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

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 ...