiplayer gaming since it shipped in November 2002. Read more for details ...

For true soccer fans who demand the finest gameplay and in-depth game modes, FIFA Football 2004 is the most complete and authentic soccer experience. A new Career mode gives players the chance to take a team from the lower divisions, battle through ranks, sign new players, and turn them into champions. The action is deeper than ever with advanced levels of player detail and responsiveness. With immersive atmospheres, benchmark presentation, total realism with the world's premier clubs, and industry-leading gameplay, FIFA returns as the true authority in soccer gaming. Check the new screens ...

Plastic Reality/Cenega have released a demo for their squad-based Korean War game Korea: Forgotten Conflict. The demo features a tutorial level and one mission in Seoul, where you have to rescue medic and few allied soldiers and then leave by train (thanks Tiscali). Read more for download links ...

ALTAR Interactive/Cenega have released a demo for their recently released turn-based 3D action game UFO: Aftermath. This demo features a tutorial missions and 4 missions in the African / Middle-Eastern part of the globe. Read more for download links ...

Electronic Arts today announced the acquisition of Studio 33, a globally recognized developer of games in the racing genre. The team of roughly 30 Liverpool-based employees will join the existing team at EA Northwest in nearby Warrington. Both teams - a total of 75 employees - are scheduled to move to a new facility in Warrington shortly.

A new photo-quality demonstration, based on emerging real-time tree and grass technologies, was released today to establish the vastly more realistic possibilities for future gaming worlds. "The Valley" features stunningly realistic trees and grass, blowing in the wind and including advanced level of detail and presentation algorithms. Read more for details, screens & an impressive trailer ...