As we drift aimlessly but happily into the New Year, word reaches GameSetWatch of a couple of major new game websites launching over the next few weeks.

Firstly, Future Publishing's U.S. division, which runs Official Xbox Magazine, PC Gamer, and PSM in the magazine field, but has thus far been relatively tardy getting into the U.S. consumer game website business, is re-launching existing MSN UK-partnered site GamesRadar in early January with a newly hired U.S. staff, plus existing UK journos. As the press release explains, "GamesRadar will be the first international games information destination on the Web and marks another major step forward in Future’s global online expansion plan." As a major competitor to GameSpot, IGN, and Ziff's 1UP, should be interesting to see how Future steps up.

Secondly, recent print ads and a new page on Ziff Davis' website reveals the forthcoming arrival of GameVideos.com, a new online property to run alongside 1UP.com and the newly acquired GameTab.com and FileFront.com. According to the helpful marketing information, the new Ziff property is: "The only site dedicated to the entire gamut of gaming video clips, GameVideos.com is the one-stop resource for game trailers, current and classic ads, tournaments, news footage, interviews, and humor." Chances are the fan favorite 1UP Show videocast will transition/mirror over there when the site launches in the near future.