Paradox has released the first patch for its strategy game Hearts of Iron 2. This update brings your retail game to v1.1 and adds interface inhancements, gameplay changes, AI improvements, addition of mod support, and a long list of bug fixes and balance adjustments. Read more for download links ...

"Stranger" is a real-time strategy game, with elements of role playing games set in a world, split in two parts, surface and a subterranean one, which are in a tenuous balance. 'Stranger' will also feature multiplayer although details beyond "The players may play on their own, or unite in teams" are a bit sktechy.

Akella is making yet another pirate game, after Sea Dogs and Pirates of the Caribbean, it is now time for the Age of Pirates. Known in Russia under Corsairs 2, this AoP will be distriuted under that name in Europe and North America. No details or planned release date are known yet, but at least there are some new screens ...

After 2 months, 1.4 million mod profile visitors and 8,000 different voters, the 2004 Golden Spanner Mod of the Year Awards have been decided, by the visitors and gamers who know best. As expected, Half-Life based mods polled well, although mods from over 10 other games also finished up top, a testament to the talent out there. Head to the feature and read up on the top three mods from all gameplay styles (action, adventure, racing, etc.) and also the top three mods for each design area (best models, textures, maps, etc.)

The add-on to the successful game Transport Giant takes you to the Earth's most fascinating and mysterious, but also most dangerous continent – Down under to Australia!

JoWooD invites players into a world of mishap and mayhem where the practical joker is king. Neighbors From Hell challenges players to solve hundreds of puzzles in order to play the best prank possible in this hilarious animated adventure.

Majestic Chess has everything you have ever wanted in a computer chess game: A powerful A.I. opponent that can be adjusted to any strength or style of play, stunning graphics and dazzling animations and free 24-hour online play.

While Donkey Konga 2 is not even out yet in Europe/North America until March or April, the Asian market is already preparing for Donkey Konga 3, and here are some of the first screens ...

SCi Games Ltd. confirms that Roll Call is still in full production. Originally developed by Argonaut Games Plc for PS2 and Xbox, the game is now being developed by a newly formed company, Rocksteady Studios.

Microsoft Game Studios today announced the complete car roster for its highly anticipated and critically acclaimed driving simulator for Xbox, Forza Motorsport. Slated to hit store shelves this April, Forza Motorsport will debut with more than 230 cars from over 40 of the world's top car manufacturers for gamers to own, customize, upgrade and race.

Blizzard Entertainment today announced that World of Warcraft will officially launch in Korea on January 18, 2005. Following a highly successful beta-testing period, the game is now being prepared for availability throughout the country. Once released, players can sign up for various subscription plans and experience the epic adventure of the Warcraft series in an immersive and continually evolving online environment.

Unfurl the banners and lead the charge! All of Tellius is torn in a bloody war, and only you have the means to put it to an end. Take command of a band of mercenaries loyal only to you, and guide them to victory against the forces of the Daein kingdom! Turn-based strategy gives you maximum control of your army. As your characters gain experience, shape their abilities by giving them special skill sets, and develop your army into a unique fighting force.

Based on the DC Comics/Vertigo Hellblazer graphic novels, the supernatural thriller Constantine tells the story of John Constantine, a man who has literally been to hell and back. Constantine is being developed by Bits Studios and is based on the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures film starring Keanu Reeves, due in February 2005.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory will offer a high adrenaline experience thanks to never seen before close range attacks, a totally open level design, a completely immersive and interactive environment, and challenging advanced AI. Check these new screens ...

IT GlobalSecure announces its new anti-piracy solution, SecurePlay Keeper to be released in the first Quarter 2005. Piracy and game hacking are growing more serious for the computer games industry. In 2004, the biggest industry news issues behind record sales were a series of serious security breaches ranging from software piracy, to code theft, and game cheating.

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

• Blitzkrieg 2 - Trailer
• Universal Combat: A World Apart - Trailer

7 Sins is an action-oriented life simulation that immerses mature players in a world of celebrity and greed, where the right relationship can help you claw your way up the career and social ladder. In a game universe where fame and fortune are all that really matter, players charm, finagle, fib, and finesse their way through seven campaigns and over 60 non-linear missions in hopes of reaching the top.

Driven by a hatred of crime bordering on insanity, Frank Castle became The Punisher, a one-man army whose mission goes far beyond revenge. Taking on the city's high-powered crime lords, he wreaks havoc on the corrupt with methods reserved for those on the wrong side of the law. Check these 80+ new screens, and two in-game trailers ..

Based on Luo Guanzhong's historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the Dynasty Warriors series of action games takes players back in time and onto the battlefields of Ancient China. In the games, players experience the thrill of fighting single-handedly against nearly endless legions of enemy soldiers in historical battles that shaped an empire.

Future Games, previously known for Black Mirror, is working on an all new horror/adventure game, Nibiru: Messenger of the Gods. You take on the role of Martin Holan, an Thechz archeologist working in France sent to investigate a newly found secret tunnel apparently made by Germans during the second World War. Nibiru is a 2D adventure featuring 80 locations, over 30 NPCs, and 50 pages of narrative (thanks demonews.de).