Business and consumer computer solutions provider Hewlett-Packard, graphics industry contender NVIDIA, Microsoft's PC advocate Games for Windows initiative and even broadband game publisher Trion World Network released a whoosh of hostile air against the next-gen consoles.

They were probably outraged as many other hardcore PC fans were at the 2007 Game Developers Conference's "PC Gaming in an Age of Connected Consoles" panel discussion. Instead, the PC industry leaders formed their own panel, bringing in Microsoft's Games for Windows initiative's boss Rich Wickham and Trion World Network's founder Lars Butler, among other representatives of leading PC industry entities.

Lars was also quick to comment, "I believe the days of the console are numbered. There is one more generation of gaming consoles and that is it."

Backing Butler, NVIDIA's VP Roy Taylor upped the PC's ante by stating, "Our advantage as developers is we know what is coming. And what is coming is far ahead of the console. You will see a huge difference between what you can get on a PC and a console."

In line with this, Hewlett-Packard plans to enter the hardcore gaming market by rolling out a new line of gaming-related hardware, possibly even hobbyist PCs, within the year. It's even claimed that they plan to even provide a curved computer monitor for not only widescreen effect, but for full FPS immersion.

Whether or not the PC industry giants can deliver, we cannot tell, but with PC enthusiasts who know exactly how to make full use of their PC's power and console piracy looming over the horizon, consoles may never be able to say "the PC is dead" ever again.

If you're a fan of Titan Quest, then this will surely be a good news for you. THQ has announced that they are now working on the first expansion of the critically acclaimed game, and will be set for a worldwide release early next year.

Entitled Titan Quest: Immortal Throne, the game expands the storyline from the swamps of Mediterranean to the core of Hades. THQ was certainly pleased with the strong acceptance of gamers to Titan Quest last summer that they wanted to push the game a level higher, and give its fans new and exciting content.

Iron Lore Entertainment will remain to be in partnership with THQ to provide you with that fast-paced, story-driven gameplay that drew gamers to play the game. Says Brian Sullivan, President and lead designer of Iron Lore, "With eight new character classes, and entirely new epic underworld to explore, and dozens of other new features, the expansion takes the game's character development and player immersion to the next level."

Check out all the screenshots after the jump!

eDimensional is taking PC and PS2 gaming to next-gen level with its new wireless G-Pad Pro Gyroscopic Gamepad with VRMS (Virtual Reality Motion Sensing) technology. G-Pad Pro features intuitive and precise motion sensing technology, which can be adjusted on-the-fly to individual gaming style, as well as various types of games. The controller's multiple axis provides four additional control options in 3D space, giving gamers smoother, more dynamic ability to control in-game action.

The G-Pad Pro, according to eDimensional, is the only motion-sensing gamepad that offers force feedback officially licensed from Immersion. The feedback combined with the motion-sensing capability simulates a genuine next-generation gaming experience and more immersive gameplay. eDimensional calls it next-generation technology at the price of an ordinary third-party controller. Something to keep gamers occupied while waiting for the PS3 and Wii.

The G-Pad Pro wired controller is currently available for US$ 29.95 only through eDimensional's website (link below) until end of November but will be offered through worldwide retail later.

For all you crickets fans out there, this bit's for you. EA Sports' Cricket 07 producer Justin Forrest has revealed that The Ashes will be a part of the game. The Ashes, considered to be the biggest Test Match event on the cricketing calendar this year, is one drama that remains exclusive to England and Australia. And now, you have it as a standalone game mode, with its own distinct style and flavor.

What Cricket 07 does is to mimic the much-awaited Australia Ashes series. Here, you'd be able to play with all the authenticity that can be offered from the Full Ashes Tour or the '3 Mobile' Ashes Series. If you want to give the Full Tour a try, then be sure you're ready for it as this will feature the warm up matches between England and Australian State Cricket opposition, the one day series, and the actual Ashes Test Matches. On the other hand, if you would want to go for a lighter Ashes immersion, you can skip the warmup matches and One day series, and just go straight to the 5 Ashes Test Matches.

That should be versatile enough for you. Anyways, just keep in mind that the matches are all played in an Australian environment. This means that depending on whose side you're playing for, home advantage and knowledge can take you a long way.