Race Driver: GRID the all-new exhilarating racing experience from Codemasters Studios, recently launched in the U.S. and throughout Europe to critical acclaim, is to be fully localised for release in Japan later this year, Codemasters announced today.

One of the highest rated racing videogames of recent years, Race Driver: GRID already features Japanese specific content, including Drift and Touge race events and locations that include Tokyo Shibuya, Yokohama and Haruna.

The Playstation 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft editions of game will now be adapted to include Japanese speech and text throughout in readiness for its arrival in the market this winter.

“As Codemasters continues to gain significant ground in the global videogame business, the release of Race Driver: GRID in Japan will also see the arrival of the Codemasters brand as a publishing label in the market,” said Rod Cousens, CEO, Codemasters. “We have pursued options in the market for some time and this announcement is but a first indication of our ambitions in that market.”

On release, the Japanese edition of Race Driver: GRID will come complete with a full copy of the flagship off-road racer, Colin McRae: DiRT. The dual offering is expected to be well received; earlier Race Driver and Colin McRae titles have enjoyed success in the market when published under licence.

“The recent success of key western titles in Japan is indicative of the current trend where Japanese gamers are not only more aware of popular western gaming brands but actively seeking them out,” continued Cousens. “With Race Driver: GRID set to be fully localised and arrive bundled with Colin McRae: DIRT, it is an opportune time for Codemasters to enjoy brand success in Japan.”

Codemaster’s new Race Driver: GRID entered the UK weekly gaming charts at second place, with Rockstar’s GTA IV still holding on to first. The only other racing title in the top twenty is Mario Kart Wii, which dropped two places and is now in tenth.

Astraware® and Pazzazz Games are excited to announce the release of GTS World Racing for Palm OS and Windows Mobile smartphones and PDAs. GTS World Racing is the sequel to the highly acclaimed GTS Racing Challenge, and has been created by Pazzazz and published by Astraware.

Fans of classic coin-operated arcade racing games will love the retro style graphics and exhilarating sound effects. Experience the roar of engines as you select your car, race your opponents, set the fastest laptimes, score points for most race wins and burn rubber to gain championship victory!

GTS World Racing offers 64 track layouts across 16 worldwide locations - from snowscapes to dusty deserts; 3 car types to choose from each with their own handling characteristics; and 4 difficulty levels from Easy to Extreme!

The game offers 4 play modes to satisfy every level of expertise: Single Race - check out the tracks and practice your skills before heading for the main event; Challenge Cup - race at each of the 16 locations and achieve the required finishing position for your chosen difficulty; Grand Tour - complete all 64 tracks in all 16 locations and achieve the required finishing position in each; and Championship - complete the full 16 race season and score the most points to win the championship.

GTS World Racing is available for a wide range of smartphones and PDAs running Palm OS® 5 and later, and Windows Mobile Professional, Classic and Standard 2003 and later.