EA has released the dedicated linux server for the recent demo for DICE's FPS sequel Battlefield 2. We reported earlier about EA banned modded servers from the master server list, and EA has finally issued a statement that this is indeed the case. "Because some server operators have hacked the time limit out of their servers or hacked access to the unlocks, we have been forced to reinforce our intended feature set by delisting the offending servers. All violations of the EULA as described above will result in a 1-week ban/delisting."

Valve's SteamPowered website has been updated with details regarding yet another update for Source SDK, fixing a number of connection problems to the backend of VAC2 (Valve's anti-cheat technology for game servers). VAC2 currently only runs on servers in the beta group, but will be active for all servers very soon.. Just restart Steam for the effects to take place.

Majorem regretably announces today that development of its MMO-RTS Ballerium has again come to a full stop, as a result of an agreement signed with Interplay's in December 2004 that could not be realized, apparently due to Interplay's inability to raise the required funding to turn Majorem's technology into a game. The agreement, signed in december was to see Interplay provide Majorem with the means to launch Ballerium this summer. As a result of this new situation, Majorem now considers to accept new offers for the licensing of its MMO-RTS technology (and an almost ready MMO-RTS game) to interested third parties. Inquiries can be sent to info@majorem.com

Frame City Killer is a next-generation action game for the Xbox 360. Featuring astoundingly detailed graphics powered by the Unreal Engine 3 and immersive, non-linear gameplay, Frame City Killer is set to deliver an intense gaming experience this holiday season in North America and Europe.

LucasArts and SOE continue to enhance their online glimpse into their favorite galaxy far, far away. This Tuesday's update features two particularly exciting additions. Three new elite creatures have been added for high-level players, each of which drops a signature trophy allowing victorious players to walk away with proof of their heroic accomplishment. Read more for details and screens ..

Koei Europe announced today that "Colosseum: Road to Freedom" will ship to European territories in September 2005. Through this action/rpg gamers will experience first-hand the thrill of fighting in the gruesome spectacles of gladiator games, as well as the hardships of training as a slave.

The game tells the story of Riddick's dramatic escape from the previously inescapable triple max security slam Butcher Bay, home to the most violent prisoners in the universe. Several weeks after the US patch, Vivendi has released Euro patches for Starbreeze's action game. This update brings your European/German retail copy to v1.1 and resolves some problems for newer Nvidia video cards, updates some model assets, and allows the use of gamepads (thanks 3DGamers). Read more for download links ...

There is quite a stir going on in the Battlefield 2 community as many server admins have started raising questions about their servers no longer showing up in the in-game master server list. Curiously enough all the missing servers were running minor mods to unlock hidden weapons and remove the ridiculously short time limit. At least 80 servers have been removed without any prior notice or explanation from EA, and there has been no official comment from the EA community moderators either. A possible workaround is changing the server ip or the name, especially if it includes mod hints such as "no time limit" etc.

In Pirates! you take the leading role of a Pirate Captain in the 17th century Caribbean trying to become the most revered and feared pirate in history - exploring high seas and exotic ports, overtaking enemies in fierce naval battles, engaging in duels and attempting to seize valuable booty. In this designer diary lead animator Steve Chao talks about the animation process and "even the odds," a new mode added for the Xbox version of the game.

Ubisoft has released an new update patch for Blue Byte's 3D RTS game 'Settlers: Heritage Of Kings.' This patch brings your retail game to v1.04 and adds ubi.com ladder support, as well as a few minor improvements. Read more for download links.

Black Bean Games has released a patch for the German edition of G5 Software's cold war RTS The Day After, previously known as Cuban Missile Crisis. No details available as to what it exactly fixes are available at this point. Read more for download links ...

Vicious Cycle Software announced today the upcoming release of the Vicious Engine, a complete middleware solution for game development on the PS2, Xbox and PC. This exciting technology is one of the first engines to offer full support for the PSP platform.

Four NBA teams will head to Europe for a competition against top European basketball clubs in October 2006 and 2007 as part of NBA Europe Live presented by EA SPORTS, the NBA and Euroleague Basketball announced today. As part of a two-year partnership agreement with Electronic Arts and Euroleague Basketball, the four NBA teams will compete in five European countries.

Namco announced today that Dead to Rights: Reckoning has gone gold. A brand new adventure created exclusively for the PSP, Dead to Rights: Reckoning features a new selection of hard-hitting moves and disarms, an original storyline and wireless multiplayer action for up to four players.

Bringing its heritage of being the definitive cricket game series, Brian Lara International Cricket comes ten years after Codemasters launched the original Brian Lara game and over five years since the series appeared on any platform. Read more for screens or check the new trailer.

Strategy First and Pocket PC Studios are happy to announce a new contractual relationship that will make Strategy First's PC titles available on the Nintendo DS.

Alpha Prime is a first person action game with an emphasis on the single player experience. At its core is a Science Fiction story written by the foremost Czech Sci-fi author Ondrej Neff. Game play will be a varied balance of combat and more technical activities such as hacking and remotely controlling robotic devices.

Chaos League: Sudden Death, developed by Paris-based Cyanide Studios, takes up where the original Chaos League left off, bringing with it a host of improvements and enhancements which make take the real-time, role-playing strategy sports title into a whole new bloody battleground.

Blizzard today announced that its MMO World of Warcraft has surpassed two million paying subscribers worldwide. As the game's worldwide population continues to grow, so does the game itself: Blizzard recently introduced the highly anticipated player-vs.-player (PvP) Honor System and the game's first two Battlegrounds, Alterac Valley and Warsong Gulch. These new PvP battlefields offer a variety of fast-paced combat and some of the most valuable rewards yet seen in the game.

Create exactly the city you want: build uniquely-designed structures, from residences to corporate skyscrapers. Improve the quality of life by providing recreational and entertainment opportunities-without letting taxes spiral out of control. Solve traffic and pollution problems and sustain the city resources needed to keep the peace. Spend wisely to keep your town prosperous, wealthy, contented and healthy.

A more grown-up Link returns to Nintendo GameCube in a new adventure, and an impressive new 3-D look. Solve challenging puzzles, explore vast lands and hunt for treasure. Immerse yourself in the deep storylines and rich graphics that the franchise is known for.

Star Defender II is a new Galaga-inspired game that is nothing but a continuous survival marathon that is sure to exhaust even the most experienced players. The game is 100 levels long, jam packed with amazingly detailed and uniquely different species of aliens (total of thirty) and is undoubtedly one of the toughest scrolling shooters in the world.

Metal Slug 4 & 5 was released as a bundle pack this summer, giving you twice the action, and twice the fun. Help stop the distribution of a computer virus that threatens the world's militaries, and recover Metal Slug secrets and destroy a paramilitary syndicate!