Microsoft has released an updated demo for Big Huge Games' 3D RTS allowing you to try out the previous content (part of the Alin campaign, 2 skirmish maps ), but now with optimized gfx, AI and a 3rd map Battle for the Core.

UPDATE: Microsoft distributed a corrupt install, which has now been replaced with the working copy. We also have a demo fix in case you do not want to download the big whopper all over again.

Today 3D Realms posted their latest installment in the weekly Prey update in which Human Head Studios' Chris Rhinehart answers a boatload of user-submitted questions, ranging from mod tools and trailers to a collectors' edition, demo release, spirit walking, multiplayer and plenty more.

EA's latest football title, NCAA Football 07, comes loaded with new features such as Student Athlete mode and ESPN Radio, on top of the usual Dynasty Mode.

A Take Two PR representative just confirmed to us that its Utah-based internal development studio Indie Built Inc., known for Links, Amped, and Top Spin, has been shut down. Take Two acquired Indie Built Inc. back in October 2004. As of last night, it is no longer operational, and today, people are being told to pack their belongings and leave. Take Two's corporate office informed us that "employees are being offered packages including continuation of salary and benefits, as well as other opportunities within Take-Two as appropriate."

Rogue Galaxy is a fantasy-themed RPG which revolves around the game's main character, Jester Rogue. Players follow Rogue as he planet-hops around space, visiting a number of planets, each with their own unique ecosystem populated by various unusual creatures.

KOEI today announced a partial lineup of games that the company will have on display at this year's E3. The lineup confirms that Samurai Warriors 2 is coming to the Xbox 360, and Gitaroo-Man Lives is coming to North America. KOEI will have a few additional announcements at the E3 show itself, so keep an eye out for further coverage.

id Software has released an update version of the dedicated linux server for Raven's FPS Quake 4. This v1.2.1 update addresses a few minor issues and adds SMP renderer acceleration support (thanks 3DGamers). Read more for download links ...

X-Men: The Official Game ties in with the upcoming movie X-Men: The Last Stand and provides the backstory. The new X-Men game, written by screenwriter Zak Penn and comic book writer Chris Claremont, lets you play as either Wolverine, Nightcrawler, or Iceman.

Democratic Texas senator Juan Hinojosa will propose a bill at a Senate Finance Committee meeting to impose a 5% tax on video games, according to The Brownsville Herald. The senator does not single out just violent video games, instead asking for it across the board to raise funds for education. "You have all these kids buying video games, and sometimes they are good, some are bad and that's not my call," Hinojosa is quoted as saying in the Herald article. "But I think that we can generate (money) to put toward the schools they go to."

In Gods and Heroes, players become classic heroes of the ancient world, born of immortal blood. As a scion of the gods, each player will have the opportunity to pursue his destiny through a series of Epic Quests that will span all levels of gameplay, over time commanding amazing God Powers and acquiring famous weapons and treasure of myth.