Scottish newspaper Sunday Herald is reporting that DC Studios has shut down its Edinburgh studio, most recently known for wrapping up the long in development action shooter State of Emergency II. DC Studios founder and chief executive Mark Greenshields announced 29 employees have been "made redundant." Disappointing sales were only part of the reason for the closure of the Edinburgh studio, which was also working on two other projects. In early 2005, DC Studios took over SOE II from VIS Entertainment, which was later acquired by BAM Entertainment; both are now defunct.

Another day, another batch of game trailers was released. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are trailers for:

• Atelier Iris : Grand Fantasm [PS2] - Jap Trailer
• Warhammer: Mark of Chaos - Trailer #4
• The Movies: Stunts & Effects - Walkthrough Trailer
• Earache Extreme Metal Racing [PSP/PS2/PC] - Trailer #2
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  We will update this throughout the day when new trailers become available. Read more for download links ...

Perpetual announced that the official Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising beta program is nearing, so now is a good time to sign up for your chance to get in! How do you sign up for your chance to get in? Well, the best (and right now the only) way to get signed up is by creating a personalized Perpetual Entertainment Platform Account. This will also get you registered for the message boards, so if you already have a message board account, you are already signed up for your chance at getting into the beta.

Starting tomorrow, Xbox 360 gamers will be able to access a vigorous system-wide update creating a new pinnacle for next-generation gaming and entertainment. The Xbox 360 spring update introduces more than 125 features and enhancements adding to Xbox 360's power, high-definition graphics, online capabilities and media offerings.

IDDK and G5 Software announce a new tank simulation to be set during the Second World War. WWII Battle Tanks: T-34 vs. Tiger tells the story of the great triumph of the Soviet Army during the summer campaign of 1944.

Earache Extreme Metal Racing will feature ten evil Earache racing teams burning a lot more than rubber through hell and other wastelands. Along with themed tracks from the combatants on the starting grid there’ll also be a plethora of extreme Earache classics making up the soundtrack of the game. This demo features one track and two driveable vehicles.

Already announced during E3, Frontier Developments today revealed that Thrillville is scheduled for a Christmas 2006 release. Customize your park, interact with guests like never before, and build and hop into your own roller coasters and other rides.

Falcon 4.0: Allied Force features extensive improvements in all areas including artificial intelligence, graphics, multiplayer, terrain and of course the stunning real time, fully dynamic campaign engine. This patch brings your retail game to v1.0.7 and improves multiplayer and various other fixes and tweaks.

Never passing up an opportunity to lambast video games, Florida attorney Jack Thompson compared gamers to hitmen in a statement involving a brutal crime where two teenagers killed another teen for not letting them borrow his car. Thompson made the link to his favorite game, Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto, and asked local police to look for violent video games, then making a statement saying "Nobody shoots anybody in the face unless you're a hit man or a video gamer."

Ashes: Two Worlds Collide is a single player cRPG inspired by classic RPGs such as Ultima VII, Drakkhen and Demon's Winter, yet featuring more modern 3d graphicsm Ashes: Two Worlds Collide replicates the exploration, atmosphere and compelling plots of such classics while adding some brand new ingredients

With the launch of new consoles comes the inevitable discussion of backwards compatibility, and it seems Sony is running into a few issues. Initially announced as made possible through a software emulator, it seems engineers will not be able to complete the tool in time, and thus Sony opted to simple include PS2 hardware inside each PS3, at least until the emu is finished. The report also reveals update patches through online service, plans for bigger hds, upgraded network features, and that the flash memory will be used for its OS. There is also speculation on Sony's next-gen console price, set at 73,000 yen, but that is to be taken with a grain of salt.

GTA: Liberty City Stories takes place 3 years before GTA 3 and our main character Toni Cipriani has returned from laying low for the past 4 years after taking out a rival mob boss for the Leone crime family. Having welcomed him back with open arms, the Don Salvatore Leone is putting Toni to back work under the watchful eye of Vincenzo Cilli, one of his most trusted capo’s.

Another day, another batch of games shipped to stores. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are announcements for:

• MLB SlugFest2006 (PS2/Xbox)
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  We will update this throughout the day when new announcements become available. Read more for details...

EA today declared the winner of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany. Using a simulation engine in the 2006 FIFA World Cup videogame, EA was able to test all 32 teams in the competition and determine that the Czech Republic would come out on top.

Nobilis and Strategy First announced the signing of the turn base strategy game Great Invasions, a clever mix of strategy and action, plunging you back into Europe of the Dark Ages, a time in history where hundreds of nations and barbarian tribes rush to assault the civilized world.

In an interview with Strategy Informer Paraworld developer SEK's Thomas Langhanki revealed that the upcoming prehistorial RTS is getting delayed again. While originally it was scheduled for August, the new ship date pushed the game back a few more weeks to early September. A demo is also scheduled "some time around the release."

No Brakes: X Racing is an arcade racing game in the works at indie developer Exotypos. The game includes all classes of cars from old RWD to modern sportcars, physics, and various graphical features.

The final Armored Core series installment for the PS2, Last Raven is the most intense mech game ever, featuring a full story mode where each selected mission has an immediate impact on the ultimate story outcome. Agetec today announced that Armored Core Last Raven has achieved gold master status.

Developed by former Street Fighter II producer Noritaka Funamizu’s new studio, Crafts & Meister, Super DBZ promises fans and gamers incredible on-screen damage and an abundance of intense combos.

A few months back, Acony announced it licensed the Unreal Engine 3 for an upcoming project, and today, the name of said project has been revealed. Parabellum is a multiplayer FPS for Xbox 360 and PC, based in the near future and revolves around a terrorist threat in New York City. Acony has signed a deal with Massive Network to provide its title with in-game advertisement.

Farlan Entertainment today announced that its 40,000 square kilometers MMO Dark and Light is now completely open to players who registered for the limited Pioneer program. Griffoon players will be admitted on June 3, with all other players admitted on June 5.

Operation Flashpoint creators Bohemia Interactive Studio will reacquaint gamers with the ultimate in realistic, combat gaming. Armed Assault features a new engine with a fresh modern setting. Freedom of action and immersive complex environments, blended with a unique touch of total simulation.

SEGA Casino deals out plenty of gambling action for gamers on-the-go with a casino experience that features five games, and six unlockable games.

In SpellForce II you take over both roles, Commander of your troops and also a front fighting hero, solving quests and overcoming obstacles as in classical RPGs, but also leading armies as in an RTS. Your character is supported by up to 5 heroes who can be summoned at special monuments - these will become available in stronger versions as you progress and reveal more of the epic storyline.