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Okay, for serious this time, DiRT 2 is coming to PC on December 8

by Ben Gilbert { Dec 6th 2009 at 7:30PM }

After suffering from a series of delays, Codemasters rallycross racer DiRT 2 is arriving on PCs this December 8. As confirmed by Codies community man "Ice" on the developer's forums, the game will be arriving a week late to the PC due to a reason that is "far too boring to go into." He assures fans that it's not a "technical issue in any way, shape, or form," and that he has assurance from the US office that the game's ship date is confirmed for December 8. Just a few more days, PC-owning DiRT fans! We promise this time!

Gallery: DiRT 2

DiRT 2 PC demo hits the track

by David Hinkle { Dec 1st 2009 at 4:30PM }

The PC version of Codies racer DiRT 2 may be a bit behind the console pack, but it's crossing the finishing line in style. The extra time has allowed the team to throw a couple of more DirectXs in there (they've got it up to 11 now!) and fine-tune all of the game's tessellation.

And if you're still on the sidelines, wondering whether the game is for you (or, more importantly, if your puny rig can handle all of this Xtreme tessellation action), then why not try the game out right now? Codemasters was kind enough to hook up our sister site Big Download with a PC demo, so feel free to get a little dirty. Just, uh, change your clothes first. Your mom would kill us if you ruined that new Nickelback T-shirt.

DirectX 11-powered Dirt 2 heading to PCs in early December

by Ben Gilbert { Oct 22nd 2009 at 4:31PM }

During Microsoft's big coming-out party for Windows 7 today in New York City, Codemasters showed off the new DirectX 11 version of the upcoming PC port of Dirt 2 that you see above. Though the developer said little of new content additions being made to the game, the already gorgeous visuals have been gussied up with help from DirectX 11, and cheevos will be ready for the taking on Games for Windows Live. Meeting its previously announced delay head-on, Dirt 2 starts shipping in North America on December 1, with December 3 and 4 release dates for the rest of the world (in your face, world!).

GTA IV, Dead Space coming to Xbox 360 Games on Demand this month

by David Hinkle { Oct 9th 2009 at 10:00AM }

The Xbox 360's Games on Demand service is getting quite the booster shot this month, as Microsoft has announced six new titles coming to the service in October. The festivities kicked off earlier this week with the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2 and Call of Duty 3. Here's what the rest of this month has in store:

October 13

Grand Theft Auto IV

October 20

October 27

Dead Space
DiRT

There's no word on price for any of these titles right now, so we've checked with Microsoft and will be sure to update you when we hear back.

Codemasters' go-to driving dev departs

by David Hinkle { Oct 1st 2009 at 1:32PM }

Gavin Raeburn, the guy who may be most responsible for beloved Codies-brand racers like DiRT 2 and GRID, has resigned from the company, VG247 reports. After a stint lasting more than 20 years, the former executive producer has "moved on to pastures new," said Gavin Cheshire, VP of Codemasters Development.

Cheshire added, "it's positive for any individual to move when they feel they're at the top." "[Raeburn] leaves having built an incredibly talented team that's led by key players who will drive our racing portfolio forward." There's no word on where Raeburn is headed, but there's a good chance it's Disney World.

Dirt 2 is the 'breast' tattoo simulator ever

by Alexander Sliwinski { Sep 3rd 2009 at 11:56AM }

Somehow we totally missed Dirt 2's reinvention of digital "dirt" -- from dusty rally racing to busty Sally tracing. At least, that's what the ploy at Dirtytats.com (NSFW) would have us believe. The game's promotional site presents visitors with a pair of animated assets to put one's ink on. We decided to give our models a lace bra–like tattoo to cover up the ample skin real estate and express -- in a word -- what we thought about this type of marketing being tied into a racing game (after the break, fellow art lovers).

Now, if Saints Row 2 had done something like this ... brilliant! It's all about context.

Gallery: DiRT 2

Continued →

Sony publishing DiRT 2 for PSP, PS3 in PAL regions

by David Hinkle { Aug 27th 2009 at 4:00PM }

Sony continues its third-party publishing strategy in PAL territories today by taking up Codemasters' DiRT 2. Unlike the Ghostbusters venture, however, this is not a timed exclusive for PlayStation platforms. MCV reports that Sony will publish the PSP and PS3 versions of the game, while Codemasters handles publishing duties on all other platforms.

Codemasters' senior VP of publishing for EPAC, Axel Herr, is glad to have Sony take over, citing the series' "great affinity with the PlayStation brand in PAL territories for over 10 years" as one of the key factors behind the decision. We're sure all of the buzz around the PS3 Slim didn't hurt either.

New Dirt 2 trailers feature fancy cars, lots of dirt

by Ben Gilbert { Jul 25th 2009 at 11:30PM }

What do a BMW Z4 Coupe, a Subaru WRX Hatch, and a mess of big trucks have in common? They'll all be at your disposal in upcoming rally-racer Dirt 2, silly! Aside from the game's striking visuals -- the ones that we marveled over when we saw it last February -- gameplay has always been a strong suit for Codemasters' dirt racer. While the video above, titled "Baja Raid," looks vaguely similar to games like Motorstorm and Pure, we expect a different, more simulation than arcade, feel from Dirt 2. Check out the rest of the trailers after the break or head over to our sister site Big Download and snag them for yourself in full HD glory.

Gallery: DiRT 2

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Dirt 2 release date all cleaned up

by Richard Mitchell { Jul 16th 2009 at 12:30PM }

Codemasters today announced the official release dates for Dirt 2. The utterly filthy racing game will hit US shores on September 8, Europe on September 10 and the UK on September 11. For those out there who aren't filthy rich enough to own all the consoles, have no fear, for Dirt 2 will be available on PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS and PSP. Much like actual dirt, you should be able to find it just about anywhere.

Unless you want to pick up the PC version, which was recently delayed in order to accommodate DirectX 11. Expect it to arrive in December.

Gallery: DiRT 2

First DiRT 2 media lacks polish

by David Hinkle { Jun 23rd 2009 at 1:15PM }

When people criticize the Wii, the graphics are usually one of the first things mentioned. Codemasters' DiRT 2 is sure to bring about cries of "N64!" and other such malarkey, because, well, it looks bad. We'd like to be more diplomatic, but, yeah, you can see it in the trailer above and in the screens in the gallery below. Bad, right?

Gallery: DiRT 2

DiRT 2 tips its hat to the late Colin McRae

by Griffin McElroy { Jun 18th 2009 at 8:25PM }

When Scottish rally racer Colin McRae died in a tragic helicopter accident in September 2007, many wondered how his passing would affect the final version of DiRT, the McRae-branded racing game that would come out later that month. The answer? Well, it was too late in the game's development to include any significant changes -- but Codemasters is making sure that the upcoming sequel to the well-reviewed racer adequately tips its hat to the driver who spawned the series.

MTV Multiplayer checked out DiRT 2 during a recent preview in NYC, and reports that players will be working to qualify for the Colin McRae Memorial Cup -- what's more, Codemasters' Mark Turosz explained that players will "hear other drivers talking about him," and that "he's the central figure in the narrative." Rarely do video games dabble in real-life tragedies -- though it looks like Codemasters is handling it with a refreshing touch of class.

Gallery: DiRT 2

Codemasters signs Ken Block for DiRT 2

by David Hinkle { Mar 31st 2009 at 11:00AM }

Taking up duties as the face of the DiRT franchise, popular rally driver Ken Block tells us why he wanted to be involved in Codemasters' racer in the video above. Taking inspiration from the late (and sorely missed) Colin McRae, the new kid on the block regales his story of getting involved in the sport of rally racing and how he hopes to fill the gigantic shoes left behind. The video isn't all sitting around and talking, however, as it also shows Ken's influence in the sequel, with some brief snippets of gameplay. Expect plenty of big air opportunities in DiRT 2, as is Ken's style.

DiRT 2 is drifting toward a Fall release on the PS3, PSP, Xbox 360, Wii, ColecoVision, DS, Virtual Boy, and PC.

Gallery: DiRT 2

Codemasters wants 'gamer's games' on Wii, finds other publisher strategies 'bewildering'

by Alexander Sliwinski { Mar 4th 2009 at 1:58PM }

Codemasters has a couple new execs talking about the publisher's "cautious strategy" on the Wii -- and, by "cautious," they mean making titles that appeal to core gamers. UK General Manager Jeremy Wigmore and Marketing VP Alex Bertie tell MCV that Codemasters "can't ignore Wii," despite the publisher's emphasis on next-gen titles.

Bertie finds it "bewildering" to see what other companies are doing with Nintendo's juggernaut. He expresses that Codies isn't going to make "cheap, crappy ports" and expects the company to produce "gamer's games." Wigmore believes that other publishers constantly going to retail with a "mass-market product" only makes those games become "white noise." It'll be interesting to see if Codemasters retains its thinking about Wii after Overlord: Dark Legend releases in a few months and the publisher starts seeing sales figures.

Codemasters kicks up DiRT 2 for PSP too

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 20th 2008 at 7:50PM }

Codemaster's critically acclaimed DiRT racing game is coming to PSP. Specifically, the sequel will be hitting the platform. This is surprising considering the first game never released on the handheld. DiRT 2 will launch on the PSP simultaneously with its big brother cousins on PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2009.

[Thanks, David B.!]

Wii to get DiRTy in 2009

by David Hinkle { Nov 20th 2008 at 1:45PM }

The sequel to 2007's gem of a racing game, DiRT, is going to be releasing on Wii, says Codemasters. What do we say? Yay! We're pumped!

The Wii version will release simultaneously with the other console ports of the game next year, and is to include a "tuned-up car-handling physics system" and "new damage engine effects." We're hoping the game will be solid on the Wii, as it could benefit from the Wiimote. Think Excite Truck, but better.

So, who's excited for DiRT 2 next year?