Codemasters announces DiRT Showdown, an upcoming "extension" of the DiRT series of rally racing games that's expected in May 2012 for Windows PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. There's a preview of the game on GameSpot, an interview with Codemasters associate producer Iain Smith and senior games designer Mike Chapman on Computer and Video Games where they discuss the new direction of this "arcade-style spin-off," and what it means to fans of the franchise.

There are three broad categories to DiRT Showdown’s action-sport racing. Players will use nitrous to blast past rivals and negotiate courses filled with ramps, multiple routes and obstacles in full-contact Racing events. Gaming’s most advanced damage engine is unleashed in Demolition Derby themed events where players smash and crash their way to victory in bone-jarring style. Finally, in Hoonigan events, gamers will send fans wild in huge stunt parks where accessible new controls offer every player the chance to become a freestyle driving hero.

From San Francisco to Miami and London to Tokyo, players will dominate their rivals and wow the crowds. Pyrotechnics, lasers and thousands of fans give each venue a sports entertainment atmosphere, becoming the perfect stage for players to perform. Over 50 different events across four championships will challenge gamers in a variety of conditions – sun, snow and rain – through the day and under the floodlights at night.