Pirates is broadband only, with high-end hardware specifications for graphics -- a GeForce 3 or better is required in at least a 1GHz machine, and the game is optimized for the latest DirectX 9.0-class cards. Pirates is being published on-line directly to gamers using Valve's new Steam technology, the same delivery system used by Half-Life 2 and Counterstrike 2. Check out the new seaworthy screens ...

The battle for Gotham City has begun! Ubisoft announces it has shipped Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu for the PlayStation2, Xbox, GameCube and Game Boy Advance. The first video game to introduce a new character into the Batman universe, Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu establishes Sin Tzu, a cunning master in the deadly art of war, as a worthy adversary of the Dark Knight. Designed by legendary comic book artist Jim Lee, Sin Tzu promises to thrill Batman fans of all ages.

Ubisoft and Cyan Worlds, Inc. today announced an exclusive online chat with Rand Miller, founder of Cyan Worlds, to discuss Uru: Ages Beyond Myst. In addition, other members of the Cyan team may also join in the chat. The hour-long chat will allow fans worldwide to ask questions, gain more insight, and celebrate the launch of this highly anticipated title. Uru: Ages Beyond Myst goes on sale nationwide across the U.S. this week at the manufacturer's retail price of $49.99. Head on over to http://chat.ubisoft.fr on November 12, 2003 at 12:00 p.m. (PST) - 1:00 p.m. (PST)

Barely shipping to stores earlier today, Sierra has already released the first patch for Amaze Entertainment's action/adventure The Hobbit. This upgrade brings your retail game to 1.2 and addresses several crash problems, improves the user interface, tweaks some water puzzles, and a few other fixes. Read more for download links ...

Raven Software has released the updated Win32 and Linux dedicated servers for their sci-fi action game Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy. This v1.011 release is a a minor update to go with last night's v1.01 client update patch. Read more for download links ...

Valve's Doug Lombardi sent out a note to let us know that Day of Defeat 1.1 is in the final stages of development and will be available for wide beta testing via Steam later this week. The team-based multiplayer game sends players into Axis vs. Allies battles set in Western Europe during WWII. Version 1.1 adds enhanced animation through the incorporation of Valve's nine-way blending system. DoD 1.1 also includes new maps plus a host of tweaks and fixes. For more information visit www.dayofdefeat.com or www.steampowered.com.

Eidos has shipped to stores across North America the highly anticipated Legacy of Kain: Defiance for the PlayStation2 and Xbox . This next installment is the continuation of the popular Legacy of Kain series, which has sold over 1.5 million units to date in North America alone.

The Batfish Studios office closed on 15th October, having completed the release candidate for Captain Scarlet. The reasons for the office closing are unrelated to Captain Scarlet, the team did not have a suitable project and in the current climate it wasn't possible to continue working speculatively. The release candidate of the final game and two demos were delivered to our publisher Digital Workshop on the 15th October. However, Batfish Studios was informed on 7th November that Digital Workshop will not be publishing the game (thanks Homelan).

Step into the boots of a Marine Corporal, survive the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor and engage in a life and death struggle to drive the Japanese Army from the Pacific as Electronic Arts has begun shipping Medal of Honor Rising Sun to retailers nationwide under the EA GAMES brand. The fourth console installment of the award-winning series, Medal of Honor Rising Sun is an immersive and authentic WWII experience in either single-player or multiplayer mode and is available for the PlayStation2, Xbox, and the GameCube.

Unleash the beast! Konami Digital Entertainment - America Inc., today announced it has shipped Bloody Roar 4 for the PlayStation2. Published by Hudson Soft, Bloody Roar 4, the most ferocious title in the popular fighting game series, packs a powerful punch.