Today, 704Games officially announced NASCAR Heat 2, coming September 12 to PS4, XB1, and PC.

According to the official press release, here re the first details regarding the game: "NASCAR Heat 2 builds on the core experience of its predecessor, NASCAR Heat Evolution, with advancements from returning developer Monster Games. These improvements include enhanced online multiplayer, a deeper career mode, track updates, additional drivers and other features in line with the 2017 NASCAR-sanctioned national series formats."

Through Friday, May 19 fans can vote for the two finalists to grace the cover of the game among these four contenders: Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and Martin Truex Jr. The cover athlete will then be the driver between the top two vote-getters who has the better finish at Stage 2 at the Monster Energy All-Star Race on May 20.

Continue on to read the official press release and cover vote video from 704Games. ...

EA SPORTS has announced that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will be the cover athlete for the standard and G.O.A.T. editions of Madden NFL 18, set to launch in late August. The G.O.A.T. Edition will allow users to play the game three days early and will also include a bevy of Madden Ultimate Teams perks and bonuses.

Brady also addressed the much-discussed 'Madden Curse,' in not one, but two videos on his Facebook account.

Continue on to read the official press release from EA SPORTS. ...

Amazon's product listing for Madden NFL 18 provides the community's first information regarding the game.

The standard version of the game will release on August 25, with those who pre-order the 'g.o.a.t.' Edition able to play on August 25.

Among the early game info/features revealed: M18 will be powered by the Frostbite Engine and Play Now Live will allow users to play that week's NFL match-ups.

Gameplay improvements include target passing, three play style options (Arcade, Simulation, Competitive), coverage assignment options, and coach adjustments.

Continue on to see the official game info and description courtesy Amazon. ...

Today, 2K Sports announced that Shaquille O'Neal will be the cover athlete for the Legend Edition and Legend Edition Gold versions of NBA 2K18. These two versions of the game will join the standard version of the title. The cover athlete for the standard version of the game has yet to be announced.

Each version of the game will come with perks, including some physical items for the legend versions. The MSRP for the standard version is $59.99, Legend Edition $99.99, and Legend Edition Gold $149.99.

Last year, O'Neal's former Laker teammate Kobe Bryant was the legend cover athlete for NBA 2K17 and based on the announcement trailer it appears he will be involved the game's marketing plans again this year.

Continue on to see the announcement trailer. ...

Game update 1.05 is now available for MLB The Show 17, the second game update made available in the last week.

Like update 1.04, this update covers a wide range of game areas: gameplay (online and offline), stadiums, crashes, and more.

Continue on to read the full game update details for game update 1.05. ...

Game update 1.04 is now available for MLB The Show 17 and comes in at a sizable 1.7 GB.

The patch addresses numerous issues across gameplay (online & offline), user interface, presentation (stadiums), Diamond Dynasty, RTTS, and more.

Continue on to read the full list of patch details. ...

Via Gamespot, Saber Interactive has released the official roster for NBA Playgrounds, coming in May to PS4, XB1, PC, & the Nintendo Switch.

The initial roster features a bevy of current and former players. While there are currently some notable missing players such as Boston's Isaiah Thomas and Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, the game's official twitter account shared that 'hundreds more to arrive soon after' launch.

Based upon game screenshots, it appears that users can pick two players from the entire game roster for their team, unlike previous arcade titles such as NBA JAM that required users to pick two players from one team.

We will update this article with the game's latest roster as it becomes known/available. Continue on to see the current roster of the game sorted by team. ...

NBA Playgrounds - a new IP from Saber Interactive - launches in May and the first gameplay information has been posted on the PlayStation Blog.

Shooting and dunking success will be dependent on releasing the shoot button at the peak of your shooting motion. Doing so will add bonus points if done perfectly. On the flip side, user will look to time the steal and push buttons/commands correctly to try and stop the offense.

Get enough buckets and the game will allow users to spin the 'Lottery Pick wheel' for s short-term bonus, such as increased speed, increased dunk height, increased shot percentage, et al.

The title will feature over 200 current and former players. Some of the revealed former players include Allen Iverson, Walt Frazier, and Shaquille O'Neal, among others. Players can unlock new players and signature moves by winning games.

Continue on to see the NBA Playgrounds gameplay trailer and a link to the gameplay info at the PlayStation Blog. ...

MLB The Show 17 has released game update 1.03. This update addresses gameplay, uniform, and functionality issues.

Among the most notable improvements include online gameplay fixes, adding in names to the back of the Tigers' road uniforms, as well as rectifying issues with year to year saves and message handling.

Continue on to see the released patch notes from Sony San Diego. ...