Rockstar Games, the studio behind the Grand Theft Auto series, have signed in a new long-term contract with publisher Take-Two Interactive. Guess studios like Electronic Arts and Activision Blizzard lost their chance to nab the Houser brothers.

The stint between Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive is the stuff of anticlimactic legends in video gaming. Now that the short-lived love affair's over, EA explains that their attempt to acquire T2 was only an attempt to help them out with holiday sales of Grand Theft Auto IV.

With EA's deadline for Take-Two Interactive coming up fast, a lot of people are eagerly waiting for Take-Two's reply to the game publishing giant's takeover bid. Whatever happens, though, it seems like Rockstar Games president and co-founder Sam Houser actually sees a few good things about an alliance with EA.

Rockstar Games has acquired Mad Doc Software and has thus created Rockstar New England from it. Looks like the development empire of the company is by no means slowing down despite the heavy criticisms for its prominent game titles (GTA is a dead giveaway). See how this new partnership sprang up over at the full article.

Thanks to zakir8 for the tip!

Amid all the controversy and all the protests, Manhunt 2 has finally hit store shelves in North America. Now, gamers will finally get to see what all the fuss is about.

"Manhunt 2 has gone through much to reach this day," said Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games. "We are very excited that fans will finally get a chance to experience the magnificent horror experience we've crafted with Manhunt 2."

The sequel to 2003's similarly controversial Manhunt, Manhunt 2 puts players in the shoes of Daniel Lamb, a scientist working on the Pickman Project who ends up locked away in an insane asylum for six years. Players must now guide Lamb towards freedom and the truth.

Manhunt 2 for the Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation Portable, and Nintendo Wii is now available in retail stores all over North America. The game carries an M rating.


Buy: [Manhunt 2 (PSP)]
Buy: [Manhunt 2 (Wii)]

Rockstar Games' Manhunt 2 is set to be released for the PSP, the PS2, and the Wii. Of course, gamers that support the mentioned platforms are eagerly awaiting this violence fest of a game. What follows are a few more details on the game's story, just in case you're one of those who need a bit help with the wait.

The folks of WorthPlaying inform that in Manhunt 2, an experiment at a secret research facility has gone wrong. Daniel Lamb and Leo Kasper are the only surviving subjects. The immediate goal of course is to survive The Pickman Project, an entity that will stop at nothing to hunt the protagonists down, and prevent the truth from leaking out.

Sam Houser, executive producer at Rockstar Games had this to say about the game:

With Manhunt 2 we have tried to create a game that stays close to the original concept of chilling suspense and stealth, whilst pushing the game design and storytelling forward. ...We are also excited to have our newest development team, Rockstar UK">London, working on the title alongside our two established UK studios, Rockstar North and Leeds.

The game's press kit teases:

Demented screams echo around the dank asylum that has caged you for the last six years. You open your eyes. A white-coated body slumps to the floor through your shaking hands. A bloody syringe slips from your arm. Waves of confusion and paranoia crash over you. You have no idea who you are or how you got here. ...The door to your cell is open. One choice. One chance. They took your life. Time to take it back.

The game is Rockstar London's debut title, and is reportedly set to hit retail come Summer 2007.

Rockstar Games and Timbaland (rapper and music producer) are teaming up to bring Beaterator, a "Flash based sequencer and mixer." It's the successor to Rockstar's Rhymerator.

Anyway, the Beaterator has a built-in sound bank plus it allows users to create their own sounds, loops, and 8-track compositions. The team up is optimistic about the Beaterator being ported to the PSP. The PSP version will sport original rhythm games and challenge modes. It will also feature a "powerful music mixer." Timbaland expressed his excitement, saying that he's "thrilled to be partnering with them [Rockstar] and making music for Beaterator. I cannot wait to get this in the hands of our fans!"

Rockstar's founder Sam Houser adds: Two years ago, we launched a web-based version of Beaterator on our own website and people really embraced it. That inspired us to build and create something very interactive and unique. Having Timbaland involved in the game is a real honor and only adds to our excitement about the title.

It's due to hit the PSP this summer. Well, we'll see if there's more info regarding Beaterator. Stay tuned.