Noticed on VE3D that Microsoft has announced the pricing structure for Xbox Live that will come into effect during the third quarter of this year: Xbox Live one year renewal/subscription - $49.99, Xbox Live monthly rate - $5.99, Xbox Live Voice Communicator - $29.99, Xbox Live Starter Kit - $69.99 (contains demos, headset and one year subscription). In a brief interview with GameSpy, Xbox Live Group PR manager David Hufford suggested that Microsoft might include free trial subscriptions with certain titles that feature online play.

Shiver me timbers! "Tropico 2: Pirate Cove" is the sequel to the publisher's top-selling Caribbean simulation, "Tropico." Set on a hidden pirate island and starring some of history's scurviest sea dogs, the game is scheduled to ship this fall. Strap on your boots, and get ready for the "Tropico 2: Pirate Cove" beta demo. This demo allows you to play through two full scenarios (the previous beta demo only had 1 limited scenario) allowing you will cruise, raid, kidnap, and explore. Read more for download links ...

R.C. Cars is an arcade racing game featuring radio controlled cars with high physical models.

Bethesda Softworks announced today that actress Lynda Carter, best known for her starring role as television's "Wonder Woman", has recently completed voice work for The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon. Slated to hit stores in June, Bloodmoon is the expansion pack that adds all new quests and content for The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, which was named the Best RPG and Best Game of 2002 by numerous print and online publications.

Interplay and White Wolf Publishing, Inc. ("White Wolf") announced today they are joining forces again to develop interactive entertainment projects based on White Wolf's second largest franchise, Exalted. The exclusive agreement with White Wolf allows Interplay to develop, publish and distribute interactive entertainment games based on the characters and fiction from the hugely popular pen and paper fantasy role-playing game and the unique art style of the Age of Sorrow universe on which it is based. Announcements regarding specific platforms and features will be released in the weeks ahead.

As mentioned earlier this week Universal Interactive has released the playable demo for Radical Entertainment's "The Hulk". This demo sports a playable levels (as Bruce Banner) and another one as The Hulk. Read more for download links ...

Project 3 has once again released a new patch for their team-based tactical shooter New World Order. This upgrades your European retail copy to v1.41 and is a lot faster, more stable, has drastically improved networking, new weapons behaviour and tweaks, added freeze-time and round-time, improved AI behaviour, server pass wording, admin login and the list just goes on and on and on! The patch comes in 3 different upgrades, for 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 versions. Read more for links where to grab the goods ...

Taking dramatic steps to become a major player in the global games publishing industry, Kemco will disclose some of the company’s major developments at the upcoming 2003 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), May 14-16, in Los Angeles (West Hall, Booth 2808). Kemco will unveil its hot new original property, Rogue Ops and provide a sneak peek at Lobo, an edgy new title based on the DC Comics character. Other titles that will be showcased include Top Gear Rally and Woody Woodpecker in Crazy Castte 5. Kemco is also on the acquisition hunt for new game properties that will strengthen its portfolio for the future.

Republic: The Revolution is the ground breaking new strategy title boasting jaw-dropping visuals utilising the most advanced graphic engine ever seen. Republic: The Revolution, developed by London based Elixir Studios, has you build up a nationwide faction powerful enough to oust the President and rule the Republic of Novistrana. A new trailer has been released letting you check out a bit more than one minute and a half of footage. Read more for download links ...

At the Electronic Entertainment Exposition taking place here next week, Encore, a leading interactive videogame and PC CD-ROM publisher, will showcase Marvel Comics' Daredevil, Grooverider: Slot Car Thunder, and games created by JoWooD including AquaNox 2: Revelation, Cold Zero and Chaser. These exciting new games will be at Encore's booth, #1624 in the South Hall.