CTW lead this week with the news that Microsoft's X-Box will have a rumoured $250 million marketing spend behind it when it's launched and that software publishers are queuing up to lend their support to the machine. From the early demo of X-Box Future Gamer were given, we'd have to say we can't blame 'em. Take 2 have been busy again this week, acquiring Pixel Broadband Studios in a deal worth some $50 million, which will see Take 2's publishing and development skills linked with Pixel's technological expertise in multiplayer gaming technology. Also given front page space on this week's CTW is the story that LucasArts are about to shake up their UK and European distribution, a move that could see the American firm drop Activision, who've handled UK and most European distribution since 1998.

The final noteworthy front page story on this week's CTW concerns rumours about Acclaim's future. Allegedly, a number of high-profile parties are in advanced financial discussions with the publisher, with Havas tipped as the hot favourite to swallow them up. Inside CTW this week there's a story that Northumberland police have asked ELSPA to make the industry aware that a number of recordable CDs, which are normally only available on the continent, have been stolen. If you come across one of the 83,000 Samsung CD-R 74Ses that were stolen from Europa Magnetics in Cramlington then please called ELSPA's crime unit on 01386 830642.

MCV's cover is also dominated by the latest X-Box developments and they suggest that the console will have a global release with the current favourite date being September 2001 at a price tag of £199. Let's hope so, eh? MCV also give front page space to the Take 2 news and suggest that newly formed Broadband Studios could well be floated on the London or Parisian Stock Exchange. Other stories on MCV's cover this week include the bad news that up to 500 jobs might be lost as Mattel restructure their new software business, and that Sony have warned about importing PlayStation2s because they've not yet got European safety standards approval - that CE mark you see on everything. The most interesting bit of news for us this week, though, is the story that CTW's Editor Ronnie Dungan has, erm, quit CTW to join MCV. Hmm.