The Tony Hawk video game franchise is already a winner in itself, but Activision, Neversoft, and Tony Hawk still saw it fit to do some overhaul in the franchise's direction. Dubbed as the "Tony Hawk Innovation Plan," what can fans expect from this move? Read more in the full article.

Game Developers Magazine is starting a new trend, and it's to list out the Top 50 videogame developers of the year - just to give back to the groups that made our lives a bit more exciting through their realized (and digitized) works of art. Want to know if your favorite game developer made the list? Hit the full article to find out!

More quality than quantity, more depth on all sides (except on the storyline) rather than just updating the last release - this is what should describe Tony Hawk's Project 8 that's coming out on  the PS2, Xbox, PS3, Xbox 360, and PSP. Some of you have already seen a number of footages we've posted here and are already familiar with new features of the game such as the "Nail the Trick". However, we dug for more juicy bits concerning the single player and multiplayer modes of the game and we found out something that you just might like. Read on.

As we know, THP8, being a multiplatform game, (and especially designed to fit the next-gen consoles' graphics capabilities) have been subject to ridicule by some gamers who say it's just a rehash of the old titles. Actually, Neversoft made it more like a melange of the classic Tony Hawk series and pitched in some new, more interesting stuff. In the PS3 single player mode, these are what you'll find:

• 200 separate (new and classic) goals, ranking: Amateur, Pro, and Sick
• (Xbox 360) ambient goals: scattered trick lines that allow players to explore while completing a goal
• a full and more detailed stats report
• hidden "secret tapes" or discs that unlock live action videos
• controls revamp requiring more diverse tricks instead of repetitive ones (most notable in "Nail the Trick")

In the multiplayer mode called "Walls", check these out: 

• other skaters that run on your trails scores you points and lengthens your trail
• (Xbox 360) multiplayer, online, and supports up to 8 players
• (PS3) two players, split-screen mode

If anything, THP8 running on next-gen consoles is going to be one kickass game by the time it gets launched. Our limited rundowns won't suffice but for the meantime, we'll keep you posted on the buzz when they come.

Pre-Order: [Tony Hawk's Project 8 for the Xbox 360]
Pre-Order: [Tony Hawk's Project 8 for the PSP]

Scheduled to be released on October 10, Activision's Gun Showdown is clearly showing who's boss in the Wild West with these new screenshots.

The game is set in the late 1800s, where you can fight outlaws, hunt for bounty and upgrade your weaponry. Ghost towns, riding horses, and arming yourself with rifles spell out the ultimate lawless fun. But running around town chasing after bandits won't be the only thing in store for you here. There are six new Quick-Play modes, including Texas Hold 'Em, which allows you to immerse yourself in some card action - a diversion from all that missions. Check out these screenshots to see just what kind of western action you're gonna get yourself into with this game.

  

More screenshots after the jump!